This year, the Haywood County TDA offered up over $250,000 in community grants, and among the recipients was a new program that will create a “community passport” program that aims to increase tourist visits and overnight stays by highlighting businesses that prioritize inclusivity. (Page 6) Cory Vaillancourt photo
News
Tillis' funding request for Canton fire station moves forward..................................4
Recreational marijuana coming next month..................................................................5
Macon maintains no for-profit use of school facilities..............................................7
Stein visits Cherokee as part of gubernatorial campaign........................................8
Pactiv doesn’t want to pay back grant........................................................................10
New river gauge installation begins in Haywood County......................................11
Strategic plan approved for Macon County Schools............................................12
How the Paris Olympics are offering light when we need it most....................20 Standing for democracy, fairness and better government....................................21
A&E
What we’ve got: AVLfest returns to WNC................................................................22
Waynesville hosts mountain street dance..................................................................25
Outdoors
Pisgah View State Park comes into focus................................................................30
Notes from a Plant Nerd: Playing with A full deck..................................................34
ART D IRECTOR: Micah McClure.
Jack Snyder. .
D IGITAL MARKETING S PECIALIST Tyler Auffhammer. . .
ADVERTISING SALES: Amanda Bradley. . .
Maddie Woodard. .
C LASSIFIEDS: Scott Collier. .
N EWS E DITOR: Kyle Perrotti. .
WRITING: Hannah McLeod. . .
Cory Vaillancourt. .
Garret K. Woodward. .
ACCOUNTING & O FFICE MANAGER: Jamie Cogdill. .
D ISTRIBUTION: Scott Collier. . . . . .
micah@smokymountainnews.com
jessica.m@smokymountainnews.com
jack.s@smokymountainnews.com
tyler.a@mtnsouthmedia.com
amanda.b@smokymountainnews.com
maddie.w@smokymountainnews.com
classads@smokymountainnews.com
kyle.p@smokymountainnews.com
hannah@smokymountainnews.com
cory@smokymountainnews.com
garret@smokymountainnews.com
smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com
classads@smokymountainnews.com
C ONTRIBUTING: Jeff Minick (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing), Adam Bigelow (writing), Thomas Crowe (writing)
I NFO & B ILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786
Copyright 2024 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2024 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News is available for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1, payable at the Smoky Mountain News office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of The Smoky Mountain News, take more than one copy of each issue.
It’s the time of year in the Southeast when our backyar may be full of zucchinis and of course, you can always fresh zucchini at your local Ingles Market.
What are some ways that you can use zucchini? Here ar eggs.
• Roast zucchini slices or wedges in the oven.
• Make skewers with mushroom, zucchini, onions, and tomatoes, brush with olive oil, season, and grill.
USE IT d gardens purchase are 10 ways: omatoes, es, and
• Make succotash by cooking zucchini with corn, tomatoes, and yellow squash.
• Slice thin layers of zucchini and use in place of some or all of noodles to make a low(er) carbohydrate lasagna.
• Make zucchini “noodles” and use in place of some are all of pasta for
• Use a food processor and process zucchini and add it to ground meat when making meatloaf or meatballs.
• Add zucchini to soups, stews, or casseroles.
• T Toop your pizza with thin slices of zucchini
health yg
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian
@InglesDietitian
Leah McGrath - Dietitian
Tillis’ funding request for Canton fire station moves forward
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT
OLITICS E DITOR
The effects of deadly flooding in 2021 are still being felt in the town of Canton, but thanks to a federal funding request from Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), the town is poised to take another huge step toward recovery. According to a document from the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Committee outlining congressionally directed spending, Tillis has requested just under $5.8 million to help the Town of Canton replace its fire station, which was damaged during the floods.
trying to take care of our own.”
The appropriations bill provides funding for a slew of federal programs, mainly within the purview of the Department of Transportation and Department of Housing and Urban Development. Tillis’ request, which was approved by the appropriations committee along with more than a thousand others totaling $98.7 billion, still has to be formally approved by the full Senate before it proceeds to the House, likely by the end of the year.
Contrary to incorrect reporting on basic federal legislative procedure by WLOS-TV yesterday, the bill has not “passed the US Senate and heads to the House next.”
“This goes back to the days following the flood, sitting on the riverbank at BearWaters Brewing with Senator Tillis,” said Zeb Smathers, Canton’s mayor. “One of the major concerns we raised was with the fire department. We have been working behind the scenes on this since then. We made a promise to our town and our firefighters to get our facilities out of the floodways. We cannot respond to future flooding — which will happen — while we’re here
request the funding and I was pleased to advocate for its inclusion in the appropriations package that passed out of committee. I will continue to push to secure this funding in the final appropriations bill that will be passed out of Congress.”
Back in February, town officials reported that their estimate for the cost of the new fire station would top $5.3 million, without real estate. A site for the new fire station has not been located but is believed to be closely tied to the fate of the 185-acre parcel formerly home to Pactiv Evergreen’s shuttered paper mill, which closed last June. A private entity signed a letter of intent to purchase the property, but the sale has not yet been executed and there’s not much more information on what, if anything, might happen.
Chief Kevin Wheeler said at the time that the current site is “perfect” as far as its central location, and that moving even a half-mile one way or the other could affect response times.
The town also anticipates continuing population growth over the coming decades, meaning the existing 5,688 squarefoot facility would soon become obsolete without expansion. An estimate by Creech & Associates, the town-contracted design and engineering firm responsible for the project, put the 20-year projected need at 13,310 square feet, requiring a parcel at least 2.8 acres in size to site the building and its apparatus support, along with administrative, fitness and residential components.
Tillis, formerly the speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, visited Canton early and often in the wake of the flood, and has continued to work on behalf of the town to address the impact of the mill’s closure. Tillis’ request didn’t make it out of committee last cycle, but ongoing conversations between Smathers, town staff and members of the Senate committee helped to change that outcome this time around.
“Every once in a while, Washington works,” Smathers said. “This is one of those times. Sen. Tillis and his team have made promises and kept them.”
But making it out of the THUD appropriations committee means there’s very little chance the funding won’t be appropriated. The funding would come from HUD’s Community Development Fund.
“I am proud to request this funding on behalf of the Town of Canton to build a new fire department and ensure residents are kept safe,” Tillis told The Smoky Mountain News Aug. 1. “I applaud the town leaders for their diligent work to
Other requests made by Tillis in the bill include $4.18 million for Guilford County’s Peacehaven Farm, which will help provide affordable housing for persons with disabilities; $5.79 million for an EMS/fire training facility at Central Carolina Community College in Sanford; $3.2 million for a facility expansion at Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind; $1.38 million for equipment upgrades and the City of Hickory’s fire station; $5 million for infrastructure improvements at the Johnston Family YMCA in Charlotte; $1.5 million for expansion at the Midtown YMCA in Wilmington; $4 million for wastewater treatment in the City of Mebane; $247,000 for the Servant House Project in Guilford County; $2 million for expansion at the Stowe Family YMCA in Gaston County and $5.2 million to Lenoir County for water and sewer infrastructure.
Have you participated in the Center for Native Health’s Medical
Canton firefighters continue to clean out supplies and equipment from their flood-ravaged station off Park Street on Aug. 20, 2021 — three days after floodwaters infiltrated the building. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Recreational marijuana coming next month
Cherokee announces adult-use cannabis date
BY KYLE P ERROTTI
N EWS E DITOR
Beginning, Sept. 7, anyone over the age of 21 will be able to purchase and use marijuana on the Qualla Boundary.
While the official announcement was made at 10:22 a.m. in the form of a post on the Great Smoky Cannabis Company’s X page, the news actually broke about an hour earlier during an Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council meeting. At the end of that meeting, Council Rep. Richard French, of the Big Cove community made it official.
“I got a text from the cannabis [company], and they said they shared with the chief already, so I’ll put this out; they will announce to the public that on Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. the adult use for all people 21 and older will be open at the dispensary,” he said.
Noteworthy as the announcement seemed at the time, there was no further discussion at that meeting. The post on X from Great Smoky Cannabis Company read, “Drumroll, please … Are you ready to #BePartOfHistory?” before confirming that adult recreational sales would begin at 10 a.m. Sept. 7.
require the EBCI Tribal Council to develop legislation to regulate the market?” A resolution to that effect was submitted to Tribal Council in January.
On April 20 of this year — known as 4/20, a sort of holiday in the stoner community — the Great Smoky Cannabis Company dispensary opened for business but could only serve those with medical cards.
On June 6 of this year, Tribal Council approved the ordinance legalizing adult use. While some details had to be ironed out, things happened quickly, and on July 4, the dispensary began selling to any enrolled member of any federally recognized tribe.
The official announcement came in the form of this post on the Great Smoky Mountain Cannabis Company’s X page. Great Smoky Mountain Cannabis Company photo
This means anyone over the age of 21 from anywhere in the country can purchase cannabis products at the dispensary. While transportation or use of the products are still illegal in counties surrounding the Qualla Boundary, as well as the rest of North Carolina, use is permitted on the boundary.
Qualla Enterprises anticipates employing somewhere around 500 people and making enough money within a couple of years to send the tribe $260 million in profits.
The vote to legalize adult use of marijuana came on Sept. 7 of last year and saw about 70% of enrolled members who cast a ballot support the measure.
The question tribal members voted on was: “Do you support legalizing the possession and use of cannabis for persons who are at least twenty-one (21) years old, and
The tribe expects its cannabis industry to become extremely lucrative, extremely quickly. Neither medical nor recreational cannabis is currently legal in North Carolina, Tennessee or South Carolina. Qualla Enterprises anticipates employing somewhere around 500 people and making enough money within a couple of years to send the tribe $260 million in profits. It’s also expected to make money for the tribe through generating tribal levy, akin to a sales tax.
The medical marijuana program, approved in 2021, will still serve those with EBCI-issued cards. The cannabis control board accepts applications from North Carolina residents over the age of 21. The cost for issuance to residents is $100 and $50 for enrolled EBCI members. There are several approved conditions, including anxiety disorder, eating disorders and cancer. Applications can be submitted at ebciccb.org.
The Great Smoky Cannabis Company dispensary is located at 91 Bingo Loop Road. Anyone wishing to purchase cannabis products from the dispensary must present a ID to prove they are over the age of 21.
Diversity ‘passport’ seeks to boost Haywood businesses
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT
P OLITICS E DITOR
A“community passport” program with the goal of increasing tourist visits and overnight stays by spotlighting businesses that pledge to fight racism, prejudice and discrimination will roll out in September, and the organization charged with implementing the program is looking to spread the word.
“I thought about this because, one, it would bring new people into the community and two, diversity is a big attraction for tourists,” said Tera McIntosh, owner of Misfit Mountain animal rescue in Clyde and a key organizer of Haywood County’s historic first Pride celebration this past June.
Community passport programs are not a new idea in the marketing world. In 1986, the Eastern National Parks Association started just such a program to help travelers learn more about National Parks. Visitors collect a stamp or sticker at each park, adding them to a book that ultimately becomes both a pleasant reminder of trips past and an enduring encouragement to complete their collection by visiting parks and buying stickers they don’t yet have. Major League Baseball has a similar program for its ballparks.
Locally, a merchants association in Canton has a passport program of its own, encouraging foot traffic to downtown businesses, and a group of Waynesville businesses have created the somewhat cheeky “disloyalty card” that does basically the same thing.
The new countywide program, first of its kind, is called the IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) Passport. Participation is strictly voluntary and is open to brick-andmortar Haywood County businesses involved in the hospitality industry, including retail and tourism. Businesses without physical locations can still participate in the initiative through a separate diversity business directory program.
After paying a small application fee, interested businesses will review and sign a diversity pledge. The pledge states that businesses will make diversity, equity and inclusion a priority for visitors, residents and workers while examining their own internal biases and potential bias in their workplace.
“We understand that each business who comes forward and wants to be a part of this might be on a different level in their learning, so we thought rather than just giving them this diversity pledge and having them sign it, every business will sign in-person, face to face with a member of the team, instead of just sending over a document that they’ll look over electronically, sign and not care about. So we meet with them face to face,” McIntosh said. “We hold them accountable.”
Participating businesses will be rewarded with a window sticker to display as well as a listing in the business directory or passport.
“That says, ‘Hey, we’re a safe space. You can come here and know we have your back,’” McIntosh said. “The mountains are for all.”
The application deadline is rapidly approaching so the physical passports can be printed and made available for free to people who want to support local businesses and get a jump on their stamp collection by Sept. 1.
McIntosh said she pursued a partnership with Axe & Awl Leatherworks to create leather covers for the passports, giving them a sense of durability and style. They’ll be distributed for free at participating locations to visitors who want them, while supplies last.
Those who pick up the passports will find unique perks and rewards at each participating business — listed on the passport program website — and, with a purchase, receive a stamp noting their visit.
Visitors who check out 25 or more businesses will get a free tee shirt noting their accomplishment.
The passport program was initially funded by a $10,000
grant from the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority during its most recent grant cycle.
The TDA is the statutory authority charged with administering the county’s 4% room occupancy tax, which is paid overwhelmingly by visitors utilizing lodging accommodations in the county — not local taxpayers. Its board, which contains members appointed both by local governments and board-appointed business owners involved in tourism, accepts grant applications cyclically and votes as a body on how to spend the money. The guardrails on that spending limit it to being used for things that will promote tourism, especially overnight stays.
largest grant going to the Town of Maggie Valley ($53,900) for the annual ice festival. The Downtown Waynesville Commission received grants for Appalachian Heritage Weekend ($30,000) and a marketing campaign ($28,500).
The $255,875 in grants represents roughly 8% of the TDA’s total revenues last year.
The passport program has the potential to draw substantial interest from the LGBTQIA+ community across the region, state and country, and if it’s anything like the recent Pride festival — Frog Level merchants reported substantial income from the one-day event — local businesses could see a nice bump in their bottom line from the passport program.
Historically, the effect of the tourism industry on Haywood County’s economy cannot be understated, especially in the wake of the closing of one of the county’s largest employers in Canton last summer.
Since enabling legislation for room occupancy taxes was passed by the General Assembly in the mid-1980s, revenues in Haywood County grew slowly until COVID, when a surge of visitors sought out the Great Smoky Mountains to escape from crowded urban areas.
Of late, revenue has begun to level off some, but for the past three years, it has hovered right around $3 million each year.
In addition to the passport program, the TDA awarded 17 other organizations just over $250,000 in total, with the
Learn more
The first countywide community passport program spotlighting Haywood County businesses with a commitment to diversity kicks off in September, just in time for leaf season. If you’re a business owner that would like to enroll in the IDEA passport program — or, if you’re a visitor or local who wants to get busy collecting stamps by supporting local businesses — visit ideahaywood.org before Aug. 15.
“I’ve worked with several passport programs,” said TDA Executive Director Corrina Ruffieux. “Overall, the intent of any passport program is to raise awareness of a variety of related or unrelated businesses, whatever the theme of the passport is, and to drive business, whether it’s local business or visitor business, to those entities that are highlighted on the passport.”
In her previous experience, Ruffieux said, there was a “tasting trail” in Williamsburg, Virginia, for purveyors and consumers of alcoholic beverages. In Elizabeth City, her most recent place of employment before coming to Haywood County, Ruffieux said there was another lighthearted passport program during the COVID era specifically for people named “Elizabeth.”
“Any business that wanted to participate, they could do something as little as 10% off if you walked in and said, ‘Hi, my name is Elizabeth,’ and it went phenomenally well,” she said. “There’s so many different ways to pull these themed passports together so we’re thrilled to be able to help support a new one for Haywood County that is countywide, and any business that is interested in participating can reach out to the organizers and sign up.”
For more information on the IDEA Passport Program, visit ideahaywood.org.
People from outside the region will soon have a new reason dozens of them, actually to visit Haywood County. Cory Vaillancourt photo
Macon maintains no for-profit use of school facilities
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF W RITER
Macon County Schools decided last month to maintain a policy that had been in place — but until now had been enforced sporadically — that bars for-profit entities from using school facilities.
“The basic policy question is, do you want to allow for-profit users of your school property,” School Board Attorney John Henning said in a presentation to the board. “If you do, how are you going to treat them in your scheme of facilities fees?”
Although Macon County Schools has had a policy that stipulates for-profit groups are not permitted to use school facilities, Henning explained that there has been mixed application of the policy throughout the school system. This is partly because, although Macon County Schools policy did not allow for-profit groups to use school facilities, it is not against the law to allow for-profit groups to do so, and partly because many of the for-profit groups using school buildings are doing so for extracurricular activities that students take part in.
Henning and Macon County School’s principals gave several examples of for-profit groups that use school buildings such as local karate schools, individual or small group baseball and softball instruction, basketball camps, dance recitals and more.
“It’s a slippery slope. I’m torn, to be honest with you,” said Chairman Jim Breedlove. “I know there’s a lot of technically for-profit groups that are benefiting our kids; they’re learning. Like a dance recital, children are learning, other types of things. It’s a question that’s bothered me for a long time. What’s the best, fairest and most effective way to do this?”
Before the school board decided to double down on its existing policy, both nonprofit and for-profit groups had been able to request to use a school facility by seeking permission from that school’s principal. The principal would give them a facilities use form to fill out and then it would be up to the principal to decide whether or not the group could use the requested school facility.
While some school board members questioned whether a decision with such far reaching implications should be left to principals, Henning noted that North Carolina General Statute designates the responsibility of preservation of school property to principals.
Board Member Melissa Evans asked Franklin High School Principal Blair King if he was comfortable making those types of decisions.
“In an ideal world, especially with the new school and knowing how much damage usually comes from this, I want to say no to everybody,” said King. “Unless it’s [County Commission Chairman] Mr. Shields or the Macon County rec park that we have an understanding with, they’ll use the gym for games, we have an MOU with them.”
Still, Superintendent Josh Lynch said he wanted to make sure that the updated policy made things as cut and dry as possible for principals to give them an objective way in which to approve or deny groups using school facilities.
“Oftentimes, they want to be good stewards of the space and they have relationships with individuals, and they see that it can benefit kids, so it can leave it up to some gray area,” said Lynch. “I feel as though, moving forward, it needs to be cut and dry for principals. If this is the policy that we’re going to stick with, then that will just be enforced across the district, and they will be able to abide by that.”
“So essentially, what you’re proposing is just what we have and then explicitly calling out that for-profit is not allowed,” said Board Member Hilary Wilkes.
Wilkes asked board members and administration whether it would be beneficial to make an addendum to the policy that would allow the school board to approve special cases for for-profit groups to use school facilities.
“Do we need a line in there that maybe allows for, unless the determination of the majority of the board, that way if something intriguing was to come along then [we could approve it]?” Wilkes asked.
Ultimately the board decided not to make room for special exceptions.
“I think sometimes you run the risk of more gray area,” said Lynch. “If it’s the pleas-
ure of the board to allow for-profit to occur, then you know that takes that off the backs of the principals and then we have the protocol and the procedure in place that will allow it.”
Henning also presented some legal reasons that the school system may want to maintain and enforce no for-profit groups using school property — one of which is the Umstead Act.
The Umstead Act, originally passed in 1939 was enacted by the North Carolina legislature to prevent state-owned agencies from selling merchandise in competition with private merchants. In other words, to prevent the government from competing with its taxpaying citizens. Several exemptions were made in the original act including the North Carolina School for the Blind. In 1973 it was amended again creating exemptions for all campuses of the University of North Carolina System.
“You’re subject to the Umstead Act, all North Carolina school systems are and it’s a state law that says government entities can’t compete with local businesses,” Henning explained. “Counties and municipalities are exempt from that, but it leaves community colleges, school systems largely covered by it and one of the specific examples of what competition would look like is renting out facilities.”
Highlands School received its own special exemption from the Umstead Act in one of several revisions to the law, but will still be covered by the updated, district-wide policy that bars for-profit groups from using school facilities.
“What I would like to see happen is that this is communicated clearly to all of the schools so that it’s [uniform] across the board,” said Board Member Diedre Breeden.
With unanimous approval from the board, the policy has been restructured to include stipulations against modifications, improvements or alterations to school property, and display of materials that are vulgar, indecent or obscene. It also now calls for facility use agreement for any groups using school facilities and liability relief for the school system.
For-profit entities will not be allowed to use school facilities, and non-profit groups
@SmokyMtnNews
Stein visits Cherokee as part of gubernatorial campaign
BY KYLE P ERROTTI N EWS E DITOR
North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein spoke to members of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council Monday, during which he touted some of his accomplishments over the last eight years while also laying out a vision for the future of the state.
Stein, a Democrat, is running against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in a race to see who will be the state’s next governor. Although North Carolina currently has a Democratic governor in Roy Cooper, the state is still generally considered to lean slightly right, so Stein has been hitting the campaign trail hard as part of his “Real Time with Stein” tour.
class,” he said.
Basically, the vision Stein laid out for the state mirrors the vision politicians tend to lay out for the nation as a whole. He said he wants to see more opportunities for future generations than current generations have had. To do that, he said North Carolina should raise the minimum wage, address high housing costs and cut taxes for working families. He also focused on education, not just the standard kindergarten to university pipeline, but also the importance of trade schools.
“We have to expand career and technical education and apprenticeship programs, because while college is right for many people, it is not right for every person, and someone should not have to go to college to provide for his or her family,” he said.
During his visit to Cherokee, Stein spoke specifically about issues facing the state and the tribe, including improved access to healthcare and housing, as well as education and equality.
Stein was introduced by Principal Chief Michell Hicks, who highlighted one priority he hopes the prospective governor may focus on should he win, especially a lack of qualified candidates for employment with the tribe in various departments, including law enforcement and social workers.
“We are also keeping Josh updated on where we are with our enterprises,” Hicks said. “We have a lot of moving pieces, and they’re all significant to the region.”
Stein began by explaining that his run for governor reflects how much he loves the state, from the coast all the way to the mountains and everywhere in between, adding that he thinks while there’s a lot going for North Carolina right now, things can continue to improve.
“We have to build the economy from the bottom up and the middle out, not the top down, because that’s how you grow the middle
Next, Stein addressed healthcare, saying he thought it was a tremendous victory for the state to have expanded Medicaid, and he also highlighted a recent milestone.
“About two weeks ago, we finally crossed the 500,000-person mark,” he said. “Half a million neighbors have health insurance today who didn’t in December.”
He said that HCA’s acquisition of the Mission health system has created challenges that he has tried to address as attorney general and hopes to continue to address as governor.
Notably, he praised the tribe for its robust health care system.
“You all provide and incredible service to your tribal members,” he said. “I’ve toured the medical facility here on past visits. It is a remarkable institution, and you should take great pride in that.”
When it comes to health care, Stein also mentioned specific items of interest to Native American communities, from combatting the opioid crisis and the $1.5 billion North Carolina received as part of a larger settlement to fighting for families.
F
Stein spoke to members of Tribal Council and took a few questions. EBCI Communications Department Facebook photo
“We wrote a brief to the United States supreme Court when they were considering whether to reject the protections that the Indian Child Welfare Act afforded to children and native families,” he said.
Stein wrapped up by thanking the tribe for inviting him to speak and noted that he intends to continue to fight for the freedoms of all North Carolinians.
“As attorney general, we’ve always had an open door and welcomed the opportunity to meet with you all, whether it’s up here in Cherokee or in the west or in Raleigh,” he said. “As governor, I want to continue that kind of open communication and open-door relationship with the tribe, and I look forward, God willing, to being able to do that with you in the years to come.”
Following Stein’s remarks, a few folks had comments. First was Council Rep. Perry Shell of Big Cove. Shell, a retired soldier, recalled that when he served, he was always proud not only to represent the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians but also the state of North Carolina. He said he hopes more people can feel that deep pride and that that pride can bring everyone closer together.
“There’s a lot of extremes and division on federal level and the state level and at all levels,” Shell said. “I hope that when you win, hopefully you will work to heal us and bring us back together.”
Shell recalled part of Stein’s remarks to Tribal Council, during which he talked about his father’s law firm, the first inte-
grated firm in the state, and how proud he was of its fight to stand up for civil rights.
“They never shied away from doing what’s right, even when someone firebombed their office and burned it to the ground,” Stein had said proudly.
Shell recalled how tribes were treated prior to the civil rights movement, a time when Native American children couldn’t go to white schools and tribal members couldn’t intermarry.
“It was not that long ago,” Shell said, ultimately offering praise for Stein, his advocacy for civil rights and his acknowledgement of tribal sovereignty.
“I agree with you that there’s too much
division, too much hate,” Stein replied. “It’s incumbent upon us to try to heal and bring people together, and part of it is having some humility and realizing that none of us have all the answers. We just don’t. There are too many issues. It’s too complicated. I try to approach issues from the perspective that I have ideas, and you have ideas, now how can we work together?”
Stein highlighted certain areas where he and other Democrats have been able to work across the aisle in the Republican-led General Assembly to get things done, like passing laws to protect victims of child sexual abuse and getting money to address the backlog of untested rape kits.
“We can get things done together, but you have to have an open mind and willingness to work across the aisle and that’s something I’ve demonstrated,” he said.
Along with Council Rep. Tom Wahnetah, of the Yellowhill community, Vice Chief Alan B. Ensley had kind words for Stein.
“I hope our people get behind you come November, because I know how important this is for everything in the state and country,” Ensley said to Stein. “I appreciate your words, and I know you live by them, so thank you.”
Following the brief meeting, Council members met with Stein for lunch.
rphy · 835-8389 ler
· 254-7716
RE S IDENTIAL BR O KER A SS (828)400-1078
e susan hooper@allentate
S
SOC IATE
susanhooper@allentate com
As a resident of Haywood County for over 35 years, I have developed a deep understanding of the local real estate market. Being an active participant in the community and staying informed with the latest trends and developments in the area, I have established myself as a local expert.
As a real estate professional with an unwaveringcommitmenttocustomer
Susan Hoop proffeessional ever known. of (North Ca seller, but as a T both Teexas a time and skil properties w customer ser unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, I am the right choice for you when it comes to buying, selling, or investing in property in Western North Carolina.
I’m dedicated to leveraging my knowledge of the region’s unique characteristics to help you achieve your real estate goals. Don’t hesitate to contact me today to learn more about how I can guide you through the real estate process and make your dream a reality.
er is one of the most real estate agents Ihave Ispeak not only as an out rolina) state property affoormer agent myself in nd Florida. I know the ls it takes to buy and sell hile providing the best vice possible throughout
pg the process. Susan excelled in every wayy. She and Iworked together (1,000 t) f miles apar foor more than seven ecomm months wher u unication was a keyy. That communication resulted in ersinaf y off two propert ffe foour-month listing, the second one ending in a successful sale. I couldn't be more pleased working through the process with Susan. I highly recommend her to annyyone who wants to work with the very best.
— Suzanne L. Cruver
Stein receives praise from EBCI Vice Chief Alan B. Ensley. EBCI Communications Department Facebook photo
Pactiv doesn’t want to pay back grant
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT P OLITICS E DITOR
Since unceremoniously announcing its exit from Canton early in 2023, Pactiv Evergreen, owner of the now-shuttered 115-year-old paper mill, has had very little to say — except which bills it refuses to pay. On July 29, the $6 billion multinational company did it again.
“ … despite Pactiv having satisfied nearly all of its obligations under the JMAC agreement, there is no legal or factual basis to sustain the relief the Department seeks,” wrote Pactiv’s lawyers in their motion to partially dismiss a lawsuit filed by North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein on behalf of the Department of Commerce on May 23.
Stein’s suit arose after The Smoky Mountain News first reported that by announcing it would close the venerable old paper mill at the heart of Canton, Pactiv would appear to violate the terms of a Job Maintenance and Capital Development Agreement signed by then-Gov. Pat McCrory in 2014.
“Pactiv Evergreen accepted millions from the state but did not fulfill their commitments, abandoning the people of Canton. This is completely unacceptable. I back Attorney General Stein’s lawsuit, and if elected attorney general, I will ensure Pactiv is held accountable.”
— Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-Mecklenburg)
The agreement sent Pactiv $12 million in taxpayer money in exchange for the company promising to spend $51 million of its own money to convert coal-fired boilers to natural gas. Pactiv actually spent $56 million, but apparently missed or ignored another condition of the agreement — maintain at least 800 jobs through Dec. 31, 2024.
The bulk of the layoffs at Pactiv’s Canton mill took place in June 2023, bringing employment numbers well below that threshold, well before that deadline.
Gov. Roy Cooper and Stein, currently the Democratic nominee for governor, pounced on Pactiv’s presumptions, demanding the company pay back the $12 million. Since then, both Cooper and Stein have reiterated their commitment to holding Pactiv accountable — as have the current candidates for attorney general, Rep. Dan Bishop (RMecklenburg) and Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-Mecklenburg).
“Pactiv Evergreen accepted millions from the state but did not fulfill their commitments, abandoning the people of Canton,” Jackson told The Smoky Mountain News Aug. 5. “This is completely unacceptable. I back Attorney General Stein’s lawsuit, and if elected attorney general, I will ensure Pactiv is held accountable.”
Stein’s Republican opponent for governor, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, likewise, told The Smoky Mountain News back in April that the state should use “everything at our disposal to hold companies accountable for bad performance that really costs our folks in our communities.”
Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers said on Aug. 4 that he has “full faith and trust” that Stein and his staff will prevail not only on Pactiv’s motion but also with the suit itself.
“Pactiv simply broke the promise they made to the taxpayers of North Carolina. They broke it in full, and they should repay in full,” said Smathers. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when you give your word, you stand by it. They broke their word it and they should repay the grant in full.”
Despite Pactiv’s stunning admission that it hadn’t fulfilled all of its obligations, the company maintains it shouldn’t have to pay the full amount, due to what it says are conflicting provisions in the JMAC agreement.
According to Pactiv’s response, one paragraph of the agreement states that in the case of a breach of contract the company would have to repay the full amount of the grant, but another paragraph states that the company would only have to repay a proportionate share of the grant.
Pactiv alleges the agreement is inconsistent with contract law and state precedent because only one theory of breach can survive. Since the paragraph requiring proportional repayment contains a triggering condition, Pactiv’s receipt of the grant funds, the clause requiring full repayment should be dismissed.
The motion further states that the clause requiring full repayment is unenforceable because it “bears no relation to the actual damages the Department suffered and serves only to punish Pactiv.”
Nazneen Ahmed, a spokesperson for Stein’s office, said the response by Pactiv doesn’t really change anything.
“Pactiv’s motion fails to offer any compelling reason why it should not have to repay the state the $12 million it owes for closing the paper mill last year,” Ahmed said. “We look forward to responding and will keep fighting on behalf of the residents of Canton and North Carolina’s taxpayers.”
Pactiv’s response to the lawsuit continues the company’s pattern of appearing to shirk its obligations — both legal, and moral — to the state, the region, the workers of Haywood County and the people of Canton.
During a March 6, 2023, employee meeting, Pactiv officials told workers out of the blue that within three months, their high-paying union jobs would be gone but didn’t bother notify local elected officials and didn’t notify their health insurance carrier, resulting in some workers having to ration prescription medications or do without.
Meanwhile, Pactiv executives including CEO Michael King dumped more than $660,000 in stock less just a few days before the announcement and then asked the county for a multimillion-dollar property tax break on the 185acre mill site. The county said no, but Pactiv is appealing the ruling.
Canton recently managed to dodge a property tax increase despite a budget hole topping $1 million — thanks to Pactiv — but it can’t run forever. Taxpayers from Murphy to Manteo are now on the hook for the substantial direct allocations made by the General Assembly to keep Canton solvent.
Rep. Dan Bishop, Republican candidate for North Carolina Attorney General did not return an email request for comment.
File photo
New river gauge installation begins in Haywood County
The first of eight planned new river gauges will be installed in Haywood County this week. When complete the project will greatly enhance Haywood County Emergency Services’ ability to monitor upstream river levels.
Three years after Tropical Storm Fred devastated the communities of Cruso, Bethel, Canton, old Asheville Highway and North Hominy these new gauges offer hope of better early detection when upstream flooding begins. Earlier and more accurate river level monitoring will make earlier warning possible which may, in turn, save lives.
“We are pleased to finally start work on a project we’ve long needed here. The data gathered at these sites will greatly increase our situational awareness and help us better prepare for and warn people about future floods,” said Assistant Emergency Management Coordinator Cody Parton, who heads this project.
Contractor Distinctive AFWS Designs, Inc. is installing the gauges and hopes to finish the project in a few weeks, weather permitting.
The eight gauges will be installed on North Carolina Department of Transportationowned bridges in areas that will provide the earliest possible warning of increasing river levels in critical areas.
that’s just not enough warning when we see the river rising. Maybe for Canton and Clyde but for Cruso, it was already too late when the Mundy Field monitor indicated trouble,” said Parton.
One of the action items in the aftermath of the Fred flooding was to increase the availability of flood data by adding new river level monitors further upstream and additional gauges to supplement those already in place.
There are currently 12 river flow gauges in Haywood. With the new gauges, river monitoring sites will increase by more than 65%.
There are currently 12 river flow gauges in Haywood. With the new gauges, river monitoring sites will increase by more than 65%. Donated photo
Specifically, they will be installed on the East Fork of the Pigeon River in Cruso (three sites), near Little East Fork in Lake Logan, Dutch Cove Creek, North Hominy Creek, the Pigeon River near Wells Road, Canton and Richland Creek in Waynesville.
Until now, the farthest upstream river gauge was on the East Fork at the Mundy Field bridge.
“As we saw with [Tropical Storm] Fred,
Man sentenced to 15 years for extreme child abuse
District Attorney Ashley Hornsby Welch announced that a Cherokee County man pleaded guilty to intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury.
Trenton Anthony Stainback, 22, said he “snapped” on March 6, 2023, when the twoyear-old child of his then girlfriend kept trying to climb off a bed. He admitted to dropping the child and striking him on the head.
The two year old suffered a skull fracture. There were numerous bruises on his body and on his forehead.
Stainback claimed he could not remember
These new gauges will also tie into the North Carolina Flood Inundation and Mapping & Alert Network, known as FIMAN. Residents can use the tools on FIMAN to track flooding in near real-time and request to be alerted if the river is rising at a chosen river monitoring site in the network.
Trenton Anthony Stainback
how the child suffered such severe injuries, citing fentanyl use.
Superior Court Judge Tessa Sellers sentenced Stainback to serve a minimum prison sentence of 179 months up to a maximum prison sentence of 227 months.
Assistant District Attorney Kimberly Harris prosecuted the case.
BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF W RITER
Macon County Schools has spent the better part of a year undergoing a strategic planning process that charts a course for the school system’s future.
At its last meeting, the Board of Education unanimously approved the concept of the plan and permitted administration to move forward with finalization and implementation of the plan.
“Let me express my thanks to everyone involved,” said Board Chairman Jim Breedlove. “It’s a very positive step forward.”
Macon County received grant funding for a strategic planning process from the Dogwood Health Trust, and contracted with Open Way Learning, a nonprofit that specializes in education planning.
“It really gave us an opportunity to look at innovative ideas as well as goals and strategies that we can put in place within our district to really impact our community,”
Strategic plan approved for Macon County Schools
said Superintendent Josh Lynch in a presentation to the board July 22.
The planning process resulted in a strategic plan that rests on four pillars — community engagement, curriculum and instruction, professional development and technology.
“We were able to look at our community goals, our needs, but also really look at our assets that we have,” said Lynch. “I think oftentimes, when we look at school improvement or district-wide improvement, we’re constantly looking to grow and better, which we should, but we also need to really take hold of the assets that we have, there are a lot of assets that we need to be proud of that we can capitalize on and really use that as momentum as we spring forward.”
The planning process began in January with a capacity-building phase in which planners took inventory of the system and what resources it has at its disposal. For Lynch, this step felt akin to the listening
phase of his leadership after assuming the role of superintendent.
“I think one of the greatest things that I have been able to really get out of this project is I don’t have to do all the talking. I don’t have all the answers, I can find the answers from individuals that I’m surrounded by, the community, the leadership, the teachers, the principals, our students,” said Lynch.
Throughout the capacity–building phase of the planning process, Open Way Learning conducted empathy interviews with a host of stakeholders including students, teachers, principals and community members to gather data about what is working in the school system and what could be improved upon.
In total, the interview process involved 12 focus groups, 85 students, 36 educators and more than 55 community members.
“I think when you go through this process, you have to humble yourself because it may not be what you want to hear.
But it gives us an opportunity for growth and to springboard,” said Lynch. “I tell you what, we have a lot to be proud of in our students. Just the fact that they were able to engage and offer and give insight as well as input, I was very impressed.”
The second phase involved a lot of the heavy lifting in which collaborators worked to design a plan and then refine it through sessions with principals. This phase wrapped up in April, as the busy end of the school year approached, and over the summer, principals and central office staff worked to polish and finalize an initial plan that could be brought before the school board.
“Now we’re at our final stage, which is the implementation stage,” Lynch told the board at its July meeting. “If we have approval, then we have a plan for principals to be able to push out in and amongst the schools.”
The expectation of the overall plan is to support and set stu-
dents up for success during their pre-K-12 educational journey with Macon County Schools and beyond; prepare students to enroll, enlist or secure employment; and be ready for administrators to present the strategic plan to their faculty and staff at the start of the 2024-25 school year.
Career and Technical Education Director presented the community engagement pillar to the Board of Education, noting the abundance of resources at the school system’s disposal due to its location in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
“Our goals are to build strong, meaningful relationships between our schools and various community stakeholders including local businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and cultural institutions,” said Strickland. “We want to make sure that our students have equal access to these valuable connections regardless of the school they attend.”
The community engagement aspect of the strategic plan is intended to help students develop essential skills like communication, collaboration, problem solving and leadership. To encourage participation, leadership plans on introducing incentives such as recognition programs, family involvement activities and co-curricular learning opportunities.
“One thing that came up many times during our tuning session was the heritage days that are hosted at some of our schools,” said Strickland. “Everyone would like to have some form of heritage days at the schools.”
Chief Academic Officer and Director of Federal Programs Mickey Noe presented the curriculum and instruction pillar to the board.
“The vision for our curriculum and instruction plan is to enhance student learning outcomes to align curriculum and high impact instructional strategies grounded in research and evidence-based practices,” said Noe. “Our key focus areas are going to be aligned curriculum, where we’re going to develop curriculum maps and pacing guides so that all of our schools are on the same level and are using the same pacing guides to make sure that we have a proper scope and sequence from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade.”
Noe said that administration will likely change both the current grading system and homework policies.
“We’re looking at changing our current grading system and adopting standardsbased grading system which is really different from the current system that we are utilizing currently,” Noe said. “Homework policies traditionally are starting to become a thing of the past. We’re looking at doing project-based type of grading systems where students are graded on projects that they’re doing throughout the classroom throughout the year and offering incentives for that type of learning as well.”
Noe also said that the school system would work to facilitate professional learning communities (PLC) across different schools. Whereas now PLC and professional development for teachers tend to take place amongst teachers within one school, MCS would like to implement PLCs for teachers
across the district that teach similar subjects and/ or grade levels.
“One of the most important tools for us to be successful in curriculum moving forward is to make sure we’re all on the same page,” said Noe. “And when you’re currently doing PLCs with people in your school only, you’re just missing some of the best teaching and some of the best strategies that we have to offer.”
STEM Coordinator Jennifer Love presented the professional development pillar to the school board and stressed the importance of time and support for staff.
“We know that our teachers are stressed; they’re having to take on additional roles such as being school nurses when there is no nurse, mental health support when there is no mental health support in our schools,” said Love. “So because of these additional roles, one of the things that they highlighted here is there must be additional time offered to teachers to tackle new ideas.”
Teachers need time set aside to tackle new ideas, new initiatives and new curricula to the best of their ability. Rather than placing all training and professional development after school hours — when many teachers are responsible for athletic coaching, have other academic responsibilities or are caring for their own families — administration is suggesting that that training take place during school hours, whether on workdays or early release days.
Administration has outlined support and recruitment goals for attracting and retaining qualified staff.
Finance Director Alayna Ledford presented the technology pillar to the school board.
“The overall goal of the technology pillar is to provide students with knowledge, necessary skills and appropriate technology to create transformative digital learning experiences in an everchanging digital world,” said Ledford.
While student education and access to technology is an important part of this pillar, it is also equally important for staff. The school system will begin using Infinite Campus in the coming year which will help digitize a slew of forms that families are required to fill out each year and facilitate information and communication for families.
The finance department is also starting with a new system this year that will allow all finance workers across the system to be on the same page.
Funding will be an important part of this pillar as school systems now have to find the money to provide not only for student devices, but also to systems and software for staff.
The four pillars are all intended to support the Macon County School System moving forward now that the board has approved the initial strategic plan. Any policy changes, like those that are being looked at for homework and grading, will still have to come before the board in a public meeting per its usual process.
Administration will now move forward with finalization and implementation of the plan for the 2024-25 school year, with the school board requesting presentation and approval of the final version of the plan.
WCU School of Nursing receives UNC System grant
To help address the critical workforce shortage in health care, nursing in par-
ticular, the University of North Carolina System initiated a call for grant proposals to distribute $40 million over a span of two years to UNC System schools.
Western Carolina University submitted a detailed proposal outlining the needs and plans for its nursing program, which resulted in the award of $2,474,700 to expand and enhance its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
These funds were appropriated as part of the state’s 2023-2025 budget and in addition to WCU were awarded to Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, Fayetteville State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina Central University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University of North Carolina at Pembroke, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Winston-Salem State University and the North Carolina Area Health Education Center.
“The WCU nursing program plans to
utilize the funds to significantly expand the traditional BSN program,” said Terri Durbin, director of the WCU School of Nursing. “This expansion is expected to be sustained for four years with the grant funding, with a strategic plan in place to maintain the increased capacity beyond this period through additional tuition revenues and structural efficiencies.”
Specifically, the funds will be used to double the number of pre-licensure nursing students in the program from 30 to 60 students per cohort (spring and fall); hire additional faculty and staff to support the increased student intake; upgrade simulation supplies and equipment to provide state-of-the-art training facilities; and enhance technology to support the expanded program.
“The future goals for the School of Nursing that this grant will aid in are sustained growth, faculty development, enhanced clinical training, student support services and technological advancements,” Durbin said. “By achieving these goals, we are aiming to contribute significantly to mitigating the nursing shortage in North Carolina, thereby improving health care access and quality across the state.”
Bethel Rural Community Organization rededicates historic marker
Nearly three years after a historic marker on Haywood County’s oldest continuously operating farm was damaged by Tropical Storm Fred, the Bethel Rural Community Organization has replaced it — this time, adding language that acknowledges the sacrifice of the enslaved people who kept the farm in operation until their 1865 emancipation.
People with ties to Col. Thomas Lenoir’s Haywood County cattle ranch, past and present, gathered together to commemorate a new historic marker on the site. Donated photo
The farm was originally owned by Col. Thomas Lenoir from 1807. In 1849, his son Thomas Isaac Lenoir brought Devon cattle to the farm, where 18 enslaved people cared for them while also planting and harvesting crops and building several structures that survived for nearly 150 years. After the Civil War, the farm was run with the help of caretakers.
Earlier this month, descendants of the Lenoir family, of the enslaved people and of the caretakers all joined together — some, coming hundreds of miles — on the property, which is now owned by Charles and Martha Trantham, to commemorate their shared history.
The visitors participated in a filming session where they recounted their own
research not only into their own ancestors but also into a painful chapter of America’s history that ended with the surrender of Confederate armies in 1865.
The group ended the day with a visit to the Bethel Community Cemetery, where some of the formerly enslaved people are presumed to be buried.
The Bethel Rural Community Organization is noted for its historic preservation efforts, including the erection of six local historic markers to commemorate significant sites in the community.
For more information on the Bethel Rural Community Organization, visit bethelrural.org.
4 bedrooms | 3 full baths | 2 half baths
Perched on nearly 13 unrestricted acres (this package is for 4.73 acres) just moments from Historic Main St Waynesville this extraordinary work of art was completed in Fall ‘23. Only the highest quality materials & expert level craftsmen retained to curate this dream home. Nearly every room boasts a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you walk in the main floor you are immediately drawn outside to your covered outdoor living area overlooking the mountains & rolling pastures with your own lively creek. Main floor includes an expansive primary suite, laundry, kitchen/living area combination & formal dining. Upstairs is a loft, 2 more bedrooms and a Jack & Jill bath. The basement offers 2500+ of unfinished space. Front pasture is available for purchase. Expansive 2 car detached garage with portico.
Asheville VA, Pardee, AdventHealth get top grades in latest Medicare hospital ratings
BY P ETER H. LEWIS ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its annual hospital ratings July 31, awarding top five-star ratings for quality of care to the Charles George Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Asheville/Oteen, the Margaret R. Pardee Memorial Hospital in Hendersonville, and AdventHealth Hendersonville.
state.
Johnson City Medical Center, the flagship hospital for the not-for-profit Ballad Health chain based in Johnson City, Tenn., received one star for quality and two for patient satisfaction, making it the lowestranked major hospital in the region. Ballad operates 20 hospitals.
Akin Demehin, the American Hospital Association’s senior director of quality and patient safety, said “the AHA continues to
Mission Hospital in Asheville, which is owned by for-profit hospital operator HCA Healthcare of Nashville, was awarded four stars for overall quality. In February, CMS placed Mission in immediate jeopardy, the most serious sanction a hospital can face, because of deficiencies in care there. CMS has since lifted the sanction.
Although it scored higher than average for overall quality, Mission scored below average for patient satisfaction, with two stars. The VA Medical Center received five stars for patient experience, and both Pardee and AdventHealth Hendersonville received four stars in the patient survey. All three of the higher-ranking hospitals in the Asheville region are not-for-profit.
CMS assesses Medicare-qualified hospitals based on 46 hospital quality measures divided into five categories: mortality, safety, patient experience, readmission rates, and timely and effective care.
The patient survey rating measures patients’ experiences of their hospital care. Recently discharged patients were asked about topics like how well nurses and doctors communicated, how responsive hospital staff were to their needs, and the cleanliness and quietness of the hospital environment.
The ratings can be found on the Hospital Compare website.
Other HCA-owned hospitals in western North Carolina received four-star or threestar ratings. Highlands-Cashiers Hospital was not rated.
Nationwide, 483 out of 3,076 hospitals received five stars for overall quality, while 276 were given the lowest ranking, one star, including Erlanger Murphy Medical Center in Murphy, in the far western corner of the
encourage patients to complement information from star ratings and other hospital rankings with discussions with clinicians who know their care needs to help make fully informed decision about their care.”
Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Peter H. Lewis is The Watchdog’s executive editor and a former senior writer and editor at The New York Times. Contact him at plewis@avlwatchdog.org. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/support-our-publication.
Community Almanac
Film looks at the disappearing American Chestnut
On Monday, Aug. 19, the series “Where We Live: History, Nature, and Culture,” will present a screening of the film, “Clear Day Thunder: Rescuing the American Chestnut.”
Once there were over four billion American chestnut trees in the United States. One out of every four trees in the Appalachian forests was a chestnut. American chestnut trees thrived and matured as the dominant species, towering over their neighbors. One tree near Waynesville was over 53 feet in circumference.
Foresters called the American Chestnut “the most useful tree in the woods” because it provided abundant food for people, wild animals and livestock, a cash crop for mountain farmers, fine wood for furniture and rot-resistant lumber.
In 1904, the chestnut blight disease was identified and began to spread quickly — by the 1930´s, almost all the mature chestnut trees in the Carolinas were dying back to their roots. Thanks to soil organisms, however, many of the roots remain alive, sending up small sprouts that constantly die back from the blight even today.
Now, with an approach called backcross breeding, the American Chestnut Foundation is working to revive this great King of the Forest. Within a decade, they expect to have blightresistant trees ready for testing in North and South Carolina. It is the hope and expectation that the American chestnut will resume its place as a significant species in our forests.
The film tells the story of this magnificent tree and how it is on its way to restoration.
The program will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin.
Haywood to host school supply giveaway
Local families will have the chance to receive free backpacks and school supplies Aug. 14. The event, sponsored by First United Methodist Church, Blue Cross NC, Healthy Blue, Women of Waynesville, Pisgah Legal Services and Mountain Projects, will also offer free food from Holy Cow food truck.
It will run from 4-6 p.m.
Civil War roundtable at the Waynesville library
The Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table continues its 2024 series of programs on Monday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m. with a presentation by Jim Woodrick. The program entitled “Under a Hot Mississippi Sun, the Siege of Jackson,” will take place at the Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville. The program is free and open to the public.
The talk will highlight the travails of Jackson, Mississippi. Even after a grueling 47-day siege at Vicksburg, the U.S. Army did not rest on its laurels. Just 50 miles away in Jackson, a Confederate army still posed a threat to this hard-won victory. In the second week of July 1863, General William Tecumseh Sherman marched Union troops to Jackson. After a weeklong siege under a hot Mississippi sun, the Confederates abandoned the city, leaving the fate of Jackson in the hands of Sherman's troops. The presentation will recount the destruction that followed and then the rebirth of Mississippi's capital.
A native of Mississippi, Jim Woodrick went to Millsaps College in Jackson, graduating as a Political Science major. He would later go on to spend more than two decades at the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in the Historic Preservation Division. He has found great joy in working with educational and preservation groups like the Blue and Grey Education Society and the American Battlefield Trust and has for many years been a Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Vicksburg National Military Park.
The WNC Civil War Round Table meetings will
ures, fundraising increases, development of new academic offerings and upgrades to the college’s intercollegiate athletics program.
In addition to his career in academia, Wells has held several positions with the United Methodist Church, including associate general secretary for the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the worldwide UMC and executive secretary of the National Association of Schools and Colleges of the UMC. Throughout his career, he has pastored small Methodist churches, including serving as interim pastor of two UMC churches in the Western North Carolina Conference.
Throughout much of his career in higher education, Wells has had responsibility for leading fundraising activities.
Wells said that he is excited to join the existing team at Lake Junaluska and is looking forward to playing a role in fulfilling its mission.
“In my capacity as a fundraiser for Lake Junaluska, I want to lean into the strategic priorities already identified through careful reflection on the part of the Lake Junaluska leadership. By improving and preserving this good place, it is my hope that Lake Junaluska can continue to be an oasis of hope where donors are assured that their philanthropy is genuinely making a difference,” he said.
Games and things at Marianna Black Library
The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City will be hosting Games & Things on the third and fourth Thursdays of the month at 1 p.m. Board games, puzzles and other things like art (painting) and/or crafts. On Aug. 15 and 22, there will be BINGO. The library is a safe place to gather and enrich lives with fun and creative activities.
continue Sept. 9 with Ed Lowe speaking about General Longstreet and the Knoxville Campaign. All these meetings are free and open to the public. More information about programs and field trips with the Roundtable can be found at wnccwrt.com.
Lake Junaluska welcomes John Wells
John Wells, who served as president of Methodist Church-affiliated Emory & Henry College in Virginia, has joined Lake Junaluska as director of advancement.
“We are excited to welcome John to the Lake Junaluska community to lead our advancement opportunities. He has extensive fundraising experience, has served in leadership roles in The United Methodist Church, and has a historic connection to this special place,” said Ken Howle, executive director of Lake Junaluska.
As president of Emory & Henry College for the past five years, Wells has overseen dramatic growth in student enrollment, the addition of campus facilities, improvement of reputational meas-
The Marianna Black Library, a member of the Fontana Regional Library, is located in Downtown Bryson City at the corner of Academy and Rector. For more information or driving directions please call the library 828.488.3030.
Mental health workshop in Franklin
Managing mood disorders can be a balancing act.
Now, a course at the Macon County Library will provide information about the role medications play in maintaining equilibrium. It also teaches the importance of observing medication responses and monitoring for side effects. A review of alternative evidence-based strategies to support mood stabilization is also covered.
This is a free event at the Macon County Public Library facilitated by the Vaya Health GERO team. CEU’s are provided through NC Department of Health and Human Services.
The workshop will run from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at the library’s Living Room.
Anyone interested in attending can register by visiting the library, calling 828.524.3600 or visiting vayahealth.com/calendar.
A man stands among the tall chestnut trees. Donated photo
The Olympics: a beacon of hope in challenging times
Just when global news hit a fever pitch and there was little to hang onto in the way of goodness and humanity, the 2024 Paris Olympics began, which has offered many of us a much-needed reprieve and countless reminders of hope and triumph.
Growing up, the Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics were highlights in our household. Vivid images of my family hovered around our one TV and watching the likes of Mary Lou Retton, Greg Louganis, Shannon Miller, Nancy Kerrigan, Carl Louis and many others are etched in the fabric of my memory.
As much as I’ve always loved the Olympics, the last two have been tainted for me personally. The 2016 Rio Olympics happened during the days when my mom was in the hospital then passed away. Olympic coverage was on in the background at the hospital and at my parents’ house in the aftermath. With that being said, a part of me is triggered when I hear the sounds of the Olympics, but I am determined to work through that, especially considering watching the Olympics was something I shared with my mom.
Then the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were on during our family’s RV trip where we traveled up and down the east coast visiting different amusement parks. That adventure did not lend itself well to sitting in front of a TV. Additionally, the Tokyo “COVID Olympics” were strange in general, especially for the athletes but also for viewers. I don’t know how the athletes performed their best amidst constant COVID testing, masking, separating from one another and competing in front of silent arenas, stadiums and aquatic centers.
There seems to be something different about the 2024 Paris Olympics, an electrifying feeling in the air that’s radiating from the heart of Paris outward to anyone who has taken even a moment to watch. Every day, I look forward to whatever NBC and Peacock has to offer. Water polo, badminton, rugby, equestrian, beach volleyball, surfing, skateboarding, triathlon and of course, my favorites — swimming, gymnastics and track and field.
On several mornings, a couple of us in the family woke up well before daylight so we could watch the live coverage of our
The wisdom of the First Amendment
To the Editor:
Famous songwriter Paul Simon wrote, “… a man he hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest.” Then he begins to believe it. When we were young children our mother indoctrinated us in the teachings of what might be called “fundamental” Baptist today. Our mother meant well. And until I joined the Navy in 1962, I expressed belief and trust in those fundamental tenets.
While in the Navy I met people from all across America as well as the Asian countries we sailed to. I began to compare my ideas to those of others. Later on I decided to systematically analyze what I had held as truths. In doing this analysis I read the King James Bible extensively. Even today I place a high value on many teachings of the “good book.”
Yet, something compelled me to look at the first words of Genesis. Specifically the first five words. They are: “In the beginning God
favorite events instead of learning what happened on social media or waiting for the evening primetime coverage. One day we rushed home from a day trip so we could see a live event. It felt like the old days when we had to be in front of the TV at a certain time. In fact, we eventually broke down and purchased a one-month subscription to Peacock which has made things a little easier.
It’s not simply the athletes competing that’s been so enjoyable, it’s the emotion and the stories that are also powerful. Watching the parents’ faces as their children compete, watching the athletes’ faces as they cross the finish line, score a goal, hit that wall in the pool or stick a landing, observing the chemistry between athletes and coaches. At the heart of our species, we are all storytellers. It’s the thread that binds us to our ancestors and to the people who will come after us.
The Olympics are no different.
In the women’s gymnastics all-around competition, the gymnasts who reached the podium all battled significant mental and physical health crises to come back stronger than ever. If you’ve watched TV or been online at all, you have seen Stephen Nedoroscik aka “Pommel Horse Guy” who not only helped his team earn a bronze medal and won an individual bronze medal, but also wooed the hearts of viewers near and far with his infectious personality, Clark Kent glasses and humble reaction to his newfound stardom. I read where his home gym has received numerous phone calls with parents signing up their young sons for gymnastics after watching Stephen and the men’s U.S. team this year.
There’s the story of Team USA swimmer Katharine Berkoff winning the same medal in the same event (bronze in 100m backstroke) as her dad, David Berkoff, won 32 years ago in Barcelona. Watching the Olympic games, I find myself pulling for all athletes, not just the Americans. Who didn’t love watching Leon Marchand from France in the pool win gold
LETTERS
created …” The vagueness astounded me. “In the beginning” tells us little about time. The fourth word “God” leaves us to wonder where did He come from and how. Who made God? The fifth word “created” is a foundational principle of Creation theory. Yet, that theory cannot be proven.
One really good thing about Genesis I, though, is that it shows us the four categories of things that people deal with for their entire lives: time, God, resources (living and non-living) and people. Then, evolution theory arises and butts heads with Creation Theory. Strict evolutionists basically believe in only two categories of things: time and resources. The God who created people as “special” gets ushered off stage along with the erstwhile “special” people. People become a resource like any other creature (a buffalo, a hawk). That leaves only two things to deal with: time and resources.
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution may hinge more on this compar-
medal after gold medal and learn that he reached out to Michael Phelps’s coach several years ago asking if he would coach him? Clearly that ended up being a great partnership.
Then there’s gymnast Rebecca Andrade from Brazil, one of eight children raised by a single mom who walked two hours to her gym for training. There’s also Julien Alfred in the women’s 100m, winning the first ever Olympic medal for her small island nation of Saint Lucia. And there are the Ukranians who have battled more than anyone to even be at the games. They have been training in a worn torn country and want more than anything to prove to their country and themselves that there’s still something to believe in and hold onto. The male Ukrainian gymnasts had my heart from moment one as did the two Ukrainian women who competed in high jump and finished with gold (Yaroslava Mahuchikh) and bronze (Iryna Gerashchenko).
And there are peripheral people who make the Olympics shine, such as Rowdy Gaines, former Olympian and commentator for the swimming events. Who can’t get ignited listening to his voice crescendo each time a swimmer does a flip turn or touches the wall? I have to mention Snoop Dogg, some dubbing him the “Face of the Olympics” and others calling him the United States’ unofficial mascot. His elaborate attire, witty commentary and genuine awe and support of the athletes has made everyone smile.
I’ve loved how since July 26 there are more social media posts, memes and montages about Olympic moments than about politics. It’s been refreshing to get on Threads, X or Instagram and see beautiful moments from the Olympics as opposed to being bombarded with divisive, ignorant political banter. I know the Paris Games must come to an end and although I’m expecting a period of post-Olympics malaise, I also realize they wouldn’t be so magical if they were happening all the time.
Thank you, Paris Olympics and all the athletes, for reigniting some brightness in our wounded psyches. I’m already looking forward to Los Angeles in 2028.
(Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com.)
ison of Creation Theory and evolution theory than most people want to readily admit. It states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …” How much thought the framers gave to the futility of trying to prove either belief is largely unknown to the masses of modern Americans. However, some Constitutional scholars may have unearthed enough of the written background thinking to convince some of us of the enduring wisdom of the First Amendment.
So, what will the most recent laws in Oklahoma and Louisiana do to the great debate over creation and evolution? We will see. Still, I am reminded of another great songwriter. Donna Fargo wrote: “Now, let’s go through this one more time. You do your thing and I’ll do mine. But, honey-baby, we got to draw the line when your hangup starts a’messin’ with mine.” Pretty solid advice.
The wisdom of the First Amendment must not be forgotten or ignored.
Dave
Waldrop Webster
On the surface it seems so simple
To the Editor:
On the one hand we have a president who is guilty of being old and frail. On the other hand we have a challenger who is guilty of sexual assault, fraudulent business transactions, bogus charities, campaign finance fraud associated with concealing a tryst with a porn star, and two impeachments among other charges yet to be prosecuted. On the one hand we have a president who, legitimately holding the reins of power, selflessly chose to relinquish them in the interests of his country. On the other hand we have a challenger who illegitimately tried to grasp the reins of power when they were no longer his to hold in a selfish gesture of grandiosity. In a rational and just world, it would not be hard to determine good from evil, right from wrong, honor from disgrace. Unfortunately, we do not live in that world. Glenn Duerr Waynesville
Columnist
Susanna Shetley
Standing for democracy, fairness and better government
H ENRY NATHAN G UEST COLUMNIST
Democracy means that we voters get to decide with elections which candidates are empowered to serve in our local, state and federal governments. Those elected officials are supposed to serve us, not their own personal selfish quests for wealth and power. We want our political leaders to listen to our wishes and provide us with essential government services.
Our democracy has enabled us to enjoy and benefit from many rights and freedoms including speech, religion, education, civil rights, health care and others. We do not want them taken away. Thankfully, Democrats get that.
Republicans, now led by Donald Trump, are working very hard at pushing our government towards a Republican led autocracy (dictatorship) which will vastly decrease our services, rights and freedoms. They have already essentially established that culture within the Republican Party.
Donald Trump admires “strong” dictators and admitted he plans to be one himself if re-elected president. We do not want to copy the methods of the Russian, Chinese, and North Korean governments. We do not want to live in such a society (or world, for that matter).
Democratic candidates have worked for and will fight to preserve and protect our democracy.
Democrats wish to preserve and expand all those services, rights and freedoms that we value so much.
Democrats also believe in fairness and obeying the law.
Today’s Republicans unfortunately do not. Even the Republican-appointed majority of the U.S. Supreme Court justices have incredibly recently ruled that a president, the most powerful politician in the world, does not have to obey our laws. In their “infinite wisdom” they think that the politician who already has the most power of any American, should now have no boundaries to his or her behavior. They decided this knowing full well that Donald Trump has already broken many state and federal laws and promises to continue to break more, especially if re-elected. That is a disgrace.
Democrats respect and will continue to support and improve Medicare (for elderly and disabled), Medicaid (for those with lower incomes and for many children), the Affordable Care Act (providing subsidies towards private health care insurance premiums and requiring coverage of pre-existing medical conditions), Social Security (for elderly and disabled), public safety, public education, freedom of religion, our right to vote and more (for us all). The “Project 2025” Republican game plan clearly confesses their intent to take away many of these vital freedoms, rights and services we value.
Democrats wish to correct the historical-
ly unfair low income and investment tax rates currently paid by super wealthy persons and corporations. They believe we need a tax system with lower taxes for the majority of Americans, those who have lower and average incomes. They wish to raise tax rates only on the few who are already very wealthy and those earning more than $400,000 per year.
Republicans, on the other hand, promise to again further lower taxes on the very rich. They used to call it “trickle-down economics” which has been shown to not “trickle down” any benefit from the rich to the not rich. Their cynical plan is to further lower taxes on the super-rich in order decrease needed government revenue. This would result in an increase to the already huge federal budget deficit. That would then be their excuse to drastically cut spending for essential services and programs, mostly for the middle class and poorer Americans.
As a retired physician, I know that we should not give a few misguided (mostly old) men in Washington and Raleigh the right to tell individual (especially young women) patients what health care (even emergency treatments) they can and cannot have. These medically unqualified politicians should not have the right to determine what care and treatments our health care providers, including doctors, can and cannot offer to their patients.
Democrats, doctors, patients, families overwhelmingly want and expect that each patient and their health care provider be entitled to privately discuss and then decide on each patient’s personal medical care plan. Republican politicians (and judges) want to take over and limit those options and decisions. That would be very harmful to us all.
Western North Carolinians, like most people, do not like to be told what to do. We do not want to be ruled by a “king” or dictator. We must never let ourselves be deceived by Republican politicians and “pundits” who are not striving for more political power to better serve us for our benefit. Rather, they want total power to serve and benefit themselves and their super wealthy supporters. They hope to do this by suddenly making our county a Republican controlled autocracy. Afterwards there might not be any future free and fair elections.
Democrats strive to improve and expand the services, rights, freedoms, fairness and lives for all Americans. Democrats want to preserve our democracy, which our ancestors fought for and attained 248 years ago, keeping the power entrusted to and invested in the people. It is more important now than ever for citizens to vote, and specifically to vote for our Democratic candidates in 2024. We must never stop striving to move forward, not backwards, so to improve our country, our state, our communities, our families, and our personal lives.
(Henry Nathan is a retired physician who lives in Haywood County.)
Welcome t exquisite, g mountain r endless vie Smoky Mou Sylva, NC. T +/- 161ac T o “Twwo Pines,” an gated, and private retreat minutes w/ ews of the Great untains & downtown of operty This pr y fffers resofbeautywith +/ 161 ac stunning mo A grand foy living room room with chef’s kitch counterto p nook. The p a backlit tray amenities, w en-suite bed sq ft of livin family/gam res of beauty with ountain & city views. yer leads to a sunken m & formal dining a discreet bar. The en features granite ps & a breakfast primary suite boasts y ceiling & luxurious with four additional drooms. The 7,400+ ng space includes a e room with a bar & a four-lev access. Ou private pon 12-inch s o ensures pe caters to c three-car g space for p This retrea livingwith n is perfectly id vel elevator for easy utside, enjoy the nd with a gazebo & oundproof walls, eace. A wine room connoisseurs, & a arage offffers ample arking and storage. t combines luxury naturalbeautyasit positioned atop the iliblb
IST $9,4 0 0,000•MLS#41496 5 r ge, yet e the gated p 52 easily accessible by paved driveway.
What we’ve got
AVLfest returns to WNC
BY MARRAH STE. MARIE
SMN I NTERN
Any live music fan knows the feeling of the energy in a crowd before a show begins. And, despite its newness in only its second year of existence, that energy was in full effect at AVLfest this past weekend in Asheville.
Over 20 venues around the city hosted upwards of 350 bands throughout the four-day bash. Crowds of people buzzed with excitement while they sipped beverages and waited near The Outpost stage in the River Arts District expectantly.
All around, you could hear the conversations of friends catching up, fans discussing their favorite songs and families routing which performances they would see next that night. Behind the stage, as performers prepared for their sets, a different kind of energy was buzzing. For many performers, the ability to create and share music with an audience that can relate is a special experience.
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters is a band that began in 2007 in Asheville. As a local band, it was special to lead singer Platt to be able to have continued making music and touring long enough to perform at AVLfest.
“Performing live is my favorite part of making music,” Platt said. “It’s because of the people — the human connection. When it all comes together, you’re like, ‘Oh right this is why I’m doing it.’”
As Kentucky singer-songwriter Justin Wells performed, Platt played with her kids and sat with her bandmates. In the air, there was a mixed feeling of anticipation before performing and the relaxation that comes with listening to a live set.
Near Platt, also listening to Wells was S.G. Goodman, another rising singer-songwriter from Kentucky. Despite not being local to the area, Goodman still had an appreciation for Asheville and the concept of AVLfest.
“I think the cool thing about Asheville — being in the mountains and spreading this festival out — [is that] it gives people a chance to get a taste of the city and a taste for all the different types of music,” Goodman said.
As Wells’ set came to a close, festival volunteers and crew members scattered backstage to create the smooth transition to the Honeycutters’ upcoming set.
Wells stepped off stage with his band, smiling at a
successful performance. Being the first set of the evening, the band had the job of hooking the crowd and previewing their exciting weekend. With every song, more people arrived and the crowd continued to grow.
“[Performing live] is my favorite part of this business,” Wells said. “There are aspects of this business that suck and hurt, but I’m always rubber banded back to the joy of live performance.”
For Wells, that reminder is important. After his old band had broken up and his twin daughters were born, he considered quitting the music industry.
“I’ve had a couple brushes with, ‘maybe I shouldn’t do this,’” Wells said. “I was thinking about going to work at the factory and my wife said, ‘if you quit, you’re teaching our daughters how to quit.’ So, quitting was off the table.”
Wells became teary-eyed as he spoke of the balance of being a husband and father while touring with a band.
“I’m always leaving the things I love,” he said. “What I try to do is be as present as possible. Catch all their talent shows, I don’t work on their birthday. I do the best I can and I love them very much.”
As the Honeycutters’ set continued, the audience continued to grow. The size of the crowd had seemed to expand five times from the beginning of the night. As the band closed, everyone backstage once again set to work to prepare for the next set.
One of the backstage workers was Rachel Dudasik, one of the head organizers of AVLfest and also the community outreach for Wicked Weed Brewing, the main sponsor of the festival itself. For Dudasik, Asheville is home, the community and its music shaping her life.
“What makes me excited is giving back to this area that raised me,” Dudasik said. “I grew up around music, listening to it, attempting to play it. So, it’s great to be a part of it on this side.”
Dudasik’s previous experience with music festivals gave her the skillset to set her up for success. But, without the venues’ willingness to participate and a “spectacular volunteer force,” AVLfest would’ve remained just a dream.
Dudasik talked about the formation of the festival from an idea amongst a small group of people to its second year, she looked around the venue. The crowd was continuing to swell around the stage, lines were forming at the merchandise table and the audience just began cheering for the next performer. She spoke with pride.
“I hope to grow old with this festival,” she said.
Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters.
Justin Wells (second from left).
S.G. Goodman. Marrah Ste. Marie photos
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
‘Through countless deserts, dreams and jests, lady on the water, rest
Hello from Room 813 of the Cambria hotel in downtown Asheville. It’s Sunday night, nearing 10 p.m. Warm air outside on the patio overlooking the skyline of a city I’ve orbited for the last 12 years, a place near and dear to my heart and soul, thoughts and visions.
my head upon your chest’
Headlights and taillights of what’s left of the Sunday night into early Monday morning cars passing by along Patton Avenue, way down below the hotel patio. Silhouettes of the Blue Ridge Mountains cradling the city. Silent storefronts across the way in the Grove Arcade. Anonymous figures wandering by on Page Avenue or in the distance along Asheland Avenue.
More words to type out tomorrow, most likely at Orchard Coffee in downtown Waynesville, way over that ridge to the west, just past the mountainous silhouettes guarding our backyards and our ways and means. Fingers rolling along, up and over the keyboard. The deadlines remain, as they always do. But, so do I, thankfully.
The large eighth floor patio area is quiet, at least at this moment. Day four of AVLfest winds down, with the hotel guests in our suite still roaming around within vicinity of Haywood and College streets, onward to Biltmore Avenue. Monday morning comes early. But, for now, onward into the mischief and mayhem of the city at night.
The One Stop. Asheville Music Hall. Late night greasy burgers at The Vault. The Orange Peel. Shanghai Dumpling House. Pizza at Contrada. Hemingway’s Cuban restaurant for Saturday brunch. Citizen Vinyl. And four morning jaunts in a row to Summit Coffee in the Grove Arcade for a vanilla cappuccino to set the rest of the day and its unknown adventures into motion.
AVLfest: 350 bands, 25 stages, 22 music venues, four days. Organized chaos, all wrapped within “where to from here?” to catch the next band, whether known or by happenstance, who may just become part of the soundtrack of your life on an otherwise quiet Friday afternoon in the midst your existence unfolding — moment-by-moment, song-by-song, interaction-by-interaction.
Countless conversations. Numerous interviews with artists and bands about their craft while once again on assignment. The depths of the written word being navigated carefully in the presence of the sacred, ancient art that is live performance. Love at first guitar lick. Beauty discovered within lyrical aptitude of timelessness and vigor. The simple notion that music is, truly, the universal language.
I sit on the couch. “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” is on the hotel TV. The light of the glowing box illuminating the dark suite. Memories of watching the film in my childhood farmhouse up on the Canadian Border. My young mind eager and excited over the imagination of battling the bad guys in the name of all that is good and just in the firmness of earth and the greater ether surrounding.
Those days seem so damn long ago. More so fuzzy memories of some long, lost chapter of my ongoing journey to somewhere, anywhere. It almost feels like a dream, like it didn’t even happen. The farmhouse was sold almost 20 years ago. And I’ve called Western North Carolina home since 2012. The clock keeps ticking. The world keeps spinning. People come. People go. What remains is the love shared, hopefully. How do you even com-
prehend it all, eh?
The swirling of life. The remembrance of those six feet below or thousands of miles away. Daily chores and obligations. Wake up and get going, go to bed and do it all over again. The unrolling of your life each morning. The culmination and reflection of whatever transpires within those 24 hours on the wall calendar in your kitchen or tacked up on the walls of your subconscious.
This may seem like a ramble. But, in essence, it’s what we all have whirling and twirling within each of your own minds, within each of our own paths and eventual outcomes to the other side, wherever that may be and whatever timeframe that may fall into. Come hell or high water, we continue to stay on the ride. But, as the late comedian Bill Hicks once said, don’t forget: “it’s just a ride.”
My girlfriend, Sarah, is holding court on the other side of the hotel couch. During Star Wars commercial breaks, she speaks of her late mother and how she misses her, wishing she could simply call her up in the midnight hour and ask advice as how to proceed properly into the next chapter of her life.
The world is a heavy place. And has been so since the dawn of humanity. Our emotions run wild and free. Lightness to darkness and back again. The pendulum of the human condition in a perpetual state. Too close to the edge of insanity, only to slowly, carefully creep backwards into reality, or some semblance of balance with what baggage lies in the rearview mirror, what hopes and dreams are out there just beyond the horizon of the windshield.
And just as things start to feel heavy, perhaps more than the normal ebb and flow of being a single kind soul in an overwhelming world of possibilities and pitfalls, a professional cornhole tournament appears on the glowing box on the wall of the hotel suite. Two teams battling it out with bean bags and wooden platforms usually found at local breweries and family reunions.
The absurdity of late night TV, especially for someone like myself that hasn’t had cable in over a decade. And of professional cornhole leagues televised on the CBS Sports Network. No judgment. I love partaking in the game itself. If anything, the bean bags and high-fives between competitors eases my restless thoughts, a slight grin of appreciation for the spectacle with each well-executed toss.
And yet, it is what it is, right? The ongoing undulation of society, whether it be Star Wars reruns, highly-competitive cornhole leagues or some dude like myself overlooking a city where most are already cozy in their beds awaiting tomorrow. Onward, with head held high.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
HOT PICKS
1
The sixth annual Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival will return Aug. 10-11 to the Shelton House in Waynesville.
2
“An Appalachian Evening” series will continue with a performance by Seth Mulder & Midnight Run at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, in Lynn L. Shields Auditorium at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
3
“Concerts on the Creek” music series will present Americana/ bluegrass act The Robertson Boys at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.
4
“Mountain Street Dance” will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, in front of the historic courthouse in downtown Waynesville.
5
The ArtFest community event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
Early Saturday morning guitar pickin’. Garret K. Woodward photo
s
e andmorre ks,d truc f music, f hianlacpa p e A veiv artisans, liv
e. and mor
Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend
The sixth annual Blue Ridge Heritage Weekend Arts & Crafts Festival will return Aug. 1011 to the Shelton House in Waynesville.
A fundraising event for the preservation of the historic 147-year-old farmstead, also known as “The Museum of NC Handicrafts,” there will be artisans and demonstrations onsite, as well as food trucks/vendors and live Appalachian music on the front porch.
The Shelton House has a 44-year history as “The Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts,” featuring talented artists and artisans from across North Carolina. It is also listed as a stop on the “Blue Ridge Craft Trail” and on the “Appalachian Mural Trail.”
Free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated. All donations go to the preservation of the historic site. Sponsors for the event are also welcome. Bring your lawn chairs.
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11. For more information, go to sheltonhouse.org or call 828.452.1551.
ALSO:
• Grumpy Bear Campground & RV Park (Bryson City) will host a “Native American Show” 6 p.m. on Saturdays. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. 828.788.2095 or grumpybearcampground.com.
Dancing in the streets
The “Mountain Street Dance” will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, in front of the historic courthouse in downtown Waynesville. Live mountain music (Haywood Ramblers) and clogging (Southern Appalachian Cloggers). Caller will be Joe Sam Queen. Participation encouraged. Free to attend. For more information, go to downtownwaynesville.com/events.
‘Conversations with Storytellers Series’
As part of the “Pigeon Community Conversations with Storytellers Series,” Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle will speak at 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, located at 450 Pigeon St. in Waynesville.
An enrolled citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and winner of the 2021 Thomas Wolfe Memorial Literary Award, Clapsaddle is well-known across the region and the nation for her debut novel, “Even as we Breathe,” which was named one of NPR’s best books of 2020.
Tickets are $10 for community members, $7 for seniors 65 and older and $5 for students. Children ages 12 and under are free. Purchase tickets in advance at pcmdc.org or at the door. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
Sponsored by Friends of the Haywood County Public Library, The Smoky Mountain News and Janet & Bob Clark.
Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle will speak in Waynesville Aug. 8. File photo
The Shelton House is a historic 1875 site in Waynesville. File photo
Seth Mulder & Midnight Run will play Robbinsville Aug. 10. File photo
‘An Appalachian Evening’
The “An Appalachian Evening” series will continue with a performance by Seth Mulder & Midnight Run at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, in Lynn L. Shields Auditorium at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
Hailing from the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run present a high-energy show filled with nostalgic entertainment, tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, all built around a curated set list of original material and lost covers.
Ready for ‘Summer Fun’?
The Haywood Community Band (HCB) will host its “Summer Fun” concert at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Calvary Road Baptist Church in Maggie Valley. Other show dates at the Calvary Road Baptist Church include the “Scares & Legends” 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15.
There will also be HCB performances at 4 p.m. Aug. 25 at Stuart Auditorium in Lake Junaluska (“All Summer Long”) and 4 p.m. Oct. 20 at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville (“Frightacular”).
All shows are free and open to the public. For more information, please visit haywoodcommunityband.com.
• Bevel Bar (Waynesville) will host We Three Swing at 8 p.m. every first Saturday of the month and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.246.0996 / bevelbar.com.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host 8Trk Cadillac Aug. 17. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.246.9320 / blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Arnold Hill (rock/jam) Aug. 10 and Human Nip (rock) Aug. 17. All shows are located in
Their latest album, “In Dreams I Go Back,” features “My, My, My” (SPBGMA 2023 “Song of the Year”) and other chart-topping songs such as “One More Night” and “Carolina Line.”
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students grade K-12. Dinner will also be available for purchase in the Schoolhouse Cafe starting at 6 p.m.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.479.3364 or go to stecoahvalleycenter.com.
Bryson City community jam
A community jam will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.
Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer or anything unplugged is invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of the Sawmill Creek Porch Band.
The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — spring, summer, fall.
This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.
For more information, call 828.488.3030.
‘Concerts on the Creek’
Haywood Community Band will play Maggie Valley Aug. 18. File photo
The Gem downstairs taproom and begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.246.0350 / boojumbrewing.com.
• Breadheads Tiki Shak (Sylva) will host “Tiki Trivia” at 7 p.m. every first Thursday of the month, Vaden Landers & The Doe River Playboys (honky-tonk/country) 10 p.m. Aug. 9 ($10 cover) and Motel Pearl (altcountry/rock) 10 p.m. Aug. 10 ($10 cover). 828.307.2160 / breadheadstikishak.com.
• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host
The Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce are proud to present the 15th season of the annual “Concerts on the Creek” music series.
Americana/bluegrass act The Robertson Boys will hit the stage at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.
“Concerts on the Creek” are held every Friday night from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Everyone is encouraged to bring a chair or blanket. These events are free, but donations are encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents are allowed. There will be food trucks on site for this event.
For more information, call the chamber at 828.586.2155, visit mountainlovers.com/concertson-the-creek or go to the “Concerts on the Creek” Facebook page.
Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) 4 p.m. Aug. 17. For tickets and reservations, go to cataloocheeranch.com/ ranchevents/live-music.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host “Open Mic Night” 6 p.m. Aug. 9 (free) and Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes (Americana) 6 p.m. Aug. 17. 828.369.4080 / coweeschool.org/music.
• Farm At Old Edwards (Highlands) will host the “Orchard Sessions” w/Matt Rogers
(singer-songwriter) Aug. 15. All shows begin at 6 p.m. 866.526.8008 / oldedwardshospitality.com/orchardsessions.
• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will host ABC Combo Aug. 9 and Steady Hand String Band Aug. 16 at Town Square on Main Street. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host
facebook.com/thewinebarandcellar.
Arnold Hill rolls into Boojum
Regional rock/jam group Arnold Hill will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at The Gem downstairs taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville.
Formed in 2011, the Jackson County band is named after a road in Sylva where the musicians lived and practiced. In method, Arnold Hill adheres to the playful nature and creative possibilities that reside in the rock quartet.
For more information on the group, go to arnoldhillband.com.
Tuesdays Jazz Series w/We Three Swing at 5:30 p.m. each week and semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 / froglevelbrewing.com.
• Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host Martin & Kelly Aug. 16. Shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. Donations encouraged. villagegreencashiersnc.com/concerts.
• Happ’s Place (Glenville) will host Jake Matthews (singer-songwriter) Aug. 8, The Remnants Aug. 9, Doug Ramsey (singer-songwriter/karaoke) Aug. 12, Blue Jazz (blues/jazz) Aug. 16 and Dillon & Company Aug. 17. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.742.5700 / happsplace.com.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (Cherokee) will host Christoper Cross (singer-songwriter) 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10. caesars.com/harrahs-cherokee.
• Highlander Mountain House (Highlands) will host “Blues & Brews” on Thursday evenings, “Sunday Bluegrass Residency” from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.2590 / highlandermountainhouse.com.
• Highlands Performing Arts Center will host Chi-Town (Chicago tribute/classic rock) 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15. 828.526.9047 / highlandsperformingarts.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Karaoke w/Spoon Aug. 9, The V8s (classic rock) Aug. 10, Bryan & Al (yacht rock/acoustic) Aug. 16 and Shane Meade & The Sound (rock/soul) Aug. 17. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 / lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host “Music Bingo” 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Old Souls Duo (country/folk) Aug. 9 and The Remnants (rock) Aug. 16. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 /
The show is free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.
lazyhikerbrewing.com.
ALSO:
• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host Eddie Clayton (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Aug. 9-10 and Whitney Monge (singer-songwriter) 5 p.m. Aug. 16. Free and open to the public. 828.785.5082 / noc.com.
• Otto Community Center (Otto) will host James Thompson (Americana) 6 p.m. Aug. 16. Bring a beverage and snack of your choice. Free and open to the public. 770.335.0967 / go2ottonc.com.
• Peacock Performing Arts Center (Hayesville) will host “Songwriters Showcase #49” Aug. 10 ($29.50 adults, $26.50 seniors/students/ military, $7.50 ages 8 and under) and “Peace Of Woodstock” (classic rock) 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17 ($46.50 adults, $41.50 seniors/students/military, $12.50 ages 8 and under). All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.389.ARTS / thepeacocknc.org.
• Pickin’ In The Park (Canton) will host Rick Morris (band) & Appalachian Mountaineers (dancers) Aug. 9 and Hill Country (band) & J Creek Cloggers (dancers) Aug. 16. Shows are 6-9 p.m. at the Canton Rec Park located at 77 Penland Street. Free and open to the public. cantonnc.com/pickin-in-the-park.
• Pickin’ On The Square (Franklin) will host American Blues Club (blues/folk) Aug. 10. All shows begin at 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown. Free and open to the public. franklinnc.com/pickin-on-the-square.html.
• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Karaoke 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Trivia Night 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.369.6796 / facebook.com/rathskellercoffeebarandpub.
• Santé Wine Bar (Sylva) will host Lilah Price (singer-songwriter) Aug. 11. All shows begin at 5 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.631.3075 /
• Saturdays On Pine (Highlands) will host Will Thompson Band Aug. 10 at Kelsey-Hutchinson Park on Pine Street. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. highlandschamber.org.
• Scotsman (Waynesville) will host Paul Edelman (singer-songwriter) Aug. 8 and Patchwork (rock/roots) Aug. 9, Bobby G (rock/folk) Aug. 15, Muddy Guthrie Aug. 16 and Celtic Road Jam 4 p.m. Aug. 17. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.6292 / scotsmanpublic.com.
• Slanted Window Tasting Station (Franklin) will host The Water Kickers (Americana) Aug. 9, Trailer Hippies Aug. 11 and Blue Jazz (blues/jazz) Aug. 17. All shows begin at 5 p.m. 828.276.9463 / slantedwindow.com.
• Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Creedence Revived (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute) 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 ($24 and up). 866.273.4615 / smokymountainarts.com.
• Stecoah Valley Center (Robbinsville) will host a Community Jam 5:30-7:30 p.m. every third Thursday of the month, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 10 ($20 adults, $10 students) and The Kruger Brothers (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 17 ($30 adults, $10 students). All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.479.3364 / stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Karaoke w/Lori Aug. 8 (free), Outlaw Whiskey (classic rock/country gold) Aug. 9, Ali Randolph Aug. 10, Blue (Americana) Aug. 15 (free), Dirty South Aug. 16 (free) and Topper Aug. 17. All shows are $5 at the door unless otherwise noted and begin at 8 p.m. 828.538.2488 / unpluggedpub.com.
• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Seth & Sara (Americana) Aug. 10. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.743.6000 / whitesidebrewing.com.
• Find more at smokymountainnews.com/arts
On the table
Alexa Rose to play Franklin
Rising singer-songwriter Alexa Rose will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9, at Yonder Community Market in Franklin. Rose was born in the Alleghany Highlands of western Virginia, raised in the tiny railroad town of Clifton Forge. Though no one in her immediate family played or sang, she’s inherited a deep musical legacy with intricate songwriting and a captivating stage presence in the Americana realm of modern music with a timeless feel.
Admission is a $20 suggested donation). Family friendly, dog friendly. For more information, 828.200.2169 or eatrealfoodinc.com.
• “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, go to waynesvillewine.com.
• “Take A Flight” with four new wines every Friday and Saturdays at the Bryson City Wine Market. Select from a gourmet selection of charcuterie to enjoy with your wines. Educational classes and other events are also available. For more information, call 828.538.0420.
• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. There will also be a special “Beer Train” on select dates. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or go to gsmr.com.
Alexa Rose comes to Yonder Aug. 9. File photo
Arnold Hill. Garret K. Woodward photo
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host “ArtWorks” at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month, with the next workshop being Aug. 8. Come create your own masterpiece. The materials for art works are supplied and participants are welcome to bring ideas and supplies to share with each other. Free and open to the public. To register, please call the library at 828.488.3030 or email vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host a “Summer Artisan Market” from noon to 5 p.m. the second Saturday of the month (May-September). Free and open to the public. noc.com.
On the wall ALSO:
• “Art & Artisan Walk” will be held from 5-8 p.m. every third Thursday of the month (May-December) in Bryson City. Stroll the streets in the evening and discover handcrafted items, artwork, jewelry, pottery, antiques and more. Look for the yellow and blue balloons identifying participating businesses hosting artists. greatsmokies.com.
• “Art After Dark” will be held from 6-9 p.m. each first Friday of the month (MayDecember) in downtown Waynesville. Main Street transforms into an evening of art, live music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors alike. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, go to downtownwaynesville.com.
• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host an adult arts and crafts program at 1 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. Ages 16 and up. Space is limited to 10 participants. Free and open to the public. To register, call 828.488.3030 or email vroberson@fontanalib.org.
• CRE828 (Waynesville) will offer a selection of art classes and workshops at its studio located at 1283 Asheville Rd. Workshops will include art journaling, watercoloring, mixed media, acrylic painting and more. For a full list of classes, go to cre828.com. For more
information on CRE828, email dawn@cre828.com or call 828.283.0523.
• Gallery Zella (Bryson City) will be hosting an array of artist receptions, exhibits and showcases. The gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, go to galleryzella.com or call 517.881.0959.
• Waynesville Photography Club meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday each month on the second floor of the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. The club is a nonprofit organization that exists for the enjoyment of photography and the improvement of one’s skills. They welcome photographers of all skill levels to share ideas and images at the monthly meetings. For more information, email waynesvillephotoclub@charter.net or follow them on Facebook: Waynesville Photography Club.
• Haywood County Arts Council (Waynesville) will offer a wide-range of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. The HCAC gallery is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information and a full schedule, go to haywoodarts.org.
• Jackson County Green Energy Park (Dillsboro) will be offering a slew of classes, events and activities for artisans, locals and visitors. For more information and a full schedule, go to jcgep.org.
• Southwestern Community College Swain Arts Center (Bryson City) will host an array of workshops for adults and kids. For more information on the upcoming classes and/or to sign-up, go to southwesterncc.edu/scc-locations/swain-center.
• Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro will offer a selection of upcoming art classes and workshops. For more information and a full schedule of activities, go to dogwoodcrafters.com/classes or call 828.586.2248.
• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host semi-regular arts and crafts workshops. For more information, go to coweeschool.org/events.
Macon Library art display, fundraiser
There will be a special showcase of the Grace Johnson art collection and a fundraiser reception for the Friends of the Library from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
Johnson spent much of her retirement years volunteering with the Friends of the Library. Her family is exhibiting some of the art she collected throughout her career, which took her to Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Grenada and Iran, as well as numerous stateside locations. The art will be on display throughout the month of August and available for bidding to raise funds for the Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be served at the fundraiser reception. For more information, 828.524.3600 or fontanalib.org.
Franklin community art gathering
ArtFest will be in Franklin Aug. 10. Donated photo
The ArtFest community event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.
There will be art activities for kids and adults. Talented Macon County Art Association artists will host a variety of engaging art activities for K-8th graders, including special art activities for kids featuring exciting make-andtake projects.
Plus, don’t miss the chance to support Macon County Visual Arts programs by purchasing Art Minis, with proceeds going directly to this worthy cause.
Art Minis will be on hand for purchase to support raising funds for Macon County Schools Visual Arts programs.
For more information, visit the Uptown Gallery located at 30 East Main St. in Franklin, call 828.349.4607 or email franklinuptowngallery@gmail.com.
Experience ‘Textures’ at Haywood Arts
The Haywood County Arts Council’s (HCAC) latest exhibit, “Textures,” will run through Sept. 1 at the HCAC gallery on Main Street in downtown Waynesville.
Showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic mediums including ceramics, woodwork, felt, mosaic, fabric, macrame, collage and more, this diversified exhibition promises to have something for every art enthusiast.
For more information, go to haywoodarts.org.
On the stage
‘Inherit the Wind’ will play on select dates in August at HART. Donated photo
HART to present ‘Inherit the Wind’
A special production of “Inherit the Wind” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9-10, 1617, 22-24 and 2 p.m. Aug. 11, 18 and 25 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
“Inherit the Wind” is a gripping courtroom drama that delves into the historic 1925 Scopes trial with a battle of wits, exploring the clash between tradition and progress in a small-town that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Tickets start at $18 and up, with group discounts available. To purchase tickets, call the HART Box Office at 828.456.6322 or go to harttheatre.org. HART Box Office hours are Tuesday-Friday from noon to 5 p.m. HART is located at 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville.
Grace Johnson art collection. Donated photo
Jokes, laughter, happiness and good health
As part of my gifts for Father’s Day this year, my daughter bought me a book. She apologized before handing it to me, saying “It’s really terrible and silly, and I almost didn’t give it to you.”
“Exceptionally Bad Grandad Jokes: Somewhat Similar to Dad Jokes, But a Tad Worse” (Little Book Wallah, 2023, 118 pages) made me burst out laughing as soon as I saw the title.
“Well,” I told her, “you were warned.”
And the book does live up to its self-proclaimed reputation. Many of the jokes two per page in exceptionally large print, presumably because Grandpa’s eyesight has gone down the tubes, would bring groans from a stone. Here’s a small sample:
Why are the tallest people the laziest? Because they are always longer in bed than others.
What did the buffalo’s dad say to him when he finally left for college? Bison.
Why did Grandad put wheels on his rocking chair?
He wanted to rock and roll!
Collected by Spiffy McChappy, as silly a pseudonym as you’re likely to find, the jokes are mildly amusing, but I find such humor even more fun when employed as an instrument of affectionate torture aimed at adolescents. Unleash one of these pebbles from a slingshot, and Grandpa is instantly rewarded with eye-rolling and agonized moans. Collections of jokes are nothing new. The oldest surviving joke book, “Philogelos,” or “Laughter-Lover,” comes from the fifth century A.D. One example from that text provides a joke I’ve actually heard older comedians modernize and then use: “Asked by his court barber how he would like his hair cut, the king replied, “In silence.” The first printed joke book, compiled by Poggio Bracciolini, appeared in 1470, and became known as “the most famous joke book of the Renaissance.” Like much humor of the period, the humor here is often scatological or obscene. Jests and jokes also take center stage in works by writers like Chaucer and Shakespeare.
Other than vaudeville comedians, one of the better-known venues for jokes a century ago was Wilford Hamilton Fawcett’s magazine “Captain Billy’s Whiz Bang,” which was mentioned in the musical, “The Music Man.” Here the jokes touched on the times, including the newly initiated policy of Prohibition: “It used to be wine, women, and song, but now it is near-beer, your own wife
and community singing.” Not exactly a ribtickler, but such fare delighted some in its day while offending the more-sober minded.
Though most people will laugh at a comedian in a clip on YouTube or on some television special, some of my family members and friends never tell jokes, whereas others enjoy both telling and hearing them. Among my personal favorites are jests and
were up to, so I pulled over, jumped out, grabbed the tire iron from the bed of my truck, ran over to those guys, and said, ‘If any one of you touches a hair of that girl’s head, you’re gonna have to deal with me.”
St. Peter’s eyes lit up. “Fred,” he said, “that was mighty impressive. Let me add it to your list. When exactly did this happen?”
“Oh, about ten minutes ago.”
funny stories having to do with religion or heaven. “It is the test of a good religion whether you can joke about it,” wrote G.K. Chesterton, and I couldn’t agree more. Taken long ago from a source I’ve long forgotten, here’s one such jest from my own bag of whiz bangs:
Fred Watkins dies, approaches the Pearly Gates and finds St. Peter seated at a desk with his Golden Book of Names before him. He finds Fred’s name in the book, looks at him, and says, “I’m afraid you don’t have many good deeds in your favor, Mr. Watkins. Can you think of anything else I might add to my list?”
Fred thinks a moment, then his face brightens. “Once I was driving along in my pickup when I saw this motorcycle gang surrounding a young woman on the side of the highway. I could tell right away what they
I also get a charge out of wit and humor delivered by historic figures. Here’s one such tale from our own Blue Ridge backyard, recounted by Loyal Jones and Billy Edd Wheeler in their book, “Laughter in Appalachia: A Festival of Southern Mountain Humor.” I’ve misplaced that volume, but I can paraphrase this brief story.
Zebulon Vance of Weaverville, once governor and then U.S. senator from North Carolina, was known for his common sense and earthy humor. One day a woman, fired up by some political cause, spoke heatedly to Vance about her opposition to his stance on this issue and promised to fight him to the bitter end in whatever way possible. “In short, Governor,” she said, “I intend to give you tit for tat.”
“Tat,” the governor replied. Laughter, goes the old adage, is the best medicine, and most of us, I suspect, could use a good dose of that tonic. From “The Oxford Book of Humorous Quotations” to “Knock Knock Jokes and Silly Stories for Kids,” everyone from age three to 100 can find this prescription for a healthy heart and mind in your local library or bookshop. Enjoy.
(Jeff Minick reviews books and has written four of his own: two novels, “Amanda Bell” and “Dust On Their Wings,” and two works of nonfiction, “Learning As I Go” and “Movies Make the Man.” minick0301@gmail.com.)
Pigeon Community Multic oceeds g 0 at the door with pr 1 ra e WreensWeeB A k with her boo $ le ultural oing to ate h th .
Writer Jeff Minick
Pisgah View State Park comes into focus
BY C ORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF W RITER
Buncombe County’s first state park, near the eastern gateway to Haywood County, remains on track for a 2025 opening after the final in-person public input session for master planning concluded at Upper Hominy Fire and Rescue Department on Aug. 1.
“I think all our parks are related back to the mission of the division, which is conservation, recreation and education,” said Brian L. Strong, director of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation. “This is a new area for us. We’re adjacent to a growing population with Asheville and what we want to do is provide opportunities not only to conserve these properties, but to give people an opportunity to recreate, give them an opportunity to learn more about all the aspects of this mountain region.”
Long before Gov. Roy Cooper signed legislation authorizing the $18.2 million purchase of the land in 2019, the 1,600 acres that now constitute Pisgah View State Park had been owned by the Cogburn and Davis families since 1790. In 1941, it was opened to the public as the Pisgah View Ranch campground with cabins, horse stables, lodges and a swimming pool, all within sight of towering Mount Pisgah to the south.
But before that, the land was for millenia home to Native Americans and boasts connections to five federally recognized tribal entities, including the Eastern and the United Keetoowah bands of Cherokee Indians as well as the Cherokee, Muscogee (Creek) and Catawba Indian nations.
The land for the park, acquired between 2019 and 2021, consists of three discrete sections that connect it to more than 100,000 acres of protected lands including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest.
The massive central bloc is located primarily in far southwestern Buncombe County and is accessible from Pisgah View
Ranch Road, but it does dip into Haywood County in two remote spots. As the crow flies, this main section is only about a mile to the east of the Springdale Resort near Cruso.
To the southeast, a smaller satellite section of the park called the South Frontcountry is accessible by South Brooks Cove Road.
“There was a great deal of concern, so for many people, there was a huge sense of relief that the land was going to be preserved and conserved and that it would be done in a sustainable manner.“
— Karen Jackson President, Friends of Pisgah View State Park
To the northwest, another small satellite section of the park spills across the Haywood County line and offers a tantalizing possibility — it’s less than five miles from the lauded 450-acre mountain biking park owned by the Town of Canton, Chestnut Mountain. Connecting the two would be a heavy lift, but it would be welcomed.
“The idea of connecting the two parks has always been discussed and is something we’ll continue to explore, however based on our budget and the needs of our community it’s not on the front burner,” said Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers. “As the state continues to realize the benefits of growing the outdoor economy it would benefit us to continue to explore
this exciting possibility.”
There are also plenty of other plans in the works for Pisgah View proper, including a long-rage focus on accessibility and sustainability.
“I always tell people, these are long processes,” Strong said. “Don’t expect this to happen overnight. You know, Gorges State Park, which was [established] in 1999, they’re probably to the point where they’ve got all their infrastructure in place — picnic and equestrian use, camping, a visitor’s center. It took them 25 years to get to that point.”
With the culmination of the public input process, which took more than a year, a master plan spearheaded by Asheville-based Equinox Environmental will identify recreational, educational and conservation opportunities.
“It’s going to take a little bit to compile the comments, to finalize the drawings and then there’ll be a final plan that not only talks about what goes where but will also come up with some initial cost estimates and then looking at prioritization,” said Strong. “Mount Mitchell State Park is over 110 years old, and these parks are going be here forever. We want to know this is what people want.”
Judging from the comments from public input sessions and the reactions of people in the area, this park is exactly what they want.
“Initially, there was actually concern for many of us born and raised here or living here for many, many years that it would become a [housing or commercial] development,” said Karen Jackson, who lives nearby the park. “There was a great deal of concern, so for many people, there was a huge sense of relief that the land was going to be preserved and conserved and that it would be done in a sustainable manner. Most of the neighbors that I’ve talked to, and people I know, are extremely excited about having this so close.”
Jackson is the president of Friends of Pisgah F
File photo
View State Park, a nonprofit organization that’s been up and running for several years now with the mission of identifying, protecting and preserving the unique natural resources of the park, sharing the cultural and historic legacy of the land and promoting educational and recreational opportunities while also supporting accessibility and inclusivity.
The existence of a “friends of” nonprofit is always a good sign. These nonprofits can fundraise in ways the parks can’t. Friends of the Smokies, for example, has raised more than $75 million to support the Great Smoky Mountains National Park since 1993 — in the face of decades of inattentiveness from Congress.
lished before its beneficiary park had even opened, and they’re already planning ways to contribute to the park’s mission, especially as it relates to the indigenous components of its history. She said plans are in the works for a storyteller’s series, hopefully featuring Cherokee orators.
“In their own words, from their own mouths, we want them to give the heritage and the culture,” said Jackson. “Education is going to be a really big thing. We want to educate, especially in the school systems, and be able to give every child the opportunity to get out to the park.”
And in a time when the oft-overwhelming connections of the digital world allow the ceaseless doom-and-gloom of the news
These groups can also recruit, train and coordinate volunteers to assist with projects like trail maintenance. Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, founded in 1988, boasts thousands of members in multiple states and hundreds of volunteers spread across 11 chapters.
Friends of Pisgah View is the first such group, Jackson said, that became estab-
cycle to grow more invasive each day, Pisgah View has the opportunity to provide some good news, according to Strong.
“The more opportunity that people have to interact, to get outdoors for their physical health, for their spiritual health, for their mental health, all those components,” he said, “more opportunity to connect with the outdoors is exciting to me.”
“The more opportunity that people have to interact, to get outdoors for their physical health, for their spiritual health, for their mental health, all those components, more opportunity to connect with the outdoors is exciting to me.”
— Brian L. Strong Director, NC Division of Parks and Recreation
You can help
Years in the making, North Carolina’s newest state park is finally coming into focus after gathering substantial public input that will inform a forthcoming master plan. But there’s always going to be small odds and ends that lack funding and plenty of volunteer work needed to make Pisgah View State Park all that stakeholders envision before its projected opening in 2025. You can stay informed about the project, donate or volunteer by teaming up with a local nonprofit, Friends of Pisgah View. Become a member (free) today to ensure your contributions will help shape the future of the park for the decades to come. Visit friendsofpisgahviewsp.org to learn more.
The newest state park in the state is projected to open in 2025. North Carolina State Parks photo
Join Franklin Bird club for Macon County walks
The Franklin Bird Club leads walks along the Greenway on Wednesday mornings at 8 a.m. through September. Walks start at alternating locations: Macon County Public Library, Big Bear Park and Salali Lane.
The public is welcome. All walks are weather dependent. Additional information, including directions to each location and a bird club check list can be found at littletennessee.org/franklinbird-club.
Schedule for upcoming walks:
• Aug. 14, meet at Salali Lane
• Aug. 21, meet at Macon County Library
• Aug. 28, meet at Big Bear near the playground
• Sept. 4, meet at Salali Lane
Interested in forest valuation?
Alexandra Lewis, a USDA Forester in the Nantahala Ranger District will offer a presentation to shed light on valuation of forests. The presentation will touch on how a forest is valued relative to quality of life and flora sustainability.
VISIT US IN DOWNTOWN WAYNESVILLE!
Lewis will teach ways to determine board feet in a tree and other uses of the tree like carbon dioxide, water usage, canopy and habitat. She engages all ages and interests through show and tell. She will also show ways to protect our forests as essential to life of all kinds.
The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Macon County Library. All are invited. No membership is required to attend.
Learn about Hellbenders with Highlands Biological Foundation
The Highlands Biological Foundation is hosting its final Zahner Conservation Lecture of the season. Lori Williams, a Wildlife Diversity Biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), will present “All About Hellbenders!”
Williams will introduce the audience to one of the most unique Appalachian treasures, the Eastern Hellbender. Her talk will cover the life history, ecology and habitat of these fascinating creatures, as well as the threats they face and the conservation efforts underway in North Carolina to protect them. Attendees will be treated to captivating underwater video clips of hellbenders in their natural habitat and will get to meet Rocky, NCWRC’s resident species ambassador — a live hellbender.
The event will begin at 6 p.m. Aug. 15.
Youth soccer camp comes to Jackson County
Jackson County Parks and Recreation is hosting a youth soccer camp. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 8-14. Camp will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. Aug. 19, 21 and 23.
Registration deadline is noon on Aug. 19. Cost is $60 per participant.
Register at rec.jacksonnc.org.
Through our initial consultation, we assess your current state of health and identify imbalances. Following this intake, our Ayurvedic specialist will guide and educate you on how you can achieve balance through routine, diet, exercise, breath work, and herbal supplements. For more information please visit our website.
Haywood County Recreation hosts fly fishing expeditions
Join Haywood County Recreation for a series of fly fishing expeditions, during which anglers of all skill levels can learn skills from local guides.
Adult expeditions will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 and 27 and 8-10 a.m. Aug. 24 and 31. Kids/family expeditions will be available Thursdays from 3:30-5 p.m.
Hellbenders are an Appalachian treasure. Lori Williams photo
File photo
File photo
Smokies Life CEO recognized with lifetime achievement award
Laurel Rematore, CEO of Smokies Life, will be recognized with the Excellence in Cooperating Association Partnership Award at the National Park Service’s Excellence in Service Awards to be held Aug. 21 in Washington, D.C. This lifetime achievement award recognizes an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions throughout their career to strengthen partnerships between the National Park Service and cooperating associations.
Rematore has served the cooperating association community across two decades in numerous leadership roles. Following a corporate career in the aerospace industry, she followed her passion for public lands, transitioning to a position with the Yosemite Association as membership and development director (2001–2008). She then became the executive director of the Mesa Verde Museum Association (2008–2015) before taking the helm of Smokies Life, a nonprofit partner to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in 2016.
During her eight-year tenure, Rematore has guided Smokies Life through both historic challenges and a number of notable achievements: providing financial and in-kind support of basic park visitor services during government shutdowns and the COVID-19 pandemic; creating an employee–retiree relief fund in the aftermath of the 2016 Gatlinburg-area fires; supporting Superintendent Cassius Cash’s 2021 Smokies Hikes for Healing initiative; forming a diverse, compensated publications advisory committee; supporting the 2023 launch of the Park It Forward parking tag program; rebranding the organization and its membership program in 2024; and increasing the organization’s annual financial support of Great Smoky Mountains National Park to $1.75 million in 2024, bringing the total amount contributed to the park since the organization’s founding from $35 million in 2015 (prior to her tenure) to more than $50 million by 2023.
The Excellence in Cooperating Association Partnership Award recognizes an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions throughout their career to strengthen partnerships between the National Park Service and cooperating associations. The NPS Excellence in Service Awards ceremony is open to the public and will be held in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 3 p.m. Attendees should register by Wednesday, Aug. 7. Learn more at give.nationalparks.org.
EcoFair comes to Waynesville
Laurel Rematore. Smokies Life staff photo
Grace Church in the Mountains. File photo
Notes from a Plant Nerd
BY ADAM B IGELOW
Playing with A full deck
Dear reader, yeah, I mean you. You who are reading this while holding the paper in your hands or scanning through on your computer, tablet or phone. Yeah, you. I am so deeply grateful to you for reading my articles. This marks the 52nd column that I have written for The Smoky Mountain News, with one running every couple of weeks for the last two years or so. That’s one for each week in the year. One for every card in a deck.
Fifty-two was my goal when I set out to write and share these stories of plants and wildflowers that I love so much with you all. And here we are. I have written of Spring ephemeral wildflowers, Summer sunflowers, goldenrods of Fall and Winter’s celebrations of solstice and the holy days.
I have shared stories of food and medicine; pollinator and host plant relationships; Indigenous and Appalachian settler history; and many odd and fun facts that I find interesting about plants. I have gone deep into philosophy and soil, helping to relate our lives with those of the plants, flowers, shrubs, vines and trees that surround us here in Southern Appalachia.
I have told stories of orchids and asters, trilliums and trout-lilies, passion flowers and pine trees, gentians and ghost pipes, invasive plants and disturbance ecology, Hepatica, bloodroot, toothworts, mayapples, larkspurs and the magic of spring beauty. And there are so many more plants whose stories I’ve yet to share.
It has brought me such joy to have a regular column in this paper, specifically. I’ve been reading The Smoky Mountain News from the start and have had a few letters and guest columns published in the past. I graced the cover twice, sharing that honor with farmer William Shelton of Whittier. And small public service announcements published by The Smoky Mountain News have twice changed the course of my life for the better.
Once, I read of a project being started called the Sylva Community Garden and decided to go to the meeting and adopt one of the first plots given out. That led to 16 years of gardening in downtown Sylva and a career in organizing and managing community gardens and their volunteers. My reading that little blurb led to the creation of the Cullowhee Community Garden, a project of the Jackson County Department of Public Health.
lead a field trip every year and have presented at this conference that I’ve been attending since reading about it 19 years ago in The Smoky Mountain News.
Writing these columns for this wonderful free weekly publication which has brought so much goodness and joy into my life, and helped to form me into the person that I am today, is a big honor. I am grateful to Scott McLeod, and to my first editor who helped me for most of the articles, Holly Kays, to my current editor, Kyle Perrotti, and to all of the staff and contribu-
Another time I
read another little blurb about this small, no-big-deal thing called the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference. I had just registered for Horticulture classes at Haywood Community College and figured why not go to this small, local event. What I walked into was the largest and oldest native plant conference in the country. And I now serve on the planning committee,
I write upon the shoulders of the great writers who came before me in this paper. Thank you to Don Hendershot, whose Naturalist Notebook column I read for years, and whose work I still follow. And to the late George Ellison, a hero to many in the region, whose “Back then” column taught me so much about the natural and cultural history of these mountains I call home.
And I have been given such wonderful gifts in the form of feedback and praise from many of you who read these columns twice a month. Messages shared in emails, on social media, at the credit union and at the Ingles from people who read and enjoy my column. Thank you. It means so much to me and fills me with such joy to know that you find joy in reading these. So, I will continue to write them, just as long as you’ll have me. Just as long as they bring you joy in the reading. Just as long as they bring me joy in the writing. So here is to native plants, to the joy, awe and wonder found in nature. Here’s to slowing down and noticing the beauty all around us. Here’s to falling in love over and over with wildflowers. And here’s to the next 52 columns. May they bring you as much joy as they do to me. Thank you for reading.
Sincerely, Adam Bigelow, the Joyful Botanist. (Adam Bigelow leads weekly wildflower walks most Fridays and offers consultations and private group tours through Bigelow’s Botanical Excursions. bigelownc@gmail.com.)
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Cruso Farmer’s Market takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday at the Cruso Community Center.
• The Jackson County Farmers Market meets every Saturday November through March 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and April through October 9 a.m. to noon at Bridge Park in Sylva, 110 Railroad St. Special events listed on Facebook and Instagram.
• The Jackson Arts Market takes place from 1-5 p.m. every Saturday at 533 West Main St. in Sylva with live music and an array of local artists.
• Mill Town Farmers Market takes place from 4-7 p.m. Thursdays at Sorrell’s Street Park in downtown Canton.
H EALTH AND WELLNESS
• The Pollinators Foundation offers weekly Mindful Movement Qigong classes for all ages to reduce stress and improve health and well-being. Classes take place 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville. For more information visit thepollinatorsfoundation.org or contact Marga Fripp at margacfripp@gmail.com 828.424.1398.
• The Pollinators Foundation and The Share Project host weekly Happy Hour Nature Walks 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Lake Junaluska. The group meets at the Labyrinth. For more information visit thepollinatorsfoundation.org or contact Marga Fripp at margacfripp@gmail.com 828.4224.1398.
• Mountain Area pregnancy Services and the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor work together to provide a casual support group for prenatal and breastfeeding individuals from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesdays at Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, 177 N Main St. Waynesville. All are welcome, registration is recommended. For more information, please call 828.558.4550.
FUNDRAISERS & VOLUNTEERS
• The Women’s Guild of St. Francis Church will hold its annual Good Stuff Sale from noon to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at the church, 299 Maple Street in Franklin. The event supports the Guild’s ministry activities.
CLUBS AND M EETINGS
• The Western Carolina Cribbage Club meets every Monday at 6 p.m. An eclectic group of young and old, male and female. The group supplies boards, cards, pegs and are always willing to help those still learn-
ing the finer points of the game. For more information contact kei3ph@bellsouth.net.
• Chess 101 takes place 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Friday at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Library. For more information, email Ashlyn Godleski at ashlyn.godleski@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828.356.2567.
• The Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library Creative Writing Group meets 10:30 a.m. to noon on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. For more information, email Jennifer at jennifer.stuart@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828.356.2561.
• Knit Night takes place at 5:30-7:30 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at The Stecoah Valley Center. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is recommended: 828.479.3364 or amber@stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• A Novel Escape Book Club takes place at 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month at the Novel Escape Bookstore (60 E Main St, Franklin). Every other month one book is selected for discussion. On alternate months the meeting is round-table discussion in which participants share what they’ve read lately. For more information call the bookstore at 828.369.9059 or visit anovelescapefranklin.wordpress.com.
• Silent Book Club takes place at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Novel Escape Bookstore (60 E Main St, Franklin). Bring your own book and whatever makes you feel cozy and enjoy a quiet, uninterrupted hour of reading amongst friends.
CLASSES & PROGRAMS
• “Return of the Elk: Ranger Talk” takes place 1-2 p.m. every Sunday at the Caldwell House in Cataloochee Valley. Walk the valley and learn about how elk — which were nearly extinct due to overhunting and loss of habitat across the continent — managed to return to the Smokies.
A&E
• Waynesville Art After Dark takes place 6-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month through December.
• Groovin on the Green takes place 6-8:30 p.m. every Friday in The Village Green all summer. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, picnics and coolers welcome. For more information visit discoverjackson.com.
• “Time of War” at Oconaluftee Indian Village takes place at noon and 3 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. A short battle reenactment performed by actors from “Unto These Hill” and reenactors from Oconaluftee Indian Village come together to depict what happens when a British militia invades a Cherokee town. Tickets can be purchased at cherokeehistorical.org or by calling 828.497.2111.
• Pickin’ in the Park takes place takes place 6-9 p.m. every Friday at the Canton Recreation Park. The events are free and open to the public. For more information visit cantonnc.com/pickin-in-the-park.
• Trivia Night is hosted 6:30-8:30 p.m. every Thursday evening at the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley. For more information visit meadowlarkmotel.com.
• Paint and Sip at Waynesville Art School will be held every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7-9:30 p.m. To learn more and register call 828.246.9869 or visit PaintAndSipWaynesville.com/upcoming-events. Registration is required, $45.
• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood St. in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. mountainmakersmarket.com.
K IDS AND FAMILIES
• ASD Teen/ Adult Art Group takes place 12:30-2:30 p.m. every other Friday at the Full Spectrum Farms pavilion. Each group event has a different theme. For more information fullspectrumfarms.org.
• On Mondays, the Macon County Library will host Lady Violet, a King Charles Spaniel service dog, for children to practice their reading skills. Children who feel nervous reading aloud to an adult tend to feel more comfortable with a pet or a service animal. Sign up for a time to read with Lady Violet or to one of the library’s reading friends at the children’s desk or call 828.524.3600.
• On Tuesdays, Kelly Curtis will offer reading services to families from 3:30 -5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. Families may sign up for a 30-minute time spot at the children’s desk or by calling 828.524.3600.
• Creative Writing Club will take place at 3:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of every month at the Macon County Public Library. The writing club is intended for ages 8-12. For more information visit fontanalib.org or call 828.524.3600.
• Move and Groove Storytime takes place 10:30-11 a.m. every Thursday, at the Canton branch of the Haywood County Public Library. Exciting, interactive music and movement story time ideal for children 2-6 years old. For more information contact Ashlyn at ashlyn.godleski@haywoodcountync.gov or at 828.356.2567.
• Mother Goose Storytime takes place 10:30-11 a.m. every Wednesday, at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County Public Library. Ideal for children from birth to 2 years old. For more information, contact Lisa at lisa.hartzell@haywoodcountync.gov or call 828.356.2511.
Located on Main Street in Downtown Waynesville, right below Boojum Taproom
PLACE WNC
HEARING
MarketPlace information:
The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 copies across 500 locations in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties, including the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. Visit www.wncmarketplace.com to place your ad!
Rates:
• $15 — Classified ads that are 25 words, 25¢ per word after.
• Free — Lost or found pet ads.
• $6 — Residential yard sale ads.*
• $1 — Yard Sale Rain Insurance Yard sale rained out? Call us by 10a.m. Monday for your ad to run again FREE
• $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. (Limit 25 words or less)
• Boost Online — Have your ad featured at top of category online $4
• Boost in Print
• Add Photo $6
• Bold ad $2
• Yellow, Green, Pink or Blue Highlight $4
• Border $4
Note: Highlighted ads automatically generate a border so if you’re placing an ad online and select a highlight color, the “add border” feature will not be available on the screen.
Note: Yard sale ads require an address. This location will be displayed on a map on www.wncmarketplace.com
Case No.2024 E 000442 John S Amodio, having Steven J Amodio
Building Materials
Oct 17 2024
Fiduciary 2506 Beaver Ter North Port, FL 34286
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Case No.2024E 000437 of Linda Page-WilliamsOct 17 2024
Home Goods
PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY
For Sale
TINY HOME LOTS FOR SALE
Medical
ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! -
Homes For Sale
CABIN 2BD/1 BTH CULLOWHEE, NC
Executor
105 W Main St. Franklin, NC 28734
Announcements
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?
Pets
MIXED BREED DOG, BLACK &WHITE— VIRGO 1-yr-old boy, 58 lbs; silly, sweet, and spunky. Prefers to be only dog in household. Asheville Humane Society (828) 761-2001 publicrelations@ashevillehumane.org
KITTENS!! Asheville Humane Society has kittens available for adoption; all 2-6 months old and cute as can be! Fee includes vaccination and spay/neuter. (828) 761-2001 adoptions@ ashevillehumane.org
Ducks' and Devils' org.
82 Motel relative
84 People in an embrace, e.g.
85 Language's letters
86 In a sullen way
87 Appearance 88 Blood type, informally 89 Nitpick 90 Overhasty 91 Painter Dix 92 ETs' ships 99 Altima maker 100 Brand of power tools 101 "Glory of Love" singer Peter 103 Sevigny of "Big Love" 104 Perfect 105 In a majestic manner 106 Nerd on "Family Matters"
107 Preserved 111 2004 Chevy debut
112 Part of NNW 113 Suffix with major 116 Maui garland
117 Bit of a circle
118 Connect (to)
119 German cry
120 -- Guevara
121 Actress Tyler
ANSWERS ON PAGE 34
SUDOKU
Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!
