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Western North Carolina’s Source for Weekly News, Entertainment, Arts, and Outdoor Information

July 1-7, 2015 Vol. 17 Iss. 05

Indecision circulating among Waynesville candidates Page 4 Ricky Skaggs discusses bountiful career Page 24

CONTENTS

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On the Cover: Children of U.S. Special Forces soldiers who lost their lives in active duty recently completed an outdoors survival camp near Franklin as a way to heal and find camaraderie with others who have been through similar experiences. (Page 6) Donated photo

News Indecision circulating among Waynesville candidates ......................................4 Jackson Jail suicide investigation on D.A.’s desk ..............................................5 Alcohol could now be more available in Cherokee ..........................................8 N.C. may no longer require driver education ......................................................9 Franklin board urges younger folks to run for office ......................................10 Longtime aldermen plan to run for another term ............................................11 Election talk starts in Sylva ..................................................................................12 Sylva to take public input on two-way Main Street ........................................12 Haywood tourism grant process finds peace ..................................................14 Swain increases budget, maintains same tax rate ..........................................19

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Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Emily Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . emily@smokymountainnews.com Whitney Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . whitney@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Hylah Birenbaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smliv.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jessi Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessi@smokymountainnews.com Becky Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . becky@smokymountainnews.com Holly Kays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Katie Reeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . katie@smokymountainnews.com Wil Shelton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . news@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Singletary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Gary Carden (writing), Don Hendershot (writing).

CONTACT WAYNESVILLE | 144 Montgomery, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585

Opinion A story all about good people doing good things............................................20

SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789

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

Life comes full circle for Ricky Skaggs ..............................................................24

Outdoors HCC student takes national timbersports title ................................................34

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Old-time mountain hogs were essential livestock .......................................... 47

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Call me maybe Catchy case of indecision circulating among Waynesville candidates

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER here’s a unifying theme among candidates in the Waynesville town board election: “maybe-ism.”

Those up for election have been hedging their answers for weeks when asked on the street if they planned to run again. As for newcomers contemplating a run, there’s a marked void as well.

It’s a high-stakes race as usual, however.

All five seats on the board are up for grabs this year — as they are every four years.

Although the sign-up period is right around the corner, candidates have been slow to make up their minds.

As of a few weeks ago, only one of the current town board members had formally declared, and only one outside candidate had stepped up as a challenger.

“That’s been a little surprising to me. I would have expected that other people would have made it known that they were running by now,” said Jon Feichter, owner of New Meridian computer and networking company.

Feichter is the first and only challenger so far to officially announce he’s running. It seemed everyone has been waiting to see what everyone else would do before deciding if they would run, a political version of the game of chicken.

“I think everybody is concerned about what happens going forward. If good candidates didn’t step up, that would impact everyone else’s decision significantly,” Feichter said.

In just the past few days, as The Smoky Mountain News drew closer to press time on a “who’s running” story, more have begun to make up their mind. Here’s what we know for now.

running?’ I have not heard that from anyone,” Brown said.

Brown has been on the board for 16 years, serving as mayor for the past 8 years. He’s tried to fulfill a vision for Waynesville as a vibrant town with exceptional quality of life, in hopes of appealing to business and entrepreneurial interests.

“I want to make sure businesses find

Smoky Mountain News

July 1-7, 2015

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• Alderman Leroy Roberson now says he is running.

“I was giving it some thought first and decided I will run again,” said Roberson, a retired optometrist. “I just want to see that the town keeps progressing.”

• Alderman Wells Greeley says he will not run, a decision that came with “much deliberation.”

Greeley is the owner of a third-generation, family-run funeral business. “My vocation keeps me essentially on call 24-7,” Greeley 4 said. Being a town alderman has been

rewarding the past seven years, he said, but it’s time to make room in his life to pursue other interests with the little free time he has, like perhaps nonprofit work.

• Alderwoman Julia Freeman will most likely run. She’s the newest board member, elected for the first time four years ago.

Waynesville to be a welcoming entity and they come and locate here,” Brown said. “Part of my gut feeling is I want to be a part of fulfilling promises for the town’s growth.”

As for outside challengers, catching wind of them can be tougher. So far we’ve heard of: • Jon Feichter, owner of New Meridian Technologies, a computer networking and repair company on Main Street, is definitely running. It’s partly a family legacy — his mother was a popular alderwoman for 12 years. But he’s also gained insight about what’s on the town’s horizon by serving on

“I have enjoyed it. We have come a long way with the town,” Freeman said. With all the seats in play and others potentially not running, Freeman is also compelled to run to ensure “some continuity and some history.”

• Alderman Gary Caldwell is going to run.

There was never a question.

“I just love my job. I love working with the citizens and being a spokesperson for citizens and employees,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell wagers he gets more calls from citizens than anyone else on the board due to his reputation as a voice for the people.

“People say ‘We know you’ll get it done.

You will look into a situation and at least find out what we need to know,’” Caldwell said.

The calls run the gamut from speeding on neighborhood streets to junk cars in a neighbor’s yard.

• Mayor Gavin Brown will mostly likely run, but has stopped short of saying that he absolutely, positively, definitely will run. If a capable candidate with strong vision came along, he might decide to bow out. In the meantime, he doesn’t think his own waiting game is holding up other contenders from getting in the race.

“No one has come to me and said ‘Gavin, I would like to run. Are you thinking about

the planning board and Downtown Waynesville Association board.

“I would like to have a larger impact in our community. Most of it is derived for my love for this town and I want to make it as wonderful of an experience for my kids as it has been for me,” Feichter said of why he’s running.

“The simple answer is I love Waynesville. I am not gunning for anybody’s seat on the board.”

• Lynn Bradley, former owner of a hardware and gun store who now runs a metal finish shop, is merely a maybe.

“I was approached by some people and they asked me if it was something I would be interested in,” Bradley said. “I am still trying to decide.”

Bradley’s recruiters told him that there were issues afoot within the town that needed fixing, but he’s trying to determine if that’s true.

“That’s something I am still looking in to.

Trying to sort through them is actually quite time consuming,” Bradley said of the gossip.

BIGGEST ISSUE

When asked about the top issues facing the next town board, the merger of Lake Junaluska with the town was hands-down the first answer. All the candidates interviewed support bringing Lake Junaluska into the town limits.

Mayor Gavin Brown sees the merger as a stepping stone for Waynesville’s continued economic growth and prosperity. Others agree.

“That represents a positive move for Waynesville and Lake Junaluska and will benefit our county as a whole,” Greeley said.

“I feel Lake Junaluska will be an asset to Waynesville one day,” Caldwell added. “It is a like an economic generator down there you know.”

Roberson also agreed. Roberson served a four-year stint on the town board during the 1990s when Hazelwood merged with Waynesville, and as a result, believes he could provide valuable insight if and when the Lake Junaluska merger goes through.

But ultimately, it’s not up to the town board candidates. First it must clear the state legislature. Then, voters in the town election this fall would have to approve it, as would voters in Lake Junaluska.

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

Waynesville’s town board members are often flummoxed by the absence of the public at their twice-monthly meetings. But they take it as a good sign.

“If people are displeased with the way the town is being run or the service being given it is not evidenced by attendance at our town board meetings,” Greeley said. “We can only assume in the absence of negative comments that everybody is pleased with the job the town of Waynesville is doing.”

Caldwell said Waynesville’s current board has managed to steer clear of controversial decisions that would rile people up.

“We don’t get the rowdy crowd in there,” Caldwell said of their meetings.

But the general lack of interest by the public in town affairs is mildly troubling despite being an inherently good sign, said Feichter, who will be a newcomer on the ballot this year.

“We as a community need to figure out how to increase that type of participation,” Feichter said. “I think that local input is of critical importance.”

The town held two public hearings on its most recent budget, but had no takers.

“If you don’t show up then we assume you are satisfied with the budget,” Roberson said.

Last year, state and county funding cuts forced the town to chose between raising taxes or cutting services and amenities. The board chose to raise taxes by three cents last year, but even then, public backlash was absent. So absent, Roberson forgot they’d even raised taxes.

“I don’t remember raising taxes last year.

No, it wasn’t property tax, I am almost certain of that,” Roberson said. He said the town raised trash, water and sewer rates, but it had been several years since the town raised property taxes to his recollection.

Feichter said he’s curious about the justification for the tax

F

A

ROSY TIMES Many of today’s board members have served together for years.

“It is a great working board,” Freeman said. “We get along well with each other.”

Despite the civility and serenity, they have disagreed from time to time. But like family, they disagree and still get along.

“It is not that we are all like-minded. I think it is just an air of respect for one another,” Freeman said.

They’ve had few split votes, instead preferring to compromise than draw lines in the sand.

“If we have a disagreement, we still walk hand in hand out there,” Caldwell added.

“We got good harmony going on and not anything controversial.”

The town has been thrown plenty of curve balls the past four years, however.

The town lost its long-time town manager and key department heads to retirement. It’s faced tough decisions to raise water and sewer fees to keep up with line repairs and replacements. And it has struggled with how to protect its precious profit stream as a power provider in light of rising wholesale electricity costs.

And, of course, there was the economy.

“Several things couldn’t be accomplished simply because of the recession,” Roberson said.

The economy is turning around, witnessed by the increase in construction and building permits, but the town now faces a new financial threat. The state legislature has already whittled away at funding streams for towns, with more changes slated to divert part of the town’s share of sales tax.

“We have some significant revenue challenges coming down from the current legislature,” Roberson said.

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QUESTION: Local at Ingles … Might be your neighborhood business or farm ANSWER: Ingles founder, Robert Ingle, always had the goal of buying as much as possible from local farmers and vendors/suppliers. That motto has continued over the past 50 years. Many of our customers don’t realize that the majority of Laura Lynn products come from companies based in states within about 250 miles of our Corporate offices and Distribution Center in Black Mountain NC. Did you know: ■ About 80% of Laura Lynn milk comes from dairy farmers whose farms are within 100 miles of Asheville.

■ Many of the Laura Lynn paper products are supplied by Clearwater Paper company based in Shelby, NC – part of our “Neighbor to Neighbor” program.

■ Ingles is the largest buyer of locally grown produce.

Some other local farmers and vendors you might be familiar with: ■ Sunburst Trout (Canton, NC) – their trout and trout products are in about 18 WNC Ingles stores.

■ J.W. Johnson Produce Company (Canton, NC) – works to broker and package produce for many small Haywood and Buncombe County farmers.

■ Carolina Pig Polish (Whittier, NC) – bottles barbecue sauce made with sorghum syrup.

■ Brasstown Beef (Whittier, NC) – raises beef cattle and supplies Ingles stores in NC and GA. ■ Shelton Family Farm (Whittier, NC) – grown Mountain Majesty tomatoes and hydroponic lettuce for Ingles Markets.

■ City Bakery (Asheville NC) – supplies about several Ingles stores with fresh baked breads.

■ Annie’s Bakery (Asheville, NC) – supplies about 50 Ingles stores with fresh baked goods.

Smoky Mountain News

increase last year, and wonders why it was necessary after the town had made it through the worst of the recession.

“We need to keep taxes as low as we possibly can. As a small businessman I am keenly aware of the sheer number of taxes we have to pay,” Feichter said. “That being said, I also don’t mind paying my fair share.”

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July 1-7, 2015

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER n investigative report looking into the March suicide of Steve Ross, who at the time was incarcerated at the Jackson County Detention Center, is now in the hands of District Attorney Ashley Welch.

“There’s quite a bit to it,” Welch said of the report, completed by the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.

Welch had ordered the investigation on March 26, after details of Ross’ March 13 suicide began to surface.

According to a report from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Resources, Ashley Welch jailers hadn’t checked on Ross for 85 minutes at the time he was found hanging from a bed sheet. Legally, jailers must visually check all inmates at least twice an hour, but over the course of the day, the jail log showed gaps as large as 106 minutes.

The DHHS report also found that the jail did not follow proper detoxification procedures in Ross’s case. Ross was arrested nine days before his suicide while in possession of heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, Xanax, clonazepam and drug paraphernalia.

Court documents do not show whether Ross was under the influence of any of these drugs at the time of his arrest or what his state of mind was at the time of his suicide, but the state requires even more frequent checks for prisoners who are intoxicated or behaving erratically.

news

Jail suicide investigation on D.A.’s desk

The SBI report deals specifically with Ross’ death, Welch said, but the case won’t necessarily end there.

“It’s entirely possible that I may ask for additional investigation and information, but I have not determined that yet,” she said.

Ross’ death sparked the investigation, but another suicide at the Jackson jail came under scrutiny as a result. That was the death of Charles “Chuckie” Moose, who was found hanging from a bed sheet on Nov. 21 last year, under the watch of the same two of Jackson County’s 19 jailers who were on duty at the time of Ross’s death. The jailers are still employed in those positions, receiving five days’ leave without pay as discipline.

A May DHHS report found deficiencies in jail protocol surrounding Moose’s death, as well, finding gaps in jail rounds far exceeding the required two checks per hour.

Welch said she has read the SBI report but will have to look through it a few more times — and get another attorney to do the same — before deciding who to charge with what, or whether charges should be filed at all. It won’t be “months and months” before a decision is made, she said, but by the same token it’s hard to put a deadline on something that might require unprecedented follow-up or get interrupted by another case.

“In the past I think it’s kind of rare that the elected D.A. actually reviewed the stuff,” she said. “I said I’d do it, so I’m doing it, but I want to make sure another pair of eyes is looking at it as well.

“It’s not something that we want to rush through.”

Welch did affirm that she plans to prosecute any resulting case in her home district, “as uncomfortable as it may be.” The sheriff ’s and D.A.’s offices often collaborate on investigations, so Welch would have the option to outsource a case like this that deals with possible wrongdoing in the partner agency.

However, she said, “I feel like ultimately it’s my responsibility.”

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Campers paddle away from shore on Lake Nantahala.

Gold Star photo

Franklin outdoors camp helps military kids heal from loss

Smoky Mountain News

July 1-7, 2015

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER t was an intense few days for Virginia Beach, Virginia, resident Seth. Eight miles of hiking, 4.5 of those bushwhacking, all with an overnight pack on his back. A couple of hours of rock climbing. Three more miles of hiking. And that was just day one.

Before the week was out, he’d log 6 more miles of hiking, 5 of canoeing and hours more of survival skill classes and drills. An impressive feat for most people, and Seth is only 14.

Seth was one of the youngest of the group, but nine other teens completed the strenuous four-day itinerary in the forest near Franklin. And while most groups of teenagers would have balked at the bugs and the heat and the never-ending trail, Gold Star Teen Adventures isn’t for most teenagers.

All 10 kids were the children of U.S. Special Forces soldiers, also called Green Berets. They’ve all seen human physicality pushed to its limit, all grown up in an environment where grit and willpower and perseverance are valuable commodities.

“It’s very, very clear that the apples didn’t fall far from the trees,” said Rob Gasbarro, who owns Franklin’s Outdoor 76 and helped organize the camp. “They’re all just incredibly physically capable. They’re all in great shape.

They all eat well. They’re all really, really 6 smart. They’re all ‘yes sir, no ma’am’ kids.”

I

A UNIQUE BREED They’re also all kids without dads. The camp is open exclusively to teens whose Green Beret fathers died in combat.

The children of Kent Solheim, the camp’s founder, were almost in that category.

During a 2007 tour of duty in Iraq, Solheim, himself a Green Beret, took four bullets and eventually had to amputate a leg.

“He almost didn’t make it home,” said his wife Trina.

He did make it, though, returning to his wife and two children, then 8 and 11, now 16 and 19.

“When he made it home, he wanted to do something for the kids of a guy he worked with who didn’t,” Trina said.

But what should that “something” be? As Kent went through his own recovery process, he started to figure it out.

“It was better for me to get out and have a good time and try new things and not necessarily sit around the campfire and feel sorry for myself,” he said. “It was about moving past that and moving forward.”

That’s where the idea for Gold Star came from.

“This is about having a good time and being with other kids who have been through what you’ve been through,” Kent said. “But you don’t have to talk about it.

Everybody knows.”

Special Forces families are a unique breed, Kent said. That’s why his camps,

which since 2011 have grown from a single diving camp in Florida to include multiple other diving options as well as two outdoor camps based largely in Franklin, focus on physical challenge and outdoor skills.

“Kent picked these skills because he feels that these are things that this community would have done with their kids,” Trina explained. They were combat divers, so they would have taken their kids diving. They were outdoorsmen, so they would have taught them how to survive in the wild.

“I look at the moms that came with us on the first couple of trips, and I watch them and they’re able to see their kids do something they might not have been able to give them,” Trina said.

WHAT NEXT? The Florida diving camps went quite well, but Kent soon realized that not every teen wants to scuba dive. An idea began to form, and Kent reached out to a guy he knew in Franklin, Duotech Services CEO Dan Rogers, to talk about starting an outdoor survival camp.

Rogers, whose Franklin-based company is heavily involved with military agencies, is also a private pilot and has been working with the nonprofit Veterans Airlift Command for about 10 years. The organization connects private pilots with wounded combat veterans and their families who need a ride — whether it’s to a medical appoint-

ment, hospital visit or special military event.

Through a piece of serendipity, Kent found himself hitching a ride on Rogers’ plane.

“We just sort of connected,” Rogers said.

“We just had a passion for taking care of the wounded warriors but also taking care of the families of the fallen.”

So, when Kent asked whether Rogers would be willing to help put together a Gold Star camp in the mountains of North Carolina for 2014, there was only one answer.

“Of course I said yes,” Rogers said.

Rogers, who with his wife Cheryl owns an 80-acre property complete with sleeping space, cooking facilities and an outdoor pavilion able to accommodate all the campers, mentors and staff, offered up his place as base camp and took over all the back-end logistics that go into planning a camp. Then, he headed over to Outdoor 76 to see if he could get Gasbarro on board.

It wasn’t hard.

“I recognized pretty quickly this was something pretty special,” Gasbarro said.

Rogers had originally asked for Gasbarro’s help planning the trek, but Gasbarro jumped in to hook the camp up with equipment and offer himself as a guide.

“That camp went really, really well,” Gasbarrow said, “and I think Kent and I were riding a super big high after that camp going, ‘OK, what next? We can’t just stop here.’”

‘REAL OUTSIDE’ IN NORTH CAROLINA Enter 2015, the debut of the Advanced Outdoor Leadership Camp, exclusively for alumni of the beginner’s week that started last year.

“It kind of kicked my butt,” said Kyla, 17.

That was by design, Gasbarro said.

“The itinerary was very challenging, and that was intentional from both mine and Kent’s part,” he said. “We wanted to make it not easy.”

The camp began June 18 with a send-off from the Rogers’ farm and then the trek in the woods, beginning from private property below Betty’s Creek on the North CarolinaGeorgia state line. The campers completed a 4.5-mile bushwhack up to the rocky outcrop of Pickens Nose, where they got some climbing time with professionals from Brevardbased Fox Mountain Guides. They then proceeded toward the Standing Indian Area on the Appalachian Trail, logging 11 miles total the first day. The next day they worked their way north up to the Bartram Trail, bringing the mile count to 17.

They stayed that night at the Rogers’ and then set out for Lake Nantahala, where a partnership with Lakes End Diner and Marina supplied them with kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards for a 2.5-mile paddle out to the island where they would spend the night. They’d have to undergo a series of tests — a knot-tying class followed by a speed-tying contest, a first aid class, a drill that involved creating a makeshift raft to save a “drowning” Kent, coming back and starting a fire with nothing but a stick — before leaving the island the next morning and eventually heading

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can be hard to find a friend who truly understands. And Special Forces families are an even smaller, specific subset of the military with their own unique experiences, so without a resource like Gold Star, navigating the aftermath of a father’s and husband’s death can be especially difficult.

“Now we don’t live close to a base, and going to these camps is a way to stay in touch with who he (husband Jason) was and the people that we maybe understand in a lot of ways too,” said Kyla’s mom Teresa.

Kent, too, envisions the camps as something much different than a one-shot summer experience.

“Our goal is that kids come year after year after year,” he said.

The Special Forces network is like a family, united by common experience and a Campers navigate the common way of life. Gold backcountry with a map Star is like a reunion, and not and compass. Gold Star photo just for the kids.

“We’re just so close to Trina and Kent over the last “This is about having a good time few years, I’ve laughed about and being with other kids who how Kent is very similar to Jason,” said Teresa, who herhave been through what you’ve self was in the military between 1995 and 2005. “We been through. But you don’t have almost consider them adoptto talk about it. Everybody knows.” ed family at this point.”

She’s heard rumors that — Kent Solheim, Gold Star camp founder the Solheims might be coming over around Christmas, Kyla said, and for her part, Teresa’s grateful that Kyla and her other daughter Hannah have been able to have the experiences the Gold Star camps afford.

Gold Star camps are free to the teens that “The things she has done with Kent and attend them, and the organization relies on his family and his mentors, those are the a combination of foundation funding, prithings that Jason and I wanted to share with vate donations and fundraising to foot the our kids,” Teresa said. “We still do those bill. Find out how to donate some dollars or things, going out and trying to live that life sponsor a camper at that we would have lived together. The www.gstadventures.org or mail to Gold camps are part of that. Kyla in particular has Star Teen Adventures, 7711 S. Raeford Rd., met people that knew her dad.”

Ste. 102, Fayetteville, N.C. 28304.

For Seth, just getting to know Kent has been an important outcome.

“He’s helped me,” Seth said. “He’s given “screamed a lot because (she) was terrified of everything” — meaning mainly snakes, bugs me values to look up to. He’s been a leader for me, a mentor for me, someone to look up and bears. She reflected that she’s probably to and try and be like, because I know he’s a “grown up a lot since then because I’m not great person and he’s always there for me. so loud and obnoxious.”

He actually invited me up to visit his house Point.”

BOUT THE PEOPLE at West Mentorship is definitely part of the program. Aside from Kent, each camp includes Despite all that, however, Kyla’s enjoyed her time at camp. The kids seem to thrive on at least four mentors, two male and two female, who are cadets at one of America’s the physical challenge, Kent said, often military schools. returning for several of the different types of Right now, both Kyla and Seth say they see camp offered each summer. a military future for themselves, as well. Kyla “We think it’s good for the kids,” he said. wants to become a trauma surgeon and enlist “We’ve seen it year after year, real positive in the Air Force, while Seth hopes to go either feedback.” to West Point or the U.S. Naval Academy.

A lot of the positives, Kyla said, have to But for the moment, their education is do with the community. focused on one of the key truths of being part “It was a lot of hiking, and it’s really of the Special Forces family: no life is solo. more about being with the people, because “If nobody comes back, we’re all messed that was intense,” she said.

The military lifestyle is undeniably differ- up,” Teresa said. “We’re all responsible for everybody else.” ent than civilian life, so for a military kid it back to the airport June 23.

Even a Special Forces kid like Kyla wasn’t ready to say it was an easy week.

“I like being outside, but I’m from California,” said Kyla, who has also lived in Washington, Virginia, Georgia and Japan. “I like being outside, but that’s not actually outside because the water’s perfect and there’s no bugs. I was in real outside in North Carolina.”

She recalled last year’s camp when she

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BY HOLLY KAYS That belief held strongly enough that STAFF WRITER Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, the only place on n Cherokee, alcohol could soon be availthe reservation where alcohol sales are able in more places than just Harrah’s allowed, was originally run as an alcohol-free Cherokee Casino following Gov. Pat establishment. Alcohol sales were only McCrory’s signature on a 12-page alcohol allowed there after a 2009 referendum vote, omnibus bill. when 58.7 percent of voters said it should be The laws pertaining to Cherokee had sold there. started out as a standalone bill, which then Denny Crowe, pastor at Old Antioch got rolled into a bigger document that Missionary Baptist Church, had been an outincluded provisions banning powdered alcospoken opponent of alcohol sales then, and hol, allowing retailers to sell growlers of wine while he said he hasn’t been able to gather and permitting distilleries to sell one bottle enough information on the new law to make of their product to each visitor, among otha comment on it, he affirmed that he ers. The measure passed handily with 47-7 in believes alcohol consumption, as a rule, is the Senate and 79-32 in the House, though something that should be discouraged on Rep. Michelle Presnell, R-Burnesville, logged the reservation rather than encouraged. a nay vote.

“It’s just overwhelm“This bill simply says, ‘Hey, you have ing,” she said of the bill.

“It’s way too much. I think all the same authority and permitting all these bills need to be that the state ABC (Alcoholic looked at separately.”

But according to supBeverage Control) commission has, porters of the Cherokee bill, introduced by Rep. on your lands.’ No more, no less.”

Roger West, R-Marble, the — David Huskins, lobbyist for the Eastern Band big news from that section of Cherokee Indians ABC Commission of the law has less to do with alcohol laws and more to do with equality.

But Cherokee can still choose to remain a “This bill simply says, ‘Hey, you have all dry area, Huskins said. For example, in the same authority and permitting that the Graham County, North Carolina’s only dry state ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) com- county, voters would have to approve nearly mission has, on your lands,’” said David any kind of alcohol sale. However, permits Huskins, lobbyist for the Eastern Band of could be granted without a referendum for Cherokee Indians ABC Commission. “No some purposes, such as one-time permits for more, no less.” special events, brown-bagging at clubs and Tribal Council had originally voted to veterans organizations and tourism resorts adopt the pieces of North Carolina alcohol and ABC establishments — those include law in question in 2011, but due to the contourist-drawing restaurants within 1.5 miles struction of the state law, certain parts of of the Blue Ridge Parkway and resorts centerthat law could not go into effect. Among ing around golf, tennis and equestrian sports. them was a list of permit types that a local The new law will carry those same ABC board can grant without requiring a ref- exemptions over to Cherokee. The ABC erendum vote.

Commission could grant one-time alcohol “In the state of North Carolina, towns permits for a festival or approve it at certain and counties have to have referendums, but businesses designed to attract tourists. The the state law does permit the issuance of cer- law would also allow for distilleries and tain permits without a referendum,” Huskins breweries to be built on the reservation, said, “so what the state’s done is apply those though those establishments would not be same laws to Cherokee.” permitted to sell their wares on the Qualla However, decisions regarding alcohol on Boundary. the reservation have long been controversial, The law is less than two weeks out from with a sizable cohort of people staunchly its passage, and as of yet the ABC opposed to alcohol sales for moral and culCommission has not received any permit tural reasons. Alcoholism has historically requests, said Chair Collette Coggins. had a disproportionate effect on Native However, it’s still early in the game with American populations, opponents say, and plenty of details to be worked out before the the best thing the tribe can do for itself is to majority of those newly allowed permits keep alcohol out. could be given.

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BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ylva police can now start enforcing a town ordinance aimed at paring down the number of unpaid parking tickets, thanks to a law recently adopted in Raleigh.

Back in January, the town board had passed an ordinance allowing police to use wheel locks, also called parking

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county that does not have a community college go to take this course? How much will the course cost?” she said in an email. “These questions are the basis for my reservations with the seventh edition of the budget and its failure to fund driver education.”

Sen. Joyce Waddell, D-Mecklenburg, also supports restoring driver education funding, She said one of the biggest values of a formal driver education system is safety and the opportunity it allows new drivers to learn from a professional.

“We want driver education to be taught by people who are competent, who know what they are doing, who know what they are teaching,” she said. “Family members may not have the necessary skills to teach them.”

Hooper said having parents teach their children to drive may work for some people, but he believes professional instructors are best because they know the methodology behind the skills students need to become proficient drivers.

He said instructors also teach skills parents may not think about. Hooper teaches his students defensive driving skills and the importance of looking for potential hazards — skills which many adult drivers often forget about.

Smith-Ingram said driver education has helped reduce the number of fatal wrecks

boots, on cars whose owners had accrued unpaid parking tickets. To have the boot removed, the owner would have to pay any outstanding fees as well as a $25 boot removal fee within 24 hours to prevent their car being towed.

It’s a type of ordinance present in many North Carolina towns, town administrators’ research showed, and the ordinance passed unanimously.

But after Sylva adopted the wheel lock ordinance, the town got a complaint from a downtown business owner demanding to know whether the General Assembly had authorized the ordinance. North Carolina’s laws are such that some local actions require authorization by the General

involving 16 and 17-year-old drivers. A 2014 study by the AAA Foundation found a 4.3percent decrease in the expected number of collisions in teens who took a driver education report.

“Driver’s education provides life-saving instruction for novice drivers and — I would even venture — contributes significantly the safety of the 9 million North Carolinians who travel our highways, roads and interstates daily,” she said.

Smith-Ingram’s amendment proposes reserving a corporate tax credit for one year to fund the program, meaning it would not take away from other educational programs in the budget. Smith-Ingram said her suggestion for longer term funding would be to incorporate driver education into the 10th-grade health and physical education curriculum.

Hooper said the ideal situation, of course, would be to fully fund the program, but he said it would be better to charge for the program than to discontinue the state’s requirement of it.

“Of all the things you learn in high school … the one thing you’re probably going to do forever until you get older is drive,” Hooper said. “So I can’t see why building a good, solid educational foundation for that lifelong skill is not important to people.”

Assembly to be valid, and as the town researched the question, they couldn’t find a clear answer as to whether the ordinance in question required such authorization.

So, Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, introduced a bill authorizing the ordinance and the town asked police to hold off on enforcing it.

The bill became law on June 10, clearing the way for Sylva to start enforcement of the six-month-old ordinance and hopefully reduce the number of parking fines going unpaid. According to Sylva Police Chief Davis Woodard, as of Nov. 2014 $7,500 worth of tickets had gone unpaid since 2011.

Smoky Mountain News

Sylva wheel lock ordinance OK, state says

A Senate-added provision to House Bill 97 removes the $65 cap on what students may be charged and instead reads that what schools charge cannot “exceed the actual costs of providing the course.” The bill also suggests moving the program to the community college system and out of high schools.

July 1-7, 2015

BY KATIE R EEDER SMN I NTERN oung drivers in North Carolina may no longer be required to take driver education to get their learner’s permit if a Senate subcommittee’s modifications to House Bill 97 are passed by the General Assembly.

North Carolina currently requires teens under 18 to pass a driver education course before they can get their learner’s permit. The state shoulders some of what it costs high schools to offer these programs, and high schools can charge students up to $65 to cover the rest.

Haywood County Schools spent $155,489 on driver education last year, which came out to about $299 per student, said Bill Nolte, associate superintendent of Haywood County Schools.

Nolte said if state funding for driver education stops, Haywood County Schools will no longer offer the program because it simply will not have the money. It’s a symptom of a larger funding issue by the state, he said.

“If we got other funding we wouldn’t cut teachers. If we had other funding, we wouldn’t have lost the 130-plus employees that we’ve lost in the last five years,” he said. “We would’ve kept our class sizes lower. If we had other funding we’d be in better resource-shape.”

But Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, said the program has not led to results that justify the state’s expenditure. A 2014 report by the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division found that, in the span of six years, an average of 46 percent of students who took the test to get their license failed. All of those students had previously passed a driver education course.

“We think that’s unacceptable for the money that we’re paying and for the money that students and parents are spending,” he said.

The report also shows, however, that the failure rate has decreased over the years. In the 2007 to 2008 testing period, 59 percent of students failed, but this figure dropped to 33 percent in the 2012 to 2013 period.

A Senate-added provision to House Bill 97 removes the $65 cap on what students may be charged and instead reads that what schools

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N.C. may no longer require driver education

charge cannot “exceed the actual costs of providing the course.” The bill also suggests moving the program to the community college system and out of high schools.

Davis said as the budget is worked out, the state might reallocate money from high school driver education programs to the community college system. He said under this proposal, driver education would no longer be a requirement for a learner’s permit, which would give students more freedom in deciding how they want to learn to drive.

They could learn from a parent, guardian or private driving school. He also expressed confidence in the community college system’s ability to carry out the program, as the system already has courses for motorcycle safety and commercial driver’s licenses.

“The community college system has demonstrated a successful rate with their motorcycle safety program and with their CDL program, so they’re doing it well,” he said. “And if you find a part of state government that’s not working so well and you find a part of state government that is, then turn it over to them,” he said.

Mark Hooper, director of transportation for Jackson County Schools, said he disagreed with this move. He thinks the best practice would be to leave the program in the high schools.

In Jackson and Haywood counties, driver education instructors are licensed teachers already in the schools. Nolte said this helps ensure students receive quality instruction.

Hooper said a community college could not simply replace a high school as the place of instruction. He raised concerns about how a college would handle a program geared toward 15- and 16-year-olds.

“I’m not sure exactly how a community college can operate a program that’s designed for high-school-aged students,” he said.

“They’re not at the community college. It seems to me a logistical problem in trying to operate a driver education program at a community college.”

Sen. Erica Smith-Ingram, D-Northhampton, also took issue with moving the program to the community college system. She is the primary sponsor of a proposed amendment to restore driver education funding.

Smith-Ingram questioned, among other things, how students without a license and with working parents would get to the class. She fears moving the program to community colleges will make the class less accessible. High schools throughout all 100 North Carolina counties have driver education programs, but the state has only 58 community colleges.

“Where do the students who live in a

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Younger candidates encouraged to run for Franklin board

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR t was clear from the 2013 election results in Franklin that voters wanted change.

The 2015 Franklin election will determine whether voters want to continue in the direction the mayor and board of aldermen have been taking the town.

The 2013 race had 12 people running for two aldermen seats while two incumbent aldermen decided to run for mayor. This year, a few names have been floating around but otherwise the town is unusually calm and quiet leading up to the election.

“I think a lot of things people were unhappy with are now in the past,” said Alderman Verlin Curtis, who is up for election this year. “I haven’t heard anything about who is running — it’s kind of been eerily quiet this year.”

While a non-contentious race would make it an easy run for incumbents, firstterm Mayor Bob Scott and other aldermen want to see continued participation in the election process. Scott said it was encouraging to see so many younger folks running for office in the last election, and he hopes that continues this year. Even if they don’t run for a seat on the board, Scott encourages the 20to-40 age bracket to get involved in their community.

“I’m aging out pretty quickly,” the 74year-old joked. “I think there’s a reluctance to get involved in political office because people equate local politics with the mess we have in Raleigh and Washington, D.C..

Young people see that and don’t realize that’s not the issue at the local level.”

“I haven’t heard a thing this year about who may be running,” said Alderman Barbara McRae. “I thought it was great to see all those young people jumping in last time and I’d love to see that again.”

Smoky Mountain News

July 1-7, 2015

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SCOTT PLANS SECOND RUN

When asked if he planned to run for another two-year term as mayor, Scott didn’t hesitate to give an enthusiastic “yes.” As a former newspaper reporter turned law enforcement officer, Scott has been on all sides of local government issues, but he thinks he’s best suited for his current role.

“I absolutely enjoy it … it’s very satisfying when you can help somebody solve a problem,” he said.

Scott served on the board of aldermen for 10 years before deciding to run for mayor. He was typically the dissident on the board and said he was likely the underdog for mayor in the last election against Sissy 10 Pattillo — another longtime board member.

He received 493 votes to Pattillo’s 181 votes.

Pattillo said she had no plans to run for mayor this year. She just hopes people who decide to run will have the best interest of the town at heart.

Scott ran on a platform of a transparent government and set out to accomplish a number of goals in his first years in office. Since being elected, he has made sure all the town’s boards and committees are adhering to the state Public Records Act and Open Meetings Law; reorganized the Main Street Program; worked to improve the town’s water and sewer infrastructure; encouraged businesses and residents to be involved in the town’s progress; and worked to beautify downtown.

“I’ve tried to make the town more welcoming and friendly — we’ve encouraged local businesses and new entrepreneurs to be involved,” he said. “I feel good about that but there are still things I Bob Scott want to get done.”

Scott said he would continue to improve parking and crosswalks downtown; try to slow traffic coming down Main Street; beautify downtown and outlying areas of town; and emphasize the town’s festivals to increase tourism.

Because the Main Street Program board has gone inactive until it can reorganize, the town has taken over responsibility for four festivals — Fourth of July, Pumpkin Fest, Veterans Day and Winter Wonderland.

“I’ve been a little disappointed in a couple of festivals that went by the wayside, especially the (Franklin) Folk Festival,” Scott said, adding that these types of events get too large and don’t have enough volunteers to keep up the momentum. “The town just doesn’t have the resources to take them all over.” On the other hand, he said festivals like the Taste of Scotland, which occurred Fathers Day weekend, was a huge success once again.

Ironically, Scott said his biggest challenge as mayor has been the North Carolina General Assembly. This year, legislators attempted to push for a bill that would make municipal boards hold partisan elections. If that ever passes, he said he wouldn’t run again.

“That’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard — 98 percent are non-partisan and it should stay that way,” he said. “I don’t want to have to answer to a political party.”

The General Assembly is also looking at changing the sales tax distribution formula, which would strip small towns like Franklin of a dependable revenue source. Paired with shrinking state Powell Bill funding for road

Downtown Franklin. File photo

“I’m very excited about the fact that the board members get along so well. We don’t always agree, but we have a lot of respect for one another.”

— Barbara McRae, Franklin alderman

repairs, Scott can’t help but feel like the Legislature isn’t a proponent of small or local government.

McRae, who still has another two years as alderman, said she thinks the public is responding favorably to Scott, who has taken on the role of an active mayor.

“I think the mayor is doing a terrific job.

He’s working so hard and he’s energetic about leading the town because he really cares about it,” she said.

BOARD INCUMBENTS ON THE FENCE As of Monday evening, Aldermen Verlin Curtis and Joyce Handley hadn’t decided whether they would seek another four years in office.

Curtis has already served three terms on the board and currently serves as the vice mayor.

“I don’t like to make a quick decision, but I Verlin Curtis feel like I’m mentally capable of doing the job even though I’ll be 80 this year,” he said.

Handley, who has served two terms on the board, is still contemplating another run for office. With a lot of other things happening Joyce Handley in her life, she said, “I’m leaning toward ‘yes’ but I haven’t made a final decision, but I’m looking forward to seeing who all is going to get into it this year.”

Alderman Farrell Jamison is also up for reelection but did not return phone calls seeking comment about whether he would be running again.

So what’s at stake in this election? Well, that depends on who runs. Scott and other aldermen feel like the board has a great working relationship right now with no insurmountable obstacles in front of them.

However, the possibility of three new board members and/or a new mayor has the potential to change everything.

“I think the town has really moved ahead in the last two years,” McRae said. “I’m very excited about the fact that the board members get along so well. We don’t always agree, but we have a lot of respect for one another.”

Curtis said the board has definitely had a better relationship in the last four years than it has in the past.

“In the last four years I think we have went through a great learning stage and I think we’re on the road to making progress while keeping the tax rate low,” he said.

While water and sewer infrastructure improvements may not be a sexy topic, it’s an important part of running a town government, aldermen say. The town recently received a $3.5 million loan to make upgrades to its water treatment plant.

“The biggest issue will be maintaining our infrastructure — without good infrastructure you don’t have a town,” Scott said.

The mayor and aldermen also agreed that Town Manager Summer Woodard and the town employees have made a big difference in how the town and the board operate.

“Summer is doing a great job,” Curtis said. “She has a vision about things — she’s a thinker.”

Looking to the future, McRae said her goals for the next two years will be to revitalize some of the older rundown neighborhoods and work to preserve the town’s historic buildings. In the meantime, she is just happy to see progress being made downtown and cooperation between merchants.

“I feel like people are working together now when two years ago we had a lot of splinter groups,” she said. “It took a lot of energy, but people are more on the same page now.”

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Board dynamics play a large part in how a town operates and the decisions that are made. Differing opinions are good but progress can be stifled if a board disagrees on goals. Welch said the current board has a good makeup of different opinions.

“There’s certain things we don’t agree on, but we can do it in an agreeable manner,” she said. “You don’t need five people who think alike. There’s been things where listening to each other helps me better understand a lot of issues.”

Sutton echoed Welch’s sentiment, saying

File for candidacy Sign up to be a candidate for the Bryson City Board of Aldermen between 8 a.m.

Monday, July 6, and noon Friday, July 17, at the Swain County Board of Elections office, 1422 U.S. 19 South in Bryson City. The filing fee for aldermen and mayor candidates is $5. The only requirement is that candidates live within the town limits. that the board works pretty well together. His only complaint is the slow pace of things.

“That’s just the nature of the beast — everything just moves a little slow when you only meet once every few weeks, but that’s the way democracy works,” he said.

Depending on how many people run for the two aldermen seats, Welch feels like she has a pretty good chance at being re-elected.

As a retired educator and a member of the First Baptist Church in Bryson City, she is well-known in the community.

With voter turnout so low in Bryson City municipal elections, having too many candidates could split up the vote. In the 2011 election, Gribble received 148 votes and Welch received 134 votes.

Welch is proud of the reputation she has garnered for being a board member that fights for equal treatment for all residents and all businesses — even if her delivery is a little rough around the edges.

“I paid my own filing fees so I don’t feel indebted to any one person or business,” she said. “There’s times I have opposition — I don’t always explain things in a politically correct way. I’m known for being blunt, but most people can understand what I’m trying to say.”

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Fly Fishing the South

July 1-7, 2015

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR wo longtime Bryson City aldermen plan to run for another term in office, and so far only one possible name has surfaced to run for one of the two seats open in the November election.

Kate Welch, a retired business teacher who has served as an alderman since 1995, said she planned to run for another term despite rumors to the contrary. For her, it’s not about being a politician — it’s about being a part of the community in which she feels a deep connection.

“This is my home,” she said. “I didn’t just get on the board to add something to my resume.”

Incumbent Alderman Jim Gribble also said he would seek another term in order to see some projects come to fruition, including a new water meter system, hiring a new town manager and the potential closing of Fry Street to construct a pedestrian plaza.

Heidi Woodard, director of visitor services at the Swain County Chamber of Commerce, is also considering a run for alderman. She was born and raised in Swain County, moved away for several years, and has been living in Bryson City for the past 11 years.

While she’s been to a few town board meetings in the past, her involvement on the Little League board has kept her from attending the Monday evening meetings.

“I’m still contemplating it,” she said. “I’ve been looking back at the (town board’s) minutes to see what the issues are. I want to make sure I’d be a good asset for them.”

Mayor Tom Sutton said he hadn’t decided yet whether to run for a second term as mayor.

“It’s one of those things where I’ll probably put it off until the last minute,” he said.

Sutton, who spent 24 years in the Navy and is now a parole officer, ran as a write-in candidate in 2011. He won with 111 votes against the 89 votes for Jeramy Shuler.

“There was only one guy running and I felt like people should have a choice,” Sutton said. “You do it the old-fashioned way — shoes on the ground talking to your neighbors.”

ELECTION ISSUES So what are the election issues in Bryson City? The most pressing matter before the board will be hiring a new town manager.

Current Town Manager Larry Callicutt announced his retirement earlier this year, stating he would stay on board no later than September.

“We’ll hopefully be selecting a new town manager before the election — I’d like to help select that individual and see that they get off to good start,” Gribble said.

Welch pointed to the normal challenges a small town deals with day in and day out.

“Some people ask me how the town is doing and I tell them ‘the Tuckasegee is still flowing, the train is still running and tourists are still coming,’” Welch said. “When I see we still get a lot of tourists in the summer, I feel good about Bryson City.”

Tourism is definitely the major economic engine for the mountain community with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Nantahala Outdoor Center and Great Smoky Mountain Railroad located in its backyard.

While there are always needed projects to maintain the town’s infrastructure, finding the money to do it is often the tallest hurdle.

Sutton said the town is constantly trying to maintain a dependable revenue stream without raising taxes too much for residents.

“So many things boil down to money,” he said.

Welch said the slow progress of government was sometimes frustrating, especially when funding isn’t available to complete needed projects.

“We’ve got sidewalks that need repair bad.

We got streets that need to be paved — and a lot of times we don’t have the money to do everything,” she said. “But little by little we try to do things, but it costs money and we’re not a rich town.”

Welch’s goal of fair treatment for all could be why she is considered to be “against” the railroad on town issues. For example, Welch hasn’t been supportive of the idea to construct a pedestrian plaza in front of the train depot in downtown Bryson City. The train already owns the land, but the town would have to relinquish its right of Way for Fry Street for the project to move forward.

Alderman Rick Bryson called it one of the most controversial issues the board has discussed since he was elected to the board two years ago. The Swain County Tourism Development Authority presented the project to the board last September, but the board kept dragging its feet on making a decision.

In May, the board finally set a public hearing regarding the closure of Fry Street for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 17, but Welch and Gribble voted against it.

Gribble said he was interested to see what people have to say about closing Fry Street.

He said he would vote the way people encourage him to vote on the matter.

“I don’t have a business in town,” he said. “It appears to me the people who desire the closing of Fry Street are those that have the most to gain from business from the train. People who are citizens of the city — yet don’t own a business — have mixed feelings about it.”

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Longtime aldermen seek second term in Bryson City

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Election talk starts in Sylva Two mayoral campaigns announced prior to filing

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hen election candidate sign-ups start next week, at least two Sylva residents will be putting their names in the ring for the soon-to-bevacant mayor’s seat.

Barbara Hamilton, in the midst of her first elected term on the town board after being appointed to a vacancy in 2012, has already declared her intention to run, as has David Barbara Hamilton Nestler, president of the Sylva Main Street Association and owner of Tree of Life Woodworks.

Mayor Maurice Moody, who did not run in the last mayoral election either but wound up appointed when top David Nestler vote-getter Chris Matheson said no to the job, has already said he’s not running, leaving the seat wide open.

Both Nestler and Hamilton named tax rates and town-government relations as the top issues the race’s winner would tackle.

This year marked the fourth in a row that the town dipped into its fund balance — government speak for “savings account” — to pay the bills, a situation that Hamilton said is untenable. Going forward, the town will have

July 1-7, 2015

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Sylva to take public comment on two-way Main Street Smoky Mountain News

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER sk around downtown Sylva, and it’s not hard to find someone with an opinion about traffic. Main Street should be two-way. It should remain one-way. There’s not enough parking. The new parking area on Mill Street is a godsend. The recently installed posts and left-turn lanes are obnoxious and confusing to visitors, or they are a great way to slow the speed of traffic and prevent accidents.

But the town board has heard barely any of that conversation, Sylva aldermen said at their most recent meeting. That’s a problem, because with $10,000 of town funds invested in a study on the feasibility of a two-way traffic pattern that concluded this spring, the town will need to start making some decisions.

“I have really been surprised at the lack 12

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to figure out another way to generate revenue, especially with Jackson County’s property revaluation going into effect for the upcoming fiscal year. Property values are expected to go down, which means governments will see a decline in revenue if the current tax rates remain in place.

“I don’t want to hurt anybody. I don’t want to increase anyone’s taxes, but it’s gotten to the point where there won’t be any choice,” Hamilton said. She pointed to state actions — such as the Legislature’s decision last year to prevent local governments from collecting business license fees — as restricting the ways that towns can raise revenue.

Sitting commissioners agreed that the tax rate is likely to be the big issue of the next year.

“Everybody knows there’s going to be a tax increase, both city and county, with the revaluation coming up next year, so I think that we shouldn’t spend if we don’t have to, and we need to look at bringing in extra businesses and people in the town to help offset that tax increase,” said Danny Allen, whose term ends this year.

Nestler also agrees that something has to be done about Sylva’s revenue stream and hinted that a tax hike would be a strong possibility.

“That’s a tough issue to bring up initially, and I think that’s an issue that’s best tackled with a lot of public input,” Nestler said.

Public input is something that’s largely absent from the town right now, according to Hamilton and Nestler.

“I think that’s something really missing is interaction between the town board and residents at this point,” Nestler said. “There’s not that much connection between the two.”

“It’s going to be a very challenging time, and I’m open to a lot of ideas,” Hamilton said.

“I’d like to see more merchants attend our

of public interest in the two-way traffic study,” Mayor Maurice Moody said at the meeting. “It seemed like there was more discussion before we did the study than there has been since then.”

So, the board scheduled a pair of public comment sessions focused on downtown traffic, particularly on the question of whether the town should convert from one-way to two-way traffic. The first will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9, and the second one at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. The discussion will be fairly open, with commissioners seeking comment on any aspect of downtown traffic and parking patterns participants would like to speak to.

“I think it’s important to get input from people that drive the road every day, that work downtown, that own businesses downtown,” said Commissioner Lynda Sossaman.

However, two-way traffic is the issue commissioners are most hoping to hear the public talk about.

“It seems to be the most talked-about issue, and I want to know what others think about that,” said Commissioner Mary

meetings and even just the public in general.

We always have room for public comment and very few people show up.”

For instance, town commissioners recently scheduled a pair of public comment sessions on changes to traffic patterns on Main Street, saying they’d heard next to nothing on the topic from their constituents and hoped a formal comment session would yield some input.

Hamilton, a retired registered nurse who finished her 25-year career at Harris Regional Hospital, believes she has the connections

Dates to keep in mind • Election filing start: 8 a.m. Monday, July 6 • Election filing end: noon Friday, July 17 • Primary Election voter registration deadline: Friday, Aug. 21 • Primary Election: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 • General Election voter registration deadline: Friday, Oct. 9 • General Election: 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 3 and commitment to the community that will help bridge that perceived gap. She’s on the boards for Jackson County Neighbors in Need, the Jackson County Library and the Main Street Association and said she makes a point of greeting new business owners when they move downtown.

Nestler, meanwhile, touts his experience on the Main Street Association board as giving him a solid understanding of town government and strong relationships with leaders and merchants. He’s also on the board of

directors for the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority.

Nestler believes that his youth will be an asset to a board whose average age tops 60.

Nestler, 30, would be the youngest member of the board if elected.

He isn’t the only current board member who is saying that young blood is needed in town government.

“I wish there would be some younger people that would consider running because we have a lot of the elderly people that think differently. This is a young person’s world,” said Commissioner Danny Allen, who has served on the board for 12 years.

There’d been some rumor around town that Allen, too, was planning on a run for the mayor’s seat. It likely stemmed from a conversation he had with a couple other board members last fall, Allen said, but as of now he’s not planning to run — though nothing’s set in stone.

“I’m saying definite no right now,” he said. “Things could change. I’ve been there 12 years. I want to get on with my life.”

Commissioner Lynda Sossaman had also been rumored to be planning a run, but like Allen, she couldn’t say whether she’d be on the ballot as a commissioner candidate, a mayoral candidate or not at all.

“I haven’t made up my mind about anything yet,” she said.

Long-time board member Harold Hensley isn’t considering a run for mayor but was similarly noncommittal when asked whether he planned to run for re-election.

“I’m looking stronger and stronger that way,” he said about another run, “but I haven’t really made my mind up.”

Mary Gelbaugh, who won her seat in 2013, is not up for election this year, nor is Hamilton. If Hamilton loses her bid for mayor, she’ll keep her seat on the board, while any other incumbent board members that chose to run would forfeit their seat on the board if they lost the election.

Gelbaugh. “We’re sitting on the town board to represent the people, not just our own opinions.”

“We need the public to come and talk to us,” agreed Commissioner Barbara Hamilton.

Once the two public hearings are over, commissioners will have to decide on a course of action. Moody said he’d expect the board to make a decision on the twoway traffic question by early to late fall, once commissioners have had the chance to consider comments from the Sept. 3 comment session.

But any changes wouldn’t actually take place until much later. The N.C. Department of Transportation would have to sign off, and the town would have to come up with the money. Converting Main Street to two-way traffic would cost an estimated $375,000.

“Trying to get things done is not just an overnight thing,” Hamilton said.

Downtown Sylva. Max Cooper photo

Haywood Habitat accepting applications

Submit nominations for Mountain Heritage Award Western Carolina University is accepting nominations for the Mountain Heritage Award, an honor bestowed annually on one individual and one organization playing a prominent role in researching, preserving and/or interpreting Southern Appalachian history, culture and issues. The university has given two awards annually, one for a person and one for an organization, since 2007.

One award was presented each year from 1976 to 2006.

Nominations for the award will be accepted through Wednesday, July 15, and can be

Grace Church announces grant availability Grace Episcopal Church in Waynesville is now accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations in Haywood County until July 25.

All proceeds from the church’s annual parish fair that will be held on Saturday, July 25, will be distributed to local charities. Grant application forms can be picked up and dropped back off at the parish office located at 394 N. Haywood St., on the corner of Haywood and Miller Streets in Waynesville, or can be emailed. Applications must be accompanied by proof of nonprofit status along with a copy of the organization’s 2014 budget in order to be considered.

The office is open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

828.456.6029.

HCC to hold STEM Summer Camp Haywood Community College will hold a 2015 STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Math) summer camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20 through July 24 at the Regional High Technology Center.

The camp is designed primarily for rising sophomores and juniors. Other high school-aged students may be accepted if space is available. Participants will be introduced to 3D Modeling, building circuits, NXT LEGO Mindstorm Robots, and industry representatives.

To register, email hightech@haywood.edu or call 828.627.5479.

Senior center to host end-of-life planning workshop An Advance Directives workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

This session will provide an overview of advance directives and answer the five W’s —who, what, when, where and why — related to advanced directives.

Following the session, staff will be on hand to answer questions and assist with execution of documents. Individuals will need photo ID plus another form of identification for notary and will need names, addresses and phone numbers of beneficiaries. It is also helpful to know the funeral home of choice.

Call or stop by the senior center to register. 828.356.2800.

news

Haywood Habitat for Humanity is seeking qualified prospective homeowners.

Homeowner applications for upcoming projects in Waynesville will be accepted in July and August. All applicants must attend one mandatory information session prior to application scheduled for 5:30 p.m. July 9 at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church; 10 a.m. on July 11 at Haywood County LibraryWaynesville or 5:30 p.m. July 23 at Haywood County Public Library-Canton.

The program is not a giveaway program.

For more information on how to qualify, visit www.haywoodhabitat.org or call 828.452.7960.

hand-delivered to the Mountain Heritage Center in the Hunter Library building, Room 240; mailed to Mountain Heritage Center, 1 University Drive, Cullowhee N.C. 28723; or pameister@wcu.edu.

Glenville Area Historical Society to put on Heritage Tour The Norton Community Center will be a featured stop during the Glenville Area Historical Society’s annual Heritage Tour on July 18. The two-three hour self-guided tours begin at 10 a.m. at Baptist Church and Cemetery, which was on one of the places of worship moved from Old Glenville when Lake Glenville was built. Tickets will be sold until 2 p.m. on the tour day at the Hamburg Baptist Church on N.C. 107 North. Advance tickets can be purchased until July 17 at the Lakeside Flea, the Glenville Community Development Club and from GAHS members.

828.743.1658 or 828.743.6744 or historicalsocietyglenvillearea@yahoo.com.

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Advice from next door: how to award grants without getting in a fight hile it’s old hat in Haywood, neighboring Jackson County is largely new at the whole tourism grant business. The countywide tourism board has only been in existence a couple of years. So it’s still settling into its role as one that controls the purse strings.

Jackson’s tourism board used a scattergun approach to doling out grants this year: if you applied, you got money.

That’s a luxury Haywood’s tourism board doesn’t have, simply due to the sheer volume.

Jackson got less than a dozen tourism funding requests, compared to more than 75 in Haywood.

Haywood County brings in about $1 million annually from the tourist tax tacked on to the bill of overnight accommodations. About $300,000 went to mini-grants this year, ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 on average.

Here’s a few “been there done that” lessons Haywood’s tourism board has to offer Jackson as they figure out how to vet and measure which projects should get money.

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TIP #1: MAKE THEM DO THEIR HOMEWORK Anyone vying for a piece of the pie in Haywood must attend an annual workshop on how to properly apply for tourism grants. The tourism agency staff goes over application requirements, as well as the stipulations of how tourism grant money can be used and back-end accounting of how it’s spent.

July 1-7, 2015

TIP #2: COME UP WITH AN OBJECTIVE RUBRIC Haywood’s tourism board used to award grants based on a hunch or gut feeling of whether it would actually benefit tourism.

Now, applicants have to explain and justify how the project will actually result in tourists, and file a follow-up economic impact report measuring the results.

Smoky Mountain News

TIP #3: PRE-VET FOR SMOOTH SAILING Decide ahead of time how much of the annual budget will be set aside for grants, and appoint community-based committees to hash out how much each one should get. By bringing community members to the table, you achieve buy-in for the final recommendations and keep the full board out of the politics.

TIP #4:

ENSURE GEOGRAPHIC PARITY To avoid a tug-of-war between communities — Maggie Valley, Waynesville and Canton historically fought over whether the other was getting more than their due — pre-decide how much of the grant pot should go to projects in each area.

In Haywood, a formula is used to determine how much each geographic area gets, based on the lodging tax collected from that particular locale.

Leave it up to year-to-year whims, and it’s only a matter of time until a Sylva-versus14 Cashiers funding war breaks out.

Making it matter: the new paradigm behind Haywood’s tourism grants

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER here was something markedly absent from the nearly $300,000 in tourism grants awarded by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority this year: contention.

Doling out mini-grants for tourism projects used to be the most dreaded and criticized role of the Haywood County tourism board. A tug-of-war often ensued as festival organizers and tourism players went to the mat for their perceived fair share of the tourism tax dollars.

Should niche ad campaigns cater to motorcyclists or golfers or skiers? How should visitor center subsidies be divvied up between Waynesville, Maggie and Canton?

Should the big-daddy festivals with a proven tourist draw always land the biggest grants, or should they move over and make way for newcomers on the festival scene?

The tourism board has tried to ditch the drama and politics from the grant process over the past several years. And it seems like it has finally worked.

“This is actually a feel-good story because we are moving in a different direction than the past when you have seen a lot of negativity,” said Mike Eveland, a tourism board member from Maggie Valley. “The people on the board right now have also evolved and watched others blaze the trail. They’ve been able to see the trials and tribulations.”

When the Haywood tourism board voted on this year’s round of tourism minigrants in the spring, it took all of two minutes. It was a unanimous vote without a peep of debate.

The new paradigm is largely due to key changes in the application and vetting process to move beyond the strife of the past.

“I think people who are applying for grants understand how it works now,” Eveland said. “There was frustration before.

They wanted to know ‘Why are you giving this person money?’ and ‘Why aren’t you doing this?’ or ‘Why aren’t you doing that?’

I think now people are educated on what the system is.”

The more arduous process has resulted in self-selection: those who can’t prove a direct tourism connection simply don’t bother to apply anymore, realizing up front that their event or project won’t pass muster.

There’s extensive paperwork to be filled out for the application, and once the event’s over, the work still isn’t done. The tourism agency wants a follow-up report on the outcome — known as the economic impact form.

And that means grabbing a clipboard and actually talking to a sample of people at the festival.

DEVIL IN THE DETAILS

Despite its penchant for evidence that a mini-grant is worth its mettle, the Haywood tourism board is willing to think outside the box.

More than 65 grants were given out this year, and they run the gamut: tents for the Canton Labor Day festival, off-duty police to block traffic along the bike route of the Blue Ridge Breakaway and money to pay live bands at Shining Rock River Fest at Camp Hope.

But they aren’t all about festivals. Some simply contribute to the sense of place and general tourist appeal.

A grant was awarded to volunteers with the Elk Bugle Corp in Maggie Valley, who serve as roving docents to

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Lynn Collins, director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, was quick to point out that the mini-grants got plenty of vetting, despite the board’s final vote on the grants going off without a hitch.

For starters, anyone who wants to apply for a tourism grant has to attend a mandatory workshop that covers the criteria for grants. Applicants have to detail how the grant will be used, and more importantly, justify and document how their event or project will translate into more tourists or longer stays.

“I think people who are applying for grants understand how it works now. There was frustration before. They wanted to know ‘Why are you giving this person money?’ and ‘Why aren’t you doing this?’ or ‘Why aren’t you doing that?’ I think now people are educated on what the system is.”

— Mike Eveland, tourism board member

“You have to ask them if they are from out of town, are they staying overnight, how many days are they staying, are they shopping and eating, how many are in their party,” Collins said. “We need to know if you truly are generating business. We have to make sure it adheres to the guidelines of what the dollars can be spent for.”

FOREST FOR THE TREES

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engage with elk watchers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Elk are a tourist draw, so enhancing the elk-watching experience is seen as worthwhile, albeit non-traditional.

The same goes for grants to support the live music series put on by the Classic Wineseller and The Strand at 38 Main — two nightlife venues in downtown Waynesville.

“Entertainment is a big part of what people want and it is part of the experience,” Collins said.

Maggie Valley uses tourism grant money to pay a costumed Miss Maggie character to walk up and down the sidewalks in town, waving to passing cars — sending a subconscious message to visitors that Maggie is a welcoming place to visit.

Another not-so-typical grant will fund do-it-yourself bike fix-it stations, catering to the growing segment of cycling tourism.

The fix-it stations alone won’t convince cyclists to come here, but it’s part of a longrange play to establish Haywood as a cycling destination.

“It is a signal that you are a bicyclefriendly community, and it is a new market that we can capitalize on,” said Collins. “We have tremendous potential in Haywood County for cycling tourism.”

Maggie also got $5,000 to install an electric vehicle charging station, which is a must for visitors traveling in electric cars.

A greenway project along Jonathan Creek in Maggie Valley got an $11,000 grant this year, which in and of itself probably won’t make or break someone’s decision to come. But greenways are a sought-after amenity that contributes to the overall package of a destination.

“We are beginning to see people ask about greenway options at the visitor center,” Collins said.

Lake Junaluska Conference Center even got money for restrooms to serve executives during its biggest conference of the year, one that rakes in 4,000 overnight visitors to the county for an average of four nights each. Inadequate restrooms for conference leaders was an unresolved issue that could have jeopardized the whole conference coming here — and thus clearly a good return on investment.

One new grant this year is $8,000 to subsidize the salary of an event coordinator for the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of the heavy lifting the chamber does for several signature festivals during the year.

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CLIMBING THE LADDER Another change in recent years that’s led to smoother sailing is how the mini-grants are vetted.

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These days, the full tourism board doesn’t get into the weeds of each grant. Instead, the tourism board is merely the third and final stop in a months-long process — with front-loaded vetting being done by a suite of committees.

The first round of vetting is at the community level.

A Maggie committee vets all the applications from the Maggie area, a Waynesville committee vets applications from the Waynesville area, and so on.

The committees hash out the merits of the projects amongst themselves. Each has its own pot of money to work with, and divvies it up among the projects in their own backyard.

“They talk about it and discuss it and spend several hours on it,” Collins said. “They are really being good stewards of the money.”

The next stop is the tourism board’s finance committee, which reviews the list from the communitybased committees and makes its own recommendations, which are fed up the chain to the full tourism board.

The tourism board isn’t completely hands-off. But rather than second-guess the recommendations coming up the ladder, the Haywood tourism board has —been attaching some strings to the funding — think of it as constructive criticism.

Some festivals that got funding this year saw additional criteria for how they could use it. Festivals can’t use their mini-grants for brochures or posters, for example, but can only use it for advertising in media outlets more than two hours away.

“What kinds of ways can you advertise that will give you more bang for your buck?” Eveland said.

Last year, the tourism board would give money to the Folkmoot international dance festival only if it improved its website.

“We have the resources and the tools and the knowledge to be able to share with these folks and perhaps make them think about some things they haven’t thought about,” Collins said. “Everybody on our board has some type of tourism-related business.”

That means they may understand what caters to tourists better than a group putting on a dog show might if left to its own devices.

For example, Bike Haywood got a tourism grant fto install bike fix-it stations around the county, but the grant came with the added stipulation that the GPS coordinates of each fix-it station be included in cycling marketing materials.

A SUCCESS STORY

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Smoky Mountain News

While the tourism authority handles branding and marketing for Haywood County overall, the mini-grants fill in the gaps by marketing specific fesftivals, attractions or individual parts of the county.

Lately, Maggie has pooled a large portion of its mini-grant allotment — about $67,000 — on co-op advertising, a trend Collins lauds.

“Instead of advertising each organization or every festival and event, this is umbrella advertising. They are able to talk about Maggie Valley as a destination,” Collins said.

Rather than the Maggie Valley Motel Association running an ad to stay in Maggie, and a festival running a separate ad promoting an event, they are comfbining their grant dollars to run a bigger ad with more reach that accomplishes both goals, Collins said.

“Before, the ads were for festivals and events that happened to be in Maggie. Now they are also including what there is to do in Maggie,” Collins said.

She attributes this strategy to the bump in tourism in Maggie over the past year.

“Maggie numbers are up. I think a lot of it has had to do with the co-op marketing program,” Collins said.

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Figuring out how to fund Jackson tourism board discusses how to improve new grant award system

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ackson County’s tourism association has had a lot of things to figure out since its formation in 2012. Not least of those is how to divvy up the grant fund it keeps to help the county’s festivals and events promote these happenings outside the local area.

This was just the second year that the Tourism Development Authority gave out the grants, and as the board went through the requests blow-by-blow, some uncertainty emerged as to how, exactly, award decisions should be made.

That uncertainty prompted the board to direct members Clifford Meads and Sarah Jennings to look into ways to tweak the process for the next go-around. Meads and Jennings will likely make a recommendation to the board sometime this summer.

The questions are many. Should grants go to established events like Greening up the Mountains, which have survived for years without the TDA’s $1,200 kick-in? Or only to start-ups like the Front Street Arts and Crafts Show in Dillsboro, which debuted this

July 1-7, 2015

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year?

And what about events that address the grant’s goal of promoting advertising outside the local area indirectly rather than head-on? The TDA wound up approving a $1,200 grant for the Tuck River Cleanup, for instance, but those dollars won’t go to advertising — rather, they’ll defray the direct cost of the event. The grant was warranted, the board decided, because the event is the largest single-day cleanup in the country and garners substantial press just by plugging along. So, by giving to the Tuck River Cleanup, the TDA is in effect giving toward editorial coverage that will have as wide a reach as any paid advertising.

Plus, some board members postulated, isn’t a clean river just another form of advertising for the county?

“When you hear about it on public radio and various and sundry places you think, ‘My God, I want to go there because they clean up their river,’” said board member Merrily Teasley, who owns the Balsam Mountain Inn. “If I’m looking for somewhere to go, I look at those things.”

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Jackson’s tourism board discusses the grant applications before it. Holly Kays photo

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Jumper said.

That happened in one instance this year with an application from the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival, in Cashiers. The festival should have turned in its application by April 1 of last year because this year’s event fell in the 2014-15 fiscal year. The board had to figure out how to contend with the fact that the festival’s request fell outside of the time period for which grant applications should apply.

“In voting for this particular grant for approval, you are going outside the policy that the submissions have to come in that previous year,” Jumper told the board.

“That’s fine if that’s what the board wants to do, and I’m not opposed to it. I just want to make sure you know this is an exception to the rule and not normal.”

The board wound up approving the grant 7-3 — Meads, Mary Lanning and Jim Hartbarger were the dissenting votes — but Jumper said the board is playing with the idea of moving to two six-month grant cycles a year rather than a single 12-month one. Doing so might eliminate such timing issues, he said.

The TDA ended up approving all grant requests brought before it but distributed only $15,600 of the total $35,000 in grant funding it had available.

see well,

July 1-7, 2015

But other board members said that the TDA still has some tweaking to do when it comes to its grant appropriations. Why should the rules get interpreted differently for the Tuck River Cleanup while other events have to abide by a more black-andwhite reading?

“I think we should do it, but I’m just wondering if there’s another niche for it [the Tuck River grant] as opposed to this, which is different in scope,” said Meads.

“It’s hard to hold these other people to standards and just turn our head because it’s a community feel-good thing.”

Meads wound up voting for the Tuck River grant, which passed unanimously, but it wasn’t the only request to elicit a discussion about how the TDA grants could be done better.

“It’s been incredibly confusing for some folks, and that’s why we’re looking at a little bit of a redesign,” said TDA Chairman Robert Jumper of the granting cycle.

As it stands now, the yearly deadline for TDA grant submissions is April 1, with grants to be used between July 1 of that year and June 30 of the next. That means that a potential grantee could have to submit their application as far 14 months ahead of the date of their event — the long lead time can cause some organizations to miss the boat,

If you can’t you can’t

news

■ Blues Brews & BBQ Festival, $1,200. A May 23 Memorial Day concert with activities at The Village Green by the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association. Approved 7-3 with Clifford Meads, Mary Lanning and Jim Hartbarger opposed.

■ Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival, $1,200. A Columbus weekend concert and artist/vendor exhibition at The Village Green Oct. 9-10. Approved 7-2 with Clifford Meads and Mary Lanning opposed.

■ Colorfest, $1,200. Art demonstrations and displays along Front Street in Dillsboro Oct. 3.

Approved unanimously.

■ Dillsboro Luminaries, $1,200. Luminaries keep the streets aglow in Dillsboro while shops give open houses and horse and buggy rides are offered in December. Approved unanimously.

■ Front Street Arts & Craft Show, $1,200. A new Dillsboro event featuring food, artisans and entertainment such as cloggers and musicians June 20. Approved unanimously.

■ Greening Up the Mountains, $1,200. Music and street vendors kick off spring in Sylva. Approved unanimously.

■ Groovin’ on the Green Concert Series, $1,200. A series of Friday evening outdoor concerts in Cashiers WNC Pottery Festival.

June through October.

Approved unanimously.

■ Sapphire Valley Master Association Summer Fun, $1,200. Various activities including Concerts on the Slopes, Arts & Crafts Festivals, Yankee Doodle Dandy Day. Approved unanimously.

■ Sapphire Wildlife Days, $1,200. Educational and entertainment programming focused on wildlife, July 17-18. Approved unanimously.

■ Tuckaseigee River Cleanup, $1,200. The nation’s largest single-day river cleanup makes an April blitz on trash in the Tuck. Approved unanimously.

■ The Village Green Plein Air Festival, $1,200. Outdoor art studio creation around Cashiers, July 2016. Approved 9-1 with Clifford Meads dissenting.

■ Webster Historic Tour, $1,200. A new effort to showcase Webster’s history will include printed brochures and a fiberglass sign. Approved unanimously.

■ WNC Pottery Festival, $1,200. Work from Western North Carolina’s potters is displayed and juried Nov. 7 in Dillsboro. Approved unanimously.

17

18

Smoky Mountain News July 1-7, 2015

news

Swain increases budget, maintains same tax rate S

“Most people show up when they have something to complain about, but I wish they would show up even if they don’t have anything to say — any input is always good.”

— Ben Bushyhead, Commissioner

However, the lack of interest could be because Swain County was one of few counties in the area that didn’t increase its tax rate this year. County Manager Kevin King recommended a budget of $14,312,647 while keeping the tax rate at 36 cents per $100 of assessed property value.

This is the second year in a row the county hasn’t increased taxes. The tax rate was increased from 33 cents to 36 cents in 2013. King said this year’s budget did increase by about $600,000 from last year.

About half of that will go toward capital improvements for Swain County Schools

UNDERSTANDING THE BUDGET This year was the first budget process for Bushyhead and Commissioner Danny Burns, who were elected last fall. The budget process started months ago as commissioners reviewed each department’s request.

Bushyhead said it has been a learning experience, and he hopes to have a better idea of the big picture next year.

“I think next year will be a little more clear to me,” he said. “As a commissioner, I’d like a little bit more say and input into all the budget and not just certain items.”

While seasoned commissioners are fairly quiet when it comes to budget talks, Bushyhead said he would like to see more discussion among the board. He wants people to be able to ask questions without looking uneducated.

“The big thing is having a willingness to question it and ask questions to understand it — not merely thinking it will sound dumb,” he said.

If commissioners have a hard time making sense of a five-page budget of individual line items, it only makes sense that the public might not understand it — or even attempt to understand what it means.

SHERIFF PAY During the budget hearing, Bushyhead did ask the board to have further discussion regarding Sheriff Curtis Cochran’s request for a $20,000 raise. The board seemed to be in consensus at last month’s meeting to compromise by giving Cochran an $8,000 increase. No vote was ever taken.

Commissioner Danny Burns said he didn’t think it was fair to give the sheriff even an $8,000 raise since every other county employee would be receiving a 2 percent raise this year.

Bushyhead made a motion to approve a $5,000 raise for Cochran. With a current salary of about $73,000, a $5,000 raise

Downtown Bryson City. Max Cooper photo would still be more than a 5 percent pay increase.

Commissioner Steve Moon then motioned to give the sheriff a 2 percent raise just like all the other employees.

Burns seconded Bushyhead’s motion.

Commissioner David Monteith said he would vote in favor of the $5,000 raise since the board wasn’t going to take a vote on the $8,000 option. The motion passed 3-2 with Commissioners Phil Carson and Steve Moon opposed.

Smoky Mountain News

MAJOR CHANGES

and the rest will go to pay increases for employees and an increase to health insurance costs.

King wrote in his budget message that the budget includes a 2 percent cost of living raise for county employees, a $1,000 per year, per employee increase in health premiums and a 0.02 percent increase in mandatory retirement benefits for employees.

“This year has been particularly difficult in light of the status of the state and federal budget and the cutbacks in service revenues for the Department of Social Services, Health Department and Emergency Medical Services Medicaid reimbursements and the difficulty in maintaining low-cost health care for our employees,” he wrote in his budget message.

The county transferred $50,000 from its fund balance — basically a savings account — to balance this year’s budget. Luckily, a $70,000 increase in sales tax revenue helped offset the additional expenses this year.

July 1-7, 2015

Swain County commissioners were also faced with some of the same issues — uncertain state and federal revenue, costof-living raises for employees and increasing costs for health insurance — yet no one from the public attended the public hearing.

“Most people show up when they have something to complain about, but I wish they would show up even if they don’t have anything to say — any input is always good,” said Commissioner Ben Bushyhead.

“I think we need to perhaps figure out how to get that public input on the upswing.”

While last year’s county budget can be found by digging through the commissioners’ meeting minutes, the 2015-16 proposed budget wasn’t posted on the county’s website for people to preview.

news

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR wain County Board of Commissioners approved a $14 million budget last week with little discussion or debate.

While other county governments in the region have drawn fairly large crowds this year at their budget public hearings, not one person signed up to speak at Swain’s public hearing.

Macon County Commissioners had a packed room of residents who were lobbying for more public library funding.

Haywood County had a packed courtroom of residents questioning a number of funding considerations, including a tax increase, employee raises and proposed capital projects.

19

20

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

A story all about good people doing good things should get over being astounded by the way the world works. And I’m talking about the good stuff, not the negative.

The package of stories that graced the cover of The Smoky Mountain News last week, “The Golden Children,” is almost allegorical in its arc. Staff writer Holly Kays traveled to an orphanage in a remote part of Bolivia to help do some construction work and spend time with the children. Her reporting about the orphanage — named Kory Wawanaca, which means “Golden Children” — its founder, Carrie Blackburn Brown, and the connection to Western North Carolina and particularly Haywood Editor County, is so touching that it could never be scripted because it would come off as too heartwarming, too many people doing the right thing for all the right reasons.

I won’t re-tell the story because if you haven’t read the original you need to do so. Brown’s saga of starting the orphanage in a developing country as a young woman fresh out of college is compelling in its own right, but she deflects the attention from herself to the children the orphanage is raising. In doing so, she and others have built a pipeline of human and financial capital that stretches from a church in Waynesville to a village in Bolivia.

But it’s not just that people in Western North Carolina help

Scott McLeod

I

DOT could stand for the Department of Trash “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.”

–Thomas Jefferson, Letter to John Jay (Aug. 23, 1785)

To the Editor: It’s that time of year again: DOT Trash Season. The unnatural season of the year in which our NCDOT becomes the biggest litterer in the state! How is this so, you may be asking?

It is because our DOT turns a small amount of easily removable litter into incalcu-

• To read the story: www.smokymountainnews.com/news/item/15922 • To learn more about the orphanage or to donate: www.kwchildren.com this orphanage survive and fulfill its mission. It’s also what those who travel to Bolivia bring back to our mountains, the notion that individuals can make a difference, that there is meaning in helping others. That sense of purpose that was the catalyst for starting the orphanage, Brown says, were the life lessons she learned as a youth from some the very people now helping it fulfill its mission.

As Brown put it: “I feel like we were just taking seriously what all our mentors in Waynesville told us all those years, so now it’s your responsibility to take care of this home, because it’s your ‘fault’ that we have a children’s home here.”

I’ve been in the business of helping tell stories — as a reporter, an editor and columnist — for a long time. Every now and then, one stands out as a testament to all that is good. This is one of those.

••• Officials in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park say they will change their methods for dealing with problem bears after mistakenly euthanizing the wrong animal while reacting

lable amounts of mostly irretrievable litter by not picking up the trash on the sides of our taxpayer-funded roads before mowing it into a million pieces. Maybe we could hire all the teachers assistants back with the fine the DOT would face?

How environmentally and fiscally lazy! We have 546,918.02 people unemployed in our great North State (5.5 percent unemployment, April 2015, multiplied by our US Census Bureau estimated N.C. population from 2014) so there are plenty of citizens in need of work who might love the opportunity for a state job walking the roads picking up litter out in our glorious state.

Now, I do know that the DOT does provide bags for citizens to use to pick up litter and the DOT will pick the bags up. I also know that all county sheriffs place incarcerated citizens on our roads occasionally to remove litter

to a bear attack on a camper. The changed protocol is good news.

Park employees were hunting for the bear who had attacked a teenage camper while he was sleeping in his hammock. The bear bit the young man on the head and tried to drag him away from his campsite. It took heroic action from the teen’s father to fight off the bear and get medical help for his son. The injuries were serious but the son will recover.

Park officials immediately began searching for the bear, knowing from experience that a bear that has attacked humans is likely to do so again. They shot at a bear that returned to the campsite the next night, but it got away. A second bear came to the campsite the next night, and it was trapped and euthanized.

DNA results, unfortunately, showed the second bear was not the one that attacked the camper. However, a bullet was recovered that had gone through the first bear rangers shot. It was deemed a likely match after DNA testing. Park officials say they did not realize DNA test results could come back so fast, and so in the future will hold bears in captivity longer in order to better determine if they got the right animal.

Park officials had to act fast in this case, and so it’s hard to blame them for the mistake in killing the wrong bear. It’s heartening, though, that lessons learned from this incident will both help keep campers safe and better protect the wildlife that make the Smokies so special.

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

LETTERS (although this seems to not have happened for many months in Jackson County).

I do not understand why my fellow citizens litter at all, never have. I myself stop on the roadside multiple times per week to pick up trash. I remember speaking with a juvenile male who wants to go to Mars when he “grows up.” While telling me this, he stated that we (earthlings) think we have the best planet, but it’s not the best because so many people disrespect it by littering.

I asked him if he and his parents ever stopped and picked up litter. His whole posture and expression went from happy and adamant to sad, and he said: “No, we’re always in too much of a hurry.” This is so sad.

He probably learned to not like littering from his parents who are then simulta-

neously teaching him to not act, to not walk his talk, to just continue complaining.

I guess trickle down theories do work when it comes to litter.

Curt Collins Cullowhee

Waynesville entryways are too junky To the Editor: This piece could be titled, “How to beat a dead horse in 350 words or less.”

First let me say that Waynesville is a great place to live. My wife and I picked it for retirement over 20 years ago; however, every time I return to the city from elsewhere I try to look at the city the way a

F

what's your beef?

All viewpoints are welcome for letters to the editor or guest columns. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com, fax to 828.452.3585, or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786.

Declare independence from meat industry

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

Full Bar • Creekside Dining Specialty Sandwiches Crafted Beer & Moonshine

TUESDAY: 75¢ Oysters after 4pm WEDNESDAY: AYCE Fish & Shrimp THURSDAY: AYCE Crab Leg FRIDAY: Surf-N-Turf Special SATURDAY: Seafood Trio Special SUNDAY: Low Country Boil

APPLE ANDY'S RESTAURANT 3843 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.944.0626. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Wednesday and Thursday. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday and Saturday. Serving the freshest homemade sandwiches, wraps, and entrees such as country fried steak and grilled flounder. Full salad bar and made from scratch sides like potato salad, pinto beans and macaroni and cheese. www.appleandys.com

828.586.1985 • CLOSED MONDAYS

438 Skyland Drive • Sylva

Exit 85 to Skyland Dr., two blocks from McDonalds

APPLE CREEK CAFE 32 Felmet St., Waynesville.

828.456.9888. Monday-Friday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Home to an extensive build your own sandwich menu as well as specialty salads, soups burgers and more. With local ingredients and made-from-scratch recipes using a variety of good-for-you ingredients Apple Creek Cafe is sure to become favorite lunch spot.

Soda Shop NOW OPEN

Pretzels Smoothies

Hot Dogs Ice Cream

& More!

11 Memory Lane • 828-454-6769 Game Room • Next to the pool

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

Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; 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. Call-ahead seating available.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m.

Closed on Sunday. We specialize in handcut, 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.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturaday & Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers.

We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared

Eat. Sleep. Hike. Repeat.

July 1-7, 2015

——————————————————

COUNTRY INN

—————————————————————

OUR CUSTOMERS

Say It ALL

“Best restaurant in the Waynesville Area.”

D.B. - Customer

“The ABSOLUTE best kept secret in WNC.” Jim B. - Customer

“Inviting Atmosphere, excellent food & service.”

Veronica C. - Customer

VOTED BEST STEAK & DINNER 299-145

Lodging & Dining Available.

Call for Reservations.

Waynesville, NC

800.789.7672 • TheSwag.com

MOUNTAINEER READERS’CHOICE AWARD

Smoky Mountain News

To the Editor: Nearly 240 years ago, our founding fathers declared our national independence from Great Britain. This Fourth of July, let’s declare our independence from the meat industry.

More than 60 percent of U.S. agricultural subsidies pay for meat, dairy and egg production. Fresh fruit and vegetable farmers receive less than 1 percent of the total. It’s time to declare our independence by stopping these subsidies.

Our annual medical care expenditures for diseases associated with consumption of animal products are estimated at $300 billion.

Much of the cost is borne by our taxes through Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, and Obamacare. It’s time to declare our independence by taxing animal products to recover these costs.

Currently, the meat industry is getting Congress to gut dietary recommendations by a government-appointed panel of our nation’s top nutritionists. The panel recommended incorporating reduced meat consumption and sustainability of food sources in our dietary guidelines. It’s time to declare our independence by telling the meat industry to butt out of our dietary guidelines.

In the meantime, each of us can declare our personal independence from the meat industry by refusing to subsidize it on our next trip to the supermarket.

Weston Madrigal Waynesville

REEKSIDE COYSTER HOUSE & GRILL

299-108

299-02

tourist or newcomer might view it. Coming from east, west or south you are immediately confronted with junkyards or eyesores.

Across from Junaluska Elementary School there are dozens of junk trucks and trailers (many parked on the road right of way) that have been there for at least 20 years and probably far longer than that. Who pays the personal property tax on those? You and I pay tax on our vehicle, why should someone not pay the tax on those?

After you get past the junk, the fillings in your teeth begin to rattle because of the poorly maintained streets in town. South Main, Haywood Road, Pigeon Street and many others are in deplorable condition. Are we trying to discourage people and businesses from settling here? Where is the appearance committee and ordinance enforcement? Where is the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Realtors? After all, is this the impression that is good for business and appealing to people looking for a place to live?

The best way to get the attention of any public officeholder was best described by an ex-senator from Illinois when he said, “when I feel the heat, I see the light.” Chamber, board of realtors and Waynesville residents, it’s up to you to supply the heat. Call the city, attend the alderman meetings, write the paper, let your voices be heard. I do.

Bruce Gardner Waynesville

2014

454 HAZELWOOD AVE. WAYNESVILLE | 828-452-9191 Lunch 11:30am - 2:30pm | Dinner Nightly starting at 4pm | Closed Sundays 21

299-124

MEDITERRANEAN

ITALIAN CUISINE

Summertime — and the livin’ is easy on our patio!

1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98 LUNCH & DINNER TUES. - SUN.

www.pasqualesnc.com

tasteTHEmountains products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items. Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

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

Lunch every day from 12 till 2 p.m.

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

Smoky Mountain News

July 1-7, 2015

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.

Locals Love Apple Creek Café!

Family Style Begins Mon. Aug. 3

Lunch: 10:30 am - 3:00 pm Dinner: 4:30 P.M. -8:30 P.M.

32 Felmet Street off N. Main St. Waynesville

22

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.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and

299-83

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

Dinner

Follow us on Facebook further details coming soon

To Go Orders:

828-456-9888

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials.

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

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

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.

AppleCreekCafe.com

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com

— Real Local People, Real Local Food — 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, North Carolina Monday-Friday Open at 11am

tasteTHEmountains Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

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

Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

828.586.3555. Open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hand-tossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch. Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

NEWFOUND LODGE RESTAURANT 1303 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee (Located on 441 North at entrance to GSMNP).

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

Established in 1946 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Family style dining for adults and children.

ORGANIC BEANS COFFEE COMPANY 1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.668.2326. Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Happily committed to brewing

PAPERTOWN GRILL 153 Main St., Canton. 828.648.1455 Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Serving the local community with great, scratch-made country cooking. Breakfast is served all day. Daily specials including Monday meatloaf, chicken and dumplings on Thursdays and Friday fish.

FOOD FILMS FUN

PHILLYS, PIZZAS, WRAPS, & STEAKS

FREE MOVIES THURS. FRI. & SAT. LUNCH, DINNER & SUNDAY BRUNCH Our food is scratch made, with local & organic ingredients when possible.

Open th 9:00 July4 PM! UNTIL

Sunday Brunch 9:00 - 3:00

Located in beautiful downtown Sylva: 617 W. Main St. Sylva NC 828.586.3555

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

Check out upcoming movies at:

www.MadBatterFoodandFilm.com

www.CityLightsCafe.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

299-121

299-111

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner, 7 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 indoors, 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 Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m and Sunday 7:30 a.m to 9 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

TWIN MAPLES FARMHOUSE 63 North Hill Street, Waynesville.

828.452.7837. Open for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located just two blocks from downtown Waynesville, Twin Maples is available for weddings, receptions, family reunions, birthday parties, showers, luncheons, corporate meetings and retreats.

FRIDAY, JULY 3

Bushfire Stangrass SATURDAY, JULY 4

7-9 The French Broads 10-12 PMA SUNDAY, JULY 5 2-4 Jesse Stephens & Ben Morgan

83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

Twin Maples

6306 Pigeon Road Canton, NC

F•A•R•M•H•O•U•S•E

A Great Place for Your Next Event!

Book your Summer parties, weddings and reunions now and receive a 10% discount SERVING SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 A.M.-2 P.M. 63 N. HILL ST.

July 1-7, 2015

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.

and serving innovative, uniquely delicious coffees — and making the world a better place. 100% of our coffee is Fair Trade, Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roasted to bring out every note of indigenous flavor.

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

299-140

(828) 648-4546

Hours:

MON-SAT: 7 A.M.-9 P.M. SUN: 8:30 A.M.-3 P.M.

828.452.7837

jukeboxjunctioneat.com

Country Vittles RESTAURANT

& GIFT SHOP

Featuring a Full Menu with Daily Specials Come take a wagon ride with us, back to the beginnings of the Ranch. In celebration of our 82nd season, we’ll be serving up “Way Back When” dinners in an authentic re-creation of Mr. Tom o and Miss Judy’s first primitive fishing camp. Just call us for reservations, then come join us on July 3rd for mountain trout and mountain music. And Cataloochee Ranch enjoy old-fashioned hospitality a mile high.

1 19 R anch D rive, M aggie Valley , NC 2875 1 | www.C ataloochee R anch.com | ( 828) 926-1401

PRIVATE DINING ROOM AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS

Smoky Mountain News

Welcome back. To 1932.

296-27

299-148

7:00 A.M. -8:30 P.M. Everyday Closed Tuesday

3589 SOCO RD. MAGGIE VALLEY

828.926.1820

23

24

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

L.A. all move there. All these great musicians in their own right have moved there.

Blurred Lines www.rickyskaggs.com

Life comes full circle for Ricky Skaggs

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER Are your ears playing tricks on you?

As you turn the radio dial to a country music station these days, all you hear is pop, rock and hip-hop. Surely, this can’t be the result of the sacred musical traditions of Nashville handed down through the generations by the likes of Hank Williams, Kitty Wells, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and Waylon Jennings?

Sadly, it is. A beloved genre of deep heartache, strong whiskey, cowboy sunsets and crystal clear mountain mornings now traded for bikinis, skinny jeans, white sand beaches and watered down beer. But fear not, “real deal” country music can still found at the starting line of its creation — in bluegrass.

A melting pot of roots, string, gospel and mountain music, bluegrass has remained one of the last vestiges of that “lonesome” sound that still rings true in our country hearts.

And nobody blurs the lines between country and bluegrass as well as the one-and-only Ricky Skaggs.

Throughout the 1980s, Skaggs was the toast of country music. Twelve #1 hits, eight CMA and ACM awards, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and fronting one of the most successful touring acts around, he was a true ambassador of the genre, onstage and in the studio. And yet, as that country sound became more engineered and polished, Skaggs become more enamored with the bluegrass roots of his career, where the legends of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and Dr. Ralph Stanley reign supreme.

Hailing from Kentucky, Skaggs has bluegrass in his blood. It is a pure tone and passionate attitude that never left his wandering soul.

With that, he’s found a second career of success

Want to go?

Bluegrass/country legend Ricky Skaggs will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. A 14-time Grammy winner, Skaggs has numerous #1 hits on the country and bluegrass charts throughout his career. Tickets start at $25. 866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com. and accolades in bluegrass over the last two decades. Alongside countless IBMA awards and Grammys for “Best Bluegrass Album,” Skaggs, at the spry age of 60, has become an elder statesman, a torchbearer for the past, present and future of what Monroe kicked off.

Smoky Mountain News: You’re career is in its 55th year. What does that number mean to you?

Ricky Skaggs: Well, “55” is double grace.

In the scriptures, “5” is the number of grace, and I just feel so full of grace. This year, I started taking my health real serious, getting really intentional and radical. Not due to any specific health issues, but I was overweight, I was out of breath, so sluggish, no energy. So, I shut it down, no sugar and flour, drinking a gallon of water every day. But, I will always eat my barbecue. [Laughs].

SMN: It seems these days that Nashville has lost its identity.

RS: [Laughs] Oh son, don’t get me started on that now. Nashville is one of the hot cities in America. But musically, Nashville has always been a tapestry, all kinds of different genres and styles. Musicians from Chicago, New York and

SMN: Do you think if you started out in Nashville today you’d have had a career or be as successful as you have become?

RS: Oh, of course not — neither would Buck Owens, neither would George Jones, neither would Merle Haggard. There’s no room for us at the table anymore. You can either get bitter over it or get better, honing your skills. I’m not going to stay inside the lines anymore.

SMN: What about the notion that a lot of real deal country fans are drifting over to bluegrass these days with its recent rise again in popularity?

RS: Well, every time country music loses its way, loses its step, there seems to be a spike in bluegrass, and that’s what we’re seeing today. Bluegrass has that country music feel in its honest sound and earthy tone. The foundations of bluegrass are more folk, more mountainous and old-time, with sounds and characteristics that immediately take you back to the mountains.

but that was his way of passing the music on to the next generation.

SMN: Do you remember what song you played?

RS: It was “Ruby, Are You Mad” by The Osbourne Brothers. I kind of only knew two songs at that time, “Ruby” and this other song about a pinball machine. And my mom told me before I got onstage, “Don’t you sing that pinball song.” Luckily, the band knew how to play “Ruby,” and it became a defining moment for me.

SMN: Is there any advice you have for younger, aspiring players?

RS: Well, with what I’ve tried to do with my life and music, it’s about being true to who you are. There was only one Bill Monroe and I wasn’t him, there is only one Ralph Stanley and I wasn’t him, one Earl Scruggs and I wasn’t him either. But there’s only one Ricky Skaggs, and what God gave to me was totally unique to me. Learn from every source you can learn from, play the instrument, turn off the video games, get on YouTube and look at old players and live shows, get around people that play good music. Aggravate someone to death to try to learn from them, say, “Hey, I want to learn this and show it to me.” Don’t be an island unto yourself. Don’t let these old cats get away before you’ve had a chance to go in and look at everything on their shelves, open every jar that’s there and dig down and get some good stuff because these old ones will be gone soon. And as an older player, we need to be sharing this with the young kids, because who will? They won’t learn it on CMT and MTV — you’ve got to really search for it just like gold.

SMN: Are you having full circle moments SMN: Was there a specific moment went it as you’ve gotten older? all clicked for you and you knew you wanted RS: Early in my career, and I don’t think it to spend the rest of your life playing music? was that I resented people, but there was a RS: There was, when I was 6 years old. My time when I was touring so much, 240 days a parents brought me to see Bill Monroe play. year back in the 1980s and early 1990s, that I’d only been playing mandolin for about a year, but folks in the crowd kept yelling “There’s no room for us at the table up to the stage, “Let Ricky Skaggs play.” anymore. You can either get bitter over it or They kept doing it, and finally Bill get better, honing your skills. I’m not going Monroe had enough to stay inside the lines anymore.” of it, and called for me to come up. He — Ricky Skaggs didn’t know who Ricky Skaggs was. I the last thing I wanted to do after a show was go down and Bill pulled me up onstage like a sign autographs out front. I’m not that Ricky sack of potatoes. He sat me down and asked Skaggs anymore. Now, I go out there. I love me what I played. I told him mandolin and he people. I love talking to these little kids after took off his F5 (mandolin) and placed it the show that are just starting to play instruaround me. It was so prophetic to me what ments. I’m feeling that Bill Monroe thing, that that meant. It was like he was passing the Ralph Stanley thing, those people who influbaton, even at 6 years old, to a young kid that enced me, I’m really enjoying this part of my would grow up some day and play his music life, where I’m the one of the elders in the and tell people about him. I didn’t think any room and not Mr. Monroe because he’s gone. of that back then, I had no idea what my future held, but I became aware of who he was At 60 years old, I’ve got a lot of good years left, and I feel great. in that moment. I didn’t realize it at the time,

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Stecoah Gap, Graham County.

Garret K. Woodward photo

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start a new life here. Ashley, though still up in “The Wolverine State,” comes to visit now and again, with hopes of also migrating south someday.

Sure, they were complete strangers, but then again, all friends were strangers at one time. What’s the fun in existing if you never expand your social circle? Besides I have yet to meet someone I didn’t like who supremely rocks out to Grand Funk Railroad, Gov’t Mule and Rush (am I right, David?).

Thus, we sat down for dinner. And for the next four hours the conversation never lost a beat. Myself being from Upstate New York, we found camaraderie in truly knowing what a “real North Country winter” feels like. We laughed over anything and everything, and also shared deeply held thoughts, beliefs, fears and desires. All the cards thrown on the table, all without judgment or ridicule. It was how conversation is supposed to occur — a two-way street of respect planted at the foundation of the interaction.

Eventually, I had to say goodbye, for now.

I jumped into my truck, put the key into the ignition, and pulled out onto U.S. 19 East.

As the cool evening breeze swept into the vehicle, my foot pushing down on the accelerator, a smile rolled across my face. I had three new friends in my life, three new voices to pull inspiration and ideas from, three new viewpoints to add to the collection on the shelves of my spirit.

The power of social media. Wild, eh?

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You know, that thing?

Social media? What happened? How did the endless fun and unlimited curiosity of The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will have The Facebook, Instagram and Freeway Revival (rock/jam) at 8 p.m. July 9.

Twitter become so dark, vile and negative? Since when is your neighbor an enemy to be The Taste of Local Flavors will be from all day reckoned with or your longThursday, July 2, at Mad Batter Food & Film in time friend the nemesis you Sylva. never thought possible?

From my front porch, I see Stuart Auditorium (Lake Junaluska) will have a society full of conflict, mis2014 IBMA “Entertainer of the Year” Balsam understandings and lack of Range (bluegrass/Americana) at 7:30 p.m. July 2. proper knowledge to push The Beach Party Fundraiser for REACH will be forth into the beautiful modheld at 6:30 p.m. July 10 at the Laurel Ridge ern world we all deserve. I like Country Club in Waynesville. that people have different opinions, views and ideologies The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will — that’s what a real democrahave a local metal showcase at 9 p.m. July 4. cy is, a variety of people coming together to find common ground. Before, if you and I to find happiness. Damn, just look at your didn’t agree on something, it didn’t mean I window. Is there immaculate sunshine, bluedisliked you, it was just a difference in viewbird skies, a happy-go-lucky dog, magnifipoints. Now? It seems if someone doesn’t share your same values or political affiliation, cent tree or a little kid joyously riding a bike?

Even one of those things should be enough then they are automatically “against” you. to thaw the coldest of hearts.

Simply put, whereas “innocent until In my own endeavors, I use social media proven guilty” was the past, society today to connect, not disconnect. I aim to spread hollers “guilty until proven innocent.” positivity and knowledge. I want everyone In the recent light of pop culture issues who sees my posts to maybe take a moment (no need to state them, we’re all aware), it is in their day to shake their heads in awe of appalling to see such juvenile manners how incredible it is to be alive, here and now directed at your fellow man. You remember in the universe. The cosmos lies in genuine we’re all this together, right? Do you really human contact, in kindness (which breeds wake up in the morning ready to attack someone or something? What does it take to kindness), in the simplicity of saying hello to an old friend or crossing paths with someput a smile on your face or shoeshine on your soul? In essence, it shouldn’t take much one new, a person so amazing you find your-

“The cosmos lies in genuine human contact, in kindness (which breeds kindness), in the simplicity of saying hello to an old friend or crossing paths with someone new.”

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self saying, “Where have you been all my life?” That, my darlings, is what social media is meant to do.

Case in point, what I had for dinner last Tuesday — a delicious meal and hearty conversation. Who made the food and partook in the banter? Oh, some friends I met online.

David, his wife Lana, and their daughter Ashley. I met David on a Facebook comment thread for The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. We both liked this great roots group, and we both lived only about eight miles apart. I’m in Waynesville. He’s right over the hill in Maggie Valley. We’ve kept in touch for the better part of the last two years, trading songs we liked, sharing interesting things we came across, all of it via Facebook. So, finally, we decided to meet last week and do dinner.

Rolling up to their place, David was already hard at work at the grill, cooking up steak tips and brats. Lana was setting the table outside, while Ashley took care of the remaining details. Originally from Michigan, the couple fell in love with Western North Carolina while on vacation and decided to

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• Andrews Brewing Company will have Mangas Colorado (Americana/bluegrass, $5) July 4, Dogwood Winter (Americana/folk) July 10 and Fat Cheek Kat (funk/roots, $5) July 11. All shows are free, unless otherwise noted. www.andrewsbrewing.com. • BearWaters Brewing (Waynesville) will have Calvin & The Funk July 3, The Blue Ribbon Healers 6 p.m. July 4, Jason DeCristofario Trio July 10. All shows are at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.bwbrewing.com or 828.246.0602. • Big Wesser BBQ (Nantahala Outdoor Center) will have Ron Neill at 7 p.m. July 3, Playing on the Planet (indie) 6 p.m. July 4, Red Honey 7 p.m. July 5, Corn Bread Fed 6 p.m.

July 6, Paul Constantine 6 p.m. July 11 and Jamunkatrons 7 p.m. July 12. www.noc.com. • Bogart’s (Waynesville) will have live bluegrass/string music at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. 828.452.1313. • Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville) will have an open mic night at 8:30 p.m. on Mondays in their downtown taproom. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or www.boojumbrewing.com. • The Bryson City Train Depot “Music in the Mountainsâ€? concert series will have Somebody’s Child (Americana/folk) at 6:30 p.m. July 11. Free. www.greatsmokies.com. • Canton Recreation Park will have “Pickin’ in the Parkâ€? from 7 to 10 p.m. on Fridays. www.cantonnc.com or 828.648.2363. • Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have Dulci Ellenberger (Americana/pop) July 3, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) July 4 and James Hammel (singer-songwriter) July 10. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. “The Jazz Divasâ€? series will also kickoff at 7 p.m. July 11, which will feature Paula Hanke and her group, with tickets $44.99 per person, which includes a four-course dinner. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com. • The Concerts on the Creek (Sylva) series at Bridge Park Pavilion will have Dashboard Blue (rock/classic pop) July 3. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.mountainlovers.com. • Cradle of Forestry (Pisgah Forest) will have acclaimed musicians Laura Boosinger and Josh Goforth (bluegrass/Americana) during their “Songcatchers Music Seriesâ€? at 4 p.m.

July 5. An informal jam session will be held at 3 p.m. Tickets are $6 for ages 16 and older, $3 for youth ages 15 and under.

828.877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org. • Derailed Bar & Lounge will have Blue at 7 p.m. July 4. 828.488.8898.

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• Eaglenest (Maggie Valley) will host American Pride at 8 p.m. July 3. $15. www.maggievalley.org. • Friday Night Live (Highlands) summer concert series will have Johnny Webb Band July 3. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org. • Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will have Family Portraits (Americana/soul) at 8 p.m. July 3, Mark Keller (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. and Hunter Grigg (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. July 4, and Jerry Gaff 6 p.m. July 11. Shows are free and begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com. • Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) summer concert series on the Village Commons will have Erica Nichole (country) July 10. All shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. www.visitcashiersvalley.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night July 1 and 8, a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo July 2 and 9, Rye J Baby (bluegrass/folk) July 4 and The Local July 11. All events begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

ALSO:

• Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host Marshall Ballew (Americana) at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 1. The event will be a 20th century journey through the American songbook, from ragtime to jazz, blues to gospel.

Free. www.reverbnation.com/marshallballew. • The Maggie Valley Opry House will have legendary banjoist Raymond Fairchild at 8 p.m. nightly through October. Admission is $12. www.raymondfairchild.com or 828.926.9336. • Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will host its 12th annual barbecue and singalong from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11. Performers include Angie Toomey, Children of Zion, Subject to Change and The Maggie Valley UMC Choir. Barbecue is $8. All proceeds support church missions. • Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will hold community music jam from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 2. Phoenix Dusk (Americana/folk) will also perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9.

Both events are free. 828.488.3030. • The “Music on the Riverâ€? concert series (Cherokee) will have Amazing Grace Ministries July 3-5, Eastern Blue Band July 10 and A36 Band July 11. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 800.438.1601 or 828.359.6490. • Mixers (Franklin) will have Moonshine Creek (rock/country) July 4 and Southridge (rock/country) July 11. Shows begin at 9 p.m.

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On the beat • No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will have Hangdog Hearts with Lou Shields July 2-3, Al Holbrook Band July 4, Filthy Still & Gallows Bound July 10 and Darrin Bradbury & Friends July 11. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. 828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

• Oconaluftee Visitors Center (Cherokee) will have an old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. July 4. All skill levels welcomed. www.greatsmokies.com.

• Papertown Country Music & Dance Parlor (Canton) will have music and dancing from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. $8. 828.736.8925.

• The Pickin’ on the Square (Franklin) summer concert series will have Blue Ridge (southern gospel) at 7:30 p.m. July 11. An open mic starts at 6:30 p.m. Free. www.franklinnc.com.

ALSO:

Marshall Ballew will play Sylva on July 2. Donated photo Acclaimed musician Marshall Ballew will perform at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Ballew is a singer-songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist, whose repertoire spans over a century of traditional music in an array of styles, from blues and ragtime to folk, old-time, and bluegrass. He has performed with such folks as David Lindley, Jorma Kaukonen, Doc Watson, Dave Alvin, and more. His dobro and lap steel work can be heard on recordings by Christine Kane, David Childers, Chris Rosser, The Gospel Playboys and others.

The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. Free.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

The “Week of Rock” celebration will continue at 8 p.m. July 1-11 at Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City.

Performers include The Get Right Band (funk/soul) July 1, Zero Chiefs (rock/funk) July 2 and Jamie Kent (singer-songwriter) July 3, Matt Foster (singer-songwriter) July 5, The Moon & You (Americana/folk) July 6, Wyatt Espalin (bluegrass/roots) July 7,

The Freeway Revival (rock/jam) July 8, Us (Americana/soul) July 9, The Liz Nance Trio (Americana/bluegrass) July 10, Deer Run Drifters (Americana/country) July 11, The “Week of Rock” will also have the “Music on Tap” celebration on July 4.

Performers include Positive Mental Attitude (funk/rock) at noon, Through the Hills (Americana/bluegrass) 4 p.m. and Owner of the Sun (Americana) 8 p.m.

Free. www.nantahalabrewing.com or 828.488.2337.

• The Stompin’ Ground (Maggie Valley) is now open for live mountain music and clogging at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 828.926.1288.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will have The Freeway Revival (rock/jam) at 8 p.m. Thursday, July 9. Tickets are $8 in advance, $12 at the door. www.38main.com or 828.283.0079.

• Stuart Auditorium (Lake Junaluska) will have 2014 IBMA “Entertainer of the Year” Balsam Range (bluegrass/Americana) at 7:30 p.m. July 2. 800.222.4930.

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will have Round the Fire (Grateful Dead tribute) 8:30 p.m. July 3 and Kevin Fuller (Americana/folk) July 10. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.tippingpointtavern.com.

• Rendezvous at the Maggie Valley Inn & Conference Center will have Stone Crazy (rock/pop) at 6 p.m. July 3, Ashli Rose (singer-songwriter) 4 p.m. July 4, SmokeRise (southern rock) 3 p.m. July 5 and Caribbean Cowboys (rock/classics) 3 p.m. July 12.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will have Molly Stevens (singer-songwriter) July 3, Fritz & The Crooked Beat (Americana) July 4 and Hobohemians (Americana) July 11. www.theuglydogpub.com.

• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) summer concert series will have Fritz Beer & The Crooked Beat (Americana) July 4 in KelseyHutchinson Park. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will have a local metal showcase July 4, The Freeway Revival (Americana/roots) July 10 and Drew & Dale (rock/jam) July 11. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m.

July 1-7, 2015

Nantahala pours ‘Week of Rock’

• The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host David Spangler July 3, Pam McCall July 10 and DJ Justin Moe 9 p.m. July 11. All shows are at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

• The Stecoach Valley Center (Robbinsville) will have Buncombe Turnpike (bluegrass/gospel) as part of “An Appalachian Evening” series at 7:30 p.m.

July 4. Tickets are $15 adults, $10 students (K-12). A 6 p.m. dinner will be served at the Schoolhouse Café. Town Mountain (bluegrass/Americana) will be the July 11 act. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

arts & entertainment

Ballew brings old-time, folk to Sylva

299-102

Broadway, pop and Chamber music series gospel tunes in Franklin celebrates 46 years The Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival, one of the longest running chamber music festivals in the United States, presents its 46th season to the listeners of Western North Carolina.

The five-week festival will perform concerts at 7:30 p.m. July 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre. There will also be a show on Aug. 2 at the First United Methodist Church. Both venues are in Waynesville. All events are at 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $25 for individual tickets and $100 for a series ticket. Students age 25 and under are admitted free with appropriate student ID. www.swannanoachambermusic.com or 828.452.0593.

Smoky Mountain News

Mountain Voices will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

A regional mixed chorus, the performance will include songs from Broadway shows, pop tunes, gospel and patriotic music.

Accompanist Arthea Brimmer will perform two piano solos.

There are currently 45 singers in the group. The chorus is open to all singers. New singers are welcome to join after the concert, when work on new music will begin. Practice is in Franklin from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Monday. For more information, call 828.524.3644.

Tickets are $7. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

First Friday of each Month 6-9 p.m.

May through December

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27

arts & entertainment

Green Commons. Live music will be provided

by The Extraordinaires (blues/rock). The Cashiers Farmers’ Market and numerous food vendors will be onsite. Fireworks begin at dusk. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

CHEROKEE • “4th of July Fireworks” will be held at dusk on July 4 at the Acquoni Expo Center. The Cherokee bonfire will be at 7:30 p.m. at the Oconaluftee Islands Park Bonfire Pit. www.cherokeesmokies.com.

FONTANA VILLAGE RESORT • “4th of July at Fontana Village Resort” will be July 3-5. The event features cornhole and Pac Man tournaments, sunset cruise, documentaries, games and children’s activities.

There will also be an array of live music throughout the three-day celebration.

Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. July 4. www.fontanavillage.com.

in Southern Appalachia

Smoky Mountain News

July 1-7, 2015

BRYSON CITY • “Freedom Fest” begins at 8 a.m. July 4 in downtown with the Rotary International “Firecracker 5K”. Riverfront Park will hold a “Strut Your Mutt” pet show and the “Explore Kids’ Street” children activities will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Bridge Stage on Everett Street will have live music with Boogertown Gap (10:30 a.m.), Productive Paranoia (1:30 p.m.), Somebody’s Child (5 p.m.), Elvis impersonator (7 p.m.) and Porch 40 (8 p.m.).

Fireworks show begins at 10 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com/freedomfest.

• “NOC’s Sizzlin’ 4th of July” will be July 3-5 and the “NRC Family Whitewater Weekend” will run at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the Nantahala Gorge. www.noc.com.

• “Singing In The Smokies” Independence Weekend Festival will run July 2-4 at Inspiration Park. Hosted by Appalachian/gospel group The Inspirations,

the event featuring live music from The Kingsmen, Troy Burns Family, and many more. www.theinspirations.com.

• “Freedom Train” at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will depart at 7:30 p.m.

July 4 at the Bryson City Depot. The trek will head to the Fontana Trestle and back just in time for the fireworks in downtown Bryson City. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• “An Evening of Red, White & Blues” concert with Mac Arnold & Plate Full O’Blues will be at 7:30 p.m. July 3 at the gazebo in downtown. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

• The “4th of July Parade and Celebration,” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 4, in downtown.

Parade starts at 10 a.m. with activities thereafter.

• The “Fireworks in the Park” will be a daylong celebration beginning at 1 p.m. July 4 at the Macon County Veterans Memorial Recreation Park. The event features a corn hole tournament (3 p.m.), famous plunger toss (7 p.m.) and bulls eye ball drop (9:15 p.m.). Sundown will perform from 7 to 9 p.m., with fireworks at dusk. www.visitfranklinnc.com or 828.524.3161.

• “Backyard 4th Celebration” will be from 6 to 11 p.m. July 4 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Bring your own blankets, chairs, picnic baskets and yard games.

Alcohol free event. Fireworks at dusk.

828.926.0866 or www.townofmaggievalley.com.

SYLVA • “Fourth of July Celebration,” 4 to 10 p.m.

July 4, downtown. Darren Nicholson & Friends with Grammy winner David Holt (Americana/bluegrass) will perform from 4 to 6 p.m. followed by The Business (R&B/blues) from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Bridge Park Pavilion. There will also be an array of children’s activities, with fireworks at dusk.

828.586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.

HIGHLANDS

WAYNESVILLE

• “4th of July Celebration” begins at 6 p.m.

July 5 at Sorrells Street Park. Live music, dancing, food and craft vendors.

Watermelons will be provided for free, with children’s watermelon roll and seed spitting contests to commence. Fireworks at dusk. www.cantonnc.com or 828.648.2363.

• “July 4th Fireworks,” 11 a.m. until dusk July 4, in downtown. Cookout begins at 11 a.m. at the baseball field, with the 4rd annual Rotary Rubber Ducky Derby at Mill Creek, live music at 6 p.m. with Fritz Beer & The Crooked Beat (Americana) at KelseyHutchinson Park, and patriotic sing-along at 8 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church. Fireworks at 9 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

CASHIERS

LAKE GLENVILLE

• “Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green” begins at 6:30 p.m. July 4 at the Village

• “Fireworks on Lake Glenville,” 7 p.m. July 3. www.cashiers411.com.

• “Stars and Stripes Celebration,” 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 4, in downtown. Shops, galleries and restaurants open, with live music and entertainment. “Kids on Main Patriotic Parade” will be at 11 a.m. The “Main Street Cookout” featuring local craft beer, barbecue, burgers and hot dogs will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at United Community Bank.

The Haywood Community Band performs at 2 p.m. on the courthouse lawn. The concert, “A Musical Salute to America,” will include an array of patriotic anthems and sing-alongs. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

CANTON

Special 2 for 1 General Admission Concert Deal: *Buy 1 general admission July 2 ticket , receive 1 FREE general admission ticket to the July 3 or 4 concert!

Celebrate July 4th at Lake Junaluska!

July 2nd: 7:30 pm: Balsam Range concert

July 3rd: 7:30 pm: Lake Junaluska Singers Concert

July 4th: PURCHASE CONCERT TICKETS: Reserved seating: $22.50 per concert General admission seating: $17.50* Children 18 & under free in General admission seating only.

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• “4th of July Celebration” will be July 2-5 at the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center. There will be a concert by 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association “Entertainer of the Year” Balsam Range at 7:30 p.m. July 2 in Stuart Auditorium. The Lake Junaluska Singers will perform at 7:30 p.m. July 3-4 in Stuart Auditorium. The “Star Spangled Salute” kicks off with a parade from 11 a.m. to noon July 4, with a barbecue firing up at noon and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

There will also be an array of children’s activities including balloons and a face painter throughout the day at the Nanci Weldon Gym, with Eddie Rose & Highway 40 (bluegrass) to perform at the barbeque picnic from noon to 2 p.m. For a full schedule of events, lodging information and concert tickets, www.lakejunaluska.com/july4th or 800.222.4930.

MAGGIE VALLEY

FRANKLIN

FOURTH OF JULY

LAKE JUNALUSKA

All concerts are in Stuart Auditorium.

11am - 2pm: Parade, BBQ Lunch, kid's activities 7:30 pm: Lake Junaluska Singers Concert 9:30 pm: FIREWORKS

For more information: 828-452-2881

www.lakejunaluska.com/july4th

Sponsored in part by: HCTDA (www.VisitNCSmokies.com), The Smoky Mountain News, Clark and Leatherwood Inc., Sheppard Insurance, The Mountaineer, and Wells Fargo.

On the stage RETURNS TO CHEROKEE The ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest’ will be July 9-11 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

The annual search for the “best representation of the legacy of Elvis Presley” culminates in a finale contest in Becky Johnson photo Memphis. The casino resort will be welcoming participants and treating fans with a free showcase on the casino floor July 9-10. Plus, fans can join contestants for Elvis-themed karaoke at the Essence Lounge on July 9 and in the pre-function area of the Event Center on July 10. Preliminary Rounds will be held July 9-10 at the Essence Lounge. Finals will be held at 7:30 p.m. July 11 in the Event Center. For tickets, call 800.745.3000 or www.harrahscherokee.com.

Oklahoma! blows into HART The classic stage production “Oklahoma!” will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 10-11, 16-18 and at 3 p.m. July 12 and 19 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

One of musical theater’s most beloved titles, filled with great music and a love story

set between competing factions on the Great Plains. A large cast, full orchestra and gifted leads will make this an experience you'll never forget.

Tickets are $26 for adults, $22 seniors, $13 students, with a $9 matinee. Add a preshow barbecue dinner for just $15. Special buy-one-get-one discounts for Thursday performances. www.harttheater.org.

Country Meadows Park Models & Park Homes

July 1-7, 2015

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Smoky Mountain News

Terraced Sites with Views Clubhouse • Paved Streets Recreation Area Protective Community Guidelines Convenient Location Lawn Care Social Activities Less than 2 miles from Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, Ruby Cinema, Franklin Rec Park & Library

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Smoky Mountain News

July 1-7, 2015

arts & entertainment

On the wall HCC ‘Student for a Day’ art series Haywood Community College continues the Student for a Day Series with Creative Arts on Saturday, July 11.

• The Intro to Felting workshop will acquaint students with the technique of wet felting. This workshop will be held from noon to 4 p.m.

• In the Beginning Basics of Mountain Style Dance, students will learn the basic flat-foot/buck/clogging steps. This workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• In the Intro to Enamel workshop, students will use powdered glass fused to the surface of metal using heat to make one-of-a-kind wearable enamel samples.

This workshop is available from either 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noon to 4 p.m.

• The Play in Clay workshop is a fun, no pressure introduction to the potter’s wheel and fundamental techniques.

Workshops will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and noon to 4 p.m.

• In the Artful Finishes for Wood workshop, participants will play with unusual surfaces and finishes such as torching, sandblasting, grinding, dyes, grain filling, and photo-transfer. This workshop is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Participants in Handspun Fun will learn how unique and wonderful yarn was made by experiencing fiber spinning using HCC’s new spinning wheels. This workshop is available from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.

• In the Designer Tote Bag workshop, participants will design and piece together their own unique tote bag. This workshop is available from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.

• The Altered Image workshop is an introduction to transferring images to fabric then altering and embellishing that image through stitching, dying, and painting. This session will be held from 1 to 4 p.m.

• Cuttlefish casting is a quick and fairly accurate metal casting method. It is difficult to achieve fine details, but rather cre-

• There is currently an open call for artists for the Canton Labor Day celebration from 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, at Sorrells Street Park in downtown. All arts and crafts must be homemade. They can be of all mediums, from glass to wood, jewelry to clothing.

Applications accepted until Aug. 1. Send an artist bio, photographs and/or samples of work to Town of Canton, Attn: Canton Labor Day, 58 Park Street, Canton, N.C. 28716.

• The Balsam Arts & Crafts Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 4, at the Balsam Fire Department. Local artisans and vendors. A portion of the entry fees with ben30 efit the fire department.

ates a richly complex texture that is a natural by-product of this method. This session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon.

These sessions are free of charge and lunch is provided. Registration is required and space is limited.

828.627.4522.

Art After Dark in Waynesville Art After Dark will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 3, in downtown Waynesville.

Enjoy a stroll through working studios and galleries on Main Street and Depot Street. Festive Art After Dark flags denote participating galleries, such as Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery 86, Earthworks, Burr Studio, Jeweler’s Workbench, Twigs and Leaves Gallery,

Max Cooper photo

TPennington Art Gallery, The Mahogany House, Grace Cathey Sculpture Garden and Gallery, Cedar Hill Studios and the Village Framer.

Silvia Williams will have a multi-media showing of her painting during the month of July at the Village Framer. Mixed media artists Doreen Prakshot and Amber Palo will be featured during the month of July at the Mahogany House Art Gallery & Studio. Both galleries will host an artist reception for their showcases during Art After Dark. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• Potter Johanna Ohly and watercolorist/jeweler Diane Herring will be the featured artists for the month of July at Tunnel Mountain Crafts in Dillsboro.

There will be an artist demonstration by both from 1 to 4 p.m. July 11 at the gallery. Paper crafter Linda Miller and potter Susan Easton will also give a demonstration from 1 to 4 p.m. July 4.

ALSO:

• The Maggie Valley Arts & Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 11-12 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Local and regional artisans, food vendors, and more. www.maggievalley.org.

modeling and completion of forms.

Recognizing stages in the drawing's development will serve as the discussion point of various topics including gesture, proportion and likeness, the anatomy of light and shadow, structural and physiological anatomy and value, line and mass. Cost is $400 for memThere will be an array of upcoming artibers, $450 non-members. san and craft workshops at The Bascom in • Photography Software Highlands.

Series with Bob Wilson • Barry Gregg Resident from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Artist Series from 10 a.m. to July 6-7, 13-14 and 20noon July 2 and 9.

21. Class will learn Participants will explore Lightroom 101, 201 hand-building techand 301. Cost is niques through form $350 for members, and surface to create a $400 non-members birdhouse and a for all three classes. pitcher. Cost is $25 • Muddy per class. Clay fee not Mondays Wine and included.

Wheel Throwing • Graphite Portrait from 5 to 7 p.m. July Drawing with Nick 6. Spin the clay Raynolds from 10 wheel while a.m. to 4 p.m. casually sipping July 6-10. wine. Cost is Working from the $36 for memlife model, stubers, $40 nondents will learn a members. number of con• “Hypertufa” ceptual and pracGarden Planters tical tools by with Les Williams which to better solve the observa- Graphite Portrait Drawing with Nick Raynolds will be will be 10 a.m. to July 6-10 at The Bascom in Highlands. www.thebascom.org noon July 11. tional and practiEach participant cal problems assowill make a planter, and carvings and colorciated with naturalistically depicting the ful procedures will be demonstrated. Cost is human face and head. While seeking to grasp $90 for members, $100 for non-members. the character of the sitter, students will develwww.thebascom.org. op drawings from the block-in stage to the

Art workshops at The Bascom

Want to make bark baskets?

A bark basket workshop will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

Taught by biologist Jeff Gottlieb, the workshop will involve participants in all phases of bark basket making, from peeling poplar bark to constructing and finishing a

• An “Arts & Antique Market” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 4 at the Hidden Valley Farm in Clyde. Local art, vintage antiques, and more. Rain or shine.

828.450.2232.

• “Danny Collins” (July 2) and “Big Hero 6” (July 3) will be screened at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Screenings are free and begin at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. There is also a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• The Blue Ridge Artists & Crafters Association Freedom Arts & Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4-5 at the

basket. Each participant will leave the event with a finished basket.

A Whittier resident and staff member at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Gottlieb has been a naturalist, outdoor educator and primitive skills instructor for more than 30 years. His areas of particular interest include fiber arts, flint-knapping, basketry, edible and utilitarian plants, and nature awareness.

The workshop fee of $25 includes all materials. Reservation deadline is Friday, July 3.

828.227.7129 or pameister@wcu.edu.

Haywood County Fairgrounds in Lake Junaluska. www.bracaorg.com or 828.550.0639.

• The film “Furious 7” will be screened at 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, in the Central Plaza at Western Carolina University. “Unfriended” will be the July 8 film. Rain location is the UC Theater. www.wcu.edu.

• “American Sniper” will run at 7 p.m. July 35, 7-8 and 10 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. A 4 p.m. showing will also happen on July 4. A free showing of “Annie” will be at noon and 2:30 p.m. July 4 and 11. www.38main.com or call 828.283.0079.

On the street The 18th annual Sweet Corn Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at St. Cyprian’s Church in Franklin.

The event offers food, activities, large silent auction, arts/crafts vendors, live entertainment, and more. The auction items are from 70 businesses, organizations and individuals, including great dining in Franklin, Highlands, Cherokee and Clayton, Georgia, golfing at Mill The Sweet Corn Festival will be on July 11 in Franklin. Donated photo Creek, river rafting, zip lining, horseback riding, beautiful jewelry and artwork, casino package, theater, gifts and home decor.

The Nantahala Hiking Club will be at the festival again this year, and anyone up for a short, easy walk on the tranquil trail in the woods at St. Cyprian’s can check in at the hiking club’s tent. The outdoor stage will be occupied with entertainers throughout the day. The lineup includes the Nikwasi Dulcimer Players, Dave Stewart and Gary Zimmerman, Tom Johnson, Bob Blanton, Men Macon Music, and others.

The festival is sponsored by All Saints Episcopal Church, which has two historic church buildings: St. Agnes on Main Street, and St. Cyprian’s on Roller Mill Road. Proceeds benefit All Saints outreach and CareNet. www.franklin-chamber.com.

Is your BBQ the best?

A “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train” will be departing at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad depot in Bryson City.

The dinner features slow-cooked barbecue prepared fresh and beer tastings showcasing Nantahala Brewing Company.

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

800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

There is an open call for participants for the annual “Beer, Wine & Swine Competition” during the “Smokin’ in the Valley” WNC BBQ Festival on Friday, July 24.

The amateur competition is open to all backyard barbecue enthusiasts, restaurants, and caterers for no entry fee. The prize for best barbecue includes a trophy and a $250 check.

Public tickets to taste test in the “Beer, Wine & Swine” are $10. Each ticket holder will receive beer or wine samples with their food. Tickets are first come, first serve.

To compete in, or get a ticket to the Beer, Wine, and Swine event, contact Teresa Smith at 828.926.1686 or teresa@maggievalley.org.

The Heritage Arts Summer Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Southwestern Community College in Bryson City.

This inaugural event will feature many of the potters from the Heritage Arts ceramics program at SCC selling pottery in a wide range of styles and decorative techniques.

There will also be crafters selling woodwork, quilts jewelry, knitted items and baked goods. Doug Hubbs will be demonstrating pottery throwing throughout the day.

Free. www.southwesterncc.com.

ALSO:

• The SMPCC’s third annual barbecue will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. July 11 at the Bloemsma Barn in Franklin. Silent auction, children’s activities, and more. Live music

by Johnny Webb & The J.W. Band. $15 for adults, $7 ages 5-10 or $45 family meal.

828.349.3200.

• The “Way Back When” trout dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. The dinner showcases a meal, music, storytelling

• The H Bar M Rodeo will be from 5 to 10 p.m. July 3-4 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds in Lake Junaluska. Bull and bronco riding, barrel racing, roping, and more. www.haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org or 828.400.1704.

• The Taste of Local Flavors will be from all day Thursday, July 2, at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. The fundraiser will showcase dishes made with locally grown produce, meats, eggs and cheeses. Proceeds go to the Jackson County Farmer’s Market. The Mad Batter itself will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. the day of event. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• The Mountain Street Dance will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 10, in front of the Historic Courthouse in downtown Waynesville. Old-fashioned mountain music and clogging, with instruction offered to any and all. Free. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• The “Swinter at the CRP” will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 7 and 9 at the Canton pool. Normal hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is $3. 828.648.2363.

A GUARANTEED GREAT NIGHT OUT ELVIS WEEKEND

THE ULTIMATE ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST CONTEST JULY 9 – 11

JAMEY JOHNSON AUGUST 15

Cherokee Pow Wow celebrates 40 years The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ 40th annual Pow Wow will be held July 3-5 at the Acquoni Expo Center.

The event features world-champion dancers and drums competing for prizes. Vendors will offer food and arts and crafts items.

The Pow Wow opens at 5 p.m. Friday, July 3, with a grand entry at 7 p.m. The event continues at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 4, with the grand entry at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Gates open at noon Sunday, July 5, with grand entry at 1 p.m.

800.438.1601 or www.visitcherokeenc.com.

BREW BQ

CAROLINA’S BEST BARBEQUE AND BEER AUGUST 15

JOAN JETT

AND THE BLACKHEARTS AUGUST 21

Visit ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000 to purchase tickets.

Show(s) subject to change or cancellation. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter casino floor and to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700. An Enterprise of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation. ©2015, Caesars License Company, LLC.

Smoky Mountain News

Heritage Arts Summer Festival

• Jackson County resident and local historian Joe Rhinehart will give a presentation about the history of downtown Sylva at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Historic Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva. Guests are encouraged to bring their own pictures and stories of downtown. The event is being put on by the Jackson County Genealogical Society. Free. 828.631.2646.

and atmosphere of a 1930s Appalachian trout camp. 828.926.1401 or 800.868.1401 or www.cataloocheeranch.com.

July 1-7, 2015

Bryson City craft beer, barbeque

• The Beach Party Fundraiser will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Limbo contest, hula-hoop contest, beach games, and more. All proceeds go to REACH of Haywood County for the programs they provide to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse. Tickets are $75.

828.246.9209 or www.reachofhaywood.org.

arts & entertainment

Who wants some sweet corn?

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32

Books

Smoky Mountain News

Scotland pays homage to its writers W Jeff Minick

ith literary tours, literary pub crawls, monuments, plaques, and museums, Scotland honors her writers.

Let’s start my literary tour of Edinburgh with the lounge of the Radisson Blu, a castlelike building five minutes from Waverly Station and dab in the middle of the Royal Way. This establishment definitely made a dent in my bank account, even when Writer splitting the cost with my friend John, who today headed north on a train to see the Highlands. Yet there are advantages: everything I want to see is no more than a 10minute walk, the room is spacious, I don’t need a mechanical engineering degree to turn on the shower, and at 5 a.m. the lounge is empty, lovely, and perfect for writing.

On the walls of this lounge are plaques in the shape of footsteps containing quotations by authors associated with Edinburgh, noted writers like Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, Alexander McCall Smith, and J.K. Rowling. Here Rowling reminds us, for instance, “It does not do to dwell in dreams and forget to live.”

The morning passes with writing, coffee, a wonderfully hot shower, and then a long stroll once again down the Royal Way, poking around the shops while I wait for the National Library of Scotland to open. On the Royal Way are statues of David Hume and Adam Smith, tributes to the intellectual vitality of the city in the eighteenth century, when many referred to Edinburgh as the “Athens of the

North.” Both the university and the medical school made this city of hills one of the centers of thought in the world at that time.

Like many of the surrounding buildings, the National Library is made of stone dirtied by years of pollution. Inside the entrance, a large sign states that the library houses 14 million books, hundreds of thousands of magazines, newspapers, and phone books, and some 30,000 films. Directly inside is a sparkling little gift shop and a café, which a reference library tells me is “one of the unknown jewels of the city.” In the exposition room this summer the theme is “Four Hundred Years of Scottish Cooking,” with displays including explanatory placards describ-

ing everything from the use of barley water to the importance of oatmeal in the Scottish diet. Along with various cooking implements, the exhibition cases contain dozens of cookbooks, all written in pen.

In a nearby suite of rooms is a small sampling of the John Murray Archives, perhaps the most precious collection of this fine library. John Murray Publishers put out books by authors like Lord Byron and David Livingston, along with some 16,000 others.

The library owns a mass of letters between this publisher and its authors, along with all manner of artifacts. Of particular interest were the anecdotes of Lord Byron and Lady Caroline Lamb, who famously called Byron

“When I suffer in mind, stories are my refuge; I take them like opium; and consider one who writes them as a sort of doctor of the mind. And frankly, it is not Shakespeare we take to, when we are in a hot corner … It is Charles Reade, or old Dumas, or the best of Walter Scott … we want incident, interest, action: to the devil with your philosophy.”

— Robert Louis Stevenson, copied from a wall at The Writer’s Museum, Edinburg

Memoir depicts hippy activism, culture Asheville author Cindy McMahon will read from her memoir Fresh Water from Old Wells at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Unplanned youngest daughter of activist hippies in the turbulent South, McMahon survived family violence, fire, flood, poisonous mushrooms, and an ice-cold outhouse. She wrote the work to tell those experiences and found forgiveness and peace in the process. www.citylightsnc.com.

“mad — bad — and dangerous to know.”

On my last stop of the day, I went to the nearby Writer’s Museum, which honors Robert Burns, Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. In this 400-year-old building, not so long ago a private home, are scores of photographs and paintings of these three authors, some of their books, their personal belongings — my favorite exhibit here was the recreation of Walter Scott’s dining room before his success — and other mementoes. After reading of Scott’s bankruptcy in the final years of his life, I found poignant his deathbed advice to his son-in-law J.G. Lockhart: “My dear, be a good man, be virtuous, be religious, be a good man. Nothing else will give you any comfort when you lie here.”

In one part of the exhibit is a beautiful burnished bedroom press that once sat in Stevenson’s boyhood room. William Brodie, who built this piece of furniture, was an Edinburg government official who led a double life by being a burglar at night, a crime for which he was eventually hung. This story haunted the young Stevenson, and I wondered whether this idea of a hidden life, a life composed of both good and evil, had helped inspire him to write Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

All three of these writers died in tragic circumstances: Burns at 37, possibly from drink; Scott a bankrupt; Stevenson from the lifelong problems of the lungs. With their deaths, particularly the death of Sir Walter Scott, all of Scotland went into mourning.

Later that day, strolling the streets, I also happened by one of the Edinburg coffee shops, The Elephant House, in which J.K. Rowling wrote parts of her first Harry Potter novel. Not a native of the city, Rowling had come here to live with her sister after the death of their mother and to escape a troubled marriage. In this café, in Nicholson’s, which was owned by her brother-in-law, and in others, she wrote the first Harry Potter book.

Scotland has already claimed Rowling as one of her children. One of these days, I am certain, yet another statue will grace the cobbled streets of Edinburgh.

‘Lets Talk About It’ series

Bass to discuss poetry

The “Lets Talk About It” book discussion series will continue at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Waynesville Public Library.

The book will be Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosely.

Hollywood would say this is a story “ripped from the headlines” and in a way it is. This is the story “of an inherently good man fighting internal temptations and external injustices in a corrupt world...while adding plot twists, unrelenting racism and brutal murders” — a read in step with the times.

This session will be led by Professor Emory Maiden of Appalachian State University. Refreshments will be provided.

828.452.5169

Author Ellen Bass will present her poetry collections Like a Beggar and The Human Line at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

She is also the author of The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. It is an inspiring, comprehensive guide that offers hope and encouragement to every woman who was sexually abused as a child. Bass will also be leading a writing workshop at Cullowhee Mountain Arts from July 5-10.

Registration is currently waitlisted. To be placed on the waitlist send an email to registrar@cullowheemountainarts.org.

828.586.9499.

Love, loneliness and rock-n-roll

serving size : ab out 50 p ag es

books

Mountain Xpress arts section editor Alli Marshall will present her new book How to Talk to Rockstars at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

The novel is based in part with Marshall’s 14-or-so years spent interviewing artists of all genres, but especially touring musicians. The story follows wallflower-turned-journalist Bryn Thompson. She has a dream job: she interviews rockstars. Bryn’s professionalism keeps her on track, but also emotionally removed from the gritty world of backstage, bars and drugs that she writes about. That is, until she meets musician Jude Archer, whose songs haunt her. As an unlikely friendship grows out of Bryn’s obsession with Jude’s album, Bryn begins to rethink all of the carefully contrived rules that until now have helped her maintain a professional distance.

828.456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

Nutrition Facts Am ount per Serving Calories 0 % Daily Value * Tot al Fat 0g

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Outd oors

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

Next installment of Secret Series

July 1-7, 2015

Carly Robbins (a.k.a Robbin Monteith) will present the next installment in the Secret Series at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

In Secrets of the Untold, Katelynn Anthony has always considered herself to be a plain little Southern girl living a boringly uneventful life.

But now, nothing could be further from the truth.

After Ms. Lera, the elderly lady who had been her surrogate grandmother, mentor, and benefactor passes away, Katelynn is swept away to Scotland to take care of her final arrangements.

And as Ms. Lera’s heir, Katelynn finds herself caught up in a world of dazzling creatures and dangerous foes as she adjusts to her new title: Lord of Castle Go-Brath. Not only will Katelynn learn more about Ms. Lera’s adventurous past, but she will uncover secrets about herself and the world she thought she knew.

828.586.9499.

Madden to present Harper Lee bio

Smoky Mountain News

To celebrate the release of Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman, Kerry Madden will present her biography on Lee at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Intended for ages 12 and up, Harper Lee looks at a down-to-earth Southern woman who has shunned publicity for a simpler life.

Madden will also present her book on storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham who was a dear friend of Lee. Nothing Fancy About Kathryn and Charlie tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Windham and self-taught folk artist Tin Man Charlie Lucas. Lee is the world-renowned author of the literary classic To Kill a Mockingbird, with Go Set a Watchman due out July 14.

Madden is an Associate Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Alabama-Birmingham and also teaches at Antioch University in Los Angeles and at the Sewanee Young Writers Conference in Tennessee. www.citylightsnc.com.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Take a Hike

Ben Kniceley wields his ax in search of a national title in the STIHL Timbersports Collegiate Series.

Author encourages parents to get their kids outside

STIHL Timbersports photo

BY WIL S HELTON SMN I NTERN

Chopping his way to victory HCC student takes national timbersports title

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER en Kniceley’s pretty sure his dad had a good laugh after the Haywood Community College graduate came away with a national title in the June 20 STIHL Timbersports Collegiate Series.

“I grew up splitting wood and stuff like that with my dad, and he’d always have to force me to go out there,” said Kniceley, who’s from Shelby.

Not so anymore. Kniceley, 21, won the Collegiate Mid-Atlantic Qualifier, held in Cumberland, Maryland, this April, earning him a ticket to New York City for the national contest. There, he went against five other competitors in a slate of four events to determine who would come out on top.

That proved to be Kniceley. Competitors earn points for each event, getting six points for a first-place finish, five points for second place and so on. Points from each event are then added together. Kniceley came away with 22 out of a possible 24 points, taking first in two events and second in the other two. The runner-up, Cody Labahn of Oregon State University, had 18 points.

Kniceley’s win included a record time in the standing block chop, when he logged the

B

fastest completion of anyone in U.S. competition during the 2014-15 season.

Pretty impressive considering that Kniceley had been considered the underdog against Labahn, said HCC’s lead forestry instructor Blair Bishop, but Kniceley “clearly, handily won.”

The ride isn’t over. In November, Kniceley, who now holds associate’s degrees in both fisheries and wildlife from HCC, will travel to Austria to compete in the 2015 Rookie World Championships as a STIHLsponsored athlete. His accomplishment has also earned him a spot competing in STIHL’s professional series for 2016.

“I don’t know if it’s really set in yet, but it feels really good just to know that I accomplished something I was trying to do for four years,” he said.

For Kniceley, those four years started with an invitation from Andy Fitzsimmons, then his roommate and captain of HCC’s timbersports team, to give it a try. Kniceley was more of a baseball guy and had never heard of timbersports. That soon changed.

“I fell in love right then and there,” Kniceley said.

“It was kind of fun to me,” he added. “It kept me in really

F

For Jeff Alt and his family, hiking is more a lifestyle than a hobby.

“After experiencing all the great positive physical and mental benefits gained from hiking, I wanted to share it with my family,” he said.

And that is exactly what he’s done.

Alt, 48, is a seasoned outdoorsman who has hiked the entire Appalachian Trail and the John Muir Trail. He grew up in Northwest Ohio, where his family went on frequent camping and hiking trips.

“As a child, my parents took us on many camping adventures,” he said. “On a childhood trip to the Great Smoky Mountains, my brothers and I hiked from Elkmont Campground up to the Double Spring Gap shelter on the Appalachian Trail.”

“We were ill-equipped and not in trail shape,” he recalls. “It was the hardest thing I had ever done, but the seed was planted.”

Alt, his wife Beth and their two kids, Madison and William, ages 10 and 8, travel the United States giving lectures on the importance of getting kids outdoors and promoting his book, Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep It Fun, a complete guide that explains all the ins and outs of hiking with kids.

Alt has been hiking with his children since they were infants, he said.

“William was on the Appalachian Trail at 6 weeks of age,” he said, “and Madison went on her first hike with us at 8 Alt will be returning to the Great Smoky Mountains National weeks of age.”

Park at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, at the Oconaluftee Visitors On June 20, Alt was at Center. 865.436.1291 or www.jeffalt.com the Sugarlands Visitor Center on the Tennessee side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

His lecture began with a song he had written titled “Take a Hike.” His family joined him in front of the crowd and performed the song and dance routine, whose lyrics promoted the mental and physical benefits of hiking as well as warning against dangers such as poison ivy and bears.

After the introduction, Alt invited the families to hit the Old Sugarlands Trail for what he called not a hike but an “adventure.”

“An outdoor adventure with your kids can be more fun than anything that requires electricity and batteries,” he said. “Hiking is easy and inexpensive and will provide your kids with a fun, healthy outdoor pursuit that they will relish and utilize their entire lives.”

Alt practiced what he preached as he showed participating kids and parents activities to engage in while hiking. Alt is a proponent of what he refers to as “child-directed hiking,” the idea that the destination is not the most important goal but rather allowing the child to take the lead, exploring at their own pace. Kids took turns playing “I Spy,” spotting plants, critters and rocks. At one point, Alt asked each child and parent to close their eyes and count how many sounds, smells and sensations they heard, smelled and felt.

Jennifer Hughes, who was there with her 7-year-old son Henry, said that it was a fun, educational experience.

“We usually try to spend an hour a day outside, but it doesn’t always work,” she said. “(The most important thing I learned) is to let him lead.”

After about a half mile, the group turned around, but not before stopping by the river for a snack and a quick lesson on the importance of packing out your trash. Alt was able to give a first-hand demonstration, packing out undergarments that were left by a previous visitor.

The hike concluded with a talk on edible plants provided by ranger Caitlin Worth, one of the park staff accompanying Alt’s group on the hike.

outdoors

Discover wild edibles on the greenway A program elucidating the edibles along the Little Tennessee Greenway in Franklin will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 9, at the Friends of the Greenway headquarters.

Mitzy Mazzilli will reflect on the bounty of nature found in small corners of the wild like the greenway and share some recipes for simple foods whose ingredients can be found along the path — or maybe in your own backyard.

Located at 573 Main Street in Franklin.

828.369.8488 or frogquarters@frontier.com.

Staghorn sumac. Holly Kays photo

Plant sale coming to Waynesville

A full array of perennial plants will be available at a plant sale planned for 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 4, in conjunction with the Historic Haywood Farmers Market in the HART Theater parking lot in Waynesville.

The Mountain View Garden Club will be selling plants grown by the members, with proceeds funding community beautification projects such as plants at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Library and planters at the Waynesville Post Office.

828.926.0605.

A July 4 plant sale is coming to Waynesville.

Donated photo

Ginseng lottery open

had been doing it longer than I have and may be more experienced, but every day I chopped at least six blocks a day for a month-and-a-half, two months straight, so I knew that I put in my time,” he said.

Kniceley isn’t the only one who’s celebrating the win. He’s the third HCC student to win the national title in the 10 years STIHL’s held the series, the fourth to compete in the national event.

For a small community college, that’s quite a feat. And because the school lacks athletics like football and baseball teams that students more typically rally around, the victory is a shared one.

“We are a very supportive college that views this as something that is important and identifies that with our college and views it as our team,” said Bishop. “We don’t have a football team, we don’t have a basketball team, so it connects with it that way.”

Rotary International 5K Run 6:30 - 7:30 am: Walk-up registration Please register online at RunBrysonCity.com 8:00 am: Race begins Swain County Administration Building (Mitchell St.) Riverfront Park on Mitchell Street 10:30 am: “Strut Your Mutt” Pet Show Contest 6:00 pm - dark: LoveBryson & The Grove Church bring you entertainment and activities for kids Kids’ Street at the Depot 10 am - 6 pm: bouncy house and more fun activities.

Platinum Sponsors Duke Energy Bryson City Cabin Rentals

Bridge Stage on Everett St. 10:00 am: Opening Ceremony with VFW Post 9281 10:30 am: Boogertown Gap 12:00 pm: The Katts 1:30 pm: Productive Paranoia 3:00 pm: Hula Hoop-Off 4:00 pm: Watermelon Eating Contest 5:00 pm: Somebody’s Child 7:00 pm: Elvis 8:00 pm: Porch 40 9:55 pm: Star Spangled Banner 10:00 pm: Fireworks Show

Harrah’s Swain Community Hospital Swain County TDA

Gold Sponsor Bryson City

Silver Sponsor ConMet

Smoky Mountain News

good shape and it was something to do. I can’t just go to class and sit around and do nothing.”

As it turned out, he was also pretty good at it. For the past three years, he’s chopped for a paycheck, working for the Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge — since graduating in May, it’s a fulltime job, though he does hope to eventually move on to a job that uses his education as an associate’s degree holder in both fisheries and wildlife.

In last year’s regional competition for the mid-Atlantic and Southern states, Kniceley took first in several events and placed in even more. HCC student Logan Hawks won the thing, though, progressing to the national competition where he took third place.

But this, year, Kniceley felt, could be his year.

“I knew that some of these other guys

July 1-7, 2015

Ginseng collectors have until July 15 to put their names in the hat for the U.S. Forest Service’s annual lottery for ginseng harvest permits.

The lottery system has been in place since 2013, when a marked reduction in wild ginseng numbers led the Forest Service to change its permit process. The decline was likely due to poaching, said Forest Service botanist Gary Kauffman, as ginseng is highly sought after in East Asia as a tonic.

The number of ginseng plants of harvestable size has decreased by 45 percent on forest lands, Kauffman said.

A permit, of which 136 are issued, allows a person to harvest as much as 3 wet pounds of wild ginseng in the ranger district where the permit is issued within the two-week season of Sept. 1-15.

Call or visit a ranger office to register for the lottery. Email requests not accepted.

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outdoors

Free adventure camp offered for teens A free summer adventure camp will give Haywood County’s current and rising high school freshmen a chance to experience everything from hiking to gardening to fishing while also learning ways to survive the ups and downs of high school.

The Summer Soar camp, hosted by Haywood Community Learning Center, will run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday to Thursday from July 13 to July 30. In addition to outdoor activities, campers will engage in hands-on activities to work through Sean Covey’s The 6 Most Important Decisions You’ll Every Make: A Guide for Teens to discuss topics such as school stress, addictions, dating and selfworth.

Space is limited. Carolina BrownWilliamson, 828.454.6590, ext. 106.

Remembering the old ways

BY WIL S HELTON SMN I NTERN For Whittier resident Anne Hill, sharing the history of Appalachia goes far beyond the realm of classrooms and textbooks.

“It’s wonderful to really experience for

yourself some of the things that our great grandparents actually lived,” Hill said as she pulled a hot cake of cornbread from the fire.

Hill was among many women adorned in period dress that gathered at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center on June 20 for

July 1-7, 2015

Junior Forester program offered A bi-weekly Junior Forester program for kids ages 8 to 12 has started up for the summer at the Cradle of Forestry in America.

The program, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will be held on Wednesdays, July 8, July 22 and Aug. 5. The sessions, respectively, will focus on ecosystems, animal habitats and species identification skills.

Programs are held outside, with closetoed shoes, a small backpack and water required. $4 for kids and $2.50 for adults. RSVP to 828.877.3130. Located on U.S. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest about 25 miles from Waynesville.

the annual Women’s Work Festival, where re-enactors perform chores that were the responsibility of women pioneers.

Hill was demonstrating the art of hearth baking in a Dutch oven, a small oven placed over an open fire that was used to bake treats such as cornbread, yeast loaf bread, cinnamon roles, and apple pies.

“When you live in a region, it’s nice to know something about it,” she said.

Park ranger Lynda Doucette, who was supervising the event, said it is important to preserve mountain traditions.

“We are interested in looking more at the process than the products,” she said. “If you can’t remember your past, you can’t live on to the future … It’s important to remember where we come from and how we got here.”

The other demonstrators echoed similar sentiments.

Hannah Reed, a volunteer of 25 years, talked as she made lye soap over a fire.

“It makes me feel closer to my family,” she said. “There’s not a time that we (make soap) that I don’t think of my mother.”

Gee Phillips, a volunteer since 1992, was born and raised on a farm in east Tennessee and actually lived many of the things that were demonstrated at the festival.

“This is my early childhood,” she said. “[Making soap] brings back childhood memories.”

Gee Phillips and Hannah Reed, demonstrating their Appalachian traditions on June 20 at the Oconoluftee Visitor Center.

Wil Shelton photo

Senior walking group forming in Haywood Seniors interested in getting out for an early morning walk this summer are wanted for a now-forming group through the Haywood County Senior Resource Center.

The group would likely meet at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday in various locations, such as Waynesville’s Main Street, Lake Junaluska and Vance Street Park.

Michelle Claytor, mclaytor@mountainprojects.org or 828.356.2813.

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney 299-136

Smoky Mountain News

Is a Will Enough?

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waynesvillebellydance.com

A Blue Ridge Parkway ranger will lead a 2.5-mile hike to the viewrich summit of Sams Knob in the Shining Rock Wilderness in Haywood County at 10 a.m. Friday, July 10.

Meet at the end of Black Balsam Road, which branches off the Parkway at milepost 420 north of its junction with N.C. 215.

Free.

828.298.5330, ext.

304.

outdoors

Hike Sams Knob

Holly Kays photo

Celebrate wilderness at Ellicott Rock July 1-7, 2015

A hike in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area near Highlands on Sunday, July 5, will continue a series of hikes commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act. A joint effort of the Carolina Mountain Club and The Wilderness Society, this strenuous 7.5mile hike will traverse from the Whitewater Falls parking area to Ellicott Rock, a unique and historic place where three states come together, their junction marked with 200-year-old inscriptions.

The hike includes a ford of the Chattooga River, so hikers should be prepared to get wet.

Limited to 10 hikers. RSVP to Norm Sharp, 864.609.7182, norm.sharp@att.net.

Meet Hal, the elk rover An elk volunteer in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will share stories about the elk herd — and tourists that come to see them — at 7 p.m. July 7 at the Jackson County Library in Sylva.

“Elk Stories” with Hal Farwell will cover elk biology and behavior, the growing elk population and long-range stewardship of the Smokies elk, followed by a question and answer session.

Farwell is a founding member of the Luftee Rovers, a volunteer crew manning the roadside fields of the Smokies around Oconaluftee, where a herd of elk lives.

828.586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

Bryson bike shop getting national cred

A new 5K walk and run to be held Saturday, July 4, at the Preserve at Rock Creek in Sapphire will benefit the CashiersHighlands Humane Society.

The route, which will pass forest, waterfalls and a creek on groomed hiking trails, will start at 8 a.m. with registration beginning at 7 a.m. Post-run refreshments and bluegrass music will be held in the meadow.

Awards given to top three male and female finishers. $25 for day-of registration. www.facebook.com/events/964601090228240.

Bryson City Bicycles is getting some national recognition as one of six stores nationwide in the Best Mountain Bike Shop category for the 2015 Interbike Awards.

Interbike is North America’s largest bicycle trade event and show. The six competitors will be narrowed down to determine the winner through an open industry online ballot that editorial staff at Bicycle Retailer & Industry News will then vet.

Winners will be announced Sept. 17.

Smoky Mountain News

5K planned for Independence Day

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The low-down on lightning outdoors

Lightning is one of nature’s most ephemeral forces, but scientists are still able to detect and measure these electrical displays. A presentation at 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute will explain how.

PARI partners with Georgia Tech to use a remote sensing instrument to study lightning, and Georgia Tech’s Jackson McCormick will be there to discuss the instrument, how it’s used and what scientists hope to learn about lightning to help better predict when and where it will strike. Globally, lightning strikes 40 or 50 times per second — nearly 1.4 billion flashes per year.

The evening will also include a campus

Investigate nature’s nighttime secrets A nighttime program about the adaptations of nocturnal animals is planned for 9 to 10 p.m.

July 1-7, 2015 Smoky Mountain News

Globally, lightning strikes 40 or 50 times every second. Donated photo

$20 for adults and $15 for seniors and military. Free for children under 10. RSVP before 3 p.m. July 10 at www.pari.edu or 828.862.5554.

Friday, July 10, at Highlands Botanical Garden.

Bring a flashlight to take part in the slate of games, activities and observations at Nature

by Night. Open to ages 6 and up. $3 and free for “salamembers.” Space is limited. RSVP to 828.526.2623.

Watershed association’s summer celebration rescheduled A picnic and snorkeling day along the Tuckasegee has been rescheduled to Saturday, July 11, at Darnell Farms outside Bryson City.

The day will begin with equipment-provided snorkeling at 3 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner — an annual event for the Watershed Association of the Tuckaseigee River — at 6 p.m. The evening will include a presentation on the mystery of muddied waters in the Tuck this summer.

Bring a dish to share, some money to chip in for a keg and an instrument for music-making. Darnell Farms is at 2300 Governor’s Island Road. 828.507.9144 or rogerclapp@watrnc.org.

A million miles away is just down the road. visitnc.com

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tour and night sky observing session.

Located in Pisgah Forest in Transylvania County.

Food pantry training program aimed at strengthening food supply for needy A pilot education program for food pantries and other emergency food providers will hold a series of training classes from 5 to 8 p.m. July 21, July 28, Aug. 4 and Aug. 11.

The Appalachian Food Pantry School four-week training program will cover everything from public relations to financial planning to volunteer management, with course topics including fundraising, food safety regulations, marketing and grant writing.

It is put on by the Western North Carolina Food Policy Council and co-sponsored by MANNA Food Bank and the MountainWise Public Health Partnership, with financial support from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The WNC Food Policy Council coordinates efforts to build a stronger food system, encourage agricultural development, and reduce food insecurity in the seven western counties.

A kickoff event at 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, will feature a catered reception, live music and a panel of pantries whose boards of directors have demonstrated exceptional engagement and action. $45 registration includes course materials and dinner during class. Participants can send different members of their organization to different courses dependent on their needs.

The location of the courses and kick-off are to be announced. www.wncfpc.org.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • “A Lost Cmmunity: A Glimpse of Judson Before the Lake” will be the program at the monthly Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society meeting at 6:30 p.m. July 2 at 200 Main St., Bryson City. The presenter will be Kathy Thomas Greene.

• Cherokee storytellers will spin tales of days gone by from 7-9 p.m. July 3-4 at Oconaluftee Islands Park, adjacent to the Island Indian Art Market. Free.

800.438.1601 or travel@nc-cherokee.com; or contact Frieda Huskey at 359.6492 or friehusk@nccherokee.com.

• “What is the most important thing you have learned in your life so far?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum to be held at 7 p.m. Monday, July 6, at Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, located Downtown at 58 Stewart Street, Franklin. 828.371.1020.

• Drink-N-Think, a modern symposium, will be held from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Soul Infusion Tea House and Bistro located at 628 East Main Street, Sylva. Rick Gorton will present “Heart, Mind, Body and Soul Connection.”

• Downtown Sylva’s Newly Designated Historic District is the name of the Jackson County Genealogical Society’s July program that will be held at 7 p.m. July 9 in the Community Room of the Historic Jackson County Courthouse. The speaker will be Jackson County native and local historian, Joe Rhinehart. Call 631.2646.

• The Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library will convene at 11:30 a.m. July 9 at the home of President Patricia Cowen with a covered dish luncheon. Call 586.8376. Email pollybdavis@yahoo.com.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Bryson City Downtown Merchants Association meets at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at the chamber of commerce.

• Resume writing workshops are scheduled for 2 p.m. on Monday, July 13, and Monday, July 20, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Southwestern Community College instructor Robert Cooper will offer the class for any job seeker who would like help brushing up a resume. Registration required by July 8 for the first session and by July 15 for the second session: 488.3030.

• A bark basket workshop will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center. The cost is $25 and includes all materials. Reserve a spot by Friday, July 3. Call 828.227.7129 or email pameister@wcu.edu.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • “Eat for a Cause” July 1 at the Lakeside Restaurant in Highlands. Fifteen percent of all sales will be donated to the playhouse.

526.2695 or www.highlandsplayhouse.org.

• A Taste of Local Flavors fundraiser is scheduled for July 2 at Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva. Head chef Jeannette Evans serves special dishes made from locally grown produce, meats, eggs Event raises funds and support for the Jackson County Farmers Market. Mad Batter is open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m.-noon every Saturday at Bridge Park. Info: jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• A beach party to benefit REACH of Haywood County is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on July 10 at the Laurel Ridge

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 Country Club pavilion in Waynesville. Casual, summer attire. Photo booth, dunk tank, limbo contest and tropical cocktails. Tickets are $75. 246.9209.www.reachofhaywood.org.

HEALTH MATTERS • The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1:30-6 p.m. on July 7 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Clyde. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767).

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on July 7 at Drake Enterprises in Franklin. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767).

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on July 8 at Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767).

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on July 8 at Cashiers Glenville Recreation Center in Cashiers. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767).

Smoky Mountain News

Borum, advocacy chair for Children First, will speak.

Public is welcome. http://childrenfirstcisbc.org.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe will speak as part of the Summer Workshop Series at 10:45 a.m. on July 5 at Lake Junaluska Assembly’s historic Stuart Auditorium.

Childcare available. www.lakejunaluska.com/summerworship.

• The 12th annual Maggie Valley United Methodist barbecue and gospel sing is scheduled for 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 11. Door prizes and performances by Angie Toomey, Children of Zion, Subject to Change and Maggie Valley UMC Choir. $8 per lunch; takeouts available. Proceeds support church missions. 926.9794.

• Dr. Lauren Winner will speak as part of the Summer Workshop Series at 10:45 a.m. on July 12 at Lake Junaluska Assembly’s historic Stuart Auditorium. Childcare available. www.lakejunaluska.com/summer-worship.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • “Turning the Poet Out of Doors: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Poetry of Robert Frost,” part of the Zahner Conservation Lectures, is set for 6:30 p.m. on July 2 at Highlands Nature Center. Dr. Peter White, a professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, is featured. 526.2623.

• “Let’s Talk About It” book discussion on the topic of “Mysteries: Clues to Who We Are” will cover “Devil in a Blue Dress” by Walter Mosely from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Waynesville Public Library. Books are free and available at the library from Teresa Glance,

whose office is on the main floor. Professor Emory Maiden of Appalachian State will lead the session.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • A Cribbage group will begin meeting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• A session on advance directives is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. Offered in collaboration with Hospice and Palliative Care. Stop by the center or call 356.2800 to register.

• iPad 101 is scheduled for 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 9 and July 23, at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Laptop lessons are offered from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9 and July 23, at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

KIDS & FAMILIES • A Family Nature Activity is offered from 3-4 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 15 for ages four and older at Highlands Nature Center. $1 per person. 526.2623.

• A video game tournament will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, at Waynesville Library. Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org or call 452.5169.

299-81

Check Out Our

th of July 4Specials

• The Alzheimer’s Association will be conducting a lecture on dementia from 1-2:30 p.m. July 9 at the Waynesville Library, 678 S. Haywood St. The series will be led by Dodi Christiano, LPC. • The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on July 9 at WestCare Health in Sylva.

Visit redcrossblood.org or call 800.RED.CROSS (800.733.2767).

POLITICAL CORNER • Swain County Commissioners’ Ad Hoc Animal Care Ordinance Committee will host a community input meeting from 7-9 p.m. on July 2 at the Alarka Community Center in Bryson City.

• The Sylva Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing to take input on traffic issues in downtown Sylva at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Sylva Town Hall.

• The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on July 9 at the Justice and Administration Building in Sylva to receive public input concerning the revised “Cellular Telecommunications Ordinance.” Copies are available online at jacksonnc.org/planning or at the Planning Department at the Justice Center. Citizens are invited to make written or oral comments.

• The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 5:45 p.m. on July 9 at the Justice and Administration Building in Sylva to receive public input concerning revisions to the “Revolving Loan Fund Program.” Copies are available online at jacksonnc.org or at the Economic Development Department at the Justice Center. Citizens are invited to make written or oral comments.

• A North Carolina Tax Policy and Budget Forum will be hosted by the League of Women Voters from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at the Franklin Town Hall. Greg

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Red White & Bling Jewlery • Scarves • Sunglasses... & so much more!

• Animal Heroes with live alpacas for grades 3-6 is at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1. 526.3600.

wnc calendar

• Villian-themed activities are scheduled for Wednesday through Thursday, July 1-2, as part of the “Every Hero Has a Story” series at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. At 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, preschoolers create superhero capes and masks. And at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, teens create minions and shrunken heads. 488.3030.

• “Every Hero Has a Story” – the summer reading program at Haywood County libraries in Canton and Waynesville – resumes with a Superhero Training Academy at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 1. Create a superhero identity and costume and go through a training course. Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org or call 452.5169 or 648.2924.

• Animal Heroes Storytime with Paco the Parrot is at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• “Every Hero Has a Story” – the summer reading program at Haywood County libraries in Canton and Waynesville – resumes with a Paper Airplane Contest at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 2. All supplies provided. Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org or call 452.5169 or 648.2924.

• Games for kids, featuring indoor and outdoor games, is at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• A kindergarten-readiness storytime is at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 6 and July 13, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• A program about pollinators and how kids can help protect them will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City for kindergarten through second graders. Amber Platt, 488.3030 or aplatt@fontanalib.org.

• Ronald McDonald will appear at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

526.3600.

• Professor Whizzpop performs at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Waynesville Public Library. Magic and balloon creations. Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org or call 452.5169.

July 1-7, 2015

299-82

31st Annual

Blue Ridge Artists & Crafters

FREEDOM FESTIVAL SATURDAY & SUNDAY JULY 4TH & 5TH 9 A.M. - 4 P.M.

Smoky Mountain News

Haywood County Fairgrounds - Lake Junaluska

ALL INDOORS: Handmade Arts & Crafts Food • Free Admission Free Parking For more information, visit www.bracaorg.com DIRECTIONS: From I-40 take Exit 24, go South on Hwy. 209 3.7 miles on left.

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From Hwy. 19/23 take Exit 24, go N. on Hwy. 209 1 mile on right.

• A junior forester program entitled “Exploring Ecosystems” will teach boys and girls ages 8-12 how to find connections in forests and wetlands from 10:30-12:30 p.m. on July 8 at the Cradle of Forestry in American in Pisgah Forest. $4 per youth; $2.50 per adult; adults with America the Beautiful and Golden Age passports admitted free. Registration required: 877.3130.

• Modern Day Heroes: Hurricane Katrina, is set for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• Preschoolers will participate a program focused on community heroes and create their own community hero book at 10:10 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

• Grades 6th-12th will participate in a Superhero mix up program at 3:30 p.m. July 9 at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Participants will create their own superheroes using superpowers and costume requirements chosen at random.

• Community Heroes Storytime is at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• Lego Club meets from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

526.3600. For ages 5-up.

• Two free jewelry making workshops for youth ages 8 and up will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. July 9 and July 23 a the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge.

Dogwood Crafter Nan Smith will teach how to make a daisy chain beaded bracelet on July 9 and Leanne McCoy will teach participants to make a leather bracelet on July 23. Register at 828.586-2435 or junettapell@hotmail.com.

• Local Heroes presented by the Sheriff’s Office is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, July 10, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 526.3600.

• Nature by Night program, a session that teaches adaptations of nocturnal animals through games, activities and observations, is scheduled for 9-10 p.m. on July 10 at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands. Advance registration required: 526.2623.

Cost is $3 per person; Salamembers are free. For ages 6-up.

• “Kids Introduction to Archery” is the topic of a program presented by Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education from 9:30-11 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, in Pisgah Forest. Safety as well as variations in bows and arrows will be covered, and there will be practice time for shooting at targets. For ages 8-15. 877.4423 or lee.sherrill@ncwildlife.org.

• Anime Night is held for teens on the second Monday of each month at the Canton Library. For anime titles that will be shown, call 648.2924.

• Stop by the Macon County Public Library to sign up for its “Every Hero Has a Story” summer reading program. Every child who registers receives a coupon to the Fun Factory. Children who read at least 15 minutes a day for seven days straight will get a prize from the library; children who accomplish this for seven consecutive weeks get a $15 certificate to the Fun Factory. Program runs through Aug. 22.

• A series of swim classes will be offered through the summer for children ranging from six months to teens at Western Carolina University’s Reid Gymnasium pool in Cullowhee. An adult must be in the pool with children from six months to three years old. Cost is $75 for ages six years and up; $44 for ages six months to five years old. More info at swim.wcu.edu.

• Book Buddies for ages 0-3 is from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• Page Pals for ages 3-5 is from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• Story time and kids can make their own piece of art from 10 a.m.-noon every Saturday during the Family Art event sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council at the Jackson County Farmers Market located at the Community Table, downtown Sylva. On the first Saturday of each month, there is a scavenger hunt with prizes.

399.0290 or www.jacksoncountyfarmermarket.org.

• A Teen Advisory Group meets at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss YA books and teen program events. http://haywoodlibrary.libguides.com/teen or 648.2924.

KIDS CAMPS • Summer Reading Adventures Day Camp for rising first and second graders is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. on July 6-10 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. http://www.wcu.edu/academics/edoutreach/conted/ca mps-and-programs-for-kids/index.asp • Registrations are now being accepted for the 2015 Innovative Basketball Training Summer Camp, which will be taught by longtime coach Derek Thomas from 9 a.m.-noon on July 6-9 at the Waynesville Recreation CenterCost is $100, or a $50 deposit can reserve a spot. For info, call Thomas at 246.2129.

• Openings are available for the Summer Soar adventure camp hosted by Haywood Community Learning Center starting July 13. The camp is held from 9 a.m.2 p.m. Monday through Thursday through July 30.

Activities include hiking, fishing, gardening and more.

To reserve a spot, call Caroline Brown-Williamson at 454.6590, ext. 106.

• A NatureWorks camp for ages 8-11 is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 14-17 at the Highlands Nature Center. Learn about different parts of a forest, predators’ adaptations and more through games and activities. $85 per child. Glemiec@email.wcu.edu, 526.2623 orwww.highlandsbiological.org.

• A Robotics with LEGOS Summer Day Camp will be offered for rising fifth through seventh graders from Monday through Friday, July 20-24, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Explore technology behind robotic technology while building and programming with LEGO building sets. Camp meets from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday then from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday. Early registration fee is $119. camps.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Haywood Community College will hold a free 2015 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) summer camp from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20-24 at the Regional High Technology Center. The camp is designed primarily for rising sophomores and juniors.

Email hightech@haywood.edu or call 828.627.5479.

• A shooting and dribbling basketball camp is set for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 27-30 at Waynesville Recreation Center. Reservations are now being accepted. Cost is $100; $25 deposit is required. For boys and girls in fourth through 11th grades. For info or to register, contact camp director Kevin Cantwell, former head coach at Appalachian State, at academy7@live.com.

• A Robotics Engineering for Teens Summer Day Camp will be offered for rising eighth through 12th graders from Monday through Friday, July 27-31, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Learn the basics of engineering design and problem-solving processes.

Camp meets from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday then from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday. Early registration fee is $119. camps.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

KIDS MOVIES • Family movies, rated PG, are shown at 2 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month of the summer at Canton Public Library. Call 648.2924 for movie titles.

• “The Croods” is showing for free at 10 a.m. July 1-2 at Cherokee Phoenix Theatre. PhoenixTheatres.com or 497.7384.

• “Big Hero 6” (July 3) will be screened at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva on July 3 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• Only if there’s rain on July 4, “Big Hero 6” – rated PG – will be shown at Mad Batter in Sylva. If no rain, no movie.

• “How to Train Your Dragon 2” is showing for free at 10 a.m. July 7-9 at Cherokee Phoenix Theatre.

PhoenixTheatres.com or 497.7384.

• A free family movie will be shown at 3:30 .m. July 7 at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Five puppies granted super-canine powers confront an extraterrestrial bully from beyond the stars in this furry adventure for the entire family.

• “Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” is showing for free at 10 a.m. July 7-9 at Cherokee Phoenix Theatre. PhoenixTheatres.com or 497.7384.

• Family movie time, 4 p.m. Mondays at Jackson County Public Library. Call for title of movie.

586.2016.

• Family movie time Thursdays, 3:45 p.m. at Albert

FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

JULY FOURTH CELEBRATIONS • The Graham County Heritage Festival is July 3-4 in Robbinsville. Free. Local bluegrass and country bands, lumberjack competition, motorcycle show, fireworks and more. Email visitrobbinsville@gmail.com or 479.3250.

• Mountain street dances with mountain music and clogging are scheduled for the following Friday nights: July 10, July 24 and Aug. 7 in downtown Waynesville. downtownwaynesville.com or 456.3517. Sponsored in part by Haywood County TDA. No animals allowed.

• Mac & Plate Full O’ Blues will perform the blues during “An Evening of Red, White & Blues” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 3, at the gazebo on the square in downtown Franklin. 524.2516 or www.townoffranklinnc.com.

• The Maggie Valley Arts and Crafts Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 11, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

July 12 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. More than 100 vendors attending. Free event.

• 3D Projection Mapping will be performed at the Evening of Red, White & Blues starting at dark on July 3 in downtown Franklin. www.TheEventProjectionist.com.

• Artist Silvia Williams will have a multi media showing of her paintings at Village Framer in downtown Waynesville all of the month of July. There will be an artist’s reception from 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 3, during the Art After Dark.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center’s “Sizzlin’ Fourth of July” weekend is July 3-5 and features family-friendly outdoor events and music. More info at noc.com/events.

Silvia’s paintings were recently featured in Art Quench magazine, a Sun Valley, Calif. magazine.

• “Way Back When” trout dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 3, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. Featuring food and storytelling of a 1930’s Appalachian trout camp. Purchase tickets at 926.1401 or 800.868.1401 or www.cataloocheeranch.com. Other dates for the dinner are: July 17 and 31; Aug. 14 and 28; and Sept. 4 and 25.

• The H Bar M Rodeo is scheduled for 5-10 p.m. on July 3-4 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds.

Haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org or 400.1704.

• The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ 40th annual Pow Wow will be held July 3-5 at the Acquoni Expo Center. World-champion dancers and drums compete for prizes. Vendors from across the country will offer food and arts and crafts items. Event starts at 5 p.m.

Friday, July 3, with a grand entry at 7 p.m.

800.438.1601 or www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• The Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival presents its 46th season to the listeners of Western North Carolina. Concerts are at 7:30 p.m. July 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Also Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Ticket are $25 for individual tickets and $100 for a series ticket.

Students age 25 and under are admitted free with appropriate student ID. www.swannanoachambermusic.com or 452.0593.

• Heritage Arts Summer Festival is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Southwestern Community College’s Swain Center. Potters in SCC’s Heritage Arts ceramics program will sell pottery in a variety of styles and techniques; woodwork, quilts and more will be sold, and Doug Hubbs will demonstration pottery throwing. Tangled Feet Stompers and Jones Brothers (Bluegrass) will perform. Free. ncheritageartsfestival.wordpress.com/heritage-arts-summer-festival.

• The 18th-annual Sweet Corn Festival, featuring food, activities, silent auction, arts and crafts vendors and live entertainment, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at St. Cyprian’s Church in Franklin. Proceeds benefit All Saints outreach and CareNet. • Art After Dark is from 6-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month in Downtown Waynesville and Historic Frog Level. Stroll through participating galleries.

Waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

• The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ 40th Annual Powwow kicks off July 3 and runs through July 5 at the Cherokee Acquoni Expo Center. Authentic Indian danc-

• The third-annual Fireworks Extravaganza on the Green is at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at the Village Green commons in Cashiers. The Extraordinaires (classics like Wilson Pickett, O’Jays, Bruce Springsteen, more) perform. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• Stars & Stripes celebration is scheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. Shops, galleries and restaurants will be open; live music and entertainment. A Kids on Main patriotic parade is at 11 a.m. Main Street cookout from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. More info at www.DowntownWaynesville.com or 456.3517. No animals allowed.

• Lake Junaluska will feature Independence Day celebrations from July 2-5. Lakejunaluska.com or 452.2881.

• Canton will hold a Fourth of July Celebration.

Cantonnc.com or 648.2363.

• “Red, White and Boom” is July 4 at Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Maggievalley.org or 926.1686.

• July 4 is free fishing day in North Carolina. From 12:01 a.m.-11:59 p.m., everyone in the state can fish in any public body of water without purchasing a fishing license. Anyone 16 or older needs a fishing license all other days of the year. Call the N.C. Wildlife Commission at 888.248.6834 or visit www.ncwildlife.org.

• The Concerts on the Creek (Sylva) series at Bridge Park Pavilion will feature fireworks at dark and a performance by Darren Nicholson & Friends featuring David Holt (bluegrass) from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the The Business (rhythm & blues) from 6:30-9:30 on July 4. Free. www.mountainlovers.com.

• The Depot in Bryson City will have the annual Freedom fest celebration on Saturday July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Great food, music, fireworks and more. www.greatsmokies.com.

• Fireworks to be held at the Franklin Recreation Park on Saturday, July 4 at dusk. www.franklinnc.com.

• The “Singing In The Smokies” Independence Weekend Festival will run from July 2-4 at Inspiration Park in Bryson City. Hosted by Appalachian/gospel group The Inspirations, the event will also feature live music from The Kingsmen, Troy Burns Family, Dixie Echoes, The Chuck Wagon Gang, The McKameys and Smoky Mountain Reunion. Tickets are $20 per day, per adult. Children ages 12 and under are free. www.theinspirations.com.

• An all-day celebration for Americas 239th birthday will be held July 4 at Sapphire Valley Resort, 207 Saphire Valley Rd, Sapphire. There will be a cakewalk during the event. Call Mary at 828.743.1163 to volunteer or donate a cake.

OUTDOOR MUSIC • Pickin’ in the Park is from 7-10 p.m. on Fridays at the Canton Rec Park. Free. Cantonnc.com or 648.2363.

• The Concerts on the Creek (Sylva) series at Bridge Park Pavilion will have Dashboard Blue (rock, rhythm & blues, beach) at 7 p.m. on July 3. Free. www.mountainlovers.com.

• “Music on the River” concert series will feature Amazing Grace Ministries from 7-9 p.m. on July 3-5, at the Oconaluftee River Stage in downtown Cherokee.

Free. 800.438.1601, 359.6490 or travel@nc-cherokee.com.

• Aaron Tracy Band will perform from 7-10 p.m. on Friday, July 3, at Fontana Village Resort.

Fontanavillage.com.

• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) summer concert series will have Fritz & the Crooked Beat from 6 to 8 p.m. July 4 in Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. www.highlandschamber.org.

• “Music on the River” concert series will feature Eastern Blue Band from 7-9 p.m. on July 10, at the Oconaluftee River Stage in downtown Cherokee. Free.

800.438.1601, 359.6490 or travel@nc-cherokee.com.

• Erica Nicole (country) will perform as part of the Groovin’ On the Green in Cashiers at 6:30 p.m. on July 10, at Village Commons in Cashiers. Free. Family friendly. visitcashiersvalley.com.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Linda Miller will demonstrate her paper cutting technique, and Susan Easton will work with Clay, from 1-4 p.m. on July 4 at Tunnel Mountain Crafts in Dillsboro.

• Johanna Ohly (potter) and Diane Herring (watercolor artist/jewelry maker) are featured artists for the month of July at Tunnel Mountain Crafts in Dillsboro.

Shop is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday and noon-4 p.m. on Sunday.

• The annual Balsam Arts & Crafts summer show is set for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on July 4 at the Balsam Fire Department. Displayed items will include wreaths, crocheted items, handmade baskets and more. A portion of entrée fees benefit the fire department.

• Flea Market at the Fairgrounds is from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 4 and July 12 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds in Waynesville. www.haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org or 400.1704.

• The Blue Ridge Artists & Crafters Association Freedom Arts & Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 4-5 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds in Lake Junaluska. www.bracaorg.com or 550.0639.

• “Quilting 101,” a six-session introduction to quilting, will begin on Tuesday, July 7, and continue every other Tuesday through September at the Cruso Community Center, 13186 Cruso Road, Canton. The cost is $60 for all six sessions. Sign up at www.crusoquilter.com/quilting101, call 828.400.7323 or email efbcutham@gmail.com.

• A workshop on many of the new e-resources available, how to register for them and how to download books, magazines and audiobooks to your device will be held at 10 a.m. July 9 at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Bring your library card, laptops or tablets.

• A floral arrangements workshop featuring designer Jodie Zahner will be held at 10 a.m. July 10 at Dovecote Porch & Gardens in Cashiers. Dovecote provides a container. Wear casual clothes, bring an umbrella and a friend. Limit 12. Free. An optional fee of $35 includes vessel for arrangement and goodies.

• A Triple Arts – Music Theater Intensive is scheduled for July 5-19 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Residential camp designed to give aspiring performers at any level the opportunity to work directly with top industry pros.

Smoky Mountain News

• A children’s movie entitled “Planes: Fire and rescue” is set for 1 p.m. on Monday, July 6, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin. PG; 83 minutes. 526.3600.

A&E

ing, drumming and tribal regalia. Gates open 5 p.m.

July 3 and at noon July 4-5. Daily admission is $12, or $10 a day with a Food Lion Card. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

July 1-7, 2015

• An Amazing Animals camp will be held for ages 710 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 28-31 at Highlands Nature Center. Learn how birds fly, whether a turtle can come out of its shell and more. $85 per child. Glemiec@email.wcu.edu, 526.2623 or www.highlandsbiological.org.

Carlton, Cashiers Community Library. Free with popcorn. Call for title. 743.0215.

wnc calendar

• The Swain Soil & Water Conservation District will host a five-day Environmental Summer Camp for rising seventh and eighth graders in Swain County from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on July 20-24. $25 per student.

Scholarships available on as-needed basis. Register by contacting Lauren Casey at lauren.casey@swaincountync.gov or call 488.8803, ext. 101. Funding provided by Duke Energy.

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wnc calendar

FILM & SCREEN • A movie for grown-ups will be shown at 2 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. Movie is Rated R, stars Michael Keaton and Emma Stone and runs 1:59.

Description: A washed-up actor who played an iconic superhero battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself. 524.3600.

• “Danny Collins” will be screened at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva on July 2 at 8:30 p.m. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• A classic movie starring Steve McQueen and Jacqueline Bisset will be shown at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 3, in the Meeting Room of the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Description: An all-guts, noglory San Francisco cop becomes determined to find the underworld kingpin that killed the witness in his protection. Runtime: 1:54. 524.3600.

• “American Sniper” will run at 7 p.m. July 3-5, 7-8 and 10 and 4 p.m. on July 4 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. www.38main.com or 283.0079.

• “Alternative Art Cards,” a DVD with Margaret Peot, will be shown at the Art League of the Smokies’ meeting at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City. Free. Peot encourages viewers to step outside of traditional methods.

Info on Peot: www.MargaretPeot.com. Info about Art League of the Smokies: Call Jenny Johnson at 488.7843 or visit www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.

July 1-7, 2015

• “Batman” starring Michael Keaton will be shown at 2 and 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Macon County Public Library in Franklin. PG; 2:06. For info, call 524.3600.

attendance. 877.4423 or lee.sherrill@ncwildlife.org.

• A “Birding in Alaska” program by birders, authors and artists John and Cathy Sill of Franklin will be presented by the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society on July 6 at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• A garden tour title “Carnivores of the Bog Garden” will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 6, at the Highlands Biological Foundation’s botanical garden.

Free. 526.2221.

• “A Week in the Water” – a weeklong series of hands-on classes that focus on the art and skill of fly-fishing – is scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon on Monday through Friday, July 6-10, at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Pisgah Forest. For ages 8-15. 877.4423 or lee.sherrill@ncwildlife.org.

• A Solarize WNC Forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, at the Ken Blankenship Wing of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. Free info session to make a clear, profitable path for solar and energy efficiency adoption. Presented by the Canary Coalition.

631.3447, info@canarycoalition.org or www.cleanenergyfor.us/clean-energy-for-wnc.

Outdoors

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy seeks volunteers, 18 and older, to join the Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew – a mobile group that focuses on trail maintenance in the heart of the Smokies on sections more than five miles from the nearest road – from July 8-13. Food, lodging, training, equipment and transportation to and from each site is provided. www.appalachiantrail.org/crews.

• “Introduction to Fly Fishing,” a class covering the basics of fly-fishing, is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Pisgah Forest. For ages 12-up. 877.4423 or lee.sherrill@ncwildlife.org.

• “Coyotes: From Wilderness to Main Street,” part of the Zahner Conservation Lectures, is set for 6:30 p.m. on July 9 at Highlands Nature Center. Dr. Chris Mowry, associate professor at Berry College, is featured.

526.2623.

• A lecture titled “Turning the Poet out of Doors: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Poetry of Robert Frost” will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at the Highlands Biological Foundation’s nature center, part of a free summer series of environmentally oriented lectures.

526.2221.

• “Women’s Introduction to Fly Fishing,” a class covering the basics of fly-fishing, is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, July 3, at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Pisgah Forest. For ages 12-up. $20 registration fee is fully refundable upon class

Smoky Mountain News

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

COMPETITIVE EDGE • A 5K run/walk is scheduled for 8 a.m. on July 4 at the Preserve at Rock Creek in Sapphire. All proceeds benefit the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society. $20 registration through June 26 or $25 on race day. Mail to 10 W. Whitetail Drive; Sapphire, NC 28774.

800.259.3551 or carole@preserveatrockcreekNC.com.

• The Moonlight Moonshine 10K & Half-Pint Fun Run/Walk, open to all ages, will take place Saturday,

• A 5K Open Water Swim is set for July 12 at Lake Chatuge in Hiwassee, Ga. Special prices for groups or teams of 20 or more. Register at active.com. Info: 389.6982 • Early registration is open for the Blue Ridge Breakaway, a multi-distance bike ride set for Aug. 15 in Haywood County. Early bird rates are $41 for the 26-mile route through Aug. 1 and $46 for the 51-, 76and 106-mile distances. Sponsored by Haywood County Chamber of Commerce.

Blueridgebreakaway.com or 456.3021.

• Richard’s Run, a 5K mountain trail run for brain cancer research, is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. $25 entry fee. Register at richardsrun.org. Awards, prizes, food and drinks plus a performance by the Darren Nicholson band.

• Pre-registration is underway for the 10th annual Hot Doggett 100 Bike Tour, presented by Hard Rock Café.

The race, which draws 300+ riders, is scheduled for July 11 on the campus if Mars Hill University. www.HotDoggett100.org. Register at Active.com.

FARM & GARDEN • Mountain View Garden Club of Waynesville holds its annual plant sale from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, July 4, at the Historic Farmers Market in the HART Theater parking lot in Waynesville. Proceeds benefit the club’s community beautification projects. For info, call Lisa Hardeman at 926.0605.

• “Did you know you could eat that?” is the topic of a program scheduled for 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, at Friends of the Greenway Quarters in Franklin. Mitzy Mazzilli will reflect on nature’s bounty found in little wild places; she’ll share recipes for simple foods that can be made from plants found on the greenway.

• Registration is open for the 32nd Cullowhee Native Plant Conference at Western Carolina University. The event is July 15-18. Info and registration form at: nativeplantconference.wcu.edu. Registration deadline is Saturday, July 11.

• A plant clinic for anyone with gardening questions is available by calling the Haywood County Extension Master Gardners at 456.3575 from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays through September.

FARMERS MARKET • Haywood Historic Farmers Market is held from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the parking lot of HART Theatre in Waynesville. 280.1381 or haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville (behind Bogart’s).

456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.

• The Jackson County Farmers Market will be on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon on at its Bridge Park location in Sylva.

Info:jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or website jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• The ‘Whee Farmer’s Market is open from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday at the corner of the N. Country Club Drive and Stadium View Drive in Cullowhee, behind the entrance to the Village of Forest Hills off Highway 107 across from Western Carolina University.

476.0334 • Swain County Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays at the barn on Island Street in Bryson City. Special Tuesday hours from 5 to 8 p.m. during peak months through Sept. 15. 488.3848 or Christine_bredenkamp@ncsu.edu.

• The Farmstand at Cherokee Indian Hospital is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursdays from June through Sept. 24. For info, contact Nilofer Couture at nilofer.couture@cherokeehospital.org.

HIKING CLUBS • Carolina Mountain Club has scheduled an 11-mile, all-day hike with a 1,400-foot ascent on July 1. For info, contact leader Jill Gottesman at 587.9453, 301.8900 or jill_gottesman@tws.org.

• Carolina Mountain Club has scheduled a 7.5-mile hike with a 1,750-foot ascent for Sunday, July 5. For info, contact leader Norm Sharp at 864.268.9409, 864.609.7182 or norm.sharp@att.net.

• Carolina Mountain Club has scheduled a nine-mile hike with a 900-foot elevation gain for July 5. Contact leader Bruce Bente at 692.0116, 699.6296 or bbente@bellsouth.net.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a six-mile, halfday hike with a 300-foot ascent on Sunday, July 5. For info, contact leader Stuart English at 384.4870 or stuengo@comporium.net.

• A 7.5-mile hike to the Ellicott Rock Wilderness area on the Cashiers Plateau will be hosted by the Wilderness Society and Carolina Mountain Club from 8-5 p.m. on Sunday, July 5. 864.609.9409, 609.7182 or norm.sharp@att.net.

• Highland Hiker will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a party from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, in Cashiers. Music by Nitrograss. Hors D’oeuvres and spirits. RSVP: CarolWilkes@msn.com.

• A moderate-to-strenuous, 2.5-mile, round-trip hike to the peak of Sam Knob is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Friday, July 10. Parkway rangers will lead the trip.

Meet at Sam Knob Trailhead at the end of Black Balsam Road just south of Milepost 420. 598.5330, ext. 304.

299-90

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828

42

July 11, at Tassee Shelter Greenway Park in Franklin.

The fun run starts at 5 p.m., and the 10K is at 5:30 p.m. Finishers get an RC Cola and a moonpie. Awards given in gender/age categories. Cost is $10 for fun run; $20 for the 10K. www.active.com.

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

Puzzles can be found on page 46.

These are only the answers.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

Rates:

AUCTION

AUCTIONS: Liquidation of CRS, Inc. Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors. 30+ Trucks, Forklifts, Trailers, Bobcats, Lifts, Metal Forming & Shop Equipment. Friday, July 10 at 9am. 3810 Monroe-Ansonville Rd., Monroe, NC. United Country - Rogers Auctioneers, Inc. 919.545.0412. www.RogersAuction.com NCFL7360

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

CLASSIC-CARS TRACTOR RV AUCTION, 1973 Camaro restored, 1972 Monte Carlo clean, 1993 PREVOS RV Angola Coach extranice, FORD 3000 Diesel tractor.

ONLINE BIDDING JUNE 24-JULY 7. www.HouseAuctionCompany.com.

252.729.1162. NCAL#7889.

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, R

Di

sC Ov ER E

ATR

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING

INC.

PE

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs

299-103

LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS

MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

828-456-5387

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

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

COO

FRANKLIN FARMERS MARKET Local Produce, Plants, Artisan Bread, Pastries, Soap, Feta, Meat & More. Saturdays, 8 - Noon.

Downtown, 200 East Palmer

ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The Affordable Solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!**Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1.800.211.9233 for FREE DVD and brochure. SAPA ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control.

FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1.800.698.9217 HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

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

HANDY MAN Tile, Laminate, Painting.

No Job Too Small!

817.233.5262 SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made.

Installation Included. Call 800.807.7219 for $750 Off. SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

PAINTING JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Interior, exterior, all your pressure washing needs and more.

Specialize in Removal of Carpenter Bees - Cedar or Log Homes or Painted or Siding!

Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727

CARS A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR For Breast Cancer! Help United Breast Foundation education, prevention & support programs.

Fast Free Pickup - 24 Hr Response - Tax Deduction 855.306.7348 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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES INVESTORS NEEDED NEW INVENTIONS!!!

‘Today’s Ideas are Tomorrow’s New Products’ Have sold one of my inventions on QVC on Jan. 15th, 2010. Need funding to pursue Licensing Agreement on other products. Products are protected by Patents and Provisional Patents. Please visit: www.inventionsunlimitedinc.com Contact Charles Melanson anytime: 828.276.5364 or email: cm1inventor31@yahoo.com $500 - $1000 DAILY Returning Phone Calls! No Selling.

No Explaining! Not MLM! Call 1.866.854.1068 SAPA ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS And reach 1.7 million readers with a classified ad in 100 N.C. newspapers! A 25-word ad is only $375.

Call this newspaper or 919.516.8009 for details.

ATTN: DRIVERS $2K Sign-On Bonus. We Put Drivers First! Earn $55K/yr + Bonuses.

Family Company. Beautiful Trucks CDL-A Required 1.888.592.4752 www.drive4melton.mobi SAPA

EMPLOYMENT AVIATION GRADS Work With Jetblue, Boeing, Delta, And Others- Start Here With Hands On Training For FAA Certification.

Financial Aid If Qualified. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 SAPA AVERITT EXPRESS Start Pay: 40 to 43.5 CPM + Fuel Bonus! Get Home EVERY Week + Excellent Benefits. CDL-A req. Recent T/T School Grads Welcome.

Call Today: 888.602.7440 OR Apply @ AverittCareers.com. Equal Opportunity Employer - Females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

R

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT DRIVERS - QUALITY HOME TIME? Earn Over $1,250+ per Week + Monthly Bonuses! Excellent Benefits. No-Touch! CDL-A 1yr. Exp. 855.454.0392 ATTN: DRIVERS $2K Loyalty Bonus. $55k Your First Year. Stay Cool with Newer KWs w/ APUs. Great Miles. CDL-A Req. 877.258.8782. www.drive4melton.com CAN YOU DIG IT? Heavy Equipment Operator Career!

We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible!

1.866.362.6497

July 1-7, 2015

HELP WANTED!!

Make up to $1000 A WEEK!! Mailing Brochures From Home. Helping Home Workers Since 2001! Genuine Opportunity. NO Experience Required. Start Immediately. www.mailingcorner.com SAPA

EMPLOYMENT FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Director, Children's Center. History Instructor. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com/. Human Resources Office. Phone: 910.678.8378 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu. CRC Preferred Employer. An Equal Opportunity Employer AVIATION CAREERS BEGIN HEREGet started by training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

877.300.9494.

DRIVER TRAINEES Paid CDL Training! Stevens Transport will cover all costs! No Experience Needed! Earn $800 per week!

Local CDL Training! Call now 888.748.4137 or visit us at: drive4stevens.com

MYKO A 5-MONTH-OLD RETRIEVERS MIXED WITH WE DON'T KNOW WHAT! WE DO KNOW HE IS CUTE TO THE MAX WITH HIS STAND-UP EARS. MYKO HAS A MODERATE LEVEL OF PUPPY ENERGY, AND LOVES TO PLAY WITH HIS BROTHER. WE THINK HE'LL BE A GREAT FAMILY COMPANION.

www.smokymountainnews.com

NORM AND HIS BROTHER SAM ARE ADORABLE 2-1/2 MONTH OLD KITTENS WITH VERY STRIKING BLACK AND WHITE MARKINGS. THEY LOVE TO PLAY TOGETHER, AND WOULD LOVE TO BE ADOPTED TOGETHER.

EMPLOYMENT HEADSTART CENTER SUPERVISOR - Haywood County-Two PartTime Positions Available- Must have an AA in Early Childhood Education, (BS in Early Childhood or related field preferred), Admin Levels I & II, 2 yrs. supervisory experience, have a good working relationship with staff and families and be able to work a flexible work schedule. Candidate must also have good judgment/problem solving skills, the ability to work with diverse populations and be able to multitask. Computer skills helpful.

This is a 25 hours/week and a 9 month position. Some benefits apply.

Early Head Start Teacher- Jackson County- An Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education is required for this position. Candidates must have the ability to work well with families and coworkers, 2 years’ experience working with birth – 3 years and have good judgment/problem solving skills. Prefer someone with Infant/Toddler CDA credentials and basic computer skills.

This is a 10 month position with full time benefits.

Head Start Preschool Assistant Teacher- Jackson County--Must have AA Degree in Early Childhood Education, have the ability to assume the responsibilities of the teacher when absent, computer skills, work well with staff members, have good judgment, time management and problem solving skills, 2 yrs. experience in child care helpful. This is a 10 month position with full time benefits.

Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786 or 25 Schulman St, Sylva, NC 28779 or you may go to our website www.mountainprojects.org and fill out an application on line. Pre-employment drug testing required. EOE/AA. HARRIS TRUCKING Co. Now Hiring. Regional Drivers. Home Weekly. Assigned NEW Equipment.

Paid Orientation. Up to .45+ Per Diem. Great Benefits. Call 1.800.929.5003. Apply at: www.harristrucking.com

EMPLOYMENT DRIVERS OTR: Make $60K+ Per Year! O/O’s Make $180K+ Per Year! Home Weekly. Mileage, Drop Pay. CDL-A 1yr. Exp. Lee: 800.753.6420 x 0 JOIN OUR TEAM! Guaranteed pay for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers! Regional and OTR. Great pay/benefits/401k match.

CALL TODAY 864.649.2063. www.jgr-inc.com EOE

REDUCE YOUR PAST Tax Bill by as much as 75 Percent.

Stop Levies, Liens and Wage Garnishments. Call The Tax DR Now to see if you Qualify 1.800.396.9719

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM Located in Beautiful Downtown Sylva, is Hiring for Line Cook and Dishwasher. Please Call or Come

by Between 2 - 4pm Tues. - Fri. 828.586.3555 NEED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experienced Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122 CENTER SUPERVISOR KNEEDLER CHILD DEVELOPMENT WCU CAMPUS Must Have BS Degree in Early Childhood Education or Related Field and Administrative Level III Credentials, Basic Computer Knowledge, 2-3 Years Supervisory Experience and Good Judgment Skills. This is an 11 Month Position with Benefits.

Applications Will be Taken at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Rd., or 25 Schulman St,. or You May Go to Our Web Site: www.mountainprojects.org and Fill Out an Application on line. Pre-Employment Drug Testing is Required. EOE/AA. HIGH-TECH CAREER With U.S. Navy. Elite tech training w/great pay, benefits, vacation, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34.

Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419

FURNITURE COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

SELL YOUR STRUCTURED Settlement or Annuity Payments for Cash Now. You don't have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1.800.316.0271.

SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1.800.371.1734 to start your application today!

DELETE BAD CREDIT In Just 30-Days ! Legally remove judgments, collections, charge offs, medical bills, etc. Free to start! A+ Rated W/BBB Call Now! 855.831.9712 SAPA

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

299-96

MOUNTAIN REALTY

Mieko Thomson 2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment.

Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each.

828.593.8321 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

PLANTS/SHRUBS DAY LILIES AND BOXWOOD At Farm Located South of Franklin Off 441 at Addington Bridge Rd., to Middle Skeenah Rd., on Whispering Meadows Rd. Open on June 26th, July 4th & 11th.

For more info Call Doyle Chamber in Brevard at 828.884.4584.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT 20 - 40 ACRES $0 DOWN, From $128/MO Owner Financing.

Money Back Guarantee Near El Paso TX Beautiful Mountain Views FREE Color Brochure 1.800.939.2654 SAPA

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SAWMILLS From only $4397.00- Make & Save Money with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com.

1.800.578.1363 Ext.300N

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

299-99

Mike Stamey

mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

828-508-9607

ROKER/R /REALTOR EALTOR®® BBROKER

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com www.ncsmokies.com

LAWN & GARDEN

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

299-95

Cell (828) 226-2298 Cell

44

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

SAPA

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

www.beverly-hanks.com

Mountain Realty

Ron Breese Broker/Owner

2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com

Each office independently owned & operated.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE 2/BR, 2/BA ON 1/2 ACRE Near WCU, New Floor Covering & Paint, Includes Appliances & Central Heat/Air. Possible Owner Financing Available, $65,000.

For More Info Call 828.371.2719 or 828.342.4533.

HOMES FOR SALE

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

147 WALNUT STREET • WAYNESVILLE

828.506.7137

aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

www.sunburstrealty.com/amy-spivey

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Great Smokys Realty — BHHSGreatSmokysRealty.com

1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

828.734.6500, 828.734.6700 maggievalleyselfstorage.com GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

ENTERTAINMENT SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM 86 East Main St., Franklin, Open 10am- 5pm, Mon - Sat. Come & let us find your Scottish Connection!

828.584.7472 or visit us at: www.scottishtartans.org.

DISH NETWORK New customers save up to $1000!

Free Hopper Upgrade. TV starts at $19.99/mo. Bundle Internet & Save! Call Today 888.283.8693 SAPA

• Eugene L. Strickland — Gene@4Smokys.com

Beverly Hanks & Associates Waynesville Office: 828-564-1950 Bryson City Office: 828-488-2200 Brevard Office: 828-884-3556

www.4smokys.com

Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — beverly-hanks.com Brook Parrott — beverly-hanks.com

the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.ÂŽ Equal Housing Opportunity

Emerson Group $FURVV IURP &RXUWKRXVH LQ :D\QHVYLOOH

0DLQ /HYHO 2IÂżFH 5HWDLO QG /HYHO %' %$ $SW Z 2IÂżFH UG /HYHO %' %$ $SW

%UXFH 0F*RYHUQ P F J R Y H U Q S UR S H U W \ P J W # J P D L O F R P

• George Escaravage — gke333@gmail.com

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey — sunburstrealty.com Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Realty World Heritage Realty realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

EMERSON ——————————————

GROUP

George Escaravage BROKER/REALTOR PO BOX 54 | 46 SOUTH MAIN STREET WAYNESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

828.400.0903 • 828.456.7705 gke333@gmail.com

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty • • • • • • •

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Catherine Proben — cp@catherineproben.com

smokymountainnews.com

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

• • • • •

Š2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated framchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and

SWITCH & SAVE EVENT From DirecTV! Packages starting at $19.99/mo. Free 3-Months of HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME & CINEMAX. Free Genie HD/DVR Upgrade!

2015 NFL Sunday Ticket Included with Select Packages. Some exclusions apply - Call for details 1.800.421.2049 SAPA

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lifestyle Properties — vistasofwestfield.com

July 1-7, 2015

FOR SALE BY OWNER Ranch Style Home, 3/BR 1/BA, Unrestricted, 1.76 Acres, Creek/ Waterfall, Privacy, Workshop, 1 Mile from Hwy 23/74 Near Dillsboro. Large Deck w/ Covered BBQ Pitt, Garden Spot, Hardwood Floors. $149,500 For more info 828.508.3653 or 828.508.3654

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

SFR, ECO, GREEN

WNC MarketPlace

MOUNTAINS OF NC Won't last at this price! 2-story hand-crafted cabin on 1.68 acres.

Only $69,900. Needs work.

828.286.1666.

FLAGLER BEACH FLORIDA Oceanfront Vacation Rentals Tripadvisor Award, Furnished Studio, 1-2-3 BR’s, Full Kitchen, WiFi, TV, Pool. Seasonal Specials 1.386.517.6700 or www.fbvr.net SAPA

299-113

67 ACRES IN CULLOWHEE Near WCU. Includes 2/BR 2/BA, 1600 sq. ft. House with Separate Workshop. Very Private, Long Range Views, Ideal for Family Compound, Several Potential House Sites. Priced to Sell $387,500. For More Details, www.918gapbranch.blogspot.com or Call 828.586.0165

VACATION RENTALS

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

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

45

www.smokymountainnews.com

July 1-7, 2015

WNC MarketPlace

Super

46

CROSSWORD

dation loan?

71 Two-spot 74 University in Atlanta 75 In - (owing) ACROSS 1 Bar mitzvah language 79 Old science magazine 80 Balance pan 7 Its capital is 81 Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Montgomery - University 14 Old jazz buff 20 Henry II player Peter 84 Instructors’ org.

21 Horse feed supporter 85 Sub-shop blaze?

88 Relative key of B 22 106-Down on Cal minor Ripken’s cap 90 Michelangelo work 23 Amaze a Sherlock 91 California wine region Holmes portrayer?

25 - acid (corrosive liq- 93 Old Greek market 94 Erwin of old films uid) 95 “The Tell-Tale Heart” 26 - -mo taleteller 27 Brighton brew 98 Moola earned by a 28 12-month famine?

30 Trendy berry in juices love god?

100 Blocks from the 33 Shire of film 34 Goddess of the dawn freezer 102 Is up against 35 Singer Brown got 104 School in Berkshire dressed?

105 Road named after 42 Gridiron gains: Abbr. singer Deanna?

43 Pen giant 110 Seeded loaf 45 Make reparations 112 - Alamitos, 46 Cosa - (Mafia’s kin) California 48 Areas of expertise 115 Thinking the world 51 Provides party platof ters 116 What to do to socks 53 Determine which that tear every 24 hours? team scored?

120 Appear 57 Supper scrap 121 Asinine 58 “Egypt - up like a 122 Late actress flood”: Jeremiah 46:8 60 “NO TURN -” (traffic Brennan 123 Hot- - (drag racer) sign) 124 Turn from a straight 61 Octa- plus one 62 Relative of a résumé line 125 Say “no” to 64 Judge on the bench, e.g.

DOWN 65 Bee creation 66 Fact about a consoli- 1 Mortar trays “CAN’T YOU SEE I’M DIZZY?!

63 Most chancy 2 List-ending abbr.

64 “- will be done” 3 TV clown 65 Very irate 4 “Frasier” woman 67 Arabian Sea country 5 Jazz singer Fitzgerald 68 Actor’s part 6 Li’l fellow 69 Long lock of hair 7 Gasteyer of “Mean 70 Stomped Girls” 71 Tip, as a hat 8 Truckload 72 Arab bigwig 9 Deadly pale 10 Neuwirth of “Frasier” 73 Frank and open 76 Pear variety 11 “If I Had -” (Lyle 77 Corp. shuffling Lovett song) 78 Mother of Isaac 12 American avant80 - -cone garde artist 81 List of dishes 13 Antediluvian 82 Get hitched on the fly 14 Toyota rival 83 Maximum 15 Iroquois foe 86 Post-OR area 16 Falafel bread 87 OR worker 17 Amendment 89 Before now 18 Samuel of justice 92 Prettify 19 PC whizzes 95 “NerdTV” network 24 Intel mission 96 Bested 29 Hi- - (stereos) 97 Online investing site 31 Positive pole 99 Tom of “Tomorrow” 32 Atlas feature 100 Slacking sort 35 Son of Isaac 101 Pataki’s predeces36 Video game name sor Mario 37 Catchphrase 102 Make furious 38 Phenyl ender 103 Font flourish 39 Saw-toothed 106 Nest builder 40 Ingrain 107 “Picnic” dramatist 41 Soft & William 43 Jazz genre 108 Organic compound 44 Limonite, e.g.

109 Head, to Gigi 47 Worship 111 Falco with four 48 Nursed, say Emmys 49 Kin of -ess 112 In - of (rather than) 50 Don’t depart 113 Jai-alai cries 52 Uses a stool 114 “Auld Lang -” 54 Writer Blyton 117 Amp plug-in 55 Grove plant 118 Masquerade 56 Kind of tea 59 - Field (Mariners’ sta- 119 Furry TV alien dium)

answers on page 42

FOR SALE BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment.

Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each.

828.593.8321

MEDICAL ATTENTION VIAGRA USERS: Viagra 100MG and Cialis 20 MG! 40 pills + 4 Free, Only $99. No prescription needed! Satisfaction Guaranteed! 1.800.491.8751 SAPA HEALTH INSURANCE IS REQUIRED. You might be paying too much.

It’s time to stop wasting money.

Get great coverage for less. Call today 888.679.2426 SAPA LIFE ALERT. 24/7.

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Old-time mountain hogs were essential livestock

H

George Ellison

og Holler, Hog Branch, Hog Camp Branch, Hog Cane Branch, Hog-eye Branch, Hogback Gap, Hogback Holler, Hogback Knob, Hogback Ridge, Hogback Township, and Hogback Valley in addition to six sites in Western North Carolina named Hogback Mountain.

Proof enough, if anyone required it, that hogs have been an essential part of the mountain landscape.

I’m not talking about the exotic European wild boar Columnist introduced at Hooper Bald in Graham County about 1910. This time around we’re going to deal with the genuine old-time mountain hog in all his glory.

In Where There Are Mountains: An Environmental History of the Southern Appalachians (2000), Donald Edward Davis describes the history of hogs in the southern mountains. I have summarized Davis’ findings and added points here and there.

First there was Columbus, who brought hogs to Cuba in 1493. Then there was Hernando De Soto, that swashbuckling marauder, who brought 13 sows from Columbus’ original Cuban stock into the

BACK THEN Tampa Bay area of Florida in 1539. By the time De Soto and his men arrived in the general area of the Smokies the following year, he was driving more than 300 swine across difficult terrain from one Indian village to next. This may seem to be an extraordinary precaution against not having pork to eat in a strange land, but it’s true.

Davis surmises that some of De Soto’s hogs probably escaped, but he also suspects that most were killed off by wolves, mountain lions, and Indians. Instead of a few hogs escaping from De Soto and becoming the feral population of the mountains, as some maintain, Davis thinks most were derived subsequently from Spanish colonies to the south.

Traders coming up the Indian Path from Charleston and Savannah had established themselves and their animals, including hogs and cattle, in every major Cherokee village. The older Cherokee men and women didn’t approve of eating hog meat, but the younger members of the tribe thought it was just fine. Davis reports that, in time, most Cherokees preferred pork over beef.

The early white settlers brought their own hogs. A prosperous farmstead in the 19th century might have displayed a log home, barn, blacksmith shop, springhouse,

root cellar, corn crib, and chicken house. In all likelihood there would also have been a hog pen and a smoke house.

Ed Trout’s Historic Buldings of the Smokies (1995) provides details regarding hog pens and smoke houses. The hogs ranged the woods communally most of the time so that their owners had to pay them little or no mind. In order to recognize which hog belonged to which owner, each animal received distinctive ear marks — that is, various combinations of slits, notches, and holes cut into their ears while young.

Rounding them up was part of the fun.

Hog calling was a practical skill that some turned into an art form. Hog callings at Old Timers’ Day celebrations today are but a remnant of what once was a necessary skill.

Hogs were enticed into an awaiting pen in various ways — the most expedient being to run a trail of corn up to and inside the opening. But Mark Hannah of Cataloochee Valley told Trout about another more sophisticated method.

“First, you catch a sow,” Hannah instructed, no doubt with a wink. After placing her in a pen with holes in the sides, he would return to it and find piglets in there with mother hog. “We would close the holes in the pen and have them all caught up ready to mark their ears.”

Once inside the small pens, a hog was “topped off ” with corn or chestnuts. Not being able to move, it fattened up readily.

Trout quotes one Cades Cove farmer who claimed to have “fattened his hogs ‘till their eyes swole shut and they couldn’t stand up.”

Trout says that the hogs were “hit in the head with a hammer and bled” before being scalded, skinned and cut up. These killings usually took place in the fall (preferably “when the moon was waxing”) so that the meat wouldn’t spoil during the processing and curing. Hams, shoulders, side meat, and other delectable hog parts were hung in the smoke house for curing. A well-furnished smoke house would supply a family with meat for a year. It was such an important building it was often the only one on the farmstead with a lock.

And then there is the ongoing debate among veteran hog connoisseurs as to whether the left ham or the right ham of a hog is the more tender and juicy. I’m a left ham proponent — a preference based upon scientific observation. Watch carefully and you’ll observe that nine out of 10 hogs will lie down to rest on their right sides. This makes that side more fibrous and tough.

Always ask the butcher at your local supermarket for pork cut from the left ham.

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer.

He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.)

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