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CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: A recent interest in the 1882 Cowee Railroad Tunnel chain gang tragedy brings to light new details in the longtime Western North Carolina piece of folklore history. (Page 8) Photo courtesy of Gary Carden

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

News Cullowhee planning finally earns its stripes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Retired WCU professors aim to rekindle alma matter ties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Feeding ban nips Junaluska waterfowl in the bud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Out, damned spot: Spray paint plagues Waynesville sidewalks . . . . . . . . 12 Waynesville puts value on its historic character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Sandwich boards weasel their way into downtown landscape . . . . . . . . . 16 Along for the ride with state bridge inspectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Swain to hike property taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Cherokee to charge inmates to stay in the slammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Drug abuse costs society in unlikely places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Macon ponies up for Highlands soccer park land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Opinion The Smoky Mountain News turns 14, onward into the future . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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WCU retirees organize to renew old bonds

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER hile many professors and staff members enjoyed their careers teaching, assisting students and helping to keep the ever-growing Western Carolina University operating on a daily basis, retired life inevitability beckons. But a movement afoot hopes to maintain a stronger connection amongst former workers at the institution far into their golden years.

Gordon Mercer A group of active retirees and university leaders have taken steps to form WCU’s first Association of Retired Faculty and Staff. For some, it will be a way to maintain stronger ties with the happenings in Cullowhee. For others, it will be the perfect solution to maintain bonds with other retired staff who moved far away. For them, an association with periodic meetings, updates and events may prompt the trip back to their old Catamount stomping

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grounds that they’ve been putting off.

“Once they retire they’re pretty scattered,” said Gordon Mercer, co-chairman of the newly formed association. “Without the association, people would probably never see each other again.”

Mercer began to notice the lack of a retiree association following his own recent retirement. He gathered the same sentiment from the former co-workers he kept in touch with, and a survey of retired staff and faculty — conducted by the university — cemented his notion that the association was in high demand.

WCU was one of the few universities without one. N.C. State and UNC-Chapel Hill have had retirement organizations in place since the late 1980s, Mercer said.

“What we were finding, realistically, is that universities all across the U.S. have retired faculty and staff associations,” Mercer said. “One of the things WCU lacked was any kind of structure where retired faculty and staff could get together.”

Even for the one in four staff members, estimated Mercer, who stay in the surrounding counties following retirement, the proximity can be deceiving and doesn’t automatically lead to meaningful run-ins or catch-ups with former co-workers.

Chance encounters at the post office and super Walmart just aren’t the best venues to reminisce about the old academic glory days. Mercer hopes the association can alleviate that, or at least give people

S EE R ETIREES, PAGE 11

Smoky Mountain News

June 19-25, 2013

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Cullowhee gets endorsement for land-use planning

BY ANDREW KASPER another along U.S. 441 leading to Cherokee.

STAFF WRITER ullowhee community activists have finalAY LATE AND DOLLAR SHORT ly made headway in a push to create a community land-use plan to regulate Cullowhee emerged as one of the fastest growth and development in the area. growing communities in Western North Advocates have called on county leaders Carolina in the 2010 Census. And that growth for more than a year to endorse a community- has only continued. driven planning process. This week, Jackson In the past year alone developments of all County commissioners agreed to appoint a steering committee to guide and oversee the creation of spot land-use plan.

“This is an idea that is long overdue,” said Robin Lang, a member of CuRvE, a Cullowhee grassroots organization.

The absence of a land-use plan has left Cullowhee vulnerable to unbridled or incompatible development.

Commissioners are taking a cautious, step by step approach to feel out public opinion, however. They have agreed to form a steering committee but won’t commit to actually passing any development regulations or zoning recommendations that emanate from the committee.

The committee’s first step will be creating a boundary for the area included in the community plan.

Then it will engage the community in public forums to craft a collective vision for Cullowhee. Lastly, it will draft the nitty gritty details of the locally-tailored zoning and development guidelines.

Anyone wishing to serve on the Cullowhee land-use Even on the fast-track, it could plan steering committee should apply by the end of take a year or more before a commuthe month. A steering committee will likely be nity land-use plan works its way appointed at the next commissioner meeting on July 1. through the task force, the county planning board and then the board of commissioners for passage. makes and models have shown up on Even creating the map of the planning area Cullowhee’s doorstep. Either already completwill most likely prove a difficult task. The ed or in some stage of development there have county has already created a draft boundary, been: two brand-new large-scale student housstretching from the airport to the east side of ing complexes, two major additions to student campus, but as landowners try to have their housing complexes, two restaurants/bars, two properties excluded from the zone or others package stores, a major residential developasked to be included the task could become a ment and a coffee shop. complex jigsaw puzzle.

All have been able to set up shop without “There may be people who the board feels the guidance of the laws some would like to are important to include but don’t want to be see. Green doesn’t believe it’s an intentional included,” County Planner Gerald Green said building boom to sneak in before possibly to commissioners at the Monday meeting. stricter laws and restrictions are put in place, “Decisions like this are not always easy. There’s but the situation highlights the potential not always a line at the door thanking you for growth in the area and calls for local planning the action you’ll be taking.” laws to be seriously examined.

And there’s always the possibility that the “It’s just coincidental, they see the maridea will be rejected by the majority of proper- kets,” Green said. “But we’ve missed several ty owners in Cullowhee, said County Manager opportunities to manage their growth.”

Chuck Wooten.

Lang has higher hopes for the community “There are multiple levels of public input,” planning process than simply making sure Wooten said. “It’s not going to be a simple development regulations keep college bars and process; it’s not going to be a quick process.” student apartments from undermining the The county already has two such local S EE CULLOWHEE, PAGE 13 planning districts — one in Cashiers and

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Planning input sought

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Feeding ban worked

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A couple gaggles of geese still hang around Lake Junaluska, but others are gone, having either died or left of their own volition. Caitlin Bowling photo

Fewer ducks and geese now populate Lake Junaluska

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the waterfowl though. Did they just fly off, or did they die from a lack of food? “I found it hard to think that they would just leave that way, but I don’t know. They’re just not there,� said Don Hendershot, a wellknown WNC naturalist and expert bird watcher who makes birding rounds at Lake Junaluska frequently.

Lake employees posted signs all around the lake informing people of the feeding ban and have noticed that for the most part, people follow the rules. “It’s doing pretty well. Most of the folks around here seem to be supportive of it,� said Young. “We do have people who come up and feed the ducks right in front of the sign.�

Young said he only hears reports of people feeding the waterfowl “every once in a while.�

In those cases, security guards who patrol the lake and the neighborhoods surrounding it give the offenders a flier explaining the reason for the ban.

The food of choice for many is white bread, which for waterfowl is tantamount to candy. The sugary carbohydrates can lead to obesity and malnutrition in ducks and geese.

Plus, as birds migrate into the area, they may choose to stay once they see the bounty of bread available to them, which goes against their migratory nature.

The pamphlet also talks about how an abundance of waterfowl spreads disease, and how, since they had grown accustom to humans, they become aggressive. No one has been hurt, but it can still be dangerous and scary for children, who often stand about eye level with the larger geese. The change in the Lake’s protocol seems to have helped that. “The geese don’t seem to be as aggressive around people because they don’t expect to be fed,� Bishop said.

About three years ago, Lake Junaluska bought a dog to herd geese and ducks off the grounds surrounding the lake, but that alone did little to contain the population of waterfowl — hence the need for the ban, Young said.

June 19-25, 2013

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER here’s been a noticeable decline in the number of ducks and geese at Lake Junaluska since a feeding ban went into effect last fall.

Back in September, the Methodist conference and retreat center in Haywood County banned feeding ducks and geese to hopefully reduce the out-of-control waterfowl population. Despite the popular pasttime of tossing bread to Junaluska’s droves of ducks, the human food source had led to a population explosion. They had all but taken over the shoreline and often blocked walking paths. “It got to where you almost had to shoo them out of the way to get through,� said Don Bishop, a Lake Junaluska resident who walks the lake a few times a week.

Bishop said that he supports the new policy because it will help keep the waterfowl wild. The waterfowl came to rely on the yearlong source of food, and rather than migrate, they stuck around. When they had babies, the ducklings and goslings would stay, too. “I think it is not helpful for the animals.

They are supposed to be wild,� Bishop said.

Although Lake employees haven’t done an official count, a visual check of the lake shows a marked decline in the number of geese and ducks. Lake walkers will also note more grassy shorelines and far less feces on the paths. “It is a difference. It’s a huge difference,� said Buddy Young, director of Public Works for Lake Junaluska Assembly, adding that he has seen two collections of about a dozen Canada geese that still inhabit a small area of the lake.

It isn’t exactly clear what happened to all

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1882 Cowee Tunnel disaster comes into 21st century spotlight

Smoky Mountain News

June 19-25, 2013

Charged with stealing, 15-year-old Charles Eason was sentenced to work on a prison chain gang.

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It was 1882, and the teenager from Martin County soon found himself side-by-side with other convicts, many two and three times his age. Mostly from the eastern part of the state, the gang was sent to construct the railroad lines in Western North Carolina.

Their hard, arduous labor — and that of other chain gains like them — shaped the development of Southern Appalachia into a bountiful economy based on lumber and minerals, now easily transported by rail out of the mountainous landscape and into the world of commerce.

But Mason wouldn’t ever get to the see fruits of his hard work. After months of forced labor, he and 18 other African-American inmates drowned while crossing the Tuckasegee River in their workboat to do work on the Cowee Railroad Tunnel. Their shackles pulled them to their death at the bottom of a frigid river. All 19 bodies were carelessly dumped into a mass grave in Dillsboro, left behind and forgotten for the next 130 years.

“It depresses me terribly that this much time has gone by and nobody cared,” said Gary Carden, a wellknown Western North Carolina writer and artistic director of The Liar’s Bench. “The world can be rotten at the heart.”

Forgotten, that is, until a group of Jackson County residents took matters into their own hands.

Spearheaded by Carden and others involved in The Liar’s Bench — a Southern Appalachian cultural variety show featuring regionally prominent musicians and folklorists — the latest interest in the disaster has revealed new details, as well as opened a can of worms about a dark era in American history.

“The world is full of stories where a town has to redeem itself, and I don’t think Jackson County knows it has to redeem itself,” Carden said. “This is a dangerous world, and this disaster validates the kind of a world we live in where you can leave home and never come back.”

SHIPPED UP THE RIVER Though slavery was abolished following the Civil War and the passage of the 13th Amendment, AfricanAmericans were still treated as second-class citizens, especially in the South. Criminalizing legal activities by African-Americans, the “Black Codes” were a harsh list of laws created to wrangle and imprison blacks. These laws put African-Americans behind bars for simply

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER

An African-American chain gang, location unknown.

Photo courtesy of Gary Carden

“You’ve got to keep in mind this is in the years following the Civil War. It was the end of slavery, but this part of the country was still used to the idea of utilizing people for labor without any real compensation.”

— George Frizzell, head of special collections at WCU’s Hunter Library

walking down the street after dusk or traveling through an area without a permanent place of residence.

With staggering numbers of new black prisoners filling the jail system, state governments eventually constructed a system of taking them out of their cells and putting them to work, mainly doing hard labor for various job sites around the South. The prison system made enormous sums of money off the cheap labor, while businesses were able to complete seemingly impossible projects with minimal cost and a never-ending flow of dispensable workers.

With this new resource of workers, plantation owners were also legally allowed to purchase the services of the prisoners, which were almost always African-Americans.

“You’ve got to keep in mind this is in the years following the Civil War. It was the end of slavery, but this part of the country was still used to the idea of utilizing people for labor without any real compensation,” said George Frizzell, head of special collections at Hunter Library at Western Carolina University. “Exploitable labor was still part of the mindset, and some people didn’t see this as a big concern that the state was leasing

these prisoners in this way.”

Once purchased, these businesses could lease the men from the state for upwards of a year. Along with the leased ownership came the harsh reality of horrid working conditions, brutal beatings and the occasional killing of a prisoner at the hands of the businesses. The accountability was nil as the steady stream of workers continued to flow in.

“These weren’t just a casual everyday type of labor. We’re talking hard, hard physical labor under extreme conditions, led by people that didn’t mind using convict labor,” Frizzell said.

The building of railroads became one of the largest projects taken on by the prison chain gangs. During the post-Civil War years, the United States continued to push westward, as well as expand the connectivity of the already populated East Coast. The frenzied need for exploration and cultivating of natural resources like lumber and minerals only increased the need for speedy construction or rail lines through the country.

“The creation of the railroad really joined together the United States,” Frizzell said. “It linked the East and West coasts, and

A FRIGID, DEATHLY DAY

the prisoners were buried on the hill atop the tunnel, while replacement workers came in and the railroad construction continued to move on down the line. The names of the deceased were filed away, eventually covered up and forgotten by the sands of time.

“Days later, the 19 bodies were recovered and buried in unmarked graves on the hillside above the river and in plain view of the mouth of the tunnel,” Parris wrote.

Though railroad chain gang worker deaths were commonplace at the time, with Chinese immigrants on the West Coast and African-Americans on the East Coast, the sheer number of fatalities in this tragedy made national headlines.

The Dillsboro accident was described as “… the most awful that has happened in any of the public works of this state,” reported the Raleigh Observer.

the dark and cavernous tunnel, streams of moisture fell from the ceiling and down the walls – tears from the 19 deceased convicts perhaps, many felt.

The injustices towards African-Americans and harsh conditions of chain gangs continued well into the 20th century. It wouldn’t be until the 1950s when stateprovided prison labor would be eliminated around the country. The chain gangs were no more, but the deep and disturbing memories and stories remained.

DISCOVERING THE PAST

As a child, Carden was well aware of the legend of the Cowee Tunnel tragedy.

“I had heard about when I was a kid and was always curious about it,” he said. “Who were they? Where are they? Where are the bodies? We still didn’t know everything though about where all these bodies could be.”

George Rush, 44 Carden kept the tunnel story in Richmond Co., N.C. the back of his head for years. It wasn’t until this past winter when David Dozier, 52 Moses Brown, 25 Thomas Miller, 30 his curiosity was finally sparked to Edgecomb Co., N.C. Warren Co., N.C. Chesterfield, S. C. do something on the issue. He Jim McCallum, 18 Oren Brooks, 22 James Fisher, 18 researched numerous documents Gaston Co., N.C. Orange Co., N.C. Polk Co., N.C. and newspaper archives, eventually tracking down articles on the Albert Cowan, 22 Charles Eason,15 Nelson Bowser, 30 tragedy and a complete list of those Rowan Co., N.C. Martin Co., N.C. Hertford Co., N.C. 19 forgotten prisoners who Louis Davis, 29 perished in the river.

Sampson Ward, 55 John Newsom, 20 Vance Co., N.C. “Finding their names really Onslow Co., N.C. Hertford Co., N.C. affected me. They had been Alex Adams, 25 Allen Tillman, 18 George Tice, 21 nameless, they didn’t exist, and Washington Co., N.C. Anson Co., N.C. Iredell Co., N.C. suddenly there’s a name and an age,” he said. “And you wonder if John Whitfield, 20 Robert Robinson, 27 Jerry Smith, 33 they were fat or thin, if they were Wayne Co., N.C. New Hanover Co., N.C. Wilson Co., N.C. married or had children.”

Carden soon came across The Road, a 1967 historical fiction novel by John Ehle about the “There were a lot of people traumatized by the high number of brutal construction of the Swannanoa Tunnel, which was by fatalities. The governor was just saying how well everything the same chain gang involved in the Cowee Tunnel. The book was going, how well the convicts were being treated, and then follows its protagonist, Weatherby this happens.”

Wright, and his mission to build a railroad in an impossible — Dave Waldrop, assistant to the artistic director at The Liar’s Bench landscape of thick rock and deep forest. The work brings to life the rigorous 12-hour shifts of manual labor, or working 24 hours a day with But Drake didn’t go free. Back in his The tragedy was a particularly minimal food, housing and amenities. quarters, following the incident, Foster embarrassing blow for then-Gov. Thomas found his wallet and pistol missing. Upon Jordan Jarvis, who had recently visited the rail Reading it fueled Carden’s fire to bring closure to the 1882 tragedy. ordering a search of the prison camp, the lines in an effort to show solidarity with the “Families all over North Carolina have wallet, containing $30, was found in Drake’s railroad companies that worker conditions that empty place on their family tree where belonging. and line progress were going smoothly. they wonder what happened to their family “That night, instead of thanking Drake “There were a lot of people traumatized member that left town and never came and giving him a feast, the camp foreman by the high number of fatalities,” Waldrop back,” Carden said. ordered him into the yard, bared his back, said. “The governor was just saying how well Throughout this spring, Carden and and gave a dose of cat-o’-nine-tails (multieverything was going, how well the convicts Waldrop began interviewing elderly residents tailed whip),” Parris wrote. were being treated, and then this happens.” around Jackson County. They started After the lashings, Parris reported Drake And the infamous story, for the most pinpointing where the graves might be. was sentenced to 30 years hard labor and part, was simply left at that.

They finally tracked down longtime immediately put back to work on the Cowee Once the tunnel was completed, WNC resident Ellen Sutton, whose property Tunnel. was open for business. But as the years overlooks the tunnel. She told them that the On New Year’s Day 1883, the 19 bodies of ticked away, the Cowee Tunnel still bodies weren’t buried above the tunnel. the convicts were finally pulled from the remained a spot for disaster. Between caveRather, the 19 convicts were placed in mass river. An investigation ruled the deaths ins and train derailments on the pitch-black accidental, with a guard’s statement blind curve in the middle of the tunnel, local graves on a ridge behind what is now the concluding the incident was of no fault to folklore attributed the incidents to a curse S EE S POTLIGHT, PAGE 10 9 anyone. Reports and local legend had said Drake may have placed on the site. Inside

The Cowee Tunnel 19

June 19-25, 2013

Smoky Mountain News

The Western North Carolina Railroad had assembled a workforce of hundreds of convicts from a prison in Raleigh. Rail lines were quickly moving across the state, with the 700-foot long Cowee Tunnel outside of Dillsboro being built ahead of the line to keep up with the pace of construction.

It was cold in Dillsboro on the morning of Dec. 30, 1882. Snow and ice covered the ground, and the frigid Tuckasegee River flowed through the small community.

A group of 30 convicts entered a boat on the eastern bank of the river, readying themselves to head across the water to their jobsite at the Cowee Tunnel (1.3 miles west of Dillsboro) on the other side.

“You’ve got to remember the physical surroundings in Western North Carolina hardly resembles what they were in 1882,” said Dave Waldrop, assistant to the artistic director at The Liar’s Bench. “There were trees with trunks 12 to 14 feet in diameter. These convicts had never been in such a wild and intimidating wilderness like this, and it probably frightened them not knowing what was going to happen while working out there.”

As the boat was pulled across the river by a cable line, puddles of water from a rainstorm the previous night were swishing back and forth on the wooden floor. The sight and sound of the water began to scare the prisoners, with many thinking the boat was sinking. Panicking, the convicts began to push towards the front of the boat. Prison guards ordered the men to stop moving around in the boat, but it was to no avail.

With the commotion and constant back and forth movement of the craft, the boat capsized, sending everyone onboard into the frozen river.

Struggling to get to shore, the men, shackled together, tried desperately to keep their heads above water. One by one, the

entangled mass of convicts slipped to the bottom of the river, ultimately to their demise.

First hand accounts told of eyewitnesses on the riverbanks watching helplessly as the men cried for help and eventually drowned. The other 11 convicts and guards on the boat were swept down the river.

In a February 1963 article by the Asheville Citizen-Times, well-known Sylva writer John Parris spoke of the legendary heroics of convict Anderson Drake, who climbed out of the river only to dive back in and rescue prison guard Fleet Foster.

“Drake helped Foster up the steep bank, knelt a moment by the gasping guard, then stood up and turned to look back at the foaming river. There was no sign of the other 19 convicts,” Parris wrote. “They called Drake a hero. They said he would surely go free.”

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lingering in the background through this fascination with the railroad was the realization that so many people were sacrificed in doing so.”

On a typical day, the prisoners were shackled together, the chains attached around their ankles and linked up to the next convict and so on. They cleared forests, removed rock, dug tunnels and laid heavy steel rail lines for hundreds of miles. If they slowed down, they were beaten. If they tried to run away, they were shot. No questions asked, no compassion given.

And amid this massive railroad bonanza came the development of the densely forested and rugged landscape of Western North Carolina. Filled with enormous untouched lumber and rich mineral beds, the region had businesses licking their lips for decades. The problem was how to get the resources out of ground and to markets. The solution came from the emerging railroad and cheap prison labor.

“The railroad had such a vital impact on the economical development of this area,” Frizzell said. “With the timber and mining now available, the railroad reshaped everything here, and a lot of people don’t realize it was built with convict labor.”

Garret K. Woodward photo

news Smoky Mountain News

June 19-25, 2013

S POTLIGHT, CONTINUED FROM 9 Jackson County Green Energy Park. It was a statement backed up by Dennis Wilkey, whose property butts against the ridge.

“Dennis knew where the graves were, but he wasn’t too hot on locating them for us,” Carden said. “He finally called one day and said ‘OK, let’s go.’”

Carden and Waldrop headed up the ridge with Wilkey. In 1882, the property was pasture. Now, however, it is overgrown with hard-to-navigate brush.

“There was nothing pastoral about it, just pine needles and thickets,” Carden said.

Though Wilkey knew where the graves were, no one could seem to figure out who currently owns the land they reside on. It had been so long since anybody had taken any interest in it, it seemed many forgot who it actually belonged to.

“Dennis cut us a path and finally showed us the spot where they were buried,” Carden said. “He said that’s where his daddy had showed him they were, which was some 60 years ago.”

During their second visit to the supposed gravesite on April 26, Carden brought along dowser Tom Stewart, whose specialty is locating unmarked human graves with his dowsing rods. Carden had previously used Stewarts talents six years ago in locating

“It hurts my heart to think if someone buried me and didn’t tell my mother where I was. These guys are in my heart, they really are.

There was no prayer and no blessing when they were thrown in those graves.

They were free men, but they weren’t free.”

— Victoria McDonald, historical author

dozens of unmarked graves behind an old folks home in Webster.

Stewart strode across the ground. Certain spots were soft when he walked over them and the rods immediately crossed, indicating a gravesite. When he stepped off the spots, the rods uncrossed. They had detected three large graves, which led the group to estimate each holds several bodies.

GOING HOME PROJECT At a meeting of the Jackson County Genealogical Society on June 13 in Sylva, Carden and his team presented their findings and showed clips from their interviews with Sutton and Stewart. The clips will be part of an upcoming documentary being made about the tragedy, which will be called “The Going Home Project” – a title signaling the next, and hopefully final, chapter of this 130year-old story.

“What’s becoming rapidly apparent is that there’s a story here, a significant story,” Carden told the audience. “This is a continuing story, and it’s going to go on for a long time.”

Carden pointed out that there is interest from the forensic department at WCU in digging up and identifying the bodies of the 19 convicts. From that point their immediate families could be located and notified that

their ancestors have been found.

“Some people say stuff like this needs to be left alone, but if these people were my family, I would be wondering where they are,” Waldrop said. “We are all seeking our roots, and these workers are part of somebody’s roots.”

“I have mixed feelings about the graves, but right now I want them out of there,” Carden added. “I would like a monument in downtown Dillsboro with the names of those guys on it.”

Sitting in the back of the crowd at the meeting was Victoria McDonald, a Jackson County native, historical author and AfricanAmerican. Carden interviewed her for the documentary and asked her to come down to the floor and say a few words.

“It hurts my heart to think if someone buried me and didn’t tell my mother where I was,” she said. “These guys are in my heart, they really are. There was no prayer and no blessing when they were thrown in those graves. They were free men, but they weren’t free.”

McDonald said the worst part of the entire tragedy was the lack of closure for the families involved, how these men became anonymous and that nobody seemed to care enough to do the right thing.

“Their folks didn’t know where they were, and the people that took them didn’t know who they were, and they didn’t bother to

take them back to their home county,” she said. “That’s what bothers me, too, is that we in this country can’t get over that era, and we have an opportunity to get over something that ruined a lot of lives and a lot of families.”

Carden is currently writing a play about the tragedy. Titled “Tears in the Rain,” he performed a few pages of the script during the presentation, with McDonald singing the traditional slave song “Jordan River” in the background.

“The prisons of the South had formed an unholy alliance,” Carden read. “They were renting chain gang prisoners to some of the old plantations where hundreds of AfricanAmericans found themselves back in the fields like their ancestors of the previous generation.”

Fundraising efforts, suggestions and more research on the exact gravesite is underway. Though the fine details of the tragedy are slowly being pieced together like one giant puzzle, they are becoming clearer and clearer each day. The group is planning to continue the mission to find the relatives of the deceased. For them, in a perfect world, every family would be located and every body shipped home for a proper burial, some 130 years in waiting.

“You get very few chances in life to make a wrong right again, and this is one of those chances,” Waldrop said.

“The world is full of stories where a town has to redeem itself, and I don’t think Jackson County knows it has to redeem itself. This is a dangerous world, and this disaster validates the kind of a world we live in where you can leave home and never come back.”

— Writer Gary Carden

Gary Carden (standing) presenting his recent findings on the 1882 Cowee Tunnel tragedy to the Jackson County Genealogical Society on June 20 in Sylva. The disaster in Dillsboro resulted in the drowning of 19 African-American chain gang convicts. Garret K. Woodward photo

Want to go?

The Liar’s Bench will do a special presentation about the Cowee Tunnel tragedy from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. The group promotes southern Appalachian storytelling, music, poetry, drama, and folk arts. The presentation is free and open to the public. 828.227.7129 or www.theliarsbenchgazette.blogspot.com.

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An organization for retired Western Carolina University faculty and staff members who want to stay in touch with each other and the university will host its inaugural event at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, with a Dutch treat luncheon in the Ramsey Regional Activity Center on campus. The association will be the first of its kind at WCU that is exclusively for retired faculty and staff members. $13 per person.

WCU retirees who wish to be added to the association’s mailing list or electronic listserve can contact 828.369.2693 or 828.293.5620.

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the excuse they need to call up old friends.

“As faculty and staff renew acquaintances, they may start to get together to eat outside of the association,” Mercer said.

And the response has already been promising. About 120 WCU retirees have registered for association’s upcoming kick-off event. Heading into the future, the plan is to hold meetings each semester, keep members

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“What we were finding, realistically, is that universities all across the U.S. have retired faculty and staff associations.

One of the things WCU lacked was any kind of structure where retired faculty and staff could get together.”

LOANS

— Gordon Mercer

Smoky Mountain News

informed of the happenings on campus and provide updates from Chancellor David Belcher.

The relationship will be a two-way street, too. With an organized group of retired professionals and experts in their former fields of work, the university will be able to more easily to tap into the talent for short-term teaching gigs and to recruit help for research or service projects.

Norma Clayton bleeds purple and gold.

She is a WCU alumnus as well as retired staff member from the college of business.

Although she already takes advantage of a multitude of scheduled events on campus, she is optimistic that the association will bring more retired staff like her back into the fold.

“It was a career for me — it wasn’t just a job,” Clayton said. “I made a lot of lifelong friends there.”

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11

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Painting the town orange

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER slap-happy spray paint job by a utility contractor has tarnished the quaint brick sidewalks in downtown Waynesville with obtrusive and excessively large orange stripes.

“That guy just went nuts,” said Fred Baker, Waynesville’s public works director. Baker, needless to say, is not a fan of the overzealous spray paint job.

The orange paint markings are unattractive and out-ofplace, even jarring for the scene that Waynesville’s historic downtown evokes. The not-to-be-missed marks on the sidewalk and street have been the source of plenty of rumors. So first, a few disclaimers: • The paint isn’t permanent. It will fade out eventually, but it could take a few months.

• The town of Waynesville had nothing to do with the spray painting.

• The marks aren’t a harbinger of major street and sidewalk construction during the peak of Main Street’s hoppin’ tourist season, heaven forbid.

• And, no, they aren’t denoting a special lane for Segways.

The marks are the work of a utility locator with an itchy trigger finger.

“We have a term for that — it is called industrial graffiti,” said Doc Asbury, a spokesman for the state’s “Call Before you Dig” hotline.

So what are the orange marks for exactly? Indeed, that was the hot topic downtown last week.

“I thought they were putting in bike lanes,” said Nora Smith, a waitress at Café 50, based on the diamond symbols in between the stripes.

But here’s what really happened. Someone had phoned the “Call Before You Dig” hotline and set off a flurry of street and sidewalk spray painting to map underground utilities. It’s known as “a trace” or “a locate.”

Anyone planning to dig or excavate can call in for something as simple as a restaurant wanting to run a natural gas line or homeowner fixing a sewer blockage. The “Call Before You Dig” clearinghouse issues the alert to any utilities known to have lines in that area.

The utilities in turn dispatch their legions armed with cans of spray paint and tiny flags to mark where their lines are.

Baker could quickly figure out who the offender was. As public works director, he carries a card in his shirt pocket for quick reference denoting what each color of paint stands for in public works’ circles.

Gas is yellow, water is blue, sewer is green, electrical is red, and so on.

“There is so much underground utility wise. Whether it is telephone or gas or water, sewer, electric — everybody has a color code,” Baker said.

The town got the same utility locator alert. And it dutifully sent out its people to mark its water lines, sewer lines and electrical lines. But Baker said the town is far more judicious in how much spray paint to apply. A short dash every 15 feet is ample.

“There was no point in a continuous marking all the way up and down the road,” Baker said.

Nor in such a wide track.

“Why mark a swath six feet wide?” Baker said.

The answer to that question hasn’t been easy to ferret out.

Orange paint stands for telecommunications, which in this case was AT&T. But before throwing stones at AT&T, there’s more to the story.

First, major utilities use outside contractors to do the sidewalk dirty work. It is such a big business, a national corporation has a sophisticated network of contractors that are dispatched on behalf of utilities whenever dig alerts come through. The Smoky Mountain News was unable to get through to the actual field contractor who bore the orange 12 paint can that day. We do know he works for the national util-

Smoky Mountain News

June 19-25, 2013

A

ity locating firm USIC. Jeannie Tracy, the owner of Jeweler’s Work Bench on Main Street, talked to him while he was marking the sidewalk. He was nothing if not diligent, Tracy said.

After each mark he made, he stopped and photographed his work.

“I am not sure how overzealous he was of if he was just following his instructions,” Tracy said.

The hyper vigilance is actually a good thing, according to Josh Gelinas, a spokesperson for AT&T corporate in North and South Carolina.

The AT&T conduit below ground carries not only phone lines but fiber optic. Severing them could knock out communications for all of downtown, or even wider if it is a main trunk line.

Then we’d have a much bigger story on our hands than orange sidewalk paint, Gelinas said.

How to mark utility lines Utilities use spray paint to warn construction crews of where underground lines are so they don’t get damaged during digging. Different colors denote different types of utilities. The paint fades in a few months.

SOURCE OF THE MATTER Digressions aside, what, pray tell, is the actual project that prompted the orange paint hack job? It’s such an obscure project, tracking it down wasn’t altogether easy.

Many, many years ago, there was a old dry cleaners at the corner of Church and Montgomery streets. It could have leached pollutants. State environmental officials want to determine if there are lingering contaminants underground — thus the state dug a groundwater monitoring well in the vicinity of Frog’s Leap Public House.

Yet four to five city blocks were marked up when the digging was isolated to a single intersection. Thus some of the blame rests with the person who called in the utility alert.

“I had no idea they were going to call in a locate for that wide of an area,” Baker said. “Why they traced all the way up to Main Street is beyond me.”

The guy who called it in, however, apparently ascribes to the motto “better safe than sorry.”

“The orange marks seem like overkill sometimes, but it is better to have it marked than cause hundreds of thousands in damage,” said John Maas, a geologist from the greater Charlotte area.

Maas also said he wasn’t quite sure where the monitoring well was going to go yet, so he asked for a wide birth.

But Doc Asbury with the “Call Before You Dig” clearinghouse said that’s not really the best practice.

“Only ask for a locate in the area where you are going to be digging,” Asbury said.

Baker said the “Call Before You Dig” clearinghouse system is a good thing in all. People digging don’t have to worry about calling half a dozen different utilities. Just one call, and all the utilities get notified through the clearinghouse.

“We were just tearing up each other’s stuff way too much,” Baker said of the days before the system was put into widespread use.

But the system is so streamlined, it’s actually a downfall.

No one has to actually talk to each other anymore about the work they are doing. In this case, an outside contractor phoned in a utility marking alert that was carried out by another outside contractor.

No one from the town nor the utility itself had a chance to parley and ask for a little slack in the size and quantity of markings.

Asbury said the town could pass an ordinance stipulating how sidewalk utility spray painting is done. There is even the option of requiring “offset” marks in the street instead of the sidewalk.

A RIGHT WAY, AND A WRONG WAY Whether the paint marking job was overkill may be in the eye of the beholder. One would assume this picturesque downtown, with its brick sidewalks and lamp posts and National

WRONG Obtrusive orange spray paint now mars the brick sidewalks in some parts of downtown Waynesville thanks to an overzealous utility locating contractor denoting the presence of underground AT&T lines.

RIGHT Far more subtle markings, such as these red, blue and green ones to mark water, sewer and electric lines by the town of Waynesville, do just as well to indicate where the utilities are underground without jolting pedestrian’s sense of place when strolling downtown’s historic district.

Historic District designation, calls for a little more discretion.

Downtown Waynesville is the crème de la crème in its league.

It routinely wins accolades — there’s too many Top 10 lists and awards to even list here. A recent notch on its belt came just this month, when it was voted “Best Downtown” in the Southern Appalachians by readers of Blue Ridge Country magazine.

“It is annoying,” Baker said of the marks. “It is not going to fade out till the end of the summer.”

Or maybe, if downtown merchants are lucky, it will stick around until Halloween.

CULLOWHEE, CONTINUED FROM 6 news

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R R U H ffer This O Ends 31st. t Augus

June 19-25, 2013

appearance or character of Cullowhee. Lang said Cullowhee is tethered to the university — too much so. She hopes Cullowhee will grow some wings during the planning process.

“It would be nice to create a town for the full-time tax paying residents and not just students here 9 months of the year,” Lang said.

Instead, the university is not merely a backdrop for life in Cullowhee, but overshadows everything else.

The most recent development to hit the drawing board in Cullowhee is a roughly 400bed apartment complex, with several threestory buildings, basketball and tennis courts, a pool and a spa to the community. Western Carolina Apartments is a $20 million, 11-acre project planned in the University Heights area along the Tuckasegee River off of Ledbetter Road.

Several community members have already voiced their concerns about the project. A land-use plan could have given the county backing to address the planning concerns.

“That’s one of the benefits of having planning in place, so we don’t get caught flat-footed on stuff like this,” Commissioner Doug Cody said.

That is exactly the point Cullowhee planning proponents have been trying to make to commissioners for the past year.

Specifically, residents have complained about the elevation of the planned apartment complex. The site is in the flood plain.

Developers want to fill it in and build a retaining wall about 16 feet high — so it would sit on a sort of earth pedestal.

But the biggest concern for residents is all those students and their cars.

“It’s an accident waiting to happen,” said Susan Bogardus, a resident of who lives in the area.

The president of the development company, Wes Bradley, contends that a traffic study shows the road will be adequate, as most students will use the university shuttle that passes through that section of Cullowhee. He also said landscaping and vegetation will be used to shield the view of the retaining wall from the river.

The timetable is to have the housing project ready for the 2014 fall semester.

“We like the college and think it’s a beautiful area and look forward to being part of the community,” Bradley said. “We really are excited.”

But Bogardus believes potential issues with the project could have been better addressed if Cullowhee were a localized planning district with laws in place. She said the creation of a steering committee is a step towards smart growth and plans to apply for a seat, with a focus on bringing more sidewalks and bike routes to Cullowhee — two things Ledbetter Road is lacking.

“I feel like there needs to be more safe transportation apart from cars,” Bogardus said.

Green said the complaints about the new apartments should not be characterized as anti-development, but rather the people are concerned about specific aspects of the project.

“There not against the apartments, they just want some standards for them,” Green said.

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14

Sandwich boards: if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER Judge not lest ye be judged.

The Waynesville Planning Board is delving into the town’s sign ordinance to create more uniform, yet more permissive signs in its three downtown shopping districts — greater Main Street, Frog Level and Hazelwood — something that can appease at least most business owners.

“We have to write it one-size-fits-all,” said Town Planner Paul Benson. “We can’t write standards for every individual business.”

The board is re-examining its current ordinance, which “may be too restrictive,” in Benson’s opinion. “I think the easy road was to say you can’t have anything.”

The downtown sign rules first came under scrutiny over folding sandwich boards, often used by shops and restaurants to let passersby know about menu specials or deals.

Although the sandwich boards are illegal under the town’s sign ordinance, they crop up regularly along downtown’s sidewalks.

Benson’s proposed solution was to lift the ban and allow sandwich boards. It would certainly solve the enforcement headache but could also lead to a proliferation of the sandwich boards.

At a meeting this week, the planning board looked at five other towns in North Carolina — Boone, Asheville, Brevard, Davidson and Hendersonville. Of the five, only Boone did not permit sandwich boards.

The other four did, though with restrictions as to size, placement and number.

Benson suggested sandwich boards be allowed only for businesses that don’t have freestanding signs along the sidewalk or street. He also suggested limiting them to four feet tall and two feet wide.

The main problem would be ensuring that the sidewalks remained clear.

“We really don’t want to get in a situation where we have them blocking the sidewalk,” Benson said.

“Or to have a thousand of them on the street,” chimed in Marty Prevost, a member of the planning board.

To prevent the latter, Benson advocated for an application process. The town would review requests for sandwich boards and visit businesses to make sure all the requirements can be met before giving someone a stamp of approval.

But rather than moving forward with Benson’s recommendation, the planning board is creating a task force to study various types of signs and recommend regulations for Waynesville.

Buffy Phillips, director of the Downtown Waynesville Association, proposed that the board take time to further study the matter before coming to a decision.

“I just hope that we don’t move too quickly and make the wrong move,” Phillips said. “I just want to make sure we do what is

Sandwich boards are a subject of debate on Main Street in Waynesville.

best for the downtown.”

The task force will consist of at least a couple of planning board members and volunteers who own businesses in one of the three districts.

At the beginning of the Monday meeting, the board took 15 minutes to listen to part of a webinar by James Brooks, a downtown development specialist. Brooks created the video as an education tool to show signage best practices.

Brooks suggested only permitting the sandwich boards for restaurants because they are used to show off

F

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Waynesville pays homage to historic character with new guidelines

features for generations to come. Members of “It is going to take some people who are the Historic Preservation Commission said interested,” Leatherwood said. “As people take they were happy with how the document some interest and want to take care of these turned out. homes and these districts, it will start to grow.”

“I think this is far and away the best The guidelines will only apply to local landresults we have seen. In other words, I think marks and local historic districts. Waynesville we are really getting our money’s worth on has 14 local landmarks but no local historic disthis,” said Henry tricts, though that Foy, historic presercould change in the “We are really going to have vation board memfuture. The town ber who also served does have designatto have some discussions as the town’s mayor ed National Historic among ourselves of how to for 16 years.

Districts, including The preservaMain Street and toe these lines.

It’s about tion board is wary of some side streets, imposing stringent and Frog Level. quality.” standards on people The town tried — Shawn Leatherwood, who own local landto designate downHistoric Preservation Commission marks or businesses town Main Street a board member in historic districts, historic local disbut it also doesn’t trict in the 1980s want to seem like a but met backlash. pushover when it However, now that comes to recondiMain Street is an tioning the buildestablished destiWaynesville’s Historic Preservation ings’ notable feanation for visitors, Commission is hosting a public hearing at 2 tures. property owners p.m., July 3, at town hall to hear feedback on “We are really may be more a proposed set of guidelines for maintaining going to have to have amenable to the local historic landmarks and districts. some discussions idea. Hazelwood among ourselves of and Frog Level, how to toe these lines,” said Shawn which are in the midst of revitalizations, Leatherwood, a board member and owner of an could also be candidates for local historic disarchitectural design firm. “It’s about quality.” trict status.

Having the guidelines is all well and good, The town board of aldermen would ultibut the real change will come once people mately have to approve any changes to the actually start using them. historic district guidelines.

Voice your opinion

The former Citizens Bank & Trust Company on North Main Street is one of 14 local landmarks in Waynesville that would be subject to the proposed historic preservation guidelines. Caitlin Bowling photo

specials.

“I think that is an allowable use,” he said in the video.

Brooks also recommended creating a “Sign Gestapo,” or collection of business owners, to judge their peers’ requests for a sandwich board permit.

As part of the revamping of Waynesville’s sign ordinance, the board will look at relaxing its standards for hanging signs as well.

Currently, they must be eight feet above the

sidewalk. Benson recommended changing that to seven feet.

However, Wine Seller owner Richard Miller said the awnings suspended over business entrances, particularly on Main Street, would hide some of the hanging signs from view. In the video by Brooks, towns with hanging signs did not have awnings.

“They are not going to work as well downtown here as they did in the video,” Miller said.

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lars, corbelled brick, cobblestones, slate roofs, wood siding and gooseneck lights. The guidelines also detail different architectural styles — Queen Anne, Colonial Revival and Mid-Century Modern — found in Waynesville’s residential districts.

Philip Thomason, a consultant and head of the Nashville-based Thomason and Associates, presented a draft of the guidelines to Waynesville’s Historic Preservation Commission last month. The town hired Thomason using a $10,000 federal Historic Preservation Fund grant. It also chipped in $5,000 of its own money.

The town’s historic preservation commission wants to provide people with a comprehensive blueprint for how to upgrade a historic location. The document recommends different styles of lighting, ways to incorporate solar panels with the old style of the building and what to do when a door or window needs replacing.

“What’s in here is easily readable. It gives you something you can follow. Not just rules but how to do things,” said Sandra Owen, a commission member.

Historic guidelines guarantee that landmarks and districts maintain their historic

June 19-25, 2013

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER uilding owners in Waynesville’s historic districts may have to jump through extra hoops before undertaking renovations or alterations to their property in an effort to retain the town’s historic character.

The plan, if approved, would act as a Waynesville-specific guide on how to renovate buildings in historic district or local historic landmarks. Building owners would have to submit detailed plans to the Historic Preservation Commission and get the town’s seal of approval — namely a “certificate of appropriateness” to ensure the integrity of historic properties.

Waynesville has a set of generic and optional guidelines currently but wanted something more fitted to the town’s unique look.

“I like it because we stopped being so vague,” said Bette Sprecher, a commission member.

The Historic Preservation Commission would also have more teeth to get property owners to comply with best practices.

Distinct architectural features among Waynesville homes and businesses include canvas or metal awnings, Neo-Classical pil-

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15

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Inspectors’ job is to determine which bridges are holding up

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER elvin Adams stood at the top a ladder leaning against the underbelly of a bridge near Harmon Den in Haywood County, banging the rustiest looking metal beam with a hammer.

Adams, a bridge inspector with the N.C. Department of Transportation, cleared the debris from the steel beam holding up Interstate 40, and as he slapped it again with the hammer, bits of rust tumbled onto the road below. Adams called down to fellow inspector Joe Huntsinger that the beam was half an inch thick, and Huntsinger marked it down in his notes. The beam, one of several that holds up the Interstate 40 bridge, was originally seven-eighths of an inch.

“You look for rust that is starting to eat away at the steel,” Adams said.

Based on its condition, the Harmon Den bridge will be placed on a list of structures in need of fixing within the next two years, Adams added.

“It looks bad, but it’s not that bad yet,” Adams said.

In other words, it’s not dire. DOT will just need to weld a metal plate onto part of the beam to strengthen it. However, had the rust left the metal beam “paper thin,” the inspectors would have immediately filled out a priority report, which lets the department heads know that work must be done on the structure within 30 days.

“That is something that is critical,” Adams said.

A mixture of age, weathering and road salt all contribute to the natural oxidation of metal.

It’s DOT’s job to monitor and inspect bridges across the state and make sure they are safe.

“Our job is to catch any problem before it gets bad,” Huntsinger said. “We look for everything.”

Aging and unsafe infrastructure once again found a prominent place in the national spotlight recently after a bridge in Washington state collapsed. The National Transportation Safety Board, an independent federal agency that investigates transportation-related incidents, called the collapse a warning for the nation.

The point of inspections is to, hopefully, prevent bridges from giving way. North Carolina has 13,778 bridges, and each is inspected on a biannual basis, according to statistics from DOT. Bridges are ranked on a zero-to-nine scale after each inspection. No bridge is ever given a nine however. Each newly constructed bridge is awarded an eight. If a structure is given a five, it is “getting bad,” Adams said.

“You get twos and threes, it’s about ready to be shut down.”

DOT workers must take classes on how to rate infrastructure to ensure relative consistency among all inspectors. The state DOT currently employs 44 bridge inspectors.

Of the state’s nearly 13,800 bridges, 5,656 16 are marked as structurally deficient or func-

Smoky Mountain News

June 19-25, 2013

D

tionally obsolete. Structurally deficient bridges are deemed in relatively poor condition or do not meet the minimum load-carrying requirements, which is 40 tons. Bridges are considered functionally obsolete if they are too narrow, have inadequate under-clearances, have insufficient load-carrying capacity or are poorly aligned with the roadway.

“The thing is that when you think about that a third of the time you are driving on an inadequate bridge, that is a little frightening it seems to me,” said Michael Smith, head of the Construction Management Department at Western Carolina University. Smith has studied how decrepit infrastructure is harming the U.S.’s ability to compete in the global trade market.

But like other Americans, that doesn’t keep him from crossing bridges when he comes to them.

“After a while, you quit worrying about things,” Smith said.

Adams, who has 37 years experience in inspections, isn’t concerned either, but for a different reason.

“None of them are really that bad,” Adams said.

N.C. Department of Transportation workers last week inspected a bridge on Interstate 40 near Harmon Den, which is in a remote area of the Pigeon River Gorge near the Tennessee state line. Inspectors were finishing up a review of Haywood County’s 287 bridges.

Caitlin Bowling photo

SKATING ALONG A single bridge inspection can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days depending mostly on the size of the bridge. Bridges that are fracture critical receive more attention.

Although they are not inherently dangerous, fracture-critical bridges, such as the Washington state bridge, only have two metal support beams and therefore are only one bad beam away from failure. Fracture-critical bridges were built in the post-WWII infrastructure boom.

“That was an easy way to design a bridge.

It was cheap,” Adams said.

In government, redundancies are frowned upon, but not in architecture.

“We tend to think of redundancy as a bad thing, but in design, redundancy is hardly negative,” Smith said.

Bridges, and roads for that matter, in the U.S. were built in the 1950s and 1960s. They were expected to last about 50 years. The average age of U.S. bridges is 47 years today, Smith said, and not enough has been done to replace the declining infrastructure.

“They invested a heck of a lot in infrastructure post-WWII, and we have been skating on that. We have been riding on that investment ever since,” he said.

As the country’s infrastructure declines, it will negatively impact the U.S.’s trading ability, Smith said. People can’t move goods from place to place without infrastructure.

“The reality is, in order to have a vital economy, you need to trade beyond your immediate region,” Smith said. “We have known this for a long time, and we keep forgetting it.”

Each year, the World Economic Forum, an independent international organization, ranks

Bridge conditions by county The North Carolina Department of Transportation keeps a list showing how many bridges it is responsible for in each county. It also states how many are deemed structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

Structurally deficient bridges are deemed in relatively poor condition or do not meet the minimum load-carrying requirements, which is 40 tons. Bridges considered functionally obsolete are too narrow, have inadequate under-clearances, have insufficient load-carrying capacity or are poorly aligned with the roadway.

HAYWOOD COUNTY Total bridges ..........................................287 Structurally deficient ...............................84 Functionally obsolete ...............................54

MACON COUNTY Total bridges ..........................................204 Structurally deficient ...............................69 Functionally obsolete ...............................54

JACKSON COUNTY Total bridges ..........................................216 Structurally deficient ...............................42 Functionally obsolete ...............................75

SWAIN COUNTY Total bridges ............................................95 Structurally deficient ...............................16 Functionally obsolete ...............................20

countries in order of global competitiveness based on 12 pillars, including infrastructure, well-functioning public and private institutions, and good health and primary education.

The U.S., which ranked first in 2009, has continued to slip further down the totem pole each year since. This year, it placed seventh.

To Smith, the primary reason for the U.S.’s slip is aging infrastructure — something that could be improved if the govern-

ment is willing to make the investment.

“I don’t think we should pave the world,” Smith said “But the truth is we need wise infrastructure.”

However, Adams argued that old is not always bad. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, the Maestri Bridge, which was built in the 1920s, fared well, while the Twin Span Bridge, which was constructed 40 years later, sustained extensive damage.

wanted to cut necessary services.

“I don’t want to cut services. I don’t want to cut jobs,” said Commissioner Steve Moon. “It’s not a pleasant thought to raise taxes. We’ve got to balance the budget.”

King presented a worst-case scenario, of what cutting the budget by $1.2 million would look like. The county would have to eliminate 20 jobs, including four from the Sheriff ’s Office, two from the Department of Social Services and one from emergency communications. It also would have cut thousands from the fire department and county schools.

“What can you do? You have to do something,” said Commissioner Donnie Dixon.

The board blamed the $700,000 budget deficit on declining revenues and increased expenses. King said that the county will lose $120,000 next fiscal year because of federal funding cuts. Swain County, along with others in North Carolina, has also seen declines

S

“I don’t want to cut services. I don’t want to cut jobs. It’s not a pleasant thought to raise taxes. We’ve got to balance the budget.”

— Steve Moon, Commissioner

said Commission Chairman Phil Carson.

Swain has historically skirted the brink with its budget. Its fund balance reserves dipped so low a few years ago it triggered fiscal warnings from the state. The county had no fat to fall back on or margin of error when its back truly got up against a wall.

All five commissioners repeatedly stated that they didn’t want to raise taxes, but it couldn’t be avoided, they said, unless they

in state funding. The county must now use its own money to make up for the loss of federal and state revenues.

“They are cutting small counties’ throats.

They are killing us,” Dixon said.

Meanwhile, Swain County will not see a boost in tax revenue from its recent property value assessment to help cover any of the lost funds.

“There are a lot of different things hurt-

ing us at the same exact time,” King said.

Swain County just completed an countywide assessment of property value, both commercial, residential and land. Not knowing what to expect, King held off on finishing the budget to see how property values fared.

While property values didn’t fall at least, they likewise didn’t go up — so the county didn’t see a windfall from increasing property values. Property values, on average countywide, held more or less steady since 2005.

While the county’s property tax base has gone up by 16.5 percent since 2005, those were small incremental additions to the tax base from new construction coming on line and being entered on the county’s tax rolls — rather than a sizeable jump tied to the revaluation.

Coming to Swain’s rescue — by lessening the blow of budget cuts and of property tax increases — is the interest from the cash settlement fund. The government agreed to pay Swain County $52 million for breaking its promise to rebuild a road flooded during the creation of Fontana Lake in the 1940s.

The whole amount may be pie in the sky, but the county has so far gotten $12.8 million, was placed in a state-held trust fund.

Once a year, Swain County can withdraw the accrued interest to use as it wishes.

Although the property tax increase and a nearly $300,000 appropriation from Swain County’s settlement fund are expected to get the county through next fiscal year, county leaders may have to come back to the table later this summer and look for more solutions to its budget woes.

The county won’t know until August if there is enough settlement interest money to equal the $280,000 it has incorporated in the budget.

June 19-25, 2013

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER wain County commissioners last week tentatively agreed to increase the property tax rate by 3 cents to cover a budget deficit — the first property tax increase Swain has seen in more than two decades.

Despite raising property taxes, the county’s budget this coming year will still be less than last year — about $500,000 less. The hike in property taxes will help offset a loss in other revenue.

The county was facing a $1.2 million shortfall due to declines in various state and federal revenue streams. Cutting the budget by a full $1.2 million would have been too severe, commissioners concluded. Likewise, raising property taxes to cover the full $1.2 million shortfall would have meant a sizeable property tax increase of more like 8 or 9 cents.

Instead, the county more or less split the difference.

It will cut the budget by $500,000, and raise property taxes 3 cents to bring in $400,000. The county will tap its interest earnings from the North Shore Road cash settlement account to make up another $300,000.

“This year has been particularly difficult,” said County Manager Kevin King, who called a tax increase “inevitable.” “The revenues are tremendously decreased.”

King presented a draft version of a budget to the county commissioners last Thursday as well as five different options for closing the budget gap.

The county’s tax rate is now 33 cents per $100 of property value. Starting July 1, that will rise to 36 cents.

“I am for the 3 cent increase myself, if that will get us out of hot water this year,”

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With backs against the wall, Swain hikes taxes

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Cherokee hopes to make inmates pay their own way

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER he Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians could make the inmates housed in its future jail pay — literally.

The tribe is considering a plan to garnish casino dividends of tribal members who find themselves spending quality time in Cherokee’s clink to help cover their room and board. Tribal Council members passed a resolution earlier this month giving the tribe’s attorney general the OK to draft sample legislation along those lines. Once written, it will need to pass Tribal Council and be signed by the chief.

Tribal Council Representatives Perry Shell and Tunney Crowe introduced the idea the council’s monthly meeting.

“It was something we had talked about the past,” Shell said. “I think it’s a good idea.”

However, exactly how much each inmate would have to pay up per day in the slammer is still up for debate. It could be a set amount or a percentage.

All tribal members get a cut of casino profits. The annual payments currently amount to about $8,000 a year each before taxes. The tribe already garnishes money from the casino dividend checks for child support, and as a result, “The reception Cherokee has I am getting so the highest child support far is positive.” collection rate in the state.

— Perry Shell, If an Tribal council inmate owed child support, Shell said, that would likely come out of the check first before anything else.

There are a number of steps left before the idea would become law. Tribal Council plans to hold work sessions to hammer out all the details as well as give their constituents a chance to weigh in. Shell said people have already contacted him to proffer their opinions.

“The reception I am getting so far is positive,” Shell said.

But there will be plenty of time for the tribe to figure out all the particulars. The Eastern Band will complete construction of a 75-bed jail, which is part of a larger justice center being built by the tribe, next year.

The tribe doesn’t currently have a jail of its own and pays other counties a daily fee to house tribal inmates. Most inmates from Cherokee are currently housed at the jail in Swain County. Cherokee pays $?? per inmate per day.

It is common practice for county jails to stick inmates with a bill if they are held for fewer than 30 days. If their time in jail exceeds 30 days, the county can’t bill them for it.

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Smoky Mountain News

BY B ECKY JOHNSON With more inmates, medical costs are STAFF WRITER obviously higher. But medical costs are exacIllegal drug abuse and its repercussions erbated by inmates with a history of chronic are costing Haywood County taxpayers. drug abuse that has taken a toll on their bodAn increase in drug use has led to more ies or who land behind bars with addictions drug-related arrests. That means more that take medical treatment to get off of. inmates in the county jail, which it turn takes “Substance abuse is certainly a contributmore jailers. ing factor to the increase in medical costs for “Yesterday, we were 43 more than this inmates,� Haynes said. exact same day last year,� said Chief Deputy A report on increased medical costs at the Jeff Haynes. So far for June, the jail is averag- jail cited that most inmates “are not of good ing 121 inmates compared to 61 for the health due to their lifestyle.� month of June last year.

The scourge of illegal drug abuse even has Overtime for jailers was $50,000 to a role to play in a growing number of alterca$60,000 over budget this year to handle the tions playing out at the Department of Social additional inmate load.

Services.

In next year’s budget, the county will simA full-time deputy is being assigned to ply bite the bullet and add an additional jailer. DSS next month — yet another new staff “If they are going to go after more people position for the county — in part to quell and put them in jail, we need more staff at the jail,� said A full-time deputy is being assigned Finance Director Julie Davis.

The county will also add to DSS next month in part to quell an additional narcotics detecvolatile situations, such as an tive, bringing the number of drug officers in the sheriff ’s enraged parent who has lost child office to three. custody or estranged spouses The sheriff ’s office is also buying a new K9, bringing its negotiating child support.

K9 force from one to two dogs. “We need another one simply because our volatile situations, such as an enraged parent K9 is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,� who has lost child custody or estranged said Haywood Sheriff Greg Christopher. spouses negotiating child support.

It will cost $5,500 for the K9, plus another “We are dealing with some of the most $5,000 for its kennels and to outfit a cop car emotionally charged issues that people have,� to be K9 compatible.

Dove said.

The drug dog will be paid for with drug Many times drugs can be an underlying money — literally. When drug dealers are cause that landed the person in DSS. busted, any cash or property is seized, and “It is most definitely without a doubt a the county gets to keep a portion to spend on contributing factor,� Haynes said. drug enforcement and prevention measures.

The deputy is also needed simply to serve Haynes said illegal drugs and substance the large number of civil summons generated abuse are creating a huge ripple effect, and by DSS orders, such as child support or custhe list doesn’t stop with the hard costs of law tody orders. It is increasingly common for enforcement salaries.

DSS agencies to have full-time deputies. “We are paying a huge cost for it,� Haywood Buncombe County has two full-time officers Social Services Director Ira Dove said. stationed at its DSS offices.

This past year, the county also saw a The cost of the additional jailer, drug spike in the number of kids in foster care. detective and DSS deputy are $154,000 in all Drug and substance abuse by parents is a for the coming fiscal year. top reason kids end up in foster care. The Haywood County is also adding addirise in foster care costs the county an extra tional security measures at the DSS office, $115,000 over and above what it had budget- including several mounted cameras and ed for the year. electronic door locks activated by a swipe The cost of illegal drug use to taxpayers is card — to the tune of $45,000. It will be paid lurking in even more unsuspected places. for with right-of-way money from the N.C. The jail also saw a $51,000 overrun in Department of Transportation, which medical costs for inmates, for example. The shaved off the edge of the DSS property as county is legally liable for all of an inmate’s part of an interchange redesign and had to medical needs while in custody, from the cost compensate the county for the tiny sliver of prescriptions to any major ailments that that was taken. The money had to be investbeset them. Medical costs for inmate are a ed back in the DSS property, per terms of an roll of the dice from year to year. outstanding loan on the DSS building.

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Highlands soccer complex gets a green light

BY ANDREW KASPER ics. County Commissioner Paul Higdon STAFF WRITER opposed spending money that wasn’t budgetacon County has it sights set on build- ed for. Purchases of that magnitude should be ing a new soccer field in Highlands, planned for, and only emergencies should call one of the few mountain communities for the county to fork over such amounts. where the sport is king of the fall season, not “I just think that’s how you run governfootball. ment — coming up with a solid budget,” “There’s no place for the community to Higdon said. “And you don’t go outside enjoy soccer,” said County Commissioner that budget unless it’s for an emergency sitJames Tate, who represents the area. “And uation.” most of the kids in the Highlands’ area play Higdon was also against the $500,000 to soccer.” land purchase for a baseball complex at A testament to soccer’s popularity in Parker Meadows recreation facility.

Highlands: the K-12 public school there doesLocal youth soccer organizers, nonethen’t offer football as a fall season sport, only less, applauded the effort to add soccer fields soccer. But the Highlands community does to the county, especially in a community that not have a public soccer field. Instead, pickup games and practice takes place on the outfield of the baseball fields, or players shuttle to Franklin to participate in league play or take advantage of its fields.

“There’s a need for flat field space, basically,” Tate said of Highlands’ soccer field shortage.

To that end, county commissioners voted 3to-2 last week to aquire more than 3.5 acres neighboring Zachary Park in Highlands for Macon County youth soccer team The Panthers, in red, battle for $150,000. About 2 acres the ball. Soccer has been growing in popularity and the county is was bought outright, and looking to add fields in Highlands. Donated photo the rest was accomplished through a land swap by trading land the county owned else- has embraced the sport but has a space shortwhere in Highlands for land contiguous with age. The Macon County Soccer Club is growthe budding recreation site. A portion of the ing dramatically with 300 players in the newly amassed three acres will be developed league this year, according to Matt Kolodzik, for soccer. the club president.

It will take another $200,000 to develop A significant number are from Highlands the site into either one large, adult soccer and travel to the Franklin area to play. field or several smaller, youth fields. That Kolodzik said additional fields would allow money hasn’t been budgeted yet. the club to consider Highlands more seriousCounty leaders were lobbied to fund soc- ly as a practice or game site and expand parcer fields in Highlands after the county ticipation there. plunked down $500,000 this spring for land “We would probably have bigger particifor a softball and baseball complex in pation from Highlands if we could have some Franklin. more games up there,” Kolodzik said.

It was the persistence of the soccer moms Investment in new soccer fields would and dads that made the additional field a goal also reverse what he sees as a trend in Macon for Tate. Two years ago, he had identified the County’s recreation priorities. property as being prime for the purpose, but Kolodzik said he and other soccer organthe owners were not interested in selling to izers had to raise a stink when the draft plan the county. That is until several months ago for Parker Meadows was drawn up and when they approached him to start talks. included eight baseball fields but nothing for As Tate puts it, “That’s when we got the soccer. He said county baseball fields also ball rolling again.” tend to be lighted, while soccer fields are not.

However, Tate speculates it could be more And soccer fields tend to be shared use fields a year or more before any site work takes with other sports. place, especially since the funds haven’t been “A lot of money typically goes into the set aside. baseball in the county,” Kolodzik said. “Most But the price of the project has drawn crit- of the money does not tend to go to soccer.”

20

tasteTHEmountains Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251

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

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

Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

ANTHONY WAYNE’S 37 Church St, Waynesville. 828.456.6789.

Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; open for dinner Thursday-Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Exceptional, new-American cuisine, offering several gluten free items.

BLUE RIDGE BBQ COMPANY 180 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.452.7524. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. FridaySaturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Blue Ridge BBQ is a family owned and operated restaurant. The BBQ is slow hardwood

smoked, marinated in its own juices, and seasoned with mountain recipes. All menu items made from scratch daily. Featuring homemade cornbread salad, fresh collard greens, or cornbread and milk at your request. Old-fashioned homemade banana pudding and fruit cobbler of the season.

Catering, take-out, eat-in.

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

Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts.

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

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

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CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 am – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch every day from 11:30 till 2. Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting), featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herbbaked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. The evening social hour starts at 6pm, and dinner is served starting at 7pm. So join us for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

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.

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

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

EL TORITO 2840 Old Cullowhee Road, Cullowhee.

828.293.9333. Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Offering authentic Mexican fare featuring wild mushrooms, flowers and herbs, epazote and many oreganos and chilies. A full menu of traditional Mexican foods. Take-out orders available.

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

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

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

Sundaes has 24 rotating flavors of Hershey's Ice Cream making them into floats, splits, sundaes, shakes. Private seating inside & out for both locations right across from the train station & pet friendly.

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

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

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

GUADALUPE CAFÉ 606 W. Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.9877.

Open 7 days a week at 5 p.m. Located in the historic Hooper’s Drugstore, Guadalupe Café is a chef-owned and operated restaurant

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

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

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

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

828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the lunch prices Monday through Sunday, also enjoy our outdoor patio.

LUCIO'S RESTAURANT 313 Highlands Road, Franklin.

828.369.6670. Serving Macon County since 1984. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday.

Lunch Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. until.Dinner Wednesday-Saturday 5 p.m. until. Owned and operated by Tanya and Dorothy Gamboni. Serving authentic Italian and continental cuisine including appetizers, pastas, poultry, veal, seafood, steaks and homemade deserts. Selection of wine and beer. Lunch and Dinner menus. Wednesday and Thursday nights only. 1 appetizer and 2 selected entrées with unlimited salad and Lucio’s famous garlic rolls for $24.95.

Winter Special: half-off house wines, Friday and Saturday only. luciosnc.com MAD BATTER BAKERY & CAFÉ Located on the WCU Campus in Cullowhee.

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

Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices.

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

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

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

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

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

Pizza, pasta, outstanding homemade desserts, plus full lunch and dinner menus.

All ABC permits. Take-out menus available.

MOONSHINE GRILL 2550 Soco Road, Maggie Valley loacted in the Smoky Falls Lodge. 828.926.7440.

Open Wednesday through Saturday, 4:30 to

Fryday’s 6 Days/Week Closed Wed.

Sundaes 7 Days/Week

Traditional English Fish & Chips, Burgers, Dogs, Gyro, Shrimp & Loads More.

24 PLUS FLAVORS OF HERSHEY’S ICE CREAM

EVERYTHING AVAILABLE TO GO

24 & 26 Fry St. • Bryson City 488-5379 • NEXT TO THE DEPOT

www.FrydaysAndSundaes.com CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED • JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

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ITALIAN

MEDITERRANEAN

STEAKS • PIZZA CHICKEN • SEAFOOD SANDWICHES OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK

JOIN US FOR SUMMER ON THE PATIO 1863 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.454.5002 HWY. 19/23 EXIT 98

ARTISAN BREADS & PASTRIES SHORT STACK CAKES ENJOY A MINIATURE VERSION OF OUR CLASSIC 4 LAYER CAKES JUST $10

BREAKFAST • LUNCH TAKE-OUT • EAT-IN • CATERING

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

18 North Main Street Waynesville • 452.3881

Smoky Mountain News

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.

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

828.926.1820 Open Daily 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed Tuesday. 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 Caribbean inspired fare complimented by a quirky selection of wines and microbrews. Supporting local farmers of organic produce, livestock, hand-crafted cheese, and using sustainably harvested seafood.

June 19-25, 2013

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended.

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

opinion

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

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

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

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www.citybakery.net

MON-FRI: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

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

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MINDY’S Now Open at 174 E. Main Street Sylva Shopping Center

THUR. JUNE 20TH • 8PM

Across from the ABC store

Adam Bigelow & Friends

FRI. JUNE 21ST • 8PM

Pressed Cuban Sandwiches, Cuban Food & Desserts

Late Night Kids

SAT. JUNE 22ND

Fundraiser for Vecinos with live music

828.400-5638

Tues.- Fri. 11a-9p & Sat. 12 noon - ‘til

628 E. Main Street • Sylva

WED-SAT 11:30-9:30PM

828.586.1717 • soulinfusion.com

A T N A N TA H A L A V I L L A G E

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

SEAFOOD STEAKS COCKTAILS

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

MON.-THURS. 11 A .M. TO 9 P.M. • FRI. & SAT. 11 A .M. TO 10 P.M. SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 A .M. TO 2:30 P.M. 193-59

June 19-25, 2013

INDOOR & OUTDOOR SEATING

Nutrition Facts serving size : ab out 50 p ag es Am ount per Serving Calories 0 % Daily Value * Tot al Fat 0g

9400 HWY. 19 WEST 828-488-9000

7 miles west of Bryson City at the entry to the Nantahala Gorge.

RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED BAR OPENS AT 4

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DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR

Ammons Burgers ❉ ❉ Steaks & Shakes ❉ BBQ ❉ ❉

Over 4.5 million of Ammons Famous hotdogs served since 1984.

Open 7 days a week - 10am-9pm 22

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

TUES– THURS 5:30-9 • FRI– SUN 5:30- 10

Smoky Mountain News

Join us on the patio for live music Tues-Fri. Call to see whose playing.

1451 DELLWOOD RD. | WAYNESVILLE | 926-0734

tasteTHEmountains 9 p.m. Cooking up mouth-watering, woodfired Angus steaks, prime rib and scrumptious fresh seafood dishes. The wood-fired grill gives amazing flavor to every meal that comes off of it. Enjoy creative dishes made using moonshine. Stop by and simmer for a while and soak up the atmosphere. The best kept secret in Maggie Valley. themoonshinegrill.com MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561.

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies.

Various desserts.

OLD STONE INN 109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane.

828.456.3333. Classic fireside dining in an historic mountain lodge with cozy, intimate bar. Dinner served nightly except Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Signature dinner choices include our 8oz. filet of beef in a brandied peppercorn sauce and a garlic and herb crusted lamb rack. Carefully selected fine wines and beers plus full bar available. Open year round. Call for reservations.

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

Reservations appreciated.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru

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Murder Mystery

Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

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

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

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

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

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dinner

“Legally Dead” Saturday, June 22 at 6 p.m.

Join us for An Evening of Mystery, Dining, Wine & Fun $40 per person | Plus tax Call for Reservations

Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant

FRIDAY JUNE 21ST

Smokerise

SATURDAY JUNE 22ND

Caribbean Cowboys

94 East St. • Waynesville 828-452-7837

For details & menus see www.herrenhouse.com SUNDAY BRUNCH 11-2 • Private Parties by Reservation

68585

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83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

23

At 14, we’re no longer a baby in the business here’s just not much exciting about turning 14, but that’s what The Smoky Mountain News turned a couple of weeks ago. I can keep up with our age because of the volume number on the front of this edition and because I track it by my son’s birthday. He was just shy of a year old when we started, and this summer he’ll turn 15 and take driver’s ed.

It’s a middling anniversary, not like 10 or 15, and it seems a long way yet to 20. Still, I sometimes pinch myself or throw cold water on my face and wonder if I’m dreaming. When we hatched the idea for this newspaper more than 14 years ago, and when the first edition of The Smoky Mountain News rolled off the presses on June 5, 1999, I had no idea whether we would survive. Way back then, it was more a dream than a wellplanned business venture.

In a lot of ways, we are exactly the same as most small businesses. First was an idea, that of producing a paper that locals and tourists would find Editor interesting and useful. At that time, it seemed papers catered to one or the other but not both. Then, and probably most important, was figuring out how it could be financed until revenues surpassed costs. I may have been an English major in college, but I knew the math was important.

Finally, and most important, was finding the right people.

In that, The Smoky Mountain News has been extremely fortunate. From those early times until right up to today, we have found hardworking, creative people who shared our vision.

Some of those people have been with us more than a decade, and they still bring it to the workplace every day. It’s become my second family, and we fight and feud and celebrate — just like biological families.

We’re also not that different from hundreds of small business owners in Western North Carolina when it comes to looking for ways to succeed. We’re always trying to come up with new ideas and innovative ways to do what we do. What’s different, of course, is that our business is providing information for public consumption. We get to dig into issues and tell you what we find. We get to interview interesting people and tell

Scott McLeod

T

N.C. headed toward Third World status To the Editor: North Carolina is now a state role model — a model for what will happen when a state (and possibly the country) is completely controlled

by Republicans. Unemployment benefits will be curtailed, and public education will be reduced and eventually eliminated as taxpayers pay for private and religious education. The arrogant and liberal cities will have their power diminished and be controlled by the state, which will strip them of utility functions like water and airports and infrastructure improvement. Environmental controls will be eliminated and financial regulations will cease. Taxes will be reduced and replaced by taxes on services and Social Security income such that the wealthy and corporations will profit and the rest will pay more. Voting will be curtailed so that minorities, seniors, and college students

you about their lives, whether they mountains suffered huge drops are community leaders or famous in sales, we lost huge amounts artists. We also get to work with of advertising revenue. It was a businesses — like Old Town Bank, daunting challenge to keep for example, which advertises on moving forward, and I can our front page — to bring you the credit our staff with helping us message they want to get out. I’d get through those lean times. like to think we help those busiWe adapted and became a nesses find their own measure of niche publisher that now puts success. out more than 30 magazines a When we were just barely out year. of the gate back in the first couple The future? Who can preof years, everyone said the dict such a thing, but I like Internet would kill newspapers. In where I live and will bet on this 1999, those warnings were barely region to continue to attract a whisper. Two years later, it was a smart, creative people who loud, incessant death knell for our want to live around others of industry. It happened that fast. the same character. WNC is a The truth, though, is that it vibrant, popular place. There’s seems like every businessperson I a heartfelt “shop local” philostalk to has similar stories about ophy here, one that will help Pick up your copy at locations throughout WNC their business changing so fast it the many unique, small busior http://www.smokymountainnews.com is hard to keep up with. Bankers, ness owners who offer prodIf you would like a rack at your business call 828-452-4251 doctors, insurance folks, whomevucts that you won’t get anyer, the story is the same: learn to where else. We all appreciate Using my 11-month-old son as a marketing tool in an ad, our uniqueness, that we live turn on a dime and stay fast on your feet or you’ll be out of busithat appeared in the very first edition of The Smoky somewhere that offers an ness before you can blink.

Mountain News on June 2, 1999. Liam is now 14. unmatched lifestyle.

Newspapers large and small, In reality, the mission of though, have adapted. We deliver news electronically and The Smoky Mountain News remains the same as it was when in print, and we’re learning how to make money from our that first edition came out. Here’s an excerpt from my first colwebsite. Newspaper sites have some of the highest readerumn: If this newspaper has a mission, it’s to help the people in this region make informed decisions. As the pace of change ship rates on the Internet. Our Smoky Mountain News site cascades upon us like a waterfall, we’ll need to be armed with is averaging almost 30,000 unique visitors a month, and good information if we are to make the best choices. that number continues to grow exponentially. We publish My son no longer fits in our newspaper boxes. Some things 16,000 hard copies a week, so it’s almost like two additional editions. No doubt our electronic delivery of information change. Our commitment to serving up quality journalism haswill continue to grow, and how we present that information n’t, and we plan to be a part of this one-of-a-kind community for a long time to come. will continue to evolve.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainPerhaps more challenging from a business perspective for news.com) us has been the Great Recession. As business owners in the

will have major hurdles to overcome. The state will have as its underlying message that the wealthy and the corporate connected are welcome; the middle- and working-class, minorities, LGBT people and even women who care about controlling their bodies are not welcome.

And, possibly, a state religion will be determined.

And that is the Republican view of less government. Indeed, it is a perfect vision of a Third World country with a state-sanctioned religion.

Gary Soldow Asheville

Liberal arts education pays different dividends To the Editor: Bob Wilson’s recent column in a local publication condemning a liberal arts college education is full of contradiction and misinformation. The point he tried to make was that

There’s a new kid in town!

LETTERS today’s very expensive college degree should be focused on a student’s future earning potential.

No one can disagree with that.

Wilson agrees with Gov. Pat McCrory that all college education should be focused on getting a job, not a silly liberal arts degree.

The trouble with that idea is that no one knows what kind of a job he or she will have in 10 years. A Bureau of Labor statistics study reports that the average American worker will change jobs 11 times in his career. Many of these changes involve completely different kinds of employment. So if one goes to college and studies for a particular kind of job, chances are that within a few years that education will be worthless.

Of course a degree in computer science or medicine will produce great job prospects, but few will become doctors or engineers. The vast majority of future employees will need an education that prepares them for many different

kinds of jobs. They will need an education that will prepare them to think clearly, and be able to adapt to whatever jobs are available. That is the definition of a liberal arts degree.

Mr. Wilson can make fun of all the silly courses on “Dogs and People” he wants, but, if you end up working in a veterinarians office that one class (likely a one semester, 3-hour credit elective) might get you a raise. As he says, “The analytical and critical thinker will always win.” His apparent personal definition of “analytical and critical” thinking appears skewed. No, make that contradictory.

In his attempt to take a cheap shot at “liberal” education, he completely missed Gov. McCrory’s point. As a true hard-right ideologue, the governor wants the colleges in his state to produce good reliable worker bees for his corporate funders. Critical thinkers and independent-minded employees are usually more trouble than they are worth.

Shirley Ches Franklin

24

search sound Caleb Smith of Smith Custom Guitars at his workshop with his son Jonah watching. Below: Mandolinist Darren Nicholson (left) with Smith before a recent Balsam Range performance at the Colonial Theatre in Canton. Garret K. Woodward photos

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER n Western North Carolina, it seems the two most important things are tradition and family – and nothing incorporates those ideals more than the melodic music of Southern Appalachian.

“Music is a huge part of our heritage and of our lives here,” said musician Caleb Smith. “You go to a barn dance or play on your front porch, it’s something to be proud of. Bluegrass and mountain music may not be the biggest genre, but it’s authentic. It’s music that makes an impact on people.”

Guitarist for renowned string act Balsam Range, Smith is also finding success as a guitarmaker. Since his group started in 2007, he’s been spending every free moment designing and handcrafting acoustic guitars, all in an effort to find an oldtime sound and tone seemingly long lost in modern day mass produced instruments.

“I’ve always been fascinated with old instruments,” he said.

“Those Martin or Gibson guitar factories of the 1930s or 40s, all of those guys there could put together a guitar from start to finish individually, and people can’t do that now.”

Raised in Waynesville, Smith was always surrounded by music. His immediate family and relatives all played, with pickin’ sessions occurring at all family gatherings. Picking up the banjo at age seven, he already had interest in the music of his homeland. But, it was when he watched a “how to” video by legendary guitarist Tony Rice that everything changed.

Observing the intricate and powerful finger styles of Rice, Smith was mesmerized by the precision and wide range of musical genres filtering through, from rock-n-roll to blues, jazz to bluegrass. It was all there.

“Watching that, nothing had ever affected me to the point where I knew I had to learn how to do that, to play like Tony,” Smith said.

Smith’s progression was seamless with his father, an accomplished guitar player in his own right, showing him chord progressions and finger positions. Jamming with other locals

I

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

pushed the teenager to want a group of his own. After high school, he found work in a nearby plant making laminate countertop items, but the swing shifts and tiring labor took its toll. Soon, a friend offered him an opportunity to help build homes in the Great Smokies. Smith jumped on the chance.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to, but the more I worked at the plant, the more I knew I didn’t want to do it,” he said. “And

“It was magic when we started first playing together. We decided people are going to want to hear this, so we decided to go for it.”

— Caleb Smith

my father built log homes and furniture, so that interest in carpentry was always there.”

That venture into woodworking not only provided Smith with a stable, enjoyable income, it also awakened a deep urge to do more with wood than build houses – he wanted to handcraft a guitar. Grabbing a copy of the famed book “Guitarmaking – Tradition and Technology,” he read it coverto-cover numerous times. Eventually, it was time to take the plunge and see what his hands could do.

“The first guitar took awhile. It sounded good, but the cosmetics of it were rough,” he chuckled. “But, friends then asked

me to build them one, then their friends asked, and it has kept going from there.”

And while his talents for guitarmaking quickly evolved and flourished, so did his musical aspirations. Bouncing around through a handful of moderately successful southern gospel and mountain music groups, he eventually crossed paths with a childhood friend Buddy Melton. An acclaimed fiddler, Melton called Smith to see if he wanted to come down to his place to play with some other locals. Those “locals” turned out to also be a trio of accomplished musicians that included banjoist Marc Pruett, mandolinist Darren Nicholson and bassist Tim Surrett. Each had been touring the country for years; each was back in their hometown, off the road and eager to just jam.

“They had lined up a jam at Darren’s house and needed a guitar player,” Smith said. “Buddy called and asked if I was free. It was just five guys eating pizza and playing bluegrass.”

It was during that impromptu get together when the quintet realized they had something. It fit together, sounded right and birthed a tone that was completely their own. They knew the ensemble had to play onstage. Starting with local performances, the concerts grew bigger and bigger. After recording an album of originals and Bill Monroe covers, satellite radio quickly picked up the melodies and things began to take off.

“It’s gone by really fast, and we’ve all worked very hard,” Smith said. “It was magic when we started first playing together. We decided people are going to want to hear this, so we decided to go for it.”

And six years after its inception, Balsam Range is a train that keeps rolling down the tracks onto the national scene.

After being nominated for numerous International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA), they finally struck gold with the 2011 award for “Song of the Year” with their hit “Trains I Missed,” which charted No. 1 on Sirius/XM Radio. That album (of the same title) was ranked “Bluegrass Album of the Year” on the 88.7 FM (WNCW) countdown.

In 2012, the group was brought into the studio by bassist John Driskell Hopkins (Zac Brown Band) to back him on his critically acclaimed solo album, “Daylight.” It was then Smith was asked to construct a guitar for Hopkins and one as a surprise for Brown. The guitars were dreadnought sized, made of highly figured Brazilian rosewood for the back and sides, with Adirondack spruce tops built to specs from mid-1930’s Martin guitars. Smith was invited to present the gift at a recent Dave Matthews Band concert in Atlanta, where Zac Brown Band was opening.

“He played the guitar for about 20 minutes with a big smile on his face, so I took that as a good sign,” Smith said.

With Balsam Range and his guitarmaking pushing further into the mainstream, Smith is grateful and feels blessed for the happiness he has found in all aspects of music. A lot of that joy comes from always keeping one foot in his dreams and one foot firmly planted in the land of his ancestors. Western North Carolina will always be his home, and that’s something he’s immensely proud of.

“With the band we travel a lot and see a lot of great places,” he said. “But, there is nothing like here. You talk to people not from here and they say the same thing. Southern Appalachia is a pretty special place.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5 Bonnaroo, I hadn’t really explored the South.

Chattanooga got me excited. Every block I walked down, I would smell something delicious from a nearby organic restaurant or a sumptuous fresh craft beer from a local brewery, not to mention all the picturesque southern belles walking by that always seemed to catch the eye of this Yankee from Upstate New York.

On the streets

Spend Summer solstice with Sunburst Sunburst Trout Farms will host a “Summer Solstice Soiree” fundraising benefit for Appalachia Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday,

• A barbeque fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Waynesville Elks Lodge #1769. Live music, homemade bake sale, children’s games and activities are onsite. BBQ plates are $8. All proceeds support local and regional charities through the lodge’s ENF Fund. 828.456.4355 (after 2:30 p.m.).

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Smoky Mountain News

June 22, at the farm in Canton.

ASAP is a nonprofit organization that aims to help local farms thrive and link farmers to markets and supporters, ultimately building healthy communities. The menu will include Sunburst trout, as well as produce, beef and craft beer from Haywood County. Tickets are $75 per person or $650 for a table of 10. www.asapconnection.org, www.sunbursttrout.com or scott@asapconnections.org.

FAN APPRECIATION E VENT

June 19-25, 2013

It was the reason I came A couple to the South. dancing at Situated in the LEAF southeastern corner of Festival in Tennessee, the city of Black Chattanooga is a rapidly Mountain. growing, bustling hub of culture and commerce in Garret K. Woodward Southern Appalachia. Like photo Asheville, both cities went through hard times following the end of their manufacturing eras. Each became stagnant, searching for an identity that eventually evolved into prosperous havens for artists, musicians, chefs, craft brewers, etc.

This past Saturday, I wandered back to Chattanooga to visit a couple of old friends, who are now married and reside in the city. In the midst of the enormous Riverbend Festival, featuring national music acts and an array of activities, we strolled downtown and soaked in all its glory, as well as the usual blanket of humidity draped over the city.

I first visited Chattanooga when the couple moved there in 2009. We all met each other when I was a reporter way out on the Idaho/Wyoming state line in 2008, surrounded by the majestic Grand Teton mountain range. At the time, besides a handful of family trips and one jaunt to

This past weekend was the first time I’d been back down to Chattanooga since I relocated to Western North Carolina almost a year ago. Yes, the city was just as I remembered it – delicious food, great beer and cute girls. But, something was different this time. That something became the words coming from my mouth.

I found myself excitedly chatting with my friends not about Chattanooga, but about how wild and wondrous Western North Carolina truly is.

Have you listened to the incredible bluegrass group 1980s rock-n-roll legend Billy Idol hits the Balsam Range? You ever taste stage at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center on Nantahala Brewing Company’s June 21.

“Noon Day IPA”? Ever take your mountain bike to the Tsali A faculty artist reception for the Cullowhee Recreation Area or behind Mountain ARTS programs will be displayed on Western Carolina University?

June 20 in the Fine Art Museum at Western Are you going to see The Black Carolina University.

Crowes at Harrah’s Cherokee?

The questions and Bluegrass group Balsam Range headlines excitement kept going to the PlottFest on June 22-23 at the Maggie Valley point where my friends are now Festival Grounds. already planning a trip up to visit me. Headed back to Sunburst Trout Farms presents the “Summer Haywood County, a smile rolled Solstice Soiree” on June 22 in Canton. across my face as I drifted down Highway 74, along the fastmoving Ocoee River and up The Big Nasty Jazz Band plays the Central through the heart of Western Plaza at Western Carolina University on North Carolina. I was home, June 20. and I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in whatever else this incredible area has to offer.

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

I was sold. Each subsequent time I would visit Chattanooga, I became more and more engrossed with the idea of living below the Mason-Dixon Line. I decided to apply for every job I could that was in, around or near the city.

This soon led to the acceptance of my current position at The Smoky Mountain News.

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arts & entertainment

On the beat • Singer/songwriter Gary Lee Wingard and Americana group The Fine Lost Lines play City Lights Café in Sylva. A former military soldier, Wingard travels around the county with his unique style of acoustic melodies and will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, June 21. Based out of Nashville, The Fine Lost Lines will debut their latest album at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, which brings together country, folk, rock and R&B in their own unique style. Both shows are free and open to the public. 828.587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com or www.reverbnation.com/finelostlines.

Vinyl Brothers play Concerts on the Creek

• Washington D.C. blues guitarist Lenny Burridge will play at 8 p.m.

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

• The Elderly Brothers come to Pickin’ on the Square at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 22, at the lower level town hall in Franklin. The duo specializes in beach melodies and other oldies selections. At 6:30 p.m. the stage is opened up for anyone wanting to play a few songs. The event is free and open to the public. 828.524.2516 or www.franklinnc.com/pickin.

The Vinyl Brothers Big Band plays Sylva on June 21. Donated photo • The Big Nasty Jazz Band hits the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20, in the Central Plaza at Western Carolina University. The Asheville group offers a unique jazz experience that brings back the timeless music of the 1920s and 1930s. The concert series is free and open to the public. ledavis@wcu.edu or 828.227.3622.

ALSO:

Smoky Mountain News

June 19-25, 2013

• The Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet performs on Wednesday, June 26, at the Zachary-Tolbert House in Cashiers. The performance is presented by the Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and the Cashiers Historical Society. 828.526.9060 or www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org.

• Acoustic guitarist Ben Wilson and jazz guitarist Kevin Lorenz will be performing at the Classic Wine Seller in Waynesville. Wilson hits the stage on June 21, while Lorenz is on June 22. Wilson specializes in musical tributes to The Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet. Lorenz is a talented 12-string, jazz and classical guitarist who plays pop, ragtime, bossa nova and Irish melodies. Both performances are free with food and beverages available for purchase. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• The Music in the Mountains concert series continues at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 22, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City. The free concert series brings together local residents, visitors and musicians for an evening of melodies and mountains. The series is sponsored by the Swain County Chamber of Commerce and the Swain County Tourism Development Authority. www.greatsmokies.com.

• The Blue Ridge Music Band will perform as part of the Friday Night Live concert series from 6 to 8 p.m. June 21 at the Highlands Town Square. The band features covers of classic rock and country songs.

The series is free and open to the public. www.highlandschamber.org or 828.524.5841.

• The Caribbean Cowboys play the Groovin’ on the Green concert series at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, at the Village Commons in Cashiers. The group specializes in classic rock/pop/beach melodies. The series is sponsored by the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association. The event is free and open to the public. www.cashiersvalley.com.

• Americana musician Craig Summers and singer/songwriter Jon Martin tap into Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville. Summers hits the stage on June 21, while Martin plays June 22. There is no cover charge for the performance. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Southbound Turnaround plays the Saturdays on Pine concert series at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Pine Street Park in Highlands. The groups specializes in original classics, which echo the sounds of Conway Twitty, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. The series is free and open to the public. www.facebook.com/pages/southbound-turnaround.

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Francis mill receives recognition, holds open house The Trantham Family will perform from 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 23, at an open house for the recently restored Francis Grist Mill in Waynesville.

The mill was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its contributions to the history of Francis Cove and Waynesville.

Built in 1887 by William Francis, the Francis Grist Mill has served as a focal point of the rural community for more than 100 years. A concerted effort by volunteers, led by the Francis Mill Preservation Society (FMPS) with assistance from Adventures in Preservation, has been responsible for the mill’s restoration. Close to collapse in 2004, the mill is now fully functional and open to school groups and others as an educational resource.

Funding for the mill’s restoration was provided by the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills (SPOOM), the James G. K. M c C l u r e Foundation, the Society for Industrial Archaeology, the Terence L. Mills Preservation Fund for North and South Carolina, the The Trantham Family plays the Haywood County Francis Grist Mill open house on Community June 23 in Waynesville. Donated photo Foundation, the Steele Reese Foundation, the Janirve Foundation, the Bethel Rural Community Organization, MAST General Store, and the Francis Cove and Waynesville communities. Other contributors were the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the Francis Mill Preservation Society, the Bethel Rural Community Organization, Haywood County Historical

With a robust horn section in tow, The Vinyl Brothers Big Band makes a return trip to the Concerts on the Creek series at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, June 21, at Bridge Park in Sylva.

The 10-member Asheville band plays hits from the late 1960s to early 80s—a time when vinyl records were king. A centerpiece of their shows is a high-energy, five-piece brass section.

The group performs classic songs that are still played nowadays, but rarely in their original composition backed by horns. Concert goers can expect a set list of familiar tunes from Chicago, Wild Cherry, Stevie Wonder, Wilson Pickett, The Commodores, and Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Concerts on the Creek is produced by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce, Town of Sylva, and Jackson County Parks and Recreation.

800.962.1911 or www.mountainlovers.com.

and Genealogy Society, MAST General Store. Clay Griffith of Acme Preservation Services of Asheville, and Patrick Willis, a friend of the mill, prepared the nomination.

828.456.6307 or tanna@francismill.org.

The Enso String Quartet plays the Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival on June 23 and 30 in Waynesville.

Donated photo

Chamber music festival opens at HART

The 19th annual Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

From June 23 through July 21, this five-concert series will showcase world-class musicians performing a variety of chamber music works. Swannanoa Chamber Players are featured throughout the five-week festival along with two award-winning quartets: the Enso String Quartet on June 23 and 30, and the Jasper Quartet on July 7 and 14.

The July 21 concert will feature an all-wind symphony.

Tickets are available at the Haywood County Arts Council and the HART Theatre box office, in Waynesville. Season tickets may be purchased for $75, with individual tickets for $20 per person. A complimentary guest ticket for a concert of choice is included with each season ticket purchase. Students 25 years old and under are admitted free of charge with valid student ID. The festival is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

828.452.0593 or www.haywoodarts.org or www.swannanoachambermusic.com.

On the beat

Hear a DJ set by The Crystal Method

Billy Idol hits the stage at Harrah’s Cherokee on June 21. Donated photo

Billy Idol rocks Harrah’s

Rock-n-roll legend Billy Idol performs at 9 p.m. Friday, June 21, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center.

Idol remains crucial to rock ‘n’ roll. His style, charm, charisma and bravado transcend trends and time. Known for renowned hits “Rebel Yell”, “Mony Mony” and “White Wedding,” the aura that Idol has created over these past few decades is impressive. Idol is respected as the original punk rocker who long ago found a way to take that sneering punk attitude into the pop and rock mainstream.

Tickets are $35 and up. The event is for

Electronic gurus The Crystal Method will hold a special DJ set at 9 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center.

As part of the “Cherokee After Dark” series, the event center is transformed into an upscale nightclub. Ever since they started making their first singles in the mid-1990s out of the Bomb Americana group Mary Johnson Rockers and the Shelter (their congested home studio in Spark performs at farm worker benefit June 22, in Los Angeles), Ken Jordan and Scott Sylva on June 22. Donated photo Kirkland of The Crystal Method have been forerunners of the electronic music revolution in America.

House and Bistro in Sylva.

The performance is free and open to the A farm worker health program, Vecinos is a public ages 21 and over. nonprofit organization that provides free www.ticketmaster.com or www.thecrys- mobile medical outreach, case management talmethod.com. and health education to farm workers and their families in Western North Carolina. Durhambased Americana group Mary Johnson Rockers and the Spark will perform at 6:30 p.m. at the outdoor stage. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase on site, with a portion of A benefit for Vecinos will be at noon every sale going to Vecinos.

828.586.1717 or www.soulinfusion.com.

Saturday, June 22, at the Soul Infusion Tea

Farm worker fundraiser, music at Soul Infusion

Showcasing the Plott hound and local music, PlottFest is set for June 2223 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. The festival opens at 9 a.m.

Saturday and noon on Sunday.

The official state dog of North Carolina, the Plott hound is native to Haywood County. There will be an American Plott Association-sponsored bench show and National Plott Hound Association-sponsored kid’s bench show. Live music will be provided by Balsam Range, Darren Nicholson Band, Eddie Rose & Highway 40, Mark Bumgarner, Mark Winchester Trio, The Primitive Quartet, Ila Knight, Anita & Luis Diaz, Timbre Fox, and Sam Lewis.

The Ghost Town Gunfighters will perform. Food and craft vendors will be on-site.

Tickets are $15 for Saturday, $10 for Sunday or $20 for a weekend pass.

A full schedule of events can be found in the Outdoors section of this week’s Smoky Mountain News. www.plottfest.org.

June 19-25, 2013

One thought, one decision, one action... that’s all it takes to make a change.

arts & entertainment

PlottFest returns to Maggie Valley

people ages 21 and older. www.ticketmaster.com or www.billyidol.net.

Make it! Enroll at HCC today.

Fall semester begins August 15.

828-627-4500 Visit us on the web at

www.haywood.edu

REGISTRATION: June 10 thru July 18 by appointment (closed on Fridays)

Smoky Mountain News

Call today!

Education Changes Everything.

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arts & entertainment

On the wall • A “Fiber Arts – Quilting” course will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24-28 at The Bascom in Highlands. The course covers dye, design and construction. Learn the the steps involved in making a contemporary quilted wall hanging. Cost is $340 or $375 per person. 828.526.4949 or www.thebascom.org.

• “Ceramics Inspired by Nature” will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 24-28 at The Bascom in Highlands. The five-day hands on workshop focuses on slab construction techniques and kohiki slip decorating. Cost is $400 or $435 per person.

828.526.4949 or www.thebascom.org.

ALSO:

• “The Painted Mind” course runs from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 22, at The Bascom in Highlands. Create drawings and paintings start from memory and imagination. For children ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $20 or $25 per child. 828.526.4949 or www.thebascom.org.

• A “Robot Connection” workshop will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at The Bascom in Highlands. In this two-day course, children will compare roles of androids and robots in movies, cartoons and books by using various materials to create the robots. The workshop is for ages 4 to 8. Cost is $50. 828.526.4949 or www.thebascom.org.

Open call for art in Bryson City

Admission is $4 per person, with children free. www.mountainartisans.net or 828.524.3405.

Local artists and artisans in Swain and surrounding counties are invited to submit up to four original works of art for the annual community art exhibit at Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City.

Artwork for this nine-week exhibit will be received in the lobby of the Center for the Arts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, or earlier by appointment. No artwork can be accepted after July 24. All artwork submitted must be available for display through the end of September and can be priced to sell.

Original, handcrafted artwork can be done in any medium of any appropriate subject. If artwork is sold as a result of this exhibit, it is asked that you agree to donate ten percent to the ongoing programs and exhibits at Swain County Center for the Arts.

828.488.7843 or www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.

Handmade crafts come to Cullowhee Mountain Artisans’ Summertime Arts & Crafts Show will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 29-30, in the Ramsey Center at Western Carolina University.

Shoppers looking for the handwork of

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Highlands hosts abstract art exhibit

Work by folk artists Tim and Karen Chambers will be among the art displayed in Cullowhee June 29-30. Donated photo American craftsmen flock to this show each year, browsing original designs from the hands of more than 100 regional and local artisans. Live demonstrations include a broom maker, basket weaver and dulcimer playing. Singer/songwriter Ronnie Evans will provide live music throughout the day. Food vendors will be on-site.

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

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

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

In conjunction with this exhibition, Steve Aimone, who brought the artists together, will give a lecture at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Center for Life Enrichment (CLE) in Highlands.

“The Spiritual Language of Art: Understanding Nonobjective Painting,” is $15 for CLE and Bascom members and $20 for non-members.

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

June 19-25, 2013

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p U m Gla

The 2nd Annual

Smoky Mountain News

Blue Ridge Mountains Arts & Craft Show

Your Summer With

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JUNE 22 & 23 9 A.M.-5 P.M. ———————————————————————————————————

50+ Crafters, All indoors All handmade crafts • Food available No admission charge • Free parking ———————————————————————————————————

HAYWOOD COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS HWY. 209 • LAKE JUNALUSKA, NC Directions: From I-40 take Exit 24; Go South on Hwy 209. 3.7 miles on left.

From Hwy 19/23 take Exit 104; Go North on Hwy 209 1 mile on right.

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Flip Flops

For more information, visit bracaorg.com.

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Special Occasions and everyday fashions.

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BY B ECKY JOHNSON

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the fabulous trails and exhibits of this national forest recreation site. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 16. It is just four miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway, south on U.S. 276.

For some indoor down time, free kids’ movies are back for the summer at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m., Smoky Mountain Cinema shows a second-run family movie with free admission, obviously hoping to make their money off concessions in exchange. Check their Facebook site or call 828.452.9091 for each week’s movie.

Free family movies are also shown weekly at the library in Bryson City at 3:30 p.m. every Tuesday during the summer. Call 828.488.3030 for the movie of the week.

Libraries, in general, are a great stomping ground in the summer with numerous special programs to keep kids tuned in and turned on — even those hard to crack teens. The Bryson City library is hosting a Henna Art program for teens at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, where they can get their own Henna tats.

Then head over to the Sylva library to make Snake Knot bracelets — those cool, unisex, thick rope bracelets — during teen craft hour at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 25.

And don’t miss a free show by Blue Moon Puppets on Wednesday, June 26 — held at 10:30 a.m. at the Waynesville library and at 2:30 p.m. at the Canton library. The professional puppet troupe from Charlotte will do a show that encompasses short renditions of three fairy tales with a modern twist, like Princess and the Pea with a “rapper” for a prince. Come early to get a seat.

On the stage

Testing is available to see if your child can qualify —

Begin your prescreening by calling 828.586.5555

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SYLVA CLINICAL 70 Westcare Dr. Suite 402 • Sylva

child, adult and family psychology

THE CLASSIC

Presents

JUNE 29TH, JULY 6TH, JULY 13TH, JULY 20TH

JUNE 29 Michael Jefry Stevens, piano Zack Page, bass Rick Dilling, drums

JULY 6 Michael Jefry Stevens, piano Mike Holstein, bass Sonny Thornton, drums

June 19-25, 2013

e have lots of bug barns in our house: from the old-fashioned Mason jar with holes punched in the lid to a new-fangled, plastic-domed “ladybug playground” with tiny slides and such.

I wager in most families bug barns are relegated to the backyard. Ours, however, take up residence on the kitchen table, with up to four bug barns simultaneously occupied by caterpillars, ants, moths, beetles and even spiders.

My husband calls our collection of bug barns “bug execution chambers,” and I’ll admit very few get released back into the wild alive. But it’s a small price to instill a life-long love for nature. Bugs are an excellent entry point to engage kids in the natural world.

They wiggle, crawl and fly. You can catch them and hold them. They actually do stuff.

Besides, these poor bugs are the closest thing my kids have to pets. My daughter proudly and unabashedly drew an ant on her “All About Me” preschool poster in the space designated for your family pet. Recently, an earthworm lived on the bathroom counter in a bowl of dirt for a good two-week run, getting spritzed down nightly.

Jump on the bug bandwagon this Saturday (June 22) during “Bug Day” at the Cradle of Forestry. Naturalists lead bug hunts and bug walks, both on forest trails and around the edge of a pond, with plenty of nets and magnifying glasses to go around for all.

There are bug crafts, science talks on bugs, and a bee colony will be on display, along with other bug stations.

Take a lunch and make a day of visiting

Do you have a child who doesn’t meet the cutoff date to start Kindergarten and you think they are ready?

arts & entertainment

Mountain momma

Early Kindergarten Admission??

JULY 13

Open call for actors at Highlands Playhouse

A dance benefit for REACH of Haywood will be at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Hosted by The RaqShuraka Dance Company, the event will feature swing, belly dance, clogging, rumba, musical theater, Egyptian folkloric, and tap dance. Participants include The RaqShuraka Dance Company, Raqs Beledi Bellydance Studio, Rex and Debra Hodge, Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy, Logan Labbe, Body Lyrics Belly Dance, with Michael Beadle as the master of ceremonies.

REACH of Haywood County is a non-profit organization that provides emergency services to any person who has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault or elder abuse.

Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased by calling REACH at 828.456.7898.

828.337.4402 or meaghann.lynne@gmail.com or www.waynesvillebellydance.com.

Auditions for the Highlands Cashiers Players summer play, “Almost Maine,” will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23, and 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, at the Highlands Playhouse.

This popular new romantic comedy, set in a small fictional town in northern Maine, has been produced by theaters all around the country. It contains 17 episodes. There are parts for 12 or more actors, ranging in age from late teens to men and women in their 50s. The players encourage both experienced and new actors to attend the auditions.

The performance dates for “Almost, Maine” are Aug. 23-25 and Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

Rehearsals will begin July 8. Scripts may be read in the Hudson Library in Highlands, the Cashiers Library, the Macon County Library in Franklin, and online.

828.526.4904 or www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

Byron Hedgepeth, vibraphone Michael Jefry Stevens, piano

JULY 20 Wendy Jones, vocals Michael Jefry Stevens, piano

Tickets are $39.99 per person for one festival date.

Ticket price includes concert & four course dinner. Purchase tickets for two or more festival dates and receive $5 off each ticket.

All shows start at 7 p.m.

Smoky Mountain News

Dance showcased at REACH fundraiser

828.452.6000 • info@classicwineseller.com Limited Seating • Reservations Required

20 Church Street | Downtown Waynesville

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

The power of books to change lives ere are the true stories of some young people, all of them still under the age of 35. For the sake of anonymity, we will call the young people Lisa and Mike, Kevin and Laura, Patrick and Emily, and Michael (unmarried).

After Lisa, age 21, married Mike, husband and wife began listening to Dave Ramsey’s radio show on personal finance. Ramsey’s ideas led them to purchase a copy of his The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness. Having determined that his advice made a great deal of sense, they put into practice some of his precepts. By working hard and spending litWriter tle, they paid off all their debts, including a student loan, within three years and began saving money for a house. By the time Lisa was 28, she and her husband were parents of five small children and were living in a twobedroom house in Virginia paying a mortgage of less than $250 per month. They are now looking for a larger house with plans to rent out the smaller one. Looking down the road, they hope to continue to buy houses to rent to others and so add to their growing income.

When asked, Lisa and Mike credit the books of Dave Ramsey for their initial inspiration and success.

While on vacation in Emerald Isle, Kevin, age 26 and two years out of law school, read Michael Gerber’s The E Myth: Why Most Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It. The book did more than strike a chord with this young man; it excited his imagination to all kinds of possibilities regarding his law practice. Until then, he had worked for a year as an independent attorney sharing an office with a well-established and older colleague. Within a year of that coastal

Jeff Minick

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trip, and with the support of Laura, Kevin had rented a large office of his own on a busy downtown street, hired two attorneys to work with him there and a third attorney to work in an office near Charlotte, and employed nine other people in various capacities, including a

“Life-transforming ideas me through books.”

WNC young writers win awards As part of “Love Your Library” week, the awards for the “If I Were A Book” writing contest will be presented at 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 27, at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library.

A writing contest for middle schoolers in the Cashiers and Highlands area, 75 students submitted entries, about half prose and half poetry. The judges Ben Eller, Joyce Foster, Eva Hansen, Charlene Homolka and Deanna Klingel had a difficult time selecting winners from the numerous entries, but they did choose the following: Prose - First place, Emma Carter, Summit Charter School; Second place, Raina Sharon Trent, home school; Third place, Sally Bloom, Summit; Honorable mentions, Noah Maxwell, Blue Ridge School and Wesley Hedden, Highlands School. Poetry - First place, Micah Buchanan, Blue Ridge; Second place, Rylie Talmadge,

capable and wise interpreter for his Hispanic clients. When asked how this expansion occurred in less than a year’s time, Kevin gives a good deal of the credit to the lessons he learned from The E-Myth.

Recently married to Emily, Patrick took on a new job in computer software just outside of Washington, D.C. Aware of the stresses of his new circumstances, and looking for a guide to his interior life, Patrick picked up a copy of Josemaria Escriva’s The Way. A Spanish priest, founder of the Catholic religious order Opus Dei, and proclaimed a saint by Pope John Paul II, Escriva constantly reminded his followers of the sanctity of work and to carry their faith into the everyday world.

The Way, his best-known book, is a collection of short reflections aimed at the hearts and minds of those with little spare time. always have come to Typical of these pithy exhortations is this pas— Bell Hooks sage: “#4: Don’t

Summit; Third place, Ryan Houser, Highlands; Honorable mention, Abigail Taylor Gilbert, Highlands.

The Friends of the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library and the Cashiers Writers Group sponsored the contest.

Trio of Haywood County Poets to read at Blue Ridge Books You might think of them as “the Brothers Grin.” Fellow poets Michael Beadle, William Everett and Charley Pearson will perform original verse of wit and wordplay at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. The event will offer a variety of poetry styles from ballads and playful rhymes to an abecedarium (using all the letters of the alphabet), and the experimental French Oulipo form.

Beadle, an award-winning poet, touring writer-in-residence, and

say, ‘That’s the way I am — it’s my character.’

It’s your lack of character. Esto vir!—Be a man!” Patrick looks to this book daily for guidance and strength, and credits Escriva’s words for making him a better husband and worker.

At age 18, Michael is in his first year of college. While recently spending time on the coast with his family, he undertook to cook two meals — one for 20 visitors and another for a crew of 13. To assist him in his endeavor, he turned to Tim Ferris’ The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life. At the first feast Michael delivered a three-course meal; at the second he prepared a shrimp and feta cheese tomato soup that drew high praise from all the guests. He has also read from Ferris’s The 4-Hour Work Week and The 4Hour Body, and regards them as tools for building the dreams of his future. Michael credits Farris not only for his culinary success, but also for giving him a more adventurous outlook on life and its possibilities.

Books, as Bell Hooks writes above, have the power to transform our lives. These young people connected with the vision of another human through the pages of a book. That book, that vision, spoke to them, inspired them, and brought from them the willpower to take the ideas from the book and bring them into the reality of their own lives.

Such is the power of the book. Everyday thousands of readers take up a book and find themselves inspired, enlightened, buoyed up, consoled. Whether in print or electronic, books can teach us how to repair a fan, buy a home, set up a business, cook fine meals, find comfort in the face of sickness or death, survive a bout with cancer. To understand this transformative power, to grasp the idea that a collection of symbols printed by one human being on a white page can speak to the heart and mind of another, is to understand the power of language and the magic of the human imagination.

local history author, will be reading and performing from his latest poetry collection, Invitation. The book offers a mix of SLAM poems, parodies and amusing verse. Beadle regularly performs poetry at schools, festivals and special events around the state, including summer evenings at Cataloochee Ranch and 4th of July and Christmas celebrations in downtown Waynesville.

Joining in Beadle’s book release will be William Everett and Charley Pearson. Everett, a retired Christian ethics scholar, novelist and poet, recently produced his first collection of poems called Turnings. Charley Pearson, a retired nuclear engineer with the U.S. Navy, writes fiction and entertaining ballads – a few of which he will recite. Pearson is also president of the Mountain Writers literary group, which provides support, critiques, and writing contests for Haywood County writers.

Books will be available for sale after the reading.

828.456.6000.

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Owenby to discuss novel

WNC writer releases latest mystery

Workshop on nature writing in Highlands

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Smoky Mountain News

A workshop focusing on Appalachia nature literature and telling stories of science through creative mediums will be held July 1-5 at the Highlands Biological Station.

“Literary Journeys through the Western North Carolina Landscape: An Exploration in Cultural and Natural History through Fiction, Non-fiction, and Poetry,” will be led by Brent Martin of The Wilderness Society. It will introduce the participant to the rich literature of the Appalachian landscape in Western North Carolina, and explore the role of landscape within the literary arts. The week includes afternoon field trips with authors and will be an interesting way to learn and experience the local mountains.

Course fee is $150. It can also be taken for one graduate credit (BIOL) through Western Carolina University, which is $85 plus a one-time $50 application fee or 3 CEUs. www.highlandsbiological.org/summer-2013.

What’s the best way to advertise your business?

June 19-25, 2013

Macon County author Morgan James previewed her recently released book, Sing Me An Old Song, at the Blue Ridge BookFest in Hendersonville.

The contemporary novel is set in Atlanta during the bootleg whiskey days of the 1930s, and during the spring of 1996. It stars a very Southern ghost, Mavis Banks Book, and according to the narrative on the cover, tells the story of four characters that are offered a last chance at happiness. This is James’ third novel. The first two are part of the Promise McNeal mystery series and have been reviewed as, “everything a Southern mystery should be.”

Q:

books

Local author Roy Owenby will present a talk about his novel, The Owl Knows, at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, June 25, at the Jackson County Public Library Complex in Sylva.

An Appalachian Trail mystery set in Macon County, the novel is about two female teachers hiking the trail, where one is murdered and the other mysteriously disappears. The plot thickens as local law enforcement, aided by the FBI, begin to unravel the mystery.

Owenby is a featured writer for the Burningtown News, an online newspaper. He has written more than 200 short stories, many of which will be featured in an upcoming book titled Taters, Corn Shellers and Lard Buckets, a caricature of Southern Appalachian life.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. It is free and open to the public.

828.586.2016.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Festival puts spotlight on Haywood-bred Plott hound

BY ANDREW KASPER • STAFF WRITER

This year’s PlottFest will give hound enthusiasts from the region, across the country and around the globe a chance to celebrate their favorite breed of dog in its ancestral home.

Although the fledgling festival, only in its second year, will showcase a wide variety of mountain music, fishing and other events, this year, organizers have decided to place an emphasis on the pride of Haywood: the Plott hound, which has been deemed the state dog of North Carolina.

The result is a full lineup of Plott hound events, from raccoon and bear treeing contests to a bench competition comparing the canine competitors’ statures, weights, muscle definition and overall physique. Two national Plott hound organizations — the American Plott Association and the National Plott Hound Association — have even been brought in to help organize the dog show.

While only a handful of Plott hounds made appearances at last year’s festival, event organizer Kevin Duckett said that with increased publicity and the help of the Plott enthusiasts, he expects there to be a lot more dogs this time around. Much of the appeal comes with the county’s history as the virtual birthplace of the breed.

“To these guys that own these Plotts, it’s almost a mystical creature,” he said. “This thing, I think, is going to grow into something bigger than we’ve ever expected.”

Having a festival celebrating the Plott hound in Haywood County was a natural fit, and it even surprised Duckett that it hadn’t been done before. The dog carries the name of the local Plott family, who made the breed famous for its abilities to track and hunt without end.

Duckett found an affinity for the hounds while caring for the eight Plott puppies of a cousin while he was away on a work trip. He said he was impressed by their grittiness and loyalty, even at the juvenile age of eight weeks.

Though not a hunting enthusiast himself, Duckett was so enamored with the dogs he started thinking about a way to celebrate the hunting heritage in the region. Throw in some mountain music, some fly fishing and a charitable cause — the proceeds are donated to Haywood and Jackson counties Head Start programs — and you’ve got Plott Fest.

“There are stories about these dogs that go back 400 years,” Duckett said. “I thought, if we could do a festival that has music and the dogs and we could turn the proceeds over to charity, everybody is going to win.”

And because the breed has since grown popular far beyond the confines of Western

A Plott hound in Maggie Valley in 1971. The breed has been a staple of the region since first brought from Germany in the 1700s.

Want to go?

PlottFest will be at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds on June 22-23. The festival opens at 9 a.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday. Dog competitions, live music, food and craft vendors will also be onsite. Tickets are $15 for Saturday, $10 for Sunday or $20 for a weekend pass. www.plottfest.org.

American Plott Association and National Plott Hound Association events: Saturday 9:30 a.m. – Dog Bear Bay 10:30 a.m. – Dog Bear Bay Noon – Bear Treeing Contest 12:30 p.m. – Plott Youth Bench Show 1:30 p.m. – Sanctioned Bench Show 2:15 p.m. – Coon Treeing Contest Sunday 1 p.m. – Kid’s fly fishing catch clinic Music Schedule: Saturday 10 a.m. – Timbre Fox 11 a.m. – Mark Bumgarner Noon – Sam Lewis 1 p.m. – Ghost Town Gunfighters 1:15 p.m. – Balsam Range 2 p.m. – Eddie Rose & Highway 40 3 p.m. – Darren Nicholson Band 4:15 p.m. – Mark Winchester Trio 5:45 p.m. – Balsam Range Sunday 1 p.m. – Anita & Luis Diaz 1:45 p.m. – Danielle Bishop 2:15 p.m. – Eddie Rose & Highway 40 3:15 p.m. – Ila Knight 4 p.m. – The Primitive Quartet 5 p.m. – Balsam Range

North Carolina, it is one of the most beloved and common hounds for hunting. David Williams, president of the American Plott Association, said in the hunting world there is really no rival.

Once, Williams’ two Plott hounds kept guard underneath a treed bear in the dead of winter for 23 hours before the hunting party caught up with them to finish the hunt. Last week, his determined dogs tracked a wild hog 15 miles on a hunt in South Carolina. Those stories are not particularly out of the ordinary for Plott owners, Williams said.

“And that’s not saying mine are better than the next guys, that’s just one example of the heart in the Plott breed,” he said. “There’s not a better breed.”

Furthermore, Plott owners are some of the most enthusiastic about their dogs. Williams

said the organization’s past Plott competitions have drawn more than 1,000 dogs plus their owners. He said there is already a buzz among the association’s approximately 1,000-person membership for the upcoming PlottFest in Haywood County.

The festival will have several events for dog owners to pit their Plotts against the next. The competitions include a barking contest to determine which dog can bark the most in a short span of time at a scented bear hide; and in a similar event, a raccoon hide, hoisted into a tree by a pulley system.

The other hunting-related event is called a baying competition and dogs are judges based on the aggressiveness, bark speed and attentiveness they demonstrate toward a scented bear hide on the ground. Well-proportioned Plott hounds will also be on display in an old-

“There are stories about these dogs that go back 400 years. I thought, if we could do a festival that has music and the dogs and we could turn the proceeds over to charity, everybody is going to win.”

— Kevin Ducket, Plottfest organizer

style dog show.

Dog owners from as far away from Germany and northern Wisconsin have already committed to attend. Organizers like Williams are hoping visiting Plott owners take time not only to attend the festival, but also to explore the historical stomping grounds of their dogs.

“At other events, some people come just for the competition aspect,” he said. “But everybody is really excited about Plott Fest to pay tribute to Plott family and their dogs.”

If they do come to WNC, the Plott enthusiasts will have a chance to meet up with hound expert Bob Plott, one of the descendants of Johannes Plott — who brought five of the dogs that would come to be known as Plott hounds from Germany to WNC in the 1700s.

Bob has written books and articles on the history of the breed and how it evolved from a local legend to the official dog of North Carolina. Over the years, the Plott hound has demanded the attention and acclaim from the likes of Appalachian writer Horace Kephart and Raymond Camp, the first regular outdoors writer for The New York Times.

S EE PLOTTFEST, PAGE 36

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

A milkweed by any other name

Butterfly weed generally grows from 1 to 3 feet tall. The flowers are produced terminally in a kind of flat inflorescence called a cyme. There could be as many as 15 individual flowers in a cyme. The unique flowers consist of five petals pointing down (reflexed) and five hoods pointing up. The flowers can range in color from a washed yellow to almost red. Mine are a deep orange.

The genus Asclepias comes from the Greek god of medicine Asklepios, while the species name tuberosa refers to the tuberous roots. The genus has many medicinal properties and A. tuberosa was used by Native Americans to treat pleurisy and

Batter up ladies and gentlemen.

The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will offer a co-ed softball league this summer. There will be an organizational meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

The meeting is mandatory for all team representatives interested in entering a team in the league. Teams are asked to bring a $100 non-refundable cash deposit to secure a team spot in the league.

The final entry fee will depend on the number of teams in the league.

The season will begin on Tuesday, July 9. Games will be played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at Vance Street Park in Waynesville.

828.456.2030 or recathletics@townofwaynesville.org

Dillsboro to host water rescue conference Paddlers and water enthusiasts will have a chance to learn the ins and outs of swift water rescue at an upcoming conference.

The American Canoe Association is offering a full lineup of expert speakers to address all aspects of whitewater rescue for paddle sports. The conference will be held Oct. 25-27 in Dillsboro along the Tuckasegee River at the Dillsboro River Company and Barker’s Creek Community Center. The conference will include on-water sessions for paddlers of all experience levels, expert speakers, educational sessions for fire and rescue personnel, safety and rescue instructor updates and more. Registration is $150 and can be done online. The association is one of the leading organizations for water sports safety and education. www.americancanoe.org

Do you have questions about Medicare? Need help paying for your Medicare prescription drugs?

June 19-25, 2013

SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, may be able to help!

Visit SHIIP at the Senior Resource Center at 81 Elmwood Way in Waynesville.

For more information, call 828-356-2833.

Smoky Mountain News

Every year as summer approaches and the days begin to heat up, I marvel at the beautiful orange explosion that protrudes from an unkempt patch of daylilies and Queen Anne’s lace that was once (BC – before children) a more kempt flowerbed.

The butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) that produces that orange glow is a rescue from years ago when I worked for a landscaping company. I came home one day with a single stalk with hardly any root ball leaning over in a small container. I quickly plopped in the nearest open spot not sure if it would respond or not. The fact that it is not only still there but has, in fact, muscled out a little larger space attests to its tenacity.

This tough, native wildflower adds splashes of color to gardens and landscapes from eastern Canada to Florida, west to the Great Lake States, across the prairies of the west and southwest on to Silvery checkerspot nectaring on butterfly weed.

California. There Don Hendershot photo is a little square in the northwestern other pulmonary conditions leading to part of the U.S. that dips down to include another common name “pleurisy root.”

Nevada where butterfly weed is absent.

Asclepias tuberosa is in the milkweed It grows throughout North Carolina but family, Asclepiadaceae and like most milkmay be more common in the piedmont and weeds serves as a host for monarch buttercoastal plain than it is in the mountains. It flies. It differs from most milkweed by the does, however, occur in the mountains. It is color of its flowers, yellow to orange-red; found on drier sites in open fields, along most milkweed flowers range from greenish roadsides and in woodland margins. white to rose; by the fact it has alternate These tough, colorful, drought resistant leaves where most milkweed has opposite plants are a great addition to any wildflower or whorled leaves; and by the fact that its garden. The flowers are long lasting, startsap is watery and translucent rather than ing in late spring and lasting well into sumdense and milky. mer. Their drought resistance makes them The literature says it can be propagated ideal for xeriscaping and butterflies and pretty easily from seeds and every spring hummingbirds love ‘em. In fact, it was butwhen I see it bloom I think, “I’ll collect terfly activity that drew my attention to the some seeds this fall.” And then every fall I butterfly weed. watch the large milkweed seedpods rip The flowering area on the clump of open and see the wind carry the seeds off Asclepias in my yard is around 1.5 feet in attached to billowy silken threads. Ah, but diameter. I counted eight butterflies nectarthere’s always THIS fall, right? ing on this clump at one time. There were (Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He four pipevine swallowtails and four great can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.) spangled fritillaries.

Co-ed softball league starting in Waynesville outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

33

outdoors June 19-25, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

Birders invited for a guided tour

Several trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park have been closed due to extensive damage from wind and rain.

Gabes Mountain Trail and Snake Den Ridge Trail in Cosby, and Baxter Creek Trail and Big Creek in Big Creek have been closed due to scores of downed trees. The trails are

Two local conversancy groups will host a joint outing to find and identify birds on a conservation tract south of Highlands.

Participants will meet at 7:30 a.m.

Saturday, June 22, at Sweetwater Farm near Sassafras Gap, one of the first conservation

Insects invade Cradle of Forestry

easements completed by the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust. The trust and Highlands Plateau Audubon Society will co-host the event.

The guided tour will be led by a number of experienced birders.

Sweetwater Farm contains more than 80 acres of forest, meadow and creek habitats.

These varied habitats plus Sweetwater Farm’s location make it an ideal birding site.

Numerous songbirds, including hooded warblers, have been seen on the property, along with pileated woodpeckers and belted kingfishers. Turkeys are commonly seen in the mead-

The Cradle of Forestry in America is hosting an event for all ages to learn about insects, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the grounds’ Discovery Center.

The educational event commemorates National Pollinator Week and the day is chockfull of activities. The pond explorations will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Bug hunts will begin at noon and 2:30 p.m. A guided walk called “Mysteries on Leaves” will start at 11:30 a.m. and feature discussions about galls and other plant and insect interrelationships.

There will be games and crafts throughout the day. Visitors can also learn about monarch butterfly caterpillars and their life cycles. Local beekeepers will have their observation hive containing thousands honeybees on display from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $ for adults and free for youth under 16. The Cradle of Forestry is located on N.C. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

828.877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org

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34

Park closes trails as it assesses storm damage

ows in the morning.

Space is limited and reservations are required.

Julie.hitrust@earthlink.net or 828.526.1111.

Loop of Cosby Campground because of damage.

Additional trails in the area may be closed as the park continues to assess the damage from a storm that passed through the area on June 13.

There is no estimated time for reopening the trails or the campground.

“We are in the process of assessing the condition of all of the trails within the stormaffected area,” said acting Chief Ranger Steve Kloster.

The storm, which hit hardest on the northeastern-most section of the park, was the tail end of a system that hit the Midwest through much of Thursday. Air monitoring staGabes Mountain Trail has been closed due to wind-toppled trees. It is tions at Clingmans Dome one of several locations in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Look Rock closed following a storm last week. NPS photo recorded over 60 mile-per-hour impassable by foot or horse. In addition to winds during the storm. trail closures, the park has also closed “B” www.nps.gov/grsm or 865.436.1297.

193-20

Man injured by tree in tornado An injured hiker was successfully airlifted from Low Gap Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Friday evening, June 14. Nathan Lipsom, a 53-yearold male from Cambridge, Mass., was injured from a falling tree while hiking the trail during a severe storm on Thursday, June 13.

Lipsom was rescued by a Blackhawk helicopter, coordinated through Haywood County and the N.C. Division of Emergency Management. He was flown to Asheville Regional Airport, where he was transported by ground to Mission Hospital. Park staff assisted the airlift operation on the ground and provided two medics and an emergency medical technician. Damage to the trails around the Cosby and Big Creek areas prevented ground rescuers from reaching Lipsom for a timely evacuation.

The National Weather Service confirmed an EF-1 tornado in the Cosby area during the June 13 storm. A Park Backcountry Ranger was patrolling the trails around Cosby and Big Creek on the morning of June 14 to assess storm damage when he discovered Lipsom and solicited help.

Massey Branch Boat Ramp reopened As of late May, the U.S. Forest Service has reopened the Massey Branch Boat Ramp on the Cheoah Ranger District, just in time for the summer season. The popular site, located near Robbinsville on Massey Branch Road, serves Santeetlah Lake and has been closed since October for repairs.

“Significant improvements were made to this popular boat ramp, giving visitors a safer and more enjoyable forest experience,” said Lauren Stull, Cheoah District ranger.

The project was aimed at easing traffic flow to and from the area. It also provides a new double boat ramp and improves parking for boat trailers. Additionally, the project increases accessibility at the site and protects water quality through drainage improve-

A boater backs down a new boat launch at Massey Branch. The access area was recently reopened after being closed in October for construction. Donated photo ments. The work was done by Adams Contracting of Robbinsville. www.fs.usda.gov/nfsnc

outdoors

Hiking expert Danny Bernstein leads walkers on a guided hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Donated photo

A full lineup of guided hikes in the Smokies Hiking season is in full swing and hikers still have opportunities to join a guided hike in the Smokies.

Friends of the Smokies, in celebrating 20 years of support for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, started a series of guided hikes called Classic Hikes of the Smokies. The next hike will be Tuesday, July 16, from Newfound Gap and the Appalachian Trail down to Kephart Prong.

Each hike honors an achievement or cause that the organization has funded in the park. The outings are led by hiking enthusiast and author of two regional hiking books Danny Bernstein.

Hikers are asked to donate to the Smokies Trails Forever program, which funds a trail crew to help maintain the more than 800 miles of trails in the park.

Registration is requested. A complete list of the hikes can be found online. outreach.nc@friendsofthesmokies.org or 828.452.0720 or www.friendsofthesmokies.org.

Learn to leave no trace in the park June 19-25, 2013

Great Smoky Mountains National Park will host a two-day Leave No Trace trainer course June 22-23, at Big Creek Horse Camp near Waterville. The training is sponsored by the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics program that trains forest-goers to minimize impacts in the backwoods and the front woods. The two-day course is also designed to provide participants with a foundation and the tools to teach the principles to others. Upon completion of the course, students will be certified as trainers. The course also has an emphasis on stock animals in the parks and forests. The course is being taught by educators from the Backcountry Horsemen of North Carolina and the park.

Registration is requested. Free.

856.436.1265.

Bear poachers sent to prison year undercover investigation focused on illegal activities involving bears and other wildlife in North Carolina and Georgia. The multi-agency initiative was the largest of its kind in recent years and resulted in more than 80 wildlife violators and over 980 violations. The violations were primarily a result of illegal bear hunting and poaching in North Carolina and Georgia, but also included an array of state and federal charges.

Both state and federal law enforcement infiltrated poaching circles to document violations including bear baiting, illegal taking of bears, deer and other wildlife, illegal use of dogs, operation of illegal bear enclosures in North Carolina, and guiding hunts on national forest lands without the required permits. www.operationsomethingbruin.org.

Smoky Mountain News

A U.S. District Court judge has sentenced 10 defendants for illegal hunting activities involving black bears and other wildlife and related offenses. The sentences, handed down Monday, June 10, are the result of “Operation Something Bruin,” a multi-agency initiative focused on the illegal poaching of bears and other wildlife in North Carolina and Georgia.

Most of the defendants are Robbinsville residents but a few are from out of state.

They vary in age from 20 to 55 and their sentences range from prison time to fines and hunting license revocations. They are among the first offenders to be sentenced as a result of the operation that culminated in February. Another defendant entered a plea but is awaiting sentencing.

Operation “Something Bruin” was a four-

35

outdoors June 19-25, 2013 Smoky Mountain News

PLOTTFEST, CONTINUED FROM 32

Earnhardt to discusses N.C. eco-heritage Tom Earnhardt, host of the television program “Exploring North Carolina,” will give a presentation highlighting the uniqueness of the state’s ecological heritage at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center.

An attorney by profession, Earnhardt also is a conservationist and naturalist who serves as writer, co-producer and host for the “Exploring North Carolina” series, which focuses on the natural resources of North Carolina and the Southeast. The show airs on UNC-TV and has been nominated three times for an Emmy.

Earnhardt has written and edited books addressing topics such as mayflies, saltwater fly fishing and boat design. His most recent work, Tom Earnhardt Crossroads of the Natural World, examines the ways in which North Carolina is a unique ecological crossroads. In the book, he explores the effects of invasive species, the importance of forested buffers along waterways, the roles of naturalists and the challenges posed by climate change and sealevel rise.

The presentation is being co-sponsored by City Lights Bookstore of Sylva.

Free. 828.227.7129.

Hunters stand with a pack of Plott hounds for a hunt near Hazel Creek in 1935. Donated photo Bob has seen one Plott hound in Virginia sell for $65,000 to a wealthy Japanese man. In the 1960s, the emperor of that same country drafted several of the dogs and their owners to rid the countryside of bears terrorizing local villages.

Today, there are a dozen or so facebook pages devoted to the breed, attracting fans

A CUT ABOVE THE REST...

signing books and sharing dog stories with other Plott owners, because even if they’re not from Haywood County, they bring a bit of the place with them at their side.

“Plott hound owners are more fanatics,” Bob said. “The people who own Plott hounds understand the unique story of the breed and the unique talents of the breed.”

Arrowhead collection to be on display in Macon The Friends of the Rickman Store will host Lynn Loudermilk Brumby and her family’s collection of Native American arrowheads at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Rickman Store, Cowee Creek Road, north of Franklin.

Brumby and her younger sister spent most of their childhood weekends with their parents, LC and Audrey Loudermilk, searching for artifacts from the Cherokee Nation. They would search in freshly plowed fields, on the shoulders of roads cut for the harvest of timber or on Tennessee Valley Authority lakebeds, often a treasure trove of arrowheads, beads and various tools.

The artifacts were gathered in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Macon and Swain counties in North Carolina, and Union County in Georgia. The girls’ father always ended the journey roasting marshmallows at the sites.

Over the years, the collection of artifacts became extensive. Brumby and her family want to ensure the collection is used to teach those interested about the heritage of the Cherokee people.

Since her father died 10 years ago, Brumby also uses the artifacts to honor his memory.

The Rickman Store is a historic building located in Cowee-West’s Mill Historic District on 259 Cowee Creek Road, seven miles north of Franklin by N.C. 28.

828.369.5595 or 828.369.2273.

If you are looking for a fine place to dine, we have a secret for you.

The Cork & Cleaver, located at The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa features natural steaks, fine wines, liqueurs and fresh seafood nightly.

With a backdrop of the stunning Balsam Mountains, this restaurant provides a unique and sensational dining experience.

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

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193-61

36

Bob even has photos of his family members who raised the dogs with Branch Rickey, the baseball executive who signed Jackie Robinson and integrated the sport.

Rickey was a Plott enthusiast.

“There’s a great history behind this thing, a national history,” Bob said.

And the list of accomplishments goes on.

from all around.

But, Bob likes to remind people that the legend got its legs in Haywood County, centuries ago, with his bygone family members who bred the dogs to sell to people from across the region. Some buyers would come to Plott Valley to buy while others had them shipped by crate.

Bob still raises the hounds, carrying on the family tradition. He will be at PlottFest

WNC Calendar BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Employability Laboratory, Southwestern Community College, Sylva: June 19, On Track – Emotions and Spending; June 26, Improve and Develop Your Customer Service Skills; Register, 306.7020.

• La Dolce Vita Bakery grand opening and ribbon cutting, 3:45 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 21, Bryson City.

Gianna,736.8760.

• Smoky Mountain Chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association meeting, noon, Saturday, June 22, Chestnut Tree Inn, Cherokee.

456.5251, Haywood County; 586.9292, Jackson County; 369.8922, Macon County.

• Dutch treat luncheon for retired Western Carolina University faculty and staff members noon Tuesday, June 25, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee.

Program starts at 10:30 a.m. with a reception. $13 per person, includes reception, luncheon and gratuities.

369.2693, 293.5620.

• Professional Development Breakfast, 8 a.m. Thursday, June 27, Terrace Room 316, Terrace Hotel, Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Pre-registration required at YPHaywood.com, by phone 456.3021 or by email kgould@haywoodchamber.com.

• Haywood Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for Leadership Haywood 2013 through 5 p.m.

Friday, June 30. Applications available at www.haywoodchamber.com. 456.3021.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • Lowe’s of Sylva Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Friday, June 21, 1716 N. Main St., Sylva. www.redcrossblood.org, keyword: Lowes Sylva to schedule appointment.

• Cashiers Community Blood Drive, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, 213 U.S. Highway 64E, Cashiers. www.redcrossblood.org, keyword: Cashiers to schedule appointment.

• Jackson County Recreation Center Blood Drive, 1:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 28, 88 Cullowhee Mountain Road, Cullowhee. Bryan Cagle, 293.3053 or log on to www.redcrossblood.org, keyword: Jackson to schedule appointment.

Haywood • Waynesville Community Blood Drive, noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, Waynesville Masonic Lodge, East Marshall St., Waynesville. 800.REDCROSS. • Maggie Valley United Methodist Church Blood Drive, 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, 4192 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. 800.REDCROSS.

Macon

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

• Haywood-Jackson March for Babies Kickoff Breakfast, 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, June 21, Balsam Mountain Inn, 68 Seven Springs Drive, Balsam. tyeblanton.org, Facebook, 258.1234.

• Waynesville Elks Lodge Barbecue Fundraiser, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 510 Dellwood Road, Waynesville. $8 per plate. To benefit local and regional charities through the Lodge’s ENF Fund. 456.4355, after 2:30 p.m.

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

246.9050.

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

Photos at www.sargeandfriends.org. 246.9050.

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

• MedWest-Haywood President and CEO Janie SinacoreJaberg will speak Tuesday, June 25, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, Pigeon Street, Waynesville. 631.8894, 736.3266.

• Foster Pet Adoption, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s Adoption Center, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville. www.sargeandfriends.org or www.petfinder.com.

246.9050.

• The Mountain Challenge, charity exhibition match between retired professional tennis players Andy Roddick and Jim Courier, Saturday, July 27, Cedar Creek Racquet Club, Cashiers. Cashiers.com.

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

RECREATION & FITNESS • Co-ed softball league organizational meeting, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, Waynesville Recreation Center.

Mandatory meeting. Bring a $100 non-refundable cash deposit to secure a team entry for the league. 456.2030 or email recathletics@townofwaynesville.org.

• Adult Co-Ed Kickball League, registration through July 8, at Haywood County Recreation & Parks office, 1233 N. Main St., Annex II Building, Waynesville. $200 per team of 15 maximum. 452.6789 or email drtaylor@haywoodnc.net. www.haywoodnc.net • Aqua fitness course 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. Tuesdays, through Thursday, Aug. 1, Reid Gymnasium pool, Western Carolina University. $35, registration is ongoing. 227.7397, http://learn.wcu.edu, “Conferences and Community Classes.”

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

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

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

• Nature Nuts: Snakes, 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, U.S. 276 south of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Transylvania County. Ages 4 to 7. Story, crafts and hike. 877.4423 • Eco Explorers: Raising Trout, Friday, June 28, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, U.S. 276 south of the Blue

Smoky Mountain News

Ridge Parkway, Transylvania County. Ages 8-13.

877.4423 • Kids Clay: Tree Faces, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 29, Southwestern Community College Swain Center, 60 Almond Road, Bryson City. Ages 8 to 14, 5 to 7 with a parent or guardian, $16 includes material and firing.

Jeff Marley, 366.2005 or j_marley@southwesterncc.edu.

• Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club, 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 1, Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest. Ages 4 to 7. $4 per child. Accompanying adults, $2.50. www.cradleofforestry.org, 877.3130. No charge for adults with season passes. Reservations required.

Summer Camps • Tennis Lifesong Summer Camps, Tuesdays through Fridays, through Aug. 23 at Lake Junaluska. Ages 4 and older. Bunnie Allare, 513.608.9621, www.lakejunaluska.com/tennis or www.facebook.com/tennisLifesong.

• Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department summer camp for kids in kindergarten to fifth grade., 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Aug. 16. Daily limited enrollment. Register, 456.2030 or email recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org.

• Elementary School Summer Day Camp, ages 6 to 12, Cullowhee United Methodist, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Aug. 2. 293.9215 or visit http://www.cullowheeumc.org/summer-camp-2013/.

• Preschool Summer Day Camp Cullowhee United Methodist Church, ages 3 to not yet attended kindergarten, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Aug. 2. 293.9215 or visit http://www.cullowheeumc.org/summer-camp-2013/.

• Lake Junaluska Summer Day Camp, through Aug. 9, for ages 24 months through rising sixth graders. Half day, full day available. Come all summer or for just a few days. www.lakejunaluska.com/children, lkrekelberg@lakejunaluska.com, 454.6681. Registration forms available online.

• Summer Creativity Camp, June 24-28, Claymates, Dillsboro. Ages 7 to 12. $135 per camper. 631.3133.

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

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

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

• Highlands Playhouse Summer Fun Drama/Theatre Camps: July 1-13, Theatre Camp; July 15-27; Musical Theatre Camp; and July 29-Aug. 2, Dance Camp.

526.2695 or email highlandsplayhhouse@yahoo.com.

Highlands Playhouse, 362 Oak St., Highlands, www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

• Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) Camp, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 8-12, Fine Arts Building, Haywood Community College. For fourth grade students and older. $75, lunch included. Registration ends Saturday, June 22. Instruction in banjo, fiddle, guitar, string band and daily enrichment sessions in mountain dance, songs and stories. Haywood County Arts Council. 452.0593.

• WOW! a World of Wonder day camp, ages 4 to 6, 10 a.m. to noon, July 9-12 and Aug. 6-9, Highlands Nature Center. $55, advanced registration required. 526.2623, www.highlandsbiological.org.

• NatureWorks day camp, ages 8 to 11, 10 a.m. to noon, July 16-19, Highlands Nature Center. $85, advanced registration required. 526.2623, www.highlandsbiological.org.

• Five-day art camps, Cullowhee Mountain Arts: “Around the World in a Week” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June

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Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings 24-28, ages 9 to 12, $225. Fine Arts Building, Western Carolina University. www.cullowheemountainarts.org/youth.

• Mountain Explorers day camp, ages 11 to 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 23-26, Highlands Nature Center. $120, advanced registration required. 526.2623, www.highlandsbiological.org.

• Three-day Summer Science Investigation Camp, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 1-3, Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rising sixth through ninth graders. Explore the Smokies while helping collect research data on crayfish and salamanders.

Free, but pre-registration required. Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center, 926.6251.

• 22nd annual Crossfire Basketball Camp 1 to 4:30 p.m. July 1-5, at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

Details at 456.2030 or email recathletics@townofwaynesville.org.

• Family Art Experiences: “Clay Works,” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 8-11, glaze day, July 19, ages 9 to adult, $225. Fine Arts Building, Western Carolina University, www.cullowheemountainarts.org/youth.

• Summer Day Camp, Southwestern Child Development and Hazelwood Early Education and Preschool, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Fridays, through Aug. 28.

Ages 5 to 9. $500 per month. Subsidy accepted.

456.2458.

• The Robotics with Legos Camp for rising sixththrough eighth-grader, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Monday, July 8Friday, July 12, Western Carolina University. $149, includes lunch. 227.7397.

• TetraBrazil Soccer Camp 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m., July 8-12, Waynesville Recreation Center. Advance players only who play at the Academy, Challenge or Classic level. 456.2030 or email recathletics@townofwaynesville.org.

• Teen Workshops: “A week of working in a different medium each day,”10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 14-19, ages 13-18, $275. Fine Arts Building, Western Carolina University, www.cullowheemountainarts.org/youth.

• Basketball Camp, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 15-18, Waynesville Recreation Center. Kevin Cantwell, current head coach at Carolina Day School. $135 per camper.

Checks payable to Kevin Cantwell. 770.490.6580 or email academy7@live.com.

• Two-day art camps, Cullowhee Mountain Arts: “Garden Party” 9 a.m. to noon, July 17-18, ages 5 to 8, $50, and “Nature Fest” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 15-16, ages 9 to 12, $90. Fine Arts Building, Western Carolina University. www.cullowheemountainarts.org/youth.

• Good Ole Time Summer Day Camp for children ages 9 through 13, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26, Western Carolina University.

Learn Appalachian heritage. $110, includes lunch.

Deadline to register is Friday, July 5. 227.7397.

• British Soccer Camp, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

July 22-26, Vance Street Park, Waynesville. www.challengersports.com, 456.2030.

wnc calendar

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• SummerVoice Music Camp by Voices in the Laurel, 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, July 29-Friday, Aug. 2, First Baptist Church of Waynesville. $85 per chorister.

Registration through July 29 at www.voicesinthelaurel.org or call 335.2849. • North Carolina Arboretum’s 2013 Discovery Camp, pre-kindergarten through high school. Scholarships available. 665.2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. • Day Camps at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, 227.7108 or www.wcu.edu/academics/edoutreach/conted/camps-and-programs-for-kids/index.as

(LCSW, DCSW, SAP, LCAS, CCS, NASW/NCSAPPB, Clinical Supervisor)

828.648.7111

• Jackson County Natural Resources Summer Camp, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 29-Aug. 2, Jackson County Recreation Center, Cullowhee. For rising seventh graders. Hike, swim, snorkel, and learn about the environment. $25, scholarships available. Jane Fitzgerald, 586.5465 or email janefitzgerald@jacksonnc.org.

193-10

Literary (children) • The following events are at the Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016.

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- Children’s activity, Dinosaur Dig, 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 19.

- Teen activity, Making Paper with Jackson County Soil and Water Conservation, 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 19.

- Backbone Buddies, 11 a.m. Thursday, June 20.

- Between the Lines, Teen writing and art class, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20.

To Benefit Head Start of Haywood Jackson Counties A Mountain Music Festival Celebrating Western North Carolina’s Heritage.

Showcasing the OfďŹ cial NC State Dog - the Plott Hound, Great Smoky Mountain Trout Fishing, Food, Crafts,Heirloom Seed Exchange, & Clogging

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Balsam Range Darren Nicholson Band Eddie Rose & Highway 40 Mark Bumgarner Mark Winchester Trio

The Primitive Quartet Ila Knight Anita & Luis Diaz Timbre Fox Sam Lewis

Saturday Only: $15 Sunday Only: $10 Two-Day Pass: $20

RAIN OR SHINE!

- Grammy Winners

Smoky Mountain News

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR

VIP Silent Auction Dinner: Kids Zone!

Paid in Part by

Paid in Part by

HCTDA www.visitncsmokies.com

FUN FOR ALL AGES!

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- Children’s Story time with Miss Sally, Summer is Here!, 3:30 p.m. Friday, June 21.

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

Monday, June 24.

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

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

GOP • Jackson County Republican meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, June 24, Qualla at the Qualla Community Center, 181 Schoal Creek Church Loop Road, Whittier.

Ralph Slaughter, Jackson County GOP Chair, 743.6491, email jacksonctygop@yahoo.com, www.jacksoncountygop.com.

Others • Jackson County Patriots June 20 general membership meeting has been cancelled. Members will travel to Washington D.C. to participate in the June 19 Audit the IRS rally. Ginny Jahrmarkt, Box547@aol.com, 329.3167.

APA & NPHA SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

s WWW MAGGIEVALLEY ORG

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June 21 at Cataloochee Ranch

- Children’s Story time, How to Raise a Dinosaur, 11 a.m. Friday, June 21.

9:00 am: 9:30 am: 10:30 am: 12 Noon: 12 Noon: 12:30 pm: 1:30 pm: 2:15 pm:

Gates Open APA 1-Dog Bear Ray APA 2-Dog Bear Ray APA Bear Treeing Contest Sign-Up for NPHA Youth Bench Show NPHA All Plott Youth Bench Show APA WTDA-sanctioned Bench Show APA Coon Treeing Contest

'PS NPSF EFUBJMT DBMM PS WJTJU XXX QMPUUGFTU PSH

A&E FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS • Glenville Area Historical Society Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Social, 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, historic Oscar Lanning homestead, Tom Sawyer’s Christmas

Tree Farm, corner of Lakeside Circle and Chimney Pond Road, Glenville. Reservations requested. Carol Adams, 743.1658 or by email to historicalsocietyglenvillearea@yahoo.com.

• BBQ & BREWS Dinner Train, June 22 and 29, and July 6 and 13, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad.

800.872.4681 or www.GSMR.COM. • PlottFest, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22 and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 23, Maggie Valley.

Celebrate North Carolina’s official state dog, the Plott Hound, with a sanctioned two day Plot Hound Dog show, trout fishing, food, crafts and clogging.

452.1860, www.plottfest.org.

• Second annual Moms Music Festival presented by Women of Waynesville, noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 29, Twin Maples Farmhouse, East Street, Waynesville.

Proceeds to local Power of Pink Foundation in Haywood County. 545.6879, 452.8343, womenofwaynesville@gmail.com • Mountain Artisans’ Summertime’ Arts & Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 29-30, Western Carolina University Ramsey Center, Cullowhee. Admission, $4.

Children free. Doris Hunter, 524.3405, www.mountainArtisans.net.

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Let’s Talk About It summer book series, 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 20, Haywood County Library, Waynesville. The Known World by Edward P. Jones.

Linda Arnold, 456.5311, stanandlinda@charter.net.

• Coffee with the Poet, featuring Brenda Kay Ledford, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 20, City Lights Bookstore.

586.9499.

• Friends of the Library annual Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library.

• Local author Roy Owenby, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, Community Room, Jackson County Public Library Complex. His novel is The Owl Knows. 586.2016.

• Writer Tom Earnhardt, author of Crossroads of the Natural World, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, Mountain Heritage Center, Western North Carolina University.

Earnhardt hosts UNC-TV’s Exploring North Carolina.586.9499.

• Asheville writer Denise Kiernan, author of The Girls of Atomic City, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, City Lights Bookstore. 586.9499.

• Literary Journeys through the Western North Carolina

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, 8 p.m. through Saturday, June 29, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 30, Highlands Playhouse, Highlands. 526.2695, www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

• Family friendly Concerts on the Creek, every Friday during summer, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Sylva Bridge Park Pavilion near Scott Creek: June 21, Vinyl Brothers Big Band; June 28, Buick MacKane. 800.962.1911, www.mountainlovers.com.

• Western Carolina University Summer Concert Series, 7 p.m. Thursdays, (excluding July 4), A.K. Hinds University Center stage in Central Plaza: June 20, Big Nasty Jazz Band; June 27, The Honeycutters. 227.3622.

• Grace Noon Concert Series, noon Thursday, June 20, Grace Church in the Mountains, 394 Haywood St., downtown Waynesville. Final concert of the series, featuring Dixieland jazz by The Frog Level Philharmonic.

456.6029.

• Mary Johnson Rockers and the Spark, noon, Saturday, June 22, Soul Infusion Tea House and Bistro, Sylva.

Benefit for Vecinos, a farm worker health program.

586.1717, www.soulinfusion.com.

• Auditions for Highlands Cashiers Players summer play, Almost Maine, 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 23, and 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, Performing Arts Center, Highlands. Virginia Talbot, 526.4904.

• Gospel & Bluegrass with Alma Russ, 2 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 23, Jack the Dipper. Live remote broadcast by WRGC. 586.9441, www.jackthedipper.com.

• Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival, 7:30 p.m.

Sundays, June 23-July 21, Performing Arts Center, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. 452.0593. www.haywoodarts.org, www.swannanoachambermusic.com.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • Artist reception for faculty members leading the Cullowhee Mountain ARTS programs, 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 20, Fine Art Museum, Western Carolina University. Tour of current workshops at 4:15 p.m. www.fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or www.cullowheemountainarts.org.

• Southern Lights, a colorful exhibition, June 22-Sept.

1, The Bascom, Highlands. Meet the artists, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Monday, June 24 and Tuesday, June 25, The Bascom Terrace. Artists’ reception, 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22. www.thebascom.com.

• Cullowhee Mountain ARTS 2013 Summer ARTS Series, June 16 - July 27, Bardo Arts Center, Western Carolina University. Workshops, in painting, printmaking, book arts, ceramics, photography, mixed media and sculpture. www.cullowheemountainarts.org, 342.6913.

• Appalachia Beginning, through Saturday, June 29, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. www.haywoodarts.org.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS • Create stamped cards with local crafter Candy Meyers, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, June 20, Jackson County Community Service Center, Sylva. $5. Register

• Summer drawing class with Julie Jacobson, 6 to 7:30 p.m. through June 20, Gallery 1, Sylva. 843.614.7428, juliedraws@yahoo.com.

• Raku Bead Making, 6 to 9 p.m. June 20-21, and firing 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 21, Riverwood Pottery, Dillsboro. 586.3601, www.riverwoodpottery.com.

• Free Make and Take class, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 22 and 29, Art Room, 45 E. Main St., Franklin.

Make a card. Ages 15 and up. 349.3777.

• Muddy Summer Nights clay class series, 7 to 9 p.m.

Friday, June 28, Pincu Pottery, Bryson City.

Adults. Pre-registration required at 488.0480 or email pincupottery@gmail.com.

• Acrylic painting, 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 29, Blue Mountain Studios, 788.0348.

• Ladies Night, 14 and older, 6 p.m. Thursday June 29, Claymates, Dillsboro. Hors d’oeuvre provided. Bring your own beverage. Reservation only, 631.3133

FILM & SCREEN • Children’s movie, 1 p.m. Monday, June 24, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Teen movie, 3 p.m. Monday, June 24, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Family movie about make-believe kingdom of Terabithia, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, Marianna Black Library. 488.3030.

• Movie Night, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

DANCE • Pisgah Promenaders Cookie Night square dance, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Old Armory

• Smoky Mountain Brass Quintet, 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, Zachary-Tolbert House, Cashiers. 526.9060 or www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org.

• Blue Ridge Music Band, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday Night Live concert series, June 21, Highlands Town Square.

Classic rock and country songs. www.highlandschamber.org, 524.5841.

• Southbound Turnaround, 6 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Pine Street Park, Highlands. www.facebook.com/pages/southbound-turnaround.

• Gary Allan, 9 p.m. Friday, June 28, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com.

• An Appalachian Evening Concert Series at historic

Smoky Mountain News

193-44

• Unto These Hills, 7:30 p.m. preshow, 8 p.m. main performance, nightly except Sundays, through Aug. 17, Mountainside Theatre, 688 Drama Road, Cherokee. www.cherokeeadventures.com/tickets.

at Jackson County Extension Office, 586.4009.

June 19-25, 2013

• Jim Parham discusses lightweight backpacking, 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, City Lights Bookstore, 586.9499.

Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays, June 29-Aug. 31. www.StecoahValleyCenter.com or call 479.3364.

wnc calendar

• Cherokee Bonfire, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, through Aug. 31, Oconaluftee Islands Park, Cherokee. 800.438.1601, visitcherokeenc.com.

Landscape: An Exploration in Cultural and Natural History through Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Poetry, July 15, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands. Afternoon field trips with the authors. Class limited to 12. Brent Martin, 587.9453, www.wilderness.orghttp://highlandsbiological.org/summer-2013/.

Fly Fishing the South

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Two locations to serve you ASHEVILLE 252.3005

WAYNESVILLE 246.0306

www.hunterbanks.com

Pre-Registration Packet Pick-up Thursday Aug 22, 6-8PM @ CrossFit 2311, 228-C Muse Business Park, HWY 23/74 to Balsam Ridge Road, Right into Muse Business Park, Up the Hill toward Carpet Barn.

Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup 5-6pm at Mini Park, corner of Depot and Main Street across from Historic Courthouse 193-65

39

wnc calendar

Recreation Center, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville.

586.8416, Jackson County, and 452.1971, Haywood County.

• “A Night of Dance,” 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. Hosted by The RaqShuraka Dance Company of Waynesville, to benefit REACH of Haywood. Tickets,$20. Call REACH, 456.7898.

• Waynesville Community Dance, 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23, Gateway Club Ballroom, 37 Church St., Waynesville. www.dancewnc.com.

OUTDOOR MUSIC CALENDAR • Big Nasty Jazz Band, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20, Western Carolina University Summer Concert Series, Presented by the A.K. Hinds University Center.

• The Vinyl Brothers Big Band, 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, Concerts on the Creek, Bridge Park Pavilion, Scott Creek, Sylva. Songs from the 1960s to early 80s.

800.962-1911, or go to: www.mountainlovers.com.

• Caribbean Cowboys, 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, Groovin’ on the Green, Village Commons, Cashiers.

• Vinyl Brothers Big Band, 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 21, Concerts on the Creek, downtown Sylva at Bridge Park. 800.962.1911.

• Elderly Brothers, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Pickin’ on the Square, lower level Town Hall, Franklin.

524.2516.

• Honeycutters, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, Western Carolina University Summer Concert Series.

• Buick MacKane, 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, Concerts on the Creek, downtown Sylva at Bridge Park.

800.962.1911.

• Jackson Taylor Band, 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, Groovin’ on the Green, Village Commons, Cashiers.

June 19-25, 2013

• Randy and Kay, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, Pickin’ on the Square, lower level Town Hall, Franklin.

524.2516.

JAMS • Music Jam, 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. 488.2382.

• Open Mic, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, Pickin’ on the Square, Lower Town Level, Franklin. 524.2516.

• Mountain Street Dance, 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, Main Street, Waynesville.

• Open Mic, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 29, Pickin’ on the Square, in Lower Town Level, Franklin. 524.2516.

• Music Jam, 6 p.m. Thursday, July 4, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. 488.2382.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, easy-to-moderate one-mile hike, Sunday, June 23, Rufus Morgan Trail. Meet at 2 p.m. Westgate Plaza Franklin. Joyce Jacques, 410.852.7510.

• Franklin Bird Walk, 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, led

by Karen Lawrence. Meet at Macon County Public Library parking area. 524.5234.

• Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, 8 a.m.

Wednesday, June 26, along the Greenway, with Karen Lawrence. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area. 524.5234.

• Franklin Bird Club and Highlands Plateau Audubon Society bird walk, 8 a.m. Saturday, June 29, along the Greenway with Paula Gorgoglione. Meet at Macon County Public Library parking area. 524.5234, http://franklinbcb.wordpress.com/.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, moderate five-mile hike, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 29, Deep Creek Loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Meet at Bi-Lo parking lot in Franklin. Joyce Jacques, 410.852.7510.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, easy two-mile hike, 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 30, Highlands Biological Center and Nature Gardens. Meet at 2 p.m. at Bi-Lo parking lot in Franklin or at 2:45 p.m. at Highlands Nature Center.

Kay Coriell, 369.6820.

• Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, 8 a.m.

Wednesday, July 3, along the Greenway with Paula Gorgoglione. Meet at Salali. 524.5234 or http://franklinbcb.wordpress.com/ • Volunteer Trail Work Days, July 6, Kelsey Trail, Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. Meet at 10 a.m. at HCLT offices at Peggy Crosby Center, Highlands or contact Kyle at stew.hitrust@earthlink.net, 526.1111.

• Guided tours of American Chestnut Orchard, 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Cataloochee Guest Ranch. $15, includes tour, lunch. Self-guided tours anytime.

Reservations, 926.1401.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS • Arrowheads and Marshmallows, 11 a.m. Saturday, June 22, Rickman Store, Cowee-West’s Mill Historic District, 259 Cowee Creek Road, featuring Lynn Loudermilk Brumby and her long life family collection of Native American arrowheads found in North Carolina and Georgia. Seven miles north of Franklin on NC Highway 28. Elena Carlson, 369.5595 or Lynn Brumby at One Dozen Who Care, Inc., 369.2273.

• Free Leave No Trace (TNT) trainer course, June 2223, Big Creek Horse Camp, near Waterville. Hosted by Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leave No Trace is an outdoor ethics program that trains all users to minimize impacts in the backcountry. Christine Hoyer, 856.436.1265.

Smoky Mountain News

• Village Nature Series, 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, The Village Green Commons, Cashiers. Life in the Bogs, with Rob Evans. HCLT, 526.1111.

Outdoors OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS • Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, 8 a.m.

Wednesday, June 19, along the Greenway, with Paula Gorgoglione. Meet at Salali Lane at 8 a.m. 524.5234, http://franklinbcb.wordpress.com/.

• Guided EcoTours with Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust, Saturday, June 22, Sweetwater Farms. Rain or shine. $35 for new friends, includes one-year membership to HCLT, $10 for HCLT members. Reservations necessary, space limited. 526.1111, Julie.hitrust@earthlink.net.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, moderate 3.8 mile hike, Saturday, June 22, from Tellico Gap to Wesser Tower, on the Appalachian Trail. Meet at 9 a.m. in Bi-Lo 40 parking lot, Franklin. Nancy Falkenstein, 369.9052.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Friends of the Lake Golf Tournament, 1 p.m.

Monday, July 1, Lake Junaluska Golf Course. $200 per team of four, includes 18 holes of golf, cart, gift bag, door prizes and post tournament meal. Individual or business sponsorships. Proceeds to support and maintain recreational opportunities at the lake. www.lakejunaluska.com/friends-of-the-lake, 454.6680.

• Fourth annual Blue Ridge Breakaway, Saturday, Aug. 17, Haywood County. Pre-register online at www.BlueridgeBreakaway.com.

FARM & GARDEN • Haywood County Plant Clinic: Master Gardeners provide research-based answers to all your gardening questions, 1 to 4 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 2, and 9 a.m. to noon through September, Haywood County

Extension Service, Raccoon Road, Waynesville.

456.3575.

• Community Garden Plots available at the Cowee Community Garden, Macon County Heritage Center, Cowee School. Voluntary $25 donation for the season.

524.8369.

• Volunteer workdays, Thursday afternoons until dark, Sylva Community Garden. Produce from the garden goes to the Sylva Community Table. 477.4380, e-mail seascat@ymail.com or Facebook.

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

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

828.648.6323. www.buyhaywood.com.

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

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

HIKING CLUBS • Carolina Mountain Club hosts more than 150 hikes a year, including options for full days on weekends, full days on Wednesdays and half days on Sundays.

Non-members contact event leaders. www.carolinamountainclub.org • High Country Hikers, based in Hendersonville, plans hikes Mondays and Thursdays weekly. Participants should bring a travel donation and gear mentioned on their website: main.nc.us/highcountryhikers. 808.2165 • Nantahala Hiking Club based in Macon County holds weekly Saturday hikes in the Nantahala National Forest and beyond. www.nantahalahikingclub.org • Mountain High Hikers, based in Young Harris, Ga., leads several hikes per week. Guests should contact hike leader. www.mountainhighhikers.org.

• Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, located in East Tennessee, makes weekly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as surrounding areas. www.smhclub.org.

• Benton MacKaye Trail Association incorporates outings for hikes, trail maintenance and other work trips.

No experience is necessary to participate. www.bmta.org.

• Diamond Brand’s Women’s Hiking Group meets on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, awilliams@diamondbrand.com or call 684.6262.

Sylva • Jackson County Farmers Market Plant starts, green and other spring veggies, meats, eggs, baked goods, mozzarella, honey, jams and jellies can all be purchased using SNAP food stamp benefits or Credit/Debit. Locally handcrafted items include pottery, soaps, journals, scarves, kid’s toys, candles, aprons and more. Jenny McPherson, 631.3033. www.mountainlovers.com, Facebook or www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

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

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

828.226.9988. www.blueridgefarmersco-op.com.

Franklin • Franklin Tailgate Market Variety of only homegrown products such as cheese, plants, eggs, trout, honey and more. 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, 226 E. Palmer St., Franklin, across the street from Drake Software. 828.349.2046. www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.

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

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

BIKE RIDES • A weekly bike ride in Waynesville meets Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Rolls Rite Bicycles on the Old Asheville Highway. Beginner to intermediate rides led by Bicycle Haywood advocacy group. Eight- to 12-mile rides.

276.6080 or gr8smokieszeke@gmail.com.

• A weekly bike ride meets in Bryson City on Wednesdays around 6 p.m. Depart from the East Swain Elementary school in Whittier on U.S.19 off exit 69 from U.S. 23-74. All levels. 800.232.7238.

• A weekly bike ride in Sylva meets Tuesday at 6 p.m., departing from Motion Makers bike shop for a tough 25-mile ride up to the Balsam Post office via back roads and back into Sylva. 586.6925.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., departing from Smoky Mountain Bicycles at 179 Highlands Road. Geared for all levels. 369.2881 or www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. at Macon Middle School on Wells Grove Road.

Ladies and beginners’ ride. 369.2881 or www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Saturdays at 8 a.m., departing from South Macon Elementary School.

369.2881, www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Sundays at 9:30 a.m., departing from the Franklin Health and Fitness Center. 369.2881, www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES • Nantahala Area SORBA weekly mountain bike ride at Tsali every Thursday for all levels of bikers. Riders meet at 6 p.m. Ride starts at 6:15 p.m. Group ride for all levels. 506.0133 • Every second Saturday of the month Nantahala Area SORBA leads a mountain bike ride in Bryson City.

Meet at 3 p.m. at the Tsali Recreation Area trailhead.

Cookout after ride. 506.0133

PRIME REAL ESTATE

INSIDE

Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

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.

ARTS & CRAFTS ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

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

AUCTION

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, PE

R

DI

SC OV ER E

ATR

2 ESTATE AUCTIONS July 6, Williamston, NC. 1500 Dolls, Stamp Collection, Pottery, Cast Iron, Furniture, Money, CarnivalDepression Glass. Facebook: Larry B. Hardison Auctions.

252.217.8509. NCAL#3361

INC.

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

RETIREMENT AUCTION SATURDAY AT 5:00 P.M. After 10 years this is our last auction! Antique Highboy, blanket chest, claw & ball foot coffee table, couches, dressers, sideboard, drop leaf table, 6’ x 12’ enclosed trailer, enamel top & country kitchen tables, display cases, movie posters, police patches & badges, jewelry displays, printer, ladders, microwave, jewelry lots, McCoy, Frankoma, Hummel, Royal Copenhagen, Occupied Japan, Pewter, antique signs, folding tables, dollies, hand trucks, 400 watt speakers, wireless microphones, hard mic’s & stands, 4 camera surveillance DVR, refrigerator, popcorn machine, kitchen cabinets, linens, glassware, shelving units and loads more! Preview at: www.ReminisceAntiques.com Reminisce Auction, Franklin, NC 828.369.6999 Ron Raccioppi NCAL#7866

‘MY BIRTHDAY’ YARD SALE Saturday June 22nd, 9:00 a.m.

20 Dealers Featuring: Antiques, costume jewelry, furniture, buttons, glassware, cast iron, toys, tools, lots of treasures, fishing & Fresh Produce!

Antique Antics, 1497 S. Main St., Waynesville. SPACE AVAILABLE! 828.452.6225

■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad.

■ $35 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

AUCTION

LIVING ESTATE SALE Friday & Saturday 21st & 22nd, From 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Antique Store & Personal Property, Still Unpacking 16’ Box Truck: Furniture, glassware, pottery & So Much More! 255 Depot St., Waynesville

ANTIQUES

Rates:

COO

ANNOUNCEMENTS

193-51

3.24± ACRES, 24,750±SF Building - Altavista, VA. Leesville Lakefront Marina, Restaurant, Pool, 5.7 Acres - Gretna, VA. 2 ABSOLUTE AUCTIONS. Fri, June 28.

Terms, photos online: www.countsauction.com 800.780.2991 VAAF93 AT AUCTION 6/22/13 1,275 ACRES (±) Beautiful Custom Home in 10 Tracts Rich Valley Section of Smyth County, Virginia. Visit www.countsauction.com for details. VA#0326 LEXINGTON, NC ESTATE AUCTION. 4BR home; Sapona Country Club Golf Course; Antiques; Artwork; Collectibles. Saturday, July 6th.

See our website for details. www.RogersAuctionGroup.com 800.442.7906. NCAL#685

CONSTRUCTION EQPMNT AUCTIONTuesday, June 25 at 10 a.m. 2500 Roberta Church Road, Concord, NC. 48yr old company with Horizontal Bore Machines, (12) Trailers, (3) Dump Trucks, (7) Service Trucks, (8) Kubota Mini Excavators, Ditch Witches, Air Compressor, (2) John Deere Backhoes, more.

704.791.8825. ncaf5479. www.ClassicAuctions.com.

GOING, GOING, GONE! Promote your auction with a classified ad published in 100 North Carolina newspapers with over 1.3 million circulation. A 25word ad is only $330. For more information, call NCPS at 919.789.2083 or visit www.ncpsads.com.

GUN AUCTION Saturday, June 29 at 9am. 201 S. Central Avenue, Locust, NC. Complete Liquidation of Pineville Gun Shop. 200+ Guns, Large Quantity of Ammo, Gun Parts, Gun Smithing Machine Shop Tools.

704.791.8825. ncaf5479. www.ClassicAuctions.com.

AUCTION FIRST AUCTION Friday June 21st at 7:00 p.m.

Furniture, glassware, toys, tools & misc. too much to list! Larry Payne Auction, 5081 Jonathan Creek Rd., Waynesville, NC. 828.452.4818 or 828.550.6870, NCAL# 9545

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

WHITE PINE, HEMLOCK, POPLAR Lumber and Timbers, Any Size!

Rough Sawn or S4S, Custom Sawing. Smoky Mountain Timber, 3517 Jonathan Creek Rd., Waynesville, NC. 828.926.4300.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

WANTED 10 HOMES Needing siding, windows or roofs.

Save hundreds of dollars. No money down. Payments from $89/mo.

All credit accepted. Senior/Military discounts. 1.866.668.8681.

ELECTRICAL BOOTH ELECTRIC Residential & Commercial service.

Up-front pricing, emergency service. 828.734.1179. NC License #24685-U.

AUTO PARTS DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

R

WNC MarketPlace

CAMPERS COOL SUMMERS ON JONATHAN CREEK. 35’ Park Model For Sale, 25’ Covered Porch, Furnished, 32” Flatscreen TV, Fireplace Heater, Separate Washer/Dryer, On Leased Lot in RV Community 352.223.9497

CARS - DOMESTIC DONATE YOUR CAR Fast Free Towing 24 hr. Response Tax Deduction UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info 888.759.9782.

SAPA TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

CARS - DOMESTIC SAVE $$$ ON AUTO INSURANCE From the major names you know and trust. No forms. No hassle. No obligation. Call Ready For My Quote now! CALL 1.855.834.5740.

EMPLOYMENT 2013-2014 VACANCIES: High School Principal (9-12), Physics (9-12), Biology (9-12), Biology/Physics (9-12), Earth Science (9-12), Mathematics (8-12), Physical Science (5-8), Special Education General Curriculum (K-4), Special Education Early Childhood.

Prince Edward County Public Schools, Farmville, VA. (434) 315.2100. www.pecps.k12.va.us Closing Date: Until filled.

EOE ADMINSTRATIVE ASSISTANT Training Program! Become a Certified Microsoft Office Professional!

NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED! Online training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed. careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.926.6057.

EMPLOYMENT AVIATION CAREERS Get FAA approved maintenance training. Financial aid for qualified students - housing available. Job placement assistance. Call aviation institute of maintenance 1.877.205.1779.

WWW.FIXJETS.COM SAPA CLEAN SLATE COALITION SEEKS Mature female to fill Night Support Position at transitional housing program for women in Sylva. Must have excellent communication skills and willingness to work with women in recovery. Free rent in nice suite plus $200 stipend each month. Send resume to PO Box 455 Webster, NC 28788. Call 828.506.4221 for more info.

HELP WANTED - WAIT STAFF Experienced only. Caffe-REL, 459 East Main St. Franklin, NC. Apply in person between 10:30 and 11:00 Tues. - Sat. No phone calls please.

NC LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST Needed for established & growing spa in Sylva. Pay based upon experience. Please email for more details: sandra@fusionsspa.com

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

CITY OF ALBEMARLE: Director of Public Works. $65,270$75,670 doq. Contact: NC ESC; city website: www.ci.albemarle.nc.us Open until filled. EOE.

EMPLOYMENT

NC PRE-K TEACHER ASSISTANT Haywood County - Must have an AA degree in Early Childhood Education, have the ability to assume the responsibilities of teacher when absent, work well with parents and co-workers, good judgment/problem solving skills, 1-2 yrs. experience in Pre-K classroom and good record keeping skills. Candidate must be able to work well with diverse families. Basic computer skills helpful. This is a 10 month position with benefits.

Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786 or 25 Schulman St, Sylva, NC 28779. Pre-employment drug testing required.

EOE/AA.

CITY OF ALBEMARLE: Director of Public Utilities. $65,270-$75,670 doq. Contact: NC ESC; city website: www.ci.albemarle.nc.us Open until filled. EOE. EXPERIENCED DRIVERS Excellent Regional Runs! Great Home Time with Full Benefits!

Competitive Weekly Pay & Late Model Equipment. Arnold Transportation. www.drivearnold.com 888.742.8056 DRIVERS East Coast/OTR Flatbed. Class A CDL. Good Safety Record. New T/T Grads Welcome. Paid Orientation.

Excellent Benefits & Pay. Phone: 866.935.4093. www.cypresstruck.com

NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED! Online Training at CTI gets you job ready! HS Diploma/ GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/northcarolina.

1.888.512.7122

TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies!

One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com SAPA

FLATBED DRIVERS. $1000 Sign-On Bonus. Home weekly. Excellent Benefits. Regional Dedicated Routes. Up to 47 CPM. 2500 Miles Weekly. $50 Tarp Pay 888.691.5705 HEAVY EQUIPMENT Operator Career! 3 Week Hands On Training School. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. National Certifications. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance. VA Benefits Eligible.

1.866.362.6497 DRIVERS...APPLY NOW, 13 Drivers Needed! Top 5% Pay & Benefits. Class A CDL Required.

Call us now 877.258.8782. www.ad-drivers.com DRIVERS: Home Weekends. Pay up to .40 cpm Chromed out trucks with APU’s.

70% Drop & Hook CDL-A, 6mos Exp. 877.704.3773.

DRIVERS - CDL-A $5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS For exp'd solo OTR drivers & O/O's. Tuition reimbursement also available!

New Student Pay & Lease Program.

USA TRUCK. 877.521.5775. www.GoUSATruck.com

193-41

Puzzles can be found on page 45.

June 19-25, 2013

These are only the answers.

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828

www.smokymountainnews.com

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

42

EMPLOYMENT

LAWN & GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

3 LOVELY AUSSIE MIX PUPS -

PART-TIME JOB With Full-Time Benefits. You can receive cash bonus, monthly pay check, job training, money for technical training or college, travel, health benefits, retirement, and much more! Visit us now at: NationalGuard.com or call 1.800.GO-Guard to learn more on how the National Guard can benefit you.

PETS

EMILIA AND SEA CHANGE -

YOUR NEW DRIVING JOB Is one phone call away! Experienced CDL-A Drivers and Excellent Benefits. Weekly Hometime.

888.362.8608. 1 to 5 Weeks Paid Training. Recent Grads w/a CDL-A can apply online at AverittCareers.com. Equal Opportunity Employer.

FINANCIAL $$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000+ within 48/hours?

Low rates. Apply Now By Phone!

1.800.568.8321. lawcapital.com Not valid in CO or NC SAPA

FURNITURE ENGLISH 2-PIECE OFFICE DESK Mahogany - Mini - 36” wide.

Secret Drawers - $7,500.

Other pieces available Call for more information 828.627.2342 COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

LUMBER

POGO & HIS LITTER OF 3 Beagle/Feist, 12 week old, small

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free at 1.800.669.9777.

ARF (HUMANE SOCIETY OF JACKSON COUNTY) Holds rescued pet adoptions Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 (weather permitting) at 50 Railroad Avenue in Sylva. Animals are spayed/neutered and current on shots.

Most cats $60, most dogs $70.

Preview available pets at www.a-r-f.org, or call foster home.

AZALEA - Domestic Shorthair cat – tortoiseshell, I was born in April 2013 and I’m a little girl who has been fostered with my siblings and just love to play, with toys or other cats. But when I’m done, I also enjoy a long, hard nap. Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact Pam at adoptions@ashevillehumane.org CASPIAN - Domestic Shorthair/ Siamese Mix cat – gray tabby & white, I am 6 years old and I’m a large, beautiful boy. My former owner had to move and couldn't take me along. I’m very sweet and enjoy being with people.

Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact Pam at adoptions@ashevillehumane.org SALLY - Border Collie/Australian Cattledog Mix dog – black & white, I am a 3 year old girl who is very sweet and smart, and already knows some basic commands. My former owners could no longer keep me, but I’ve lived with other dogs and cats and do well with them. I just want to be near people and learn new tricks. Adoption fees vary; if you’re interested in me, please contact Pam at adoptions@ashevillehumane.org

ASHEVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY 828.761.2001, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806 We’re located behind Deal Motorcars, off Brevard & Pond Rd.

Commitment, consistency, results.

Carolyn Lauter Broker/ABR 1986 SOCO ROAD, HWY 19 • MAGGIE VALLEY, NC 28751

828.734.4822 Cell • www.carolynlauter.com carolyn.lauter@realtyworldheritage.com

Ellen’s clients said it best!

Wa y n e s v i l l e O ff i c e 2 0 1 2 R a v i n g F a n Aw a rd

esither@beverly-hanks.com

Ellen

Sither

828.734.8305

beverly-hanks.com

Ann knows real estate!

Ann Eavenson CRS, GRI, E-PRO

HUGH - A Siberian Husky who probably had some difficult times before he came to Sarge's but he does not hold a grudge. He is living happily in a home with multiple dogs and children and is a very happy and gentle soul.

193-33

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

506-0542 CELL 193-47

KAISER - About 2 1/2 months old, just now ready for adoption. He's mostly tabby with some white, including adorable small white paws! He's a quiet boy who's looking forward to his forever home.

smokymountainnews.com

RED OAK LUMBER AVAILABLE 12 Boards, 11 ft. x 14 inches x 5/4. $125. Old Chestnut Boards Available $500. For more info 828.627.2342

Are spayed/neutered kittens, vaccinated, tested, cute!

877.ARF.JCNC. GINGER - A loving, 3 year old Aussie/Cattle Dog mix, Housebroken; owner died.

877.ARF.JCNC.

breed puppies. Two males and one female. Call 631.2676.

PANTUFLE - A handsome male, young dog. He is most likely a Retriever mix. He is very good with dogs and people and is learning cats. He will make a lovely family pet. He has beautiful leash manners and is housebroken. Call 828.399.0125.

ARF’S Next low-cost spay/neuter trip will be July 8th. Register and pre-pay at ARF’s adoption site on Saturdays from 1-3.

Spaces are limited.

June 19-25, 2013

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

HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

Are awaiting an appointment for spay/neuter, after which they will be available. Tan and white, about 8 weeks old, adorable.

Call 877.ARF.JCNC.

WNC MarketPlace

Pet Adoption

NOW HIRING! National Companies need workers immediately to assemble products at home. Electronics, CD stands, hair barrettes & many more. Easy work, no selling, any hours. $500/week potential. Info 1.985.646.1700 DEPT NC - 4152 (Not valid in Louisiana) SAPA

101 South Main St. Waynesville

MainStreet Realty

(828) 452-2227 mainstreetrealty.net 43

WNC MarketPlace

Your Local Big Green Egg Dealer

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

Beverly Hanks & Associates — beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • •

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Smith — beverly-hanks.com Billie Green — bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun — pambraun@beverly-hanks.com

193-36

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

Talk to your neighbors, then talk to me. ®

See why State Farm insures more drivers than GEICO and Progressive combined. Great ser vice, plus discounts of up to 40 percent.* Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

CALL CALL FOR FOR QUOTE QUOTE 24/7.

24/7. ®

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com Chad McMahon, A gent 3 4 5 Wa l n u t S t r e e t Waynesville, NC 28786 Bus: 828 - 452- 0567 chad.mcmahon.r v37@s t atef arm.com

Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty

1001174.1

*Discounts var y by states.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnit y Company, Blooming ton, IL

193-14

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net

June 19-25, 2013

• Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

www.selecthomeswnc.com Residential and Commercial Long-Term Rentals

Realty World Heritage Realty realtyworldheritage.com Katy Giles - realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7765/ Lynda Bennett - mountainheritage.com/ Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769/ Linda Wester- realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7771/ Thomas & Christine Mallette realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7767/

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty www.smokymountainnews.com

Full Service Property Management 828-456-6111

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com

• • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Connie Dennis — remax-maggievalleync.com Mark Stevens — remax-waynesvillenc.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Bonnie Probst — bonniep@remax-waynesvillenc.com

Schulhofer’s Junk Yard

SALE

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

FOR SALE BY OWNER 2006 Clayton Mobile Home, 14x70, 2/BR 2/BA Top Condition. Furnishings Less than 3yrs old. Waynesville Senior Park 55+, Lot Rent $240. Covered Porches Front & Rear. Asking $35,900. For more information call 828.400.6496.

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193-50

Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400

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828-564-1106

RROLAND33@GMAIL.COM

193-15

828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com

FORECLOSURE NC Mountains 2.75 acres w/mtn views, driveway and easy financing $9,500. Also have cabin on 1.53 acres w/new well and septic $62,500. Ez to finish. 828.286.1666

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828.456.4435

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 44

Best prices in town.

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We deliver.

As always, paying top dollar for your scrap metal.

Find the home you are looking for at www.robrolandrealty.com

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

816 HOWELL MILL ROAD WAY • 456-9408 WAYNESVILLE

BIG MULCH

FOR SALE BY OWNER 11.40 acres, 2 miles outside of Robbinsville, NC. 3 Mtn. Ridges, spring and a pond; easy access.

Property backs up to US Forest. $78,000 for more information 828.550.5791

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE

kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

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193-13

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Antique Store & Personal Property, Still Unpacking 16’ Box Truck: Furniture, glassware, pottery & So Much More! 255 Depot St., Waynesville ‘MY BIRTHDAY’ YARD SALE Saturday June 22nd, 9:00 a.m.

20 Dealers Featuring: Antiques, costume jewelry, furniture, buttons, glassware, cast iron, toys, tools, lots of treasures, fishing & Fresh Produce!

Antique Antics, 1497 S. Main St., Waynesville. SPACE AVAILABLE! 828.452.6225

WEEKLY SUDOKU

Super “BOTTOMS UP!”

CROSSWORD

74 Anti-trafficking gp.

75 Tomatoey seafood ACROSS soup 1 Like positive numbers 81 - -cone (cooling 10 “Peace” treat) 16 Toll, as a bell 82 Divide up by type 20 Person at the helm 83 Suffix with prefect 21 “Om,” e.g.

84 Bolted 22 River of Hesse 86 - Lankan 23 Composer of the 87 Acacia’s kin opera “Prince Igor” 94 Spring zodiac sign 25 Hightail it 97 Onyx or opal 26 “Z” actress Papas 98 Certain fishing pot 27 Musical reworking: 99 “Yummy” pair Abbr.

100 Locale of the 28 Most macabre Venezuelan city 30 Martial arts actor Porlamar Jackie 103 “- a Lady” 31 Baseball’s all-time 104 Autumn zodiac leader in stolen bases sign 36 Boat rower’s need 105 Ocean off FL 37 Throws 106 Legendary furrier 39 Ship’s back 108 Prong 40 Giant in insurance 109 Carnivorous 41 Glancing piercingly North American rodent 43 Syr. neighbor 116 Right fielder 44 Next year’s srs.

Slaughter 45 Suffix with east or 117 Dissimilar to west 118 Rocks atop 46 Organism on a slide 119 Camera part 48 Fraction of a fl. oz.

120 Willow family 51 Longtime Hearst member publication 121 Consensus 59 Call for help 60 Ryder of “Heathers” DOWN 61 Introduce, as a new 1 Tennis’ Ivanovic year 2 “South Pacific” song 62 - Gay (old war 3 Like some swimming plane) strokes 65 Theme of this puzzle 4 Female fox 69 Go with the flow 5 New York City cardi70 Medium of many nal Edward all-talk stations 6 Writer Grey 72 Asimov and Newton 7 Airport abbr.

8 Future fry 9 Bruins great 10 Campfire snacks 11 Actor Hamlin 12 “It’s - -brainer” 13 English “Inc.” 14 Situate 15 Like horses 16 Shoots a rifle again 17 Least busy 18 “Kinsey” star Liam 19 - Green, Scotland 24 Dried by heat 29 Raise 30 Machine tooth 31 U.S. 1, e.g.

32 Bitterly cold 33 Guerrilla Guevara 34 Is sporting 35 Violinist Zimbalist 37 Salon option 38 “I can just see -” 42 French “the” 43 “- bad boy!”

44 Drinking binges 46 Slanting 47 - & Lomb 48 Angry rant 49 Hidden marksman 50 Tetra- plus one 51 Swindling guy 52 City in south Chile 53 Lace loops 54 “Starpeace” singer Yoko 55 Rapper Tone 56 Fluid in a pen 57 “Oh, clever!”

58 Last British letter 59 Clothing lines 63 “Well, - -di-dah!”

64 Boise’s county 66 Sly-fox filler 67 “Take me as -”

68 Body of eau 71 Call - evening 73 Composer John Philip 76 It’s a plus 77 Shearer of the screen 78 - de coeur 79 Saran, say 80 Clue seeker: Abbr.

84 Backslide 85 “And hurry!”

87 - Yello (soft drink brand) 88 Stevedores’ org.

89 Everest, e.g.: Abbr.

90 Munic. law 91 Put in a new home 92 Writer Ralph Waldo 93 Quaint suffix with poet 94 Dutch beer 95 Wisconsin city 96 Easy-to-attach patch 97 “Buon -!” (Italian “Good day!”)

98 Nehemiah-Job linkup 101 Equip for use 102 “May - favor?”

103 Squall, e.g.

106 Skill, in Sicily 107 Captain Hook’s henchman 110 High Swiss peak 111 RSVP part 112 K-12 org.

113 Violin tuner 114 Ballad’s end?

115 Doc with an otoscope

answers on page 42

Answers on Page 42

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June 19-25, 2013

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SERVICES

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A

bi-monthly magazine that covers the southern Appalachian mountains and celebrates the area’s environmental riches, its people, culture, music, art, crafts and special places. Each issue relies on regional writers and photographers to bring the Appalachians to life.

In this issue: Furniture’s former glory in the Catawba Valley Asheville brews up a craft industry Mining in Spruce Pine quietly runs the world Q&A with the inimitable Steve Martin PLUS ADVENTURE, CUISINE, READING, MUSIC, ARTS & MORE

SUBSCRIBE: www.smliv.com OR

Smoky Mountain News

June 19-25, 2013

193-60

46

866.452.2251

Elderberry gets me thinking with my stomach

A

George Ellison

plant that always gets me to thinking with my stomach is common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), which is just now coming into bloom along roadsides in the lower elevations throughout Western North Carolina.

You probably know it already; if not, look for white flat-topped loose clusters of flowers up to six inches or more broad that appear on a shrub three to ten feet tall. The flowering heads resemble several of the shrubs in the Viburnum genus, but elderberry has compound leaves divided so as to display five to 11 leaflets. Vibrunum leaves aren’t divided.

In the fall, the plant bears deep purColumnist ple or black fruits that sometimes weigh their branches to the ground. Many use them for making wine or in sweet breads or jam. In my experience, they are very irregular as to taste when eaten fresh picked.

Clusters from the same shrub will range in flavor from very good to very bad.

Elderberry blossoms, however, never let you down. The entire flowering head fried up in a fritter batter makes a crunchy sum-

BACK THEN mertime treat that more than repays the effort of harvesting and preparation.

American Indians were (and are) the real experts on using plants as economical food sources. If a plant wasn’t worth their time, they didn’t fool with it. In Native Harvests: Recipes and Botanicals of the American Indian (Vintage Books, 1979), E. Barrie Kavasch provided the following recipe for Elder Blossom Fritters: Prepare a light batter, beating together two cups fine white cornmeal, 1 lightly beaten egg, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.

Heat 1/4 cup corn oil on a griddle and drop batter by large tablespoons onto it, immediately placing 1 elder-blossom flower-cluster in the center of each raw fritter and pressing lightly into the batter. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden. Flip and fry for 3 minutes on the other side. Drain on brown paper. Serve hot, sprinkled with additional loose blossoms and maple sugar. (This amount of batter is sufficient for preparing 16 flower clusters) My wife makes a similar batter, substituting fine white flour for the cornmeal and beer for the water. She sometimes prepares daylily or squash blossoms in the same manner. As she says, “Anything tastes good in a fritter batter.”

George Ellison wrote the biographical introduc-

tions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees.

In June 2005, a selection of his Back Then columns was published by The History Press in

Charleston as Mountain Passages: Natural and Cultural History of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.

June 19-25, 2013 Smoky Mountain News 47

June 19-25, 2013

SSPRING PR ING iinto nto be better tter hhealth. ealth.

Smoky Mountain News

SSpring pring iiss tthe he p perfect er fect ttime ime tto om move ove toward toward a healthier healthier life. life. Our Our world-class world-class caregivers caregivers offer of fer off su surgical rgical and a nnumber um b e r o and non-surgical non-surgical options options to to help help you you meet meet your your weight weight loss loss goals. goals.

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