SMN 08 16 17 by Smoky Mountain News

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August 16-22, 2017 Vol. 19 Iss. 12

Ridge top homes eliminated from development Page 9 Bryson City unsure about passing ‘brunch bill’ Page 11

CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: On Monday, Aug. 21, Western North Carolina residents and visitors will have the chance to see a rare total solar eclipse. This is the first time in 26 years that America has seen a total solar eclipse, and it is one of the few that will sweep the nation from Pacific to Atlantic coasts. The Smoky Mountain News has compiled an eclipse guide containing all you need to know about how to prepare for, view, photograph and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event. (Page 24) Rick Fienberg photo

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News Hundreds show to denounce Charlottesville violence ............................................4 Affordable housing headline ............................................................................................6 Blue Cross rejects Mission’s latest proposal ............................................................8 Ridge top homes eliminated from Cullowhee development ..................................9 Ledbetter Road connector plan tossed ....................................................................10 Bryson City board unsure about passing ‘brunch bill’ ..........................................11 Tribal Council candidates speak ..................................................................................12 Despite district distractions, groups prepare for 2018 elections ......................15 Power to the People headline ......................................................................................16 HCC unveils new public training building ................................................................17 Waynesville residents wary of annexation ................................................................18

Opinion

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Attendees to a peace vigil (above) listen to a program of speakers (below) Aug. 14.

August 16-22, 2017

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR bout 200 people gathered in front of the Haywood County Historic Courthouse Monday evening to stand in solidarity with Charlottesville as the Virginia town deals with the aftermath of a white nationalist rally that turned violent last week. Organized by members of Progressive Nation WNC, the event remained peaceful with a large police presence around the perimeter. Attendees lit candles in honor of Heather Heyer, the 32-year-old woman who was killed during the Charlottesville rally. Religious leaders spoke about loving each other as humans instead of hating each other over differences as several people drove by yelling “Go Trump” and “Get a job” from their vehicles. While one of the themes during the vigil was tolerance, Rev. Joslyn Schaefer of Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville said she couldn’t condone tolerance.

“I can’t speak on tolerance as a Christian virtue, but love is a Christian virtue — faith, hope and love abide,” she said. “Jesus says blessed are the peacemakers and love thy enemies — not tolerate them.” Rev. Zack Christy of Plains United Methodist Church emphasized that silence on issues like racism and bigotry is no longer an option and encouraged people to stand up and say something when they witness acts of intolerance and hate. “We’ve been using silence as a defense mechanism for way too long,” he said. Nicole Townsend, a community organizer in Asheville for black and queer liberation, and policy reform, followed Christy’s sentiment but telling attendees that coming to a vigil is easy — it’s standing up to racism and inequality every day that is hard. To get involved in the Progressive Nation WNC group, attend their meetings at 5:30 p.m. every Monday at The Folkmoot Friendship Center in Hazelwood.

Haywood officials condemn Charlottesville violence

Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those killed and injured in the tragic events that occurred in Charlottesville, Virginia. Violence and hate have no place in our society. We must treat each other with respect and have the courage to stand firm against those that wish to divide our great nation.

Rep. Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin

Mike Sorrells, Haywood County Commissioner It is so sad that our country has regressed to the point that we have hate groups thriving in our society. The political environment that we are experiencing right now is so disheartening. The rhetoric of this past election and that continues on seems to have emboldened these hate groups. I pray for this country and the city of Charlottesville along with the lives lost. My hopes are that our citizens have had enough and will work to stamp out this cancer in our society.

Wrapping hatred and racism in the cloak of “free speech” doesn’t do anything to elevate the speaker’s words from the cistern of evil from which they originated. Our constitution allows the speaker an opportunity and nothing more. Likewise, we must avail ourselves of every opportunity to rebuke such “speech.”

Dr. Janet Banks, Maggie Valley Mayor Pro Tem I am intimately connected to this event. My brother, a retired general surgeon in his home town of Charlottesville, Virginia, who has taught the Emergency Medical Training Course for the medical residents, along with my nephew — also a surgeon — were, I imagine, in the thick of things yesterday, because it was, in medical terminology, “all hands on deck” to treat the wounded. That being said, all of us have the right, as American citizens, to protest anything without fear of being attacked, wounded, or even killed in these endeavors. Our American independence started with the throwing of tea into the Boston Harbor, a singular protest that resulted in the creation of the great nation that we live in today. Protest is an honorable tradition and we should all respect that tradition.

Zeb Smathers, Canton Alderman This weekend as I watched men proudly wearing swastikas, I could not help but think of my grandfathers who fought overseas in World War II against fascism — a fight that has resurfaced in this time on our own soil. This fight once again demands we stand up to the bullies and thugs that aim to rip us apart. Domestic terrorism, like what occurred in Charlottesville, by neo-Nazis and white supremacists, has no place on our shores. The ideology of this movement should be given no quarter, as it is repugnant to the very spirit of America. We must speak up against hate of every type, wherev-

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“We can either be on the right side of history, or be a part of a history that has been discredited and dismissed as wrong.” — Canton Alderwoman Gail Mull

er it may exist, to whomever it is directed. We are in debt to the “Greatest Generation” and must rededicate ourselves to pursue a country that is worthy of their sacrifice — a country that pursues hope over hatred, education over ignorance, and courage over cowardice. This is a fight that we cannot pull back from and one we must win.

Dr. Ralph Hamlett, Canton Alderman As elected officials we have a responsibility — a mandate from and to the people, and to ourselves — to speak out immediately against bigotry in its many forms. Acts of domestic terrorism in Charlottesville are against the people of the

United States whom the nation’s flag symbolizes and the Constitution protects. We are committed to equality by the pledge we give and the oaths of office we take. We must condemn immediately, not hiding behind the sanitized words of expediency to placate for political advantage individuals and groups who participate and promote acts of domestic terrorism. Their acts are the antithesis of the American experience. We cannot legitimize the actions of people who hate, and consider them as giving voice for one side of a manysided political debate. Only one right side exists — the American value of inclusion regardless of color of skin, sex, sexual orientation or faith. We must fight to see that attempts to keep people from the polling place, from places of employment, and for service to country are neither denied nor abridged. Individuals who would deprive others of these rights have no place in government albeit in the American experiment.

Gail Mull, Canton Alderwoman I watched as events unfolded over the weekend and have seen similar events occur within the United States. Some leaders spoke out condemning the hate inspired carnage. Others, including the President, were hesitant. While they spoke forcefully against terrorism in other parts of the globe, such as in England and France, they were timid in their response about what happened and is happening here. They did not use the words “domestic terrorism,” which is what it was. Why? This domestic terrorism exists and is as egregious here as it is internationally. We must fight for people’s rights and dignity. And if it causes us to lose votes or an election, then we can sleep well knowing that we did what is in America’s interest, rather than in the segregated interests of the white supremacists, the KKK, neo-Nazis, and the alt right and their skewed, imagined dark history of falsified heritage. We can either be on the right side of history, or be a part of a history that has been discredited and dismissed as wrong.

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There is no place for racism of any kind in today’s America. People from the far left and far right all acted with racial attitudes, and no good can come of that. We should all respect that we are God’s children and treat each other accordingly.

Gavin A. Brown, Waynesville Mayor

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER lected officials from across Haywood County and from across party lines were quick to speak out in the wake of the violent riots, deaths and domestic terrorism connected to a white supremacist demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, last week. Universal condemnation came from Haywood’s leading political figures, who were asked to comment via email Aug. 13; below appear their statements, edited gently for formatting considerations, but otherwise printed verbatim as submitted.

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Public, private sectors tackle affordable housing crisis BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER he Haywood County Affordable Housing Task Force has run its course, completing an assessment and presenting recommendations designed to ameliorate what has been called a “crisis” in local housing affordability. Those recommendations show an emphasis on creating public-private partnerships, but the visibility the AHTF has brought to the issue has also galvanized the private sector into providing market solutions that weren’t previously considered.

unusual scene – Dan O’Neal’s Quon. “I wanted to come up with something unique and different, and if I couldn’t do that, I was wasting my time as far as I’m concerned,” O’Neal said. “And, I love curves.” His small, curving, contoured building is evocative of its namesake Quonset hut — the iconic spheroid structures that stand at airports, industrial parks and military bases across the world. “It originally started real close to a hunting cabin, but then the concept of the tiny home community came into play,” he continued.

August 16-22, 2017

Patsy Davis, who also serves as executive director of local social service agency Mountain Projects. “We have a plan, and we have something to go on.” That plan sets a 2028 goal of increasing the supply of affordable housing in the county by 400 units, prioritizing the creation of studios, 1- and 2-bedroom spaces. A goal without a plan, however, is just a dream, which is all that Haywood had prior to the AHTF’s work; issued with the plan was a series of nearly 20 recommendations by the AHTF meant to help make that dream a reality.

AGING IN PLACE

Although it appears unorthodox, Dan O’Neal’s tiny home prototype could help alleviate some of Haywood County’s affordable housing crisis.

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Cory Vaillancourt photo

stop there. “The curve drives the heat roof down, which is where all the heat rises to,” he said. “They’re insulated fairly well, and the floor system is a three-layer setup. Right now, we can heat one side of this with an under-desk space heater. One time, it was 15 below zero, and we had this thing up to 50 degrees. That’s pushing it, but that’s with a little 1,200-watt space heater.” Ready to realize those savings is Dan O’Neal’s 27 year-old-son Elan, who lives in the Quon with his wife. “We both kind of have a similar view; we look at it as, prior to the last couple hundred years, people lived in small confined spaces anyway, so it’s really not that much of a stretch for us.” Elan helped build the prototype out of pocket, as most banks won’t finance such structures — a problem the entire industry is currently facing. But once that hurdle’s overcome, it’s hard to ignore the cost benefits of Quon living. “You get to save a lot, depending on where you go,” Elan said. “You can get spring-fed water as we do, and we can build these things to be energy efficient. We use a much smaller amperage box than a typical large house would. Pretty much everything in here you have to downsize, so you can’t have a huge fridge and you can’t have a huge dishwasher, so you’re not using as much energy as your typical house would.” Elan said he liked that the lifestyle itself is “far more budgeted” than what most people experience, and thinks it will give him an advantage further on down the road. “A lot of people my age — most people I know — are living in small apartments that can run anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per month, and that’s just not attractive to me personally,” he said. “I’d rather live in something that if I’m going to be spending any money, it’s going to be on keeping food on the table or planning for the future.”

Established in March 2016 by the Haywood County Board of County Commissioners, the AHTF was first charged with creating an assessment of the heretofore anecdotal supposition that there wasn’t enough housing available for working-class residents. That assessment confirmed that dated housing stock and a lack of multi-unit developments have contributed to substantial housing cost burden, defined as spending more than 30 percent of one’s income on housing. This past June, the AHTF presented to commissioners its draft strategic plan, which was accepted unanimously by commissioners Aug. 7. “I’m thrilled with it,” said AHTF co-chair

While some are rather pedestrian — such as joining the North Carolina Housing Coalition and marketing the county to developers — some of the more concrete recommendations contained in the plan are already being tackled by local entrepreneurs.

OBSERVE THE CURVE As winding Chinquapin Road traces its course from the Cruso Fire and Rescue building up a modest mountainside, it seems that each curve brings with it yet another stunning view of the Pigeon River, Cold Mountain or idyllic cattle pastures dotted with red barns and black cows. Coming around one final turn, drivers are immediately presented with a most

One of the AHTF’s more actionable recommendations is to promote higher density development — something the minimal footprint of the Quon seems ideally suited for; framed with 14 layers of laminated plywood, O’Neal’s prototype is 307 square feet and is actually two units combined. A similar model could be purchased fully finished for “in the neighborhood of $40,000,” he said. O’Neal also noted that a 180-square-foot single unit – basically half of his prototype – can be built for about $25,000 finished, or as a shell for about $12,000. Affordability is obviously at the heart of the AHTF’s work; most Haywood County residents can’t even pay a year’s worth of rent with $12,000, but the cost savings don’t

Planning for the future as a 27-year-old is one thing, but for those more advanced in age, saving money later involves spending money now. “The private rate today in Western North Carolina — bottom dollar private pay for assisted living — is $3,000 to $5,000 a month,” said Brian Strum, a licensed healthcare administrator with 20 years industry experience from dishwasher and janitor on up to administration. The AHTF’s recommendation to support the rehabilitation of existing affordable housing is pretty clear-cut, but the Task Force may not have been thinking of Hearthstone Senior Housing’s customers when they made it. Strum now runs Franklin-based Hearthstone with his partner Bob Blauner, a builder with 20 years experience; together, their work saves people from injury, thereby saving them money. Hearthstone specializes in the construction and retrofitting of homes specifically designed to keep older residents out of nursing homes as

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Affordability means little without livability, but for many, tiny homes are fast becoming a viable option. Cory Vaillancourt photo retinopathy, so lighting is especially important for people like that,” he said. Toilets and showers can also become especially deadly obstacles that must be negotiated on a daily basis. “Between 25 and 37 percent of seniors living at home will experience a fall or multiple falls in their home this year. If someone breaks a hip and ends up in assisted living at $3,000 a month for three or four months, well, we can retrofit your bath-

August 16-22, 2017

long as possible. The concept is called “aging in place,” and it’s difficult to ignore the financial implications thereof; as Baby Boomers enter their golden years, they’ll face a litany of issues related to mobility, balance and even vision. “Things as simple as a gravel driveway you’ve used for 40 years can become a lifethreatening hazard,” Strum said. Hearthstone constructs custom exterior

“Things as simple as a gravel driveway you’ve used for 40 years can become a life-threatening hazard.” — Brian Strum

room for about $10,000,” said Strum, who added that the average stay in assisted living is much, much longer. Such retrofitting is also an asset, while putting $10,000 into a nursing home is not. Haywood County’s population is aging rapidly, bolstered by the second-home crowd that tends to be retirement-age; as such, Strum and Blauner say that their industry can only grow as Americans are now living longer than ever before. A safe home, they say, can forestall the eventual move to assisted living and prevent accidents from sending homeowners there prematurely. “It’s hard to put a return on investment to it, but to those people, it’s priceless,” he said.

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ramping for homeowners who can no longer safely climb or descend stairs, especially in inclement weather. The aesthetic nature of the designs also important, Blauner said; not everyone wants to announce to the world that they suffer from a disability. “We built an 85-foot entrance ramp that looks like more of a deck,” Strum said. “There are small gazebos along the way; they don’t even call it a ramp, they call it a walkway.” Interior safety is also important, said Blauner, and Hearthstone sees robust demand for things like wider doorways, centralized communications systems and even under-cabinet lighting. “My wife is legally blind from diabetic

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Insurance battle continues BCBS rejects Mission’s offer to keep ACA policyholders in-network BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ore than a month has passed since Mission Health announced it would terminate its contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina on Oct. 5, leaving thousands of BCBS policyholders in Western North Carolina to pay more for outof-network services at Mission facilities or seek care elsewhere. The nonprofit healthcare system and the insurance giant have since been embroiled in a public relations battle that has played out through newspaper ads and social media campaigns. On one hand, Mission says it attempted for six months to negotiate with BCBS for better reimbursement rates for services but that BCBS — with its 72 percent market share — wouldn’t budge. On the other hand, Blue Cross says Mission’s cost of services were already higher than most other hospitals in the state. Unlike other hospitals that renewed their contract with Mission, BCBS said Mission administration wasn’t willing to work “to slow down unsustainable cost increases.”

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August 16-22, 2017

There’s plenty of finger-pointing still going on, but BCBS customers — especially those who have a BCBS plan through the federal health care exchange — will be the ones to suffer if the two entities don’t reach an agreement. An Aug. 10 release from Mission announcing it would allow health insurance exchange BCBS policyholders to remain innetwork made it seem like the two parties were beginning to iron out some details, but BCBS quickly issued its own press prelease rejecting Mission’s proposal. Specifically, Mission Health offered to stay in-network and accept its current payment rates with no increase from BCBS for care provided to anyone covered by a policy purchased on the federal exchange since BCBS is currently the only provider offering plans on the exchange. While employers can choose another provider to offer benefit plans to employees and seniors purchasing Medicare Advantage coverage have multiple choices available, consumers who purchased their health insurance coverage on the exchange unfortunately only have one choice. According to a press release, Mission Health would honor current payment rates — the “forever zero” approach BCBSNC has demanded — for all persons insured through the exchange for 2018 or until

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such time as a new agreement is reached with BCBSNC that covers all care provided to all patients. “We take our responsibility as Western North Carolina’s only safety net health system incredibly seriously,” said Ronald A. Paulus, MD, president and chief executive officer of Mission Health. “Our commitment goes far beyond providing nationally recognized, high quality, cost-effective healthcare to our community. We understand that those purchasing insurance on the exchange are among the most vulnerable in our region and have no alternative, so it is our responsibility to ensure that access to health insurance — a life transforming event — remains available to everyone. By accepting BCBSNC’s ‘forever zero’ approach for these individuals, we can help protect those who have exchange-based insurance, some being insured for the first ever time in their lives.” Blue Cross NC President and CEO Brad Wilson acknowledged Mission’s attempt to partially rescind its contract termination, but rejected the offer. “We were disappointed when Mission Health decided to unilaterally terminate those contracts last month,” he said. “With today’s proposal, Mission Health continues to turn its back on senior citizens, state and county employees, businesses and taxpayers

across Western North Carolina. This is unfair to tens of thousands of other members; therefore Blue Cross NC has no choice but to reject this offer.” Wilson said BCBS remains ready and willing to negotiate on behalf of all WNC members as soon as Mission Health fully withdraws its termination. He also pointed to a recent study — www.wallethub.com/edu/ states-with-best-health-care/23457/ — that validates North Carolina already has some of the most expensive health care in the nation, and every increase in hospital costs leads directly to even higher premiums. “We hope that Mission Health reconsiders its decision to terminate our contracts. In the meantime, we will continue to work with Western North Carolina’s other doctors and hospitals — who share our goal of making quality, affordable health care available to as many North Carolinians as possible,” Wilson said. The current contract between Mission Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina expires at midnight on Oct. 4, 2017. Negotiations must result in a new agreement by midnight on Oct. 4, 2017, for Mission Health to remain in the BCBSNC network for all consumers, including those covered by policies purchased on the exchange. This announcement effectively excludes those on the exchange from being impacted by BCBSNC’s unwillingness to even speak with us about a contract critical to Mission Health’s long run survival. For more information from Mission, visit www.standwithmission.org.

multiple valleys, so which one should be measured against the 400-foot limit? In the case of the Solitude development, the planning department found itself put to the test. The ridge on which the original plans had called for construction of 12 homes was connected to multiple valleys — with drops both over and under 400 feet. Ultimately planning staff recommended approval — which the board provided

August 16-22, 2017

The original plans called for a second group of houses toward the back of the green portion of the property, but current plans show a single clustered development near the road. Donated graphic — based on its usual policy of using the least restrictive interpretation of any given ordinance. However, the issue catalyzed continued discussion about the ordinance’s weaknesses and the need for a definitive map of which ridges in Jackson County do and don’t meet the definition of a protected ridge. Currently, the county’s GIS department is working to create such a map, a project that is expected to be a long and labor-intensive process. No recommendation to change language in the steep slope ordinance, such as adding a definition of adjacent valley floor, has yet made its way from the planning board to the county commissioners, but the board will likely continue to discuss the issue.

Smoky Mountain News

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he Jackson County Planning Board approved construction of the 38-home Solitude Development in Cullowhee in August 2016, but following concern over the ridge top development contained the plan, the developer returned this month with a revised plan containing only 33 homes — none of them to be built on a ridge top. “There was a little bit of concern about the ridge top development,” Senior Planner John Jeleniewski told the planning board Aug. 10. “The owner has gone back to the drawing board with his engineering. They’ve moved the development back down to the lower part.” The original plans had called for 12 homes on the higher-elevation portion of the property sitting back from Old Cullowhee Road, the remaining 26 to be clustered together at the entrance off Ed Norton Road. The revised plan would place all 33 homes — a mix of duplex and single-family units — in the 4.5-acre clustered development at the property entrance, with 11.37 acres placed in an open space conservation easement. The remaining 5.7 acres would be left for possible future development. While the property has an average slope of 55 percent, the area to be developed has a milder 30 percent slope, below the 35 percent threshold required for regulations with the county’s steep slope ordinance to kick in. Therefore, the planning board had only to approve the revisions under the less restrictive subdivision ordinance. That approval came unanimously, with planning board member Ken Brown voicing his strong support as he made the move to approve the request. “I think they’ve done a commendable job of redesigning,” Brown said. “This whole conceptual plan has a far better look.” Board member Keven Hawkins expressed some concern with the plan to build retaining walls rather than using benching to stabilize the soil — Jeleniewski said that, because of the terrain, building benching to the specifications required would require disturbing more land than would building a wall — but Hawkins ended up joining the other board members in approving the development. The Solitude development was originally approved last year when the planning board was in the midst of discussions about tweaking elements of the recently revised steep slope ordinance. Since the revised ordinance went into use, staff members had found some issues with the language finalized during the 2014 revision. In particular, they found that while the ordinance defines protected mountain ridges as ridges that are at least 2,500 feet above sea level with a drop of 400 or more feet to the adjacent valley floor, the ordinance does not define what an adjacent valley floor is. Many ridges are connected to

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Ridge top homes eliminated from Cullowhee development plan

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Ledbetter connector plan tossed Funds will go to Monteith Gap Road instead BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER plan to build a connector between Ledbetter Road and Monteith Gap Road in Cullowhee has been scrapped following the N.C. Department of Transportation’s analysis of comments from a June 15 meeting — but improvements are still coming to the area. “The majority of comments were not in favor of constructing that connector, but even the ones that were in favor also mentioned the need for addressing pedestrian and bicycle accommodations and trying to improve traffic flow on the lower portion of the road,” said Jonathan Woodard, district engineer for the DOT. The meeting drew 38 members of the public, with 22 of them submitting written comments, Woodard said. Of the comments, nine were in favor of the connector and 13 were opposed.

August 16-22, 2017

Opponents were concerned that the plan to build a connector road could go a long way complete sometime in 2020. Any new sidewalks built would tie into — which would have built a few hundred toward relieving some of the pressure from those already going in with the bridge feet of road connecting the end of Ledbetter that route. However, the community — and, ulti- replacement on Old Cullowhee Road. to Monteith Gap, forming a loop — would “It would connect to that sidewalk and it have only transferred the problem on mately, the DOT — felt that a connector road Ledbetter to Monteith Gap, without actually wouldn’t be the best solution, and the DOT is would extend those pedestrian and bicycle facilities out to the intersection of fixing the problem. Monteith Gap and Ledbetter Now, the DOT has refocused its Road,” Woodard said. efforts to improving the lower end However, the improvements of Monteith Gap Road, where it would fall far short of providing a intersects with Ledbetter and complete walking route from housSouth Painter Road before emptying along Ledbetter Road to the ing out to Old Cullowhee Road. The university. Ledbetter itself improvements will include replacwouldn’t get any sidewalks, and ing the bridge over Cullowhee the new sidewalks going in along Creek and installing pedestrian and Old Cullowhee Road would extend bicycle accommodations. only a couple hundred feet past its This area of Cullowhee, characintersection with Monteith Gap terized by narrow, winding roads, Road — leaving a significant dishas been a cause for concern in tance between campus and where recent years as more and more student housing developments have DOT’s improvement plans for Ledbetter Road won’t immediately the sidewalk ends. That’s not to say that the DOT popped up, deploying hundreds of make the road pedestrian-friendly. isn’t aware that more sidewalk is cars — as well as students biking needed. It’s just not in the scope of and walking to campus — onto a rural road not built to handle that kind of now switching gears to plan for a bicycle- and the current project. Ultimately, the departuse. The issue came to a head last year when a pedestrian-friendly remodel of lower ment would like to see sidewalks all along Ledbetter and up to campus — but sidewalks Western Carolina University student hit 40- Monteith Gap Road. The department has the $220,000 that cost money, and there are always too many year-old Daniel Brown as he walked along had been allocated for the connector road projects competing for too little cash. Ledbetter, killing him. “I can’t really speak to a schedule on Reaction was swift, with Jackson County to work with and has identified additional Commissioners passing a resolution that funding for the bridge replacement, when it would happen, but I think it’s an same month asking the state legislature to Woodard said. An engineering firm has identified need to continue those accommorelease money for road improvements in the been hired to do some of the preliminary dations on out,” Woodard said of future area. It would take a lot of money to truly fix work, with survey and design phases still to sidewalks construction in the area. “I think all the safety issues on Ledbetter, commis- come. Woodard anticipates letting the con- that’s going to be something the DOT will sioners reasoned, but a smaller sum of money tract sometime in 2019 with the project try to pursue.”

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Bryson City board unsure about passing ‘brunch bill’

Alcohol permitting referendum to appear on November ballot

“We have alcohol available for sale and purchase six days a week and for a generous amount of time on the seventh. I feel, and many others feel, that this is more than enough.”

August 16-22, 2017

— Janine Crisp, Bryson City alderman

5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, at town hall. Aldermen said they would take that time to talk to constituents about the issue. Bryson City residents will have a chance to weigh in on another alcohol-related issue when they go to vote in November. The ballot will include a referendum regarding a change to the town’s ordinance regulating on-premise and off-premise sales of beer and wine. For retail stores in Bryson City to sell and serve beer on premises, they have to obtain an ABC permit and operate as a private club with a membership fee. If the change is approved by voters, retail establishments — like Bryson City Outdoors that recently expanded to sell craft beer — would only have to obtain a license to sell beer, which would save business owners $600 a year. The cost of an on-premise beer license is $400 a year compared to $1,000 a year for a mixed beverage license. The board passed the referendum measure 3 to 1 with Crisp being the only opposition.

Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ryson City Board of Aldermen has been discussing potential changes to alcohol regulations that could allow local businesses to sell earlier and later on Sundays. Bryson City is the first town to discuss possible local adoption of the new statewide law — so-called “Brunch Bill” — to allow restaurants to serve alcohol at 10 a.m. Sundays instead of having to wait until noon. Many town governments said they wouldn’t consider local adoption of the new law unless they received a request. Ron LaRoque, co-owner of Everett Hotel and The Bistro at Everett in Bryson City, was the first to make such a request. While several aldermen seemed on the fence about making the change to allow earlier sales on Sunday for businesses wanting to serve alcoholic beverages with brunch, Alderman Janine Crisp made her position clear in a prepared statement. She said she spoke for a large contingent of the community when she said she was against any change to the current alcohol regulations. “The fact is that we live in the heart of the Bible Belt and many people in Bryson City and Swain County take it as an offense to their faith and to the tenants they hold firmly to in their faith when we allow changes like this to be made that runs contrary to their will,” Crisp said. “They also feel marginalized when their governing bodies do not regard their will and that is a precarious place for us to find ourselves given the fact that we are elected officials.” Crisp’s statement also includes opposition to another local regulation the town board was considering changing. Currently, the town doesn’t allow beer and wine sales at grocery stores and convenience stores after 6 p.m. on Sundays. The odd and isolated regulation is confusing for tourists who often get upset at the grocery store when they can’t buy a six-pack after 6 p.m.

“We have alcohol available for sale and purchase six days a week and for a generous amount of time on the seventh. I feel, and many others feel, that this is more than enough,” Crisp said. “We would do well to remember that it’s for our community and because of our community that we are here. Not to be a voice for ourselves but, as their elected official, to yield to their will.” The board ended up tabling the issue until its next meeting, which will be held at

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Tribal Council candidates speak Views differ on current Council’s performance and priorities if elected BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER lection Day is drawing ever nearer for Cherokee Tribal Council, with all 12 seats up for election Thursday, Sept. 7. The Primary Election June 1 narrowed the field of 45 candidates down to 24, four from each of the six communities. Tribal members will vote for the two people in their community who they most want to see representing them around the horseshoe over the next two years. The Smoky Mountain News reached out each candidate, with the responses of thosewho had replied as of press time listed below. Information about additional candidates will be published in the Aug. 23 issue.

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

Anita Welch Lossiah, 48 Yellowhill Tribal Council Reason to run: “I feel that it is important for our experienced, educated, concerned and motivated tribal members step up to the task of leadership in our tribe's time of need. I encourage this with my children and have always worked to show this through my actions.” Background: Prior to winning election to her first term on Tribal Council in 2015, Lossiah worked as an optician for 11 years before earning a law degree from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. She worked in the legal field for 11 years, including positions with the Tribal Prosecutor’s Office and the Tribal Office of Attorney General. Lossiah is a parent, community member and business owner. Top priorities if elected: Restore tribal unity, add legislative committees, strengthen tribal services, safeguard employees. Opinion on 2015-2017 Tribal Council: “I feel very strongly that Tribal Council exercised the balancing of powers when needed most as outlined within our government structure which was set up through the wisdom and insight of those that came before us as elected officials. I additionally feel that there are great improvements that must be made to improve the legislative process.”

Charles Penick (Tsali Qunigi), 61 Yellowhill Tribal Council Reason to run: “Recent events have led me to believe that the expressed ‘will of the 12 people’ has been disregarded, downplayed or

Also on the ballot Each candidate will face competition from three others seeking election to one of the two seats open in each community. Below is a complete list of General Election candidates, ordered based on number of votes received in June’s Primary Election: BIG COVE • Richard French* • Perry Shell** • Lori Taylor • Fred Penick BIRDTOWN • Albert Rose* • Travis Smith* • Boyd Owle • Ashley Sessions PAINTTOWN • Tommye Saunooke*

• Sam “Frell” Reed • Bill Taylor*

• Terri Henry** • Lisa Taylor • Yona Wade SNOWBIRD/CHEROKEE COUNTY • Janell Rattler • Bucky Brown • Adam Wachacha* • Larry Blythe*** WOLFETOWN/BIG Y • Bo Crowe* • Jeremy Wilson

diminished by those in power to suit their own purposes or by the whim of elected officials has been ignored entirely. It is for this reason and many others that I prayed about and decided to enter the race.” Background: Penick served active duty in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years before retiring, at which point he did consulting work for the U.S. Department of Defense and several Fortune 500 companies on issues such as joint theater air and missile defense. Penick holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in information technology. He and his wife Lisa have four children between them from previous marriages. Top priorities if elected: Adopt a tribal constitution, separate and define the powers of each branch of government, establish a separate and equal judicial branch, establish term limits for Tribal Council representatives. Opinion on 2015-17 Tribal Council: “There are areas where Council in part has failed to follow the expressed will of the people as a whole, in my opinion. Additionally, I feel that Council as a whole has failed to provide the documented governmental structure (in the form of an adopted Constitution) and dignified conduct of government that the people of the tribe desire and deserve.”

Jeremy Wilson, 28 Wolfetown/Big Y Tribal Council Reason to run: “I believe it is time for a new generation to lead. At some point my generation will be responsible for leading this tribe, and I want to help be that starting point so I can help future generations be

YELLOWHILL • David Wolfe** • Tom Wahnetah • Charles Penick • Anita Welch Lossiah*

* denotes incumbent ** denotes former Tribal Council member *** denotes former vice chief

prepared to lead and know how to serve their people.” Background: Wilson owns Jeremy Wilson Photography and is a graduate of Southwestern Community College and Western Carolina University, where he majored in sociology with a minor in Cherokee studies. He has completed several leadership programs, such as the Right Path Culture Adult Leadership Program, the UNC Chapel Hill Native American Leadership Institute and the WCU Coulter Regional Leadership Program. Top priorities if elected: Limit Tribal Council members to four terms, encourage leaders to have at least a two-year degree, provide trainings to help youth with life skills such as preparing taxes and investing money, invest more into education. Opinion on 2015-2017 Tribal Council: “I feel our tribal government has been distracted by the recent events that unfolded. It kept us stagnant, and unable to fully deliver in areas that have been needing dire attention. I believe we have reached a point where new blood is needed, and new ways of thinking should be encouraged.”

Larry Blythe, 63 Snowbird/Cherokee County Tribal Council Reason to run: “Our tribe has gone through tremendous upheaval recently. I want to use my leadership skills and my tribal government experience to stabilize our tribal government and return the Eastern Band of Cherokees to its rightful place of prominence in Indian Country.” Background: Blythe has been in tribal

government for most of his career, serving on Tribal Council from 1987 to 2003. He served as vice chief alongside former Principal Chief Michell Hicks from 2003 to 2015, when he lost his re-election bid to Richard Sneed, who is now principal chief. Top priorities if elected: Pass legislation giving wrongfully terminated tribal employees the chance to seek redress in the Tribal Court system. Build an assisted living facility in Cherokee County, a new Snowbird Complex at the Cornsilk Center and a museum in Snowbird to replace the damaged Junaluska Museum. Opinion on 2015-2017 Tribal Council: “I feel the Tribal Council over the past two years showed tremendous courage and resolve in dealing with an administration that abused employees, abused their positions of authority and abused processes of law.”

Lisa Taylor, 53 Painttown Tribal Council Reason to run: “These past two years started off with a council that was interested in addressing the needs of our people and building a stronger future. However, unfortunately, it got caught up in politics instead of Cherokee people. I cannot stand by as they continue to ignore our tribal elders who stand at the podium to address issues. I cannot stand by as political gamesmanship takes an even stronger hold in our tribal government.” Background: Taylor has worked for 21 years as a paramedic with Tribal EMS, serving as secretary of the National Native American EMS Association. She is an active member of the Painttown Community Club. Top priorities if elected: Restore unity and trust in tribal government and build a Tribal Council united enough to combat important issues such as drug use and housing. Strengthen tribal laws to prevent a repeat of the past two years. Adopt a constitution. Opinion on 2015-2017 Tribal Council: “I believe that council has created unnecessary heartache and pain for our people and made us prisoners by our own government. I want to make a difference for Painttown and our tribe. I cannot make promises to do great things for our tribe unless I have 11 other council members willing to work in unity for the good of our people.”

Terri Henry, 52 Painttown Tribal Council news

Reason to run: “After watching some on the current Council take down our government, it is important that this community have confidence in its government to work by and for our Cherokee people. I will bring my education and experience to bear for the Painttown Community and the tribe to ensure that the well-being of our people is met.” Background: Henry’s professional background is in law, her career including nearly 25 years of work with American Indian governments across the country, She represented Painttown on Tribal Council from 2009 to 2015, chairing the body from 2013 to 2015, and was the tribe’s first Secretary of State 2016-2017. She has extensive experience drafting and advancing tribal and federal legislation and serves on the national Indian Board of Directors as a North American expert on the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. Top priorities: Rebuild our government under the current governing authority. Bring a constitution to the Cherokee people. Opinion on 2015-2017 Tribal Council: “Having served on the Tribal Council and having the experience of being a public servant in this community, I was saddened to see it devolve.”

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Smoky Mountain News

Reason to run: “I am a new, fresh face with new and fresh ideas. I am young, yes, but I am a hard worker. I have watched our community members be neglected for a long time and I want to make sure that they are receiving the services that they are entitled to and that they deserve.” Background: Sessions is currently working on a degree in criminal justice with a specialty in forensic science at Haywood Community College. She frequently attends and speaks at Tribal Council meetings, and she works at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Top priorities if elected: Housing, health care, road conditions and the drug epidemic are the areas most in need of immediate attention from Tribal Council. Opinion on 2015-2017 Tribal Council: “Our tribal leaders have not done what they were elected to do, which is serve as public servants. It has become about money, power and greed. I want to bring back the core values of our tribe.”

August 16-22, 2017

Ashley Sessions, 29 Birdtown Tribal Council

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Lake Junaluska to be featured on UNC-TV Bookstore

Bob Plott to present his new novel, Plott Hound Tales

Saturday, August 19th at 3 p.m. 3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

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Lake Junaluska will be featured on UNCTV’s program “North Carolina Weekend” at 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, and again at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18. North Carolina Weekend is a program that showcases the best things to see and do across North Carolina, including historic sites, festivals, music, restaurants and places to stay. The segment on Lake Junaluska will feature some of guests’ favorite things to do when they stay at Lake Junaluska, including the Lake Junaluska Singers, the historic boat tours that take place during the summer, the gardens, and the lakeside hotel, The Terrace. It will also touch on the history of Lake Junaluska. After the segment premiers, it will also be available online at www.unctv.org/watch/ unctv-originals/nc-weekend.

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

Jackson holds development standards hearings

The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings Aug. 28 at the Justice & Administration Building, 401 Grindstaff Cove Road, Room A201, Sylva. The first hearing at 5:50 p.m. is to receive public input concerning amendments to the Cullowhee Community Planning Area Development Standards. Copies are available online at www.jacksonnc.org/planning or at the Planning Department at the Justice Center. Citizens are invited to make written or oral comments. The second hearing scheduled for 5:55 p.m. is to receive public input concerning amendments to the Cashiers Commercial Area Land Development Ordinance. Copies are available online at jacksonnc.org/planning or at the Planning Department at the Justice Center. Citizens are invited to make written or oral comments.

Inman Chapel to hold reunion Historic Inman Chapel, located on Friendly House Road in Canton across from the Lake Logan Fire Department, will hold its annual reunion and homecoming celebration on Sunday, Aug. 20. Registration and fellowship begins at 10 a.m. A history program and presentation will be held at 11 a.m. followed by short business session. Lunch will be held at noon on the grounds. Bring a covered dish — drinks, plates and utensils will be provided. Singing will be held in the afternoon. If you’re musically inclined, bring your instrument. Everyone is invited.

Flippin’ North Carolina BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER lthough Haywood County’s municipal elections in Canton, Clyde and Maggie Valley will garner the most attention through November, state legislative campaigns will fire up shortly thereafter — if not sooner. While who’s doing what where and when are always questions at a time like this, they’ve never been so more than now, as almost every aspect of that equation is up in the air.

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One of the few things that’s not in doubt is when the elections will take place – but it was, for a time. The District Court’s 2016 gerrymandering ruling also ordered immediate elections with new districts on the premise that since the districts as drawn were illegitimate, the legislators elected thereby were likewise illegitimate. When North Carolina took that case to the U.S. Supreme Court, SCOTUS affirmed the gerrymandering part of the ruling, but vacated the special election stipulation, which likely would have set the legislative elections to coincide with this November’s Municipal Elections.

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North Carolina’s legislative districts are currently getting an overhaul, thanks to a court order with a hard deadline of September 1. The 28 districts ruled “racial gerrymanders” in August 2016 by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina are mostly in the eastern part of the state, but as one district is manipulated, so necessarily must be those adjoining. That ripple effect might reach across the state and alter far more than 28 districts, or it might not — it all depends on how the Joint House and Senate Redistricting Committee reconciles its core principles of compactness and contiguity with the very practical concern of drawing districts with partisan advantage. Which they’re totally allowed to do. Mystifyingly, since the District Court case was about race and not partisanship, nonpartisan redistricting isn’t a part of the overhaul. Even more mystifyingly, since the District Court case was about race, race may not be used to draw the new districts. At all. Whether this helps or hurts those voters so judged disenfranchised remains to be seen. Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City, said he’s not been privy to redistricting proceedings thus far.

THE ORIGINAL

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Despite district distractions, groups prepare for 2018

tricts where Republican representatives serve large numbers of voters who chose Democrats in the gubernatorial, senatorial and presidential races in 2016. The list says that Rep. Susan Martin, RWhen that ruling was bounced back to District Court, plaintiffs again asked for a Wilson, may have the best chance of being unseated, based on high vote shares in her special election, but were rebuffed. Regardless, the 2018 statewide General district for Democratic U.S. Senate and N.C. Election will be held as usual on the Tuesday Governor candidates in 2016. The highly-visible Nelson Dollar, R-Cary, after the first Monday in November. What that means is that the period of comes in at a surprising second, followed by rumor and intrigue that inevitably precedes Chris Malone, R-Wake Forest, followed by state legislative elections should begin, as Clampitt. Presnell, on the other hand, doesn’t even normal, right around the holidays. Two unique factors, however, may acceler- belong on the list, statistically; she’s far stronger demographically than each of the preate the start of that schedule. ceding 13 candidates on the list; however, inclusion is explained by an asterisk. HO Presnell’s “*N.C. House District 118 appears less Love him or hate him, President Donald competitive based on statewide elections but Trump may already be the most polarizing is included due to local political conditions and N.C. House voting history in the district.” political figure in American history. Presnell appears once again prepared to Given that a president’s first mid-term election is usually a good gauge of public sup- accept a challenge by her 2016 opponent, port — even on down to the statewide level Democrat Rhonda Cole Schandevel, who was defeated in a margin — 2018’s elections that was larger than could be interesting, to The 28 districts ruled many Democrats say the least, especially expected. considering the effect “racial gerrymanders” in Schandevel is hostTrump had locally in August 2016 by the ing a “Campaign 2016. Kickoff ” event at noon Haywood’s legislaU.S. District Court for on August 26 at the tive delegation — all the Middle District of Canton pool on Republicans — benePenland Street, and fitted from his strong North Carolina are although the Facebook showing here, and no event doesn’t say what one more so than mostly in the eastern she’s running for, it’s Bryson City’s Rep. part of the state, but as assumed that her Mike Clampitt. campaign in In a shocker, one district is manipulat- strong 2016 has encouraged Clampitt bested popuher to give unseating ed, so necessarily must lar, long-time Western Presnell, who said she North Carolina legislabe those adjoining. will run again, another tor Joe Sam Queen by a shot. margin of less than 300 Clampitt, however, has been vulnerable votes after falling short in two previous from the start; a thin victory over Rep. Joe attempts. Rep. Michel Presnell, R-Burnsville, also Sam Queen has had Democrats in the 119th saw a surge, posting her highest percentage District salivating since November, but Clampitt thinks his actions in Raleigh speak win ever. How closely their fates are intertwined for themselves and warrant reelection. “I believe I have been able to show people with that of Trump — whom they both enthusiastically supported — is unknown at that I’m effective and able to accomplish goals this pint, given the seemingly endless crises in Raleigh, rather than just give a bunch of lip his administration has been dealing with service,” he said August 14, adding that he “absolutely” plans to run again in 2018. since January. Queen wasn’t as certain as Clampitt, but Democrats, however, are already targetrefuses to rule out another run for his old seat. ing Presnell and Clampitt. “I’m definitely considering it,” Queen A group associated with the Indivisible movement called Flip NC says it’s taking “tar- said. “I’ve been listening to people, gathering geted, evidence-based action” to elect pro- input, doing the data analysis and being gressive candidates around the state, and thoughtful as to whether I’m the best candirecently issued a list of target districts it calls date or if there might be someone else.” Queen said he’d possibly decide after “flippable.” Currently, Republicans hold veto-proof Labor Day as he continues to talk with county majorities in both houses of the N.C. General party chairs and supporters. He also thinks that Western North Assembly. According to Flip NC, demographics in Carolina Districts like those of Presnell, the state Senate make the House a more Clampitt and Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, won’t attractive target for concerted effort; of the 74 change much, if at all. “[The Republican-controlled redistricting Republican-held seats, 14 are flappable, and if committee] will do exactly what they feel is in flipped would knot the House at 60-60. Although Flip NC representatives their best interest,” Queen said. “They have couldn’t be reached for comment for this proven that. We’ll just have to wait and see story, its website says flippability exists in dis- what happens.”

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BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER rincipal Chief Richard Sneed has vetoed legislation that Tribal Council passed in July setting up a program to pay power bills for tribal elders. “I understand that there will be those who will try to politicize this decision and say that I do not care about our elders,” Sneed wrote in an Aug. 13 Facebook post. “Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that the petitioner, Mr. (Patrick) Lambert, provided absolutely no data to support the need or the projected cost for this program. The decision to veto this resolution is based solely on the data that is included with this post.” The program, known as Power to the People, would have given elders living in Haywood, Jackson, Swain, Graham and Cherokee Counties a monthly credit of up to $120 per month on their electric bills, and elders who were customers of Cherokee Water and Sewer would no longer be charged for those services either. Lambert submitted the Power to the People resolution in April, when he was still principal chief. Lambert had estimated the program’s annual cost at less than $2 million and said it would likely cost closer to $1 million. “This could be something that will be fairly inexpensive yet potentially life-chang-

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

ing to help elders,” Lambert told Tribal Council in July. “A lot of them are watching kids and grandkids, raising them basically, and that’s where this concern came from.” However, Sneed said in his Facebook post, the actual cost of the program could be far greater than $2 million per year. According to the Tribal Enrollment Office, 2,137 enrolled members would qualify for the program — if all of those people live in separate households, the annual cost for power bills would be $3.1 million, while if they all lived with a spouse who was also an elder the cost could be $1.5 million. That figure didn’t include estimates for water and sewer subsidies. Further, Sneed said, the number of elders is expected to rise steadily over the coming years, meaning that by 2026 the number of tribal elders could reach 3,873, incurring an annual cost of $5.8 million if all elders live in separate households, with additional cost for water and sewer. Many other programs exist, he said, to take care of tribal elders. Currently, the tribe spends an estimated $14.8 million per year on services to elders, such as home repairs and Christmas checks. The figure also includes benefits given to all tribal members, regardless of age, such as per capita checks and free Cherokee Fitness Complex membership. “The data is clear, we take care of our

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Sneed vetoes power bill assistance program “The data is clear, we take care of our seniors, but the cost of this program is detrimental to the future financial security of the Eastern Band, and therefore I am obligated to veto it.” — Principal Chief Richard Sneed

seniors, but the cost of this program is detrimental to the future financial security of the Eastern Band, and therefore I am obligated to veto it,” Sneed wrote. Lambert takes issue with Sneed’s calculations. He said that the figure of 2,137 elders reflects the total number of enrolled elders, not the number of elders who live in the five-county service area — the real figure, he said, is about 1,000. He made the same point in July, putting it at 1,150. Not all would reach the maximum benefit of $120 per month, and many live together as couples. Sneed’s numbers had also figured that all elders who receive assistance with electric bills would also receive free water and sewer — but the geographic area for water

and sewer benefits is significantly smaller than the area that would receive power bill assistance. Lambert said that only about 200 elder households are on Cherokee Water and Sewer. “People are tired of politicians using data that only they are privy to, to try and kill ideas that would help Cherokee families just to suit their own politics,” Lambert wrote in a statement. “We are so much better than that.” Lambert originally introduced the resolution during the April 4 Budget Council session, when he was still principal chief. It was tabled. The resolution then appeared during the April 18 Grand Council Lambert held, with 95 percent of the 1,242 people voting on the question in favor of approving the program. The resolution was tabled once more after resurfacing at the May 31 Budget Council meeting — which occurred just six days after Council voted to remove Lambert from office — and Tribal Council held a twohour work session on the topic July 5 before ultimately passing the resolution July 6. The resolution passed narrowly, however, with 45 votes in favor, 37 against, 6 abstaining and Chairman Bill Taylor, of Wolfetown, and his 12 votes absent. Overturning a veto would require at least 66 of Tribal Council’s weighted votes, meaning that some councilmembers would have to change their minds for the program to be enacted.

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SCC weather balloon team to launch on eclipse day nity and are so thankful to Tri-County Technical College for letting us launch on their campus,” said Jesse Moore, SCC’s high-altitude weather balloon team leader. To watch the live-stream, visit https://stream.live/eclipse. To see SCC’s video and images, scroll down on the right side of the screen and look for “SCC Mountain Flyers.” The location of the launch may change due to weather patterns or other unforeseen circumstances, but SCC’s eclipse team will have their ground station at Tri-County regardless. SCC received a NASA-funded grant in 2015. The high-altitude weather balloon team is one of many projects that SCC has been able to accomplish through the grant.

August 16-22, 2017

On Aug. 21, the day of the Great American Eclipse, 50 high-altitude weather balloon teams from across the country will launch their payloads into the air to capture live images and video from the edge of space that will go straight to NASA’s website. Southwestern Community College is the only community college out of the 50 eclipse teams. SCC’s eclipse balloon team will travel to Tri-County Technical College’s campus in Anderson, SC, where they will launch the balloon 90,000 feet in the air to capture images and video of the Earth’s shadow during the eclipse. This will be NASA’s first-ever attempt at live streaming an eclipse. “We are so excited to have this opportu-

HCC unveils new public training building Smoky Mountain News

A brand new Public Services Training Facility was unveiled Monday at Haywood Community College. The $5 million facility will host required certification and training courses for firefighters, rescue workers, law enforcement, SWAT teams, emergency medical technicians and prison guards, with sets and props for acting out simulated scenarios. Construction of the building was funded through a combination of a quarter cent sales tax and loan funds. Haywood County commissioners designated the quarter cent sales tax to HCC in 2008 for the completion of capital projects. It will cost about $126,000 a year to run the fire and rescue training center — primarily due to the specialized burn tower, which would get a beating from gas-fueled pyrotechnics, smoke machines and a regular dousing with water and fire retardants.

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Trashing trailers Waynesville residents wary of annexation, zoning BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER randview Circle residents concerned about property values and crime turned up at the Waynesville Board of Aldermen meeting to get way out in front of an annexation that they suspect soon will become a trailer park. Michael Contino and Thurman Blaine spoke Aug. 8 in opposition to a voluntary annexation petition for a parcel at 292 Lickstone Road, which abuts their back yards. “We’ve never had the sheriff out here and we’d like to keep it that way,” Blaine told aldermen during the public hearing. Contino expressed concerns about the neighborhood’s property values declining. “We have a safe, quiet, well-established neighborhood,” he said Aug. 14. “We wouldn’t mind if houses went in, but if there’s lowincome apartments or trailers, that normally brings with it less quiet and less safe environments.” Right now, the mostly empty 4.08-acre parcel, which aldermen unanimously voted to annex that same night, contains only a modest family home, detached two-car garage and various outbuildings. But the parcel’s owner is what’s raising eyebrows on Grandview Circle; June

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

Lanning Ray owns 15 other plots just north of Grandview, off Allens Creek Road and straddling Bonnie’s Lane. On those parcels sit mobile homes. Ray’s 15 parcels in the mobile home park feature 13 units on 6.32 acres, or about 2.2 units per acre. Although some of the trailers are little more than unadorned, bare-bones budget housing, they all appeared well kept with no obvious signs of blight or disrepair. Contino, however, says that as he sits on his back porch, the sound of gunfire is “frequent.” “At times it sounds like a machine gun, and then other times, like a cannon,” he said, adding that he wasn’t entirely sure the gunfire was coming from Bonnie’s Lane, but he suspected it was. Records from the Haywood County Sheriff ’s for Bonnie’s Lane office show 58 calls for service from September 2015 through August of this year; although many are non-criminal incidents like welfare checks, civil service of papers, or the 11 medical emergencies listed in the records, there were two domestic disputes and two noise complaints logged, as well as a few other minor nuisances. When reached for comment, Ray – the elected Clerk of Superior

The parcel at 292 Lickstone Road (bottom, in purple) concerns Grandview Circle residents, who don’t want it to become a trailer park like the parcel owner’s 15 other area tracts (upper left, in purple). Haywood GIS map

“That’s part of what we look for — consistency.” — Assistant Town Manager Amie Owens

to get the city services she says are needed to successfully execute the development. “The property annexed into the town is zoned Allens Creek Neighborhood Residential,” said Elizabeth Teague, Waynesville’s development services director. “This property was within the town’s Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction and already zoned, therefore the zoning does not change with annexation.” Teague said that Allens Creek Neighborhood Residential zoning allows 10 units per acre, and up to 16 with a special

use permit — all of which is subject to additional constraints like lot standards and setbacks. If Ray wants to change that zoning, she’ll need to make an appearance before the town’s Planning and Zoning Board, which will attempt to determine acceptable usage of the plot. That board will in turn make a recommendation to the Board of Aldermen. Aldermen are not bound to accept the planning board’s recommendations, but they do take them seriously. Any potential zoning request would also be considered in light of Waynesville’s 2020 Land Development Plan, which classifies the land as rural. “This category includes land use best suited for very low density residential development and agricultural uses… areas where utility services are not typically provided and significant farmlands are generally included in this classification,” reads the plan, which goes on to stipulate desired uses for parcels so classified as farmland, fallow fields, uncultivated tracts or very low density housing with approximately one unit for every 5 acres. “That’s part of what we look for — consistency,” said Assistant Town Manager Amie Owens. In the event Ray moves to change the zoning or doesn’t follow through with her promise, Contino says he’s already talked to his neighbors, and they’re ready for a showdown. “I would say we’ll show up probably with about 50 people,” he said.

Seniors will meet at 5:15pm on August 23rd and are expected to return at 11:30pm To Register call 828.456.2030

Members of the Waynesville Rec Center: $15 Non-Members: $20

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August 16-22, 2017

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Court – said there will be no mobile homes on the property. “I can promise you that,” she said. Counter intuitively, Ray has subjected herself to greater restrictions by having her annexation petition request granted; now, the parcel is part of the town of Waynesville, which has fairly comprehensive and fairly enforced zoning practices. Ray said that currently, she’s in the middle of a feasibility study and plans to create a multi-unit affordable housing development on the site, which is where she grew up. Annexation, Ray said, was the only way

WAYNESVILLE

PARKS AND RECREATION 828.456.2030

Smoky Mountain News

Mission is merely seeking its fair share Responding to Jeanne Dupois Editorial: We read with great interest the editorial from Jeanne Dupois regarding the many challenges that Mission Health faces in serving Western North Carolina and her associated skepticism. We don’t blame her for being frustrated; we are too. Since 1885, Mission Health has been dedicated to serving the Western North Carolina community by providing world-class healthcare for all, regardless of the ability to pay. Now, 125 years later, we continue to fulfill the values we were founded on and have a terrific record on both nation-leading performance and community benefit. Ms. Dupois’ letter makes several comments about “profits.” It is true that Mission Health — like any organizations — requires a positive margin to survive. However, the distinction between our Charles Ayscu “profits” and a for-profit organization is what happens with those profits. In our case, they are only used for the benefit of the community and not to benefit any shareholders. Why do we need a margin? It costs Mission Health $4.4 million per day to keep our doors open. With the uncertainty of federal and state healthcare funding, and Mission’s heavy reliance on Medicare and Medicaid for 70 percent of our patients, it is dangerous to operate otherwise. Our patients and caregivers depend on us for their healthcare and economic welfare, as do private businesses that support our employees. Economic instability at Mission Health would cause significant economic harm to all of Western North Carolina. With respect to the billing comments, we agree that our nation’s hospital payment system is absurd. No one recognizes that more than we do. A system designed so that all hospitals lose money on Medicare and Medicaid, and that forces them to cross-subsidize via private insurers to remain viable is a really bad system. That’s particularly true for those organizations caring for more patients with governmental insurance through no fault of their own. But it’s the system we have. Because of regulations and historical oddities, hospital billing is complex and billed charges rarely reflect the amount ever paid or collected for services. Fees must represent the total cost of operations, not just the discrete services provided to individual patients. In fact, many of the largest costs (such as nursing salaries or the costs of facilities) are not allowed to be billed at all. But common sense shows it would be impossible to operate a hospital if these costs were not reimbursed in some manner, however odd. Billing rules established by insurance companies and governmental payers result in correspondingly “unusual charges,” such as your famous “$15 Band-Aid.” That price is not real, is not paid by anyone and has little to do with its cost; instead it represents other large costs that are “not allowed to be billed.” For example, fees must cover the cost of uncompensated care provided to patients ($70 million last year) and the costs of staff and technology required to meet the needs of any patient 24-7, 365 days per year. Mental health care, a major crisis in North Carolina and nationally, is a prime example of our fundamentally flawed payment system. States have backed away from their responsibility for the neediest among us, and hospitals are left with the burden of finding ways to care for these individuals without reimbursement for doing so. Finally, you may be surprised to know that Mission Health is a significant research and teaching organization, responsible for educating more than 95 physicians, 600 nurses, 70 medical students and 1,000 other clinical students every year. So, finishing up back on our dispute with BCBSNC, we really aren’t trying to whine, but instead seeking desperately needed help. Like everyone, our costs are rising and BCBSNC has unilaterally demanded that we receive no payment increase, even while they have raised prices significantly to employers (mid-single digits, per spokesperson Lew Borman) and individuals (14.1 percent). We aren’t asking for a lot, much less than what BCBSNC has asked of employers and individuals. Charles Ayscue, Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Mission Health

Opinion In the words of Belushi, ‘I hate Illinois Nazis’ “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. n the 1980 cult classic film “The Blues Brothers,” Jake and Elwood are stuck in traffic as a Nazi rally blocks the bridge they need to cross. When they ask a nearby police officer about what’s going on, the officer shrugs, “Ah, those bums won their court case, so they’re marching today.” Jake replies, “What bums?” The officer shoots back, “The f**ckin’ Nazi party.” “Illinois Nazis,” Elwood mutters, to which Jake groans, “I hate Illinois Nazis.” The duo then pushes the gas Columnist pedal to the floor, veering towards the Nazis, forcing them to jump off the bridge and into the river to avoid being hit. As a kid (and even now) watching that scene, I would laugh. “Yeah, take that, you Nazis,” I would think to myself. It was a funny scene. How absurd is it to want to be (and be) a Nazi in this day and age? Well, that fringe movement, the last vestiges of the Third Reich, are gaining momentum in a modern era where racism and hate is disguised as “opinion and personal values,” where the Christian religion has been hijacked to push forward agendas that are alienating and discriminating to minorities. It’s not that these Nazi and KKK groups are seemingly coming out of nowhere. They’ve always been here and have always spewed the same message of ignorance. The difference is we used to ignore them, not take them seriously. Have your march, and be off, you know? But, now, between the increasing violence between races, religious factions and urban/rural dichotomies in the post-9/11 world, these hate groups have found new footing, and new recruits. I’ll be the first to say we shouldn’t whitewash history, especially in terms of the Civil War. I awoke this past Tuesday morning to the news of a Confederate soldier statue being torn down the previous evening in Durham. Blatantly waving the Confederate flag in someone’s face to get a negative reaction is bullshit. But, in terms of these memorials, they are in remembrance of a war — for good or ill — and we mustn’t sweep it under the rug the same way the exact issues were that led to the Civil War itself. Which brings me to my next topic: Charlottesville. An explosive can of worms that has shaken this country over the last week. One killed, dozens injured when a car purposely plowed into a group of counter-protestors at an “Alt-Right” rally that included factions of the Nazi party and members of the KKK (permitted to hold the event). The sad thing is this isn’t the first incident of its kind in the United States, nor will it be the last. Do the Nazis have a right to rally and march? Well, if you truly believe in the freedom of speech and freedom of

assembly, two of the core amendments in the Bill of Rights and of our ever-evolving democracy, then yes, they do have the right to speak and assemble. One wonders what would come of it if we just ignored the rally. What if there was no media coverage of it, no counter-protestors? What if we simply turned our backs to the hate aimed at getting us to jump up and shout back just as loud? The Nazis and the KKK

Garret K. Woodward

A recent vigil for Charlottesville at the Haywood County Historic Courthouse. Jessi Stone photo want folks to get mad, they want a reaction of hate towards them, to stir up dark things inside you, to bring you down to their level so they can point the finger of shame back at you as they play victim. John Oliver of HBO’s “Last Week Tonight” said it best — “Nazis are a lot like cats: if they like you, it’s probably because you’re feeding them ....” I don’t support anything the Nazis or KKK stand for, but I do support their right to say what they want to say. It’s the same right that allows me to write this weekly column about whatever I want to, and without fear of persecution. What happened in Charlottesville was a national tragedy. And yet, I also look at it as a turning point in this ongoing, sinister dialogue of “us versus them” in America. These spectacles and rhetoric have existed for decades. Heck, centuries if you actually dive into the issue. But, with mass media and social media, we tend to play into it more these days, where we’re constantly inundated with the darkness and vile nature that revolves around such groups like the Nazis and KKK. Good will always outnumber evil, even if it sometimes feels like a losing battle. Just remember that peace and compassion starts right in your own backyard. The “we” of truth and understanding amid a community coming together is at the heart of the healing process of which we in this country are in dire need.

Cutting the apron strings

Susanna Barbee

Honor the dead, not the cause To the Editor: In a recent spate of Confederacy hype, much has been racist and much has been misleading. However, we do need to correct our history books; and we especially need to end the senseless argument that slavery was not a cause for the civil war. Everything that preceded this terrible war was about an economy and a racist ideology based upon the buying and selling of people as property. Every opposing argument is tainted by the refusal to acknowledge the horrible conditions of slavery that flourished in our country, especially in the agrarian South. An entire population was encouraged by a white aristocracy to promote hatred and violence, poor white against even poorer blacks (please read William Faulkner’s “Barn Burning”). More than 600,000 perished in this internal struggle, a war fought to justify slave labor or whatever name they use to deny the shame and evil of racism and inequity. Grief and memory are reasonable expressions for the loss of so many, but giving this war another reason, another deception is wrong; and it is a slap in the

Smoky Mountain News

SPACE AVAILABLE

To the Editor: I appreciate and agree with your wellexpressed thoughts on government meetings and prayer. Thank you for taking a public stance on such a controversial issue. Marcia Goldstein Waynesville

August 16-22, 2017

know he’ll make his own memories, ones he’ll remember when he’s an adult sending his children to school. And not only am I excited for him, I’m a little excited for myself. I’ve been working a variety of part-time jobs, at Waynesville Middle as an educator and at home as a freelance writer/online marketing associate so I could be more available for my boys. The freelance life seems fun and exciting to an outsider, but in reality it’s rather exhaustColumnist ing. It requires not only a lot of work, but since I’m my own boss, it also involves time-consuming business and financial management. And the work hours are blurred so it seems I never shut down or truly relax. With both of my sons now in school, it opens more time in my day to possibly go back to work full-time or at least work out of the home more. I enjoy working from home but as a social person who loves human interaction, I miss having a work family and being out in the world each day. The coming year holds a lot of newness for me and for my kindergartner. But I’ve never been one who’s scared of change, so I’m energized to see what experiences and adventures are around the bend. There’s a quote by Brooke Hampton that says, “Speak to your children as if they’re the wisest, kindest, most beautiful and magical humans on earth, for what they believe is what they’ll become.” I don’t have to speak to my boys as if they are wise and beautiful and magical because I truly believe they are wise and beautiful and magical. I can’t stop them from growing up. I can’t sit around and bemoan the fact each day they need me less and less. Instead, I try to be grateful I’m part of their life journeys, that I have the amazing opportunity to teach, mold, inspire, encourage and support them as they grow from boys to young adults to men. Before I know it, I’ll answer the phone to a deep voice that says, “Hey, mom. You doing OK?” Now that, I’m not quite ready for. But kindergarten? Bring it on! (Susanna Barbee is a writer who lives in Haywood County. susanna.barbee@gmail.com.)

LETTERS face to both black and white who lost everything in this inhuman effort to make money. It was pure, unadulterated greed. Statues or memorials honoring those who died in the struggle are one thing (Andersonville is one of the most heartbreaking memorials to the soldiers who suffered); however, statues that celebrate and honor the cause of the Confederacy are a different thing. Yes, we can find slavery in many cultures and we can find it still today throughout the world, unfortunately. However, that argument will never justify our own role in this practice. With so little reconstruction or reparations after the war, we released millions of impoverished, uneducated, devalued people to flee north to ghettos or to remain tortured and repressed among people who lynched, burned and inflicted endless other cruelties. Like other wars of genocide, our country must end this prideful and shameful defense of a war that ripped our country apart. Yet it has been allowed to continue over the following 150-plus years via Jim Crow, vicious segregation, and a very prejudiced denial of rights that continue today. Michelle Alexander writes of the New Jim Crow that still kills and imprisons black men every day in America. It seems an impossible task to undo the unspeakable wrongs, but I believe that until we right or at least take responsibility for this terrible legacy, we cannot end the misery, prejudice, and injustice that continue today. Let’s not forget the many who died in the Civil War, but let’s cease to celebrate the Confederacy. Ruth Ballard Hayesville

opinion

I’m entering a new phase of motherhood. Since becoming a mom in 2009, one or both of my boys have been completely or quasi attached to my apron strings, so to speak. Whether learning the ins and outs of nursing, making homemade baby food, changing diapers, pushing a stroller, fastening a car seat, reading board books, managing colic, bandaging chubby knees, putting on tiny socks and shoes, or creatively potty training, I’ve been in full-blown mommy mode for over eight years. And now, with my youngest starting kindergarten this year, if feels like a new season of life. Even though my 5-year old has been pretty self-sufficient for a while now, he was only in preschool part-time. At 1 p.m. every day, I picked him up and we hung out together until big brother stepped off the school bus at 3:10. Something about his half-day schedule made me feel like I was still the mom of a “little one.” It seems like mere days ago I was holding him swaddled in my arms on a cold January afternoon in 2012. And now he’s starting kindergarten. In fact, it seems like not long ago I was starting kindergarten. My mom was the media coordinator at Weaverville Primary, a sweet little K-2 school in downtown Weaverville. I remember holding her hand, my two curly pigtails bobbing, new backpack and lunchbox in tow, and walking up the sidewalk, excited to finally be in big-girl school like my older sister. My kindergarten teacher was Mrs. Crawford and my teacher assistant was Mrs. Parks. I remember some of the outfits I wore, my favorite jelly sandals, and a charm belt that caused too much chatting among my friends so I wasn’t allowed to wear it again. I remember circle time, the other kids in my reading group, and squealing on a playground just outside our classroom door. These memories are so vivid in my mind. Fast forward all these years and my own baby is starting kindergarten. Each year as I step into an older age, I feel the “time flies” adage more acutely. A few people have asked me if I’m sentimental or sad about my youngest starting kindergarten. The thing is, while I know it will be hard that first morning to send him into Junaluska Elementary School and know he’ll be walking the halls with big fifthgraders, I’m also very excited for him. Just as I remember my kindergarten memories, I

Government prayer has limitations

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tasteTHEmountains

Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. Dine-In ~ Take Out ~ Delivery

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243 Paragon Parkway | Clyde

August 16-22, 2017

828-476-5058

128 N. Main St., Waynesville

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Gluten-Free, Vegan & Vegetarian options

BLOSSOM ON MAIN 128 N. Main Street, Waynesville. 828.454.5400. Open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Mild, medium, to hot and spicy, our food is cooked to your like-able temperature. Forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy. Traditional Thai food is known to be quite healthy, making use of natural and fresh ingredients, paired with lots of spices, herbs, and vegetables. Vegetarians and health conscious individuals will not be disappointed as fresh vegetables and tofu are available in most of our menu as well as wines and saki chosen to compliment the unique flavors of Thai cuisine. BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts. Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily. Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available. BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Monday through Saturday. Dinner 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic american comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in

our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items. Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are. CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch menu every day from 12 to 2 p.m. Dinner becomes a gourmet experience this year with the arrival of our new Chef CJ, whose training and skills include French, Mediterranean, Asian, Middle Eastern and, of course, New Age Southern cuisine. Saturday night will feature an evening cookout on the terrace, with choices such as steak, salmon, ribs and shrimp. On other nights of the week, the chef will prepare gourmet dinners with locally sourced vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. The evening social hour starts at 6 p.m., and dinner is served starting at 7 p.m. Please join us for milehigh mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Reservations are required. CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored. CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville. 828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot. CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast,

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

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Serving Lunch & Dinner at BearWaters Brewing 101 PARK ST. CANTON 828.492.1422 PIGEONRIVERGRILLE.COM

lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com. THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter. COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT 3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley. 828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service. FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde. 828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95. FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA 1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley. 828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, nat-

tasteTHEmountains ural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com. GUADALUPE CAFÉ 606 W. Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.9877. Open 7 days a week at 5 p.m. Located in the historic Hooper’s Drugstore, Guadalupe Café is a chef-owned and operated restaurant serving Caribbean inspired fare complimented by a quirky selection of wines and microbrews. Supporting local farmers of organic produce, livestock, hand-crafted cheese, and using sustainably harvested seafood. J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817. Open for dinner at 4:30 to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated. JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB 1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine. Open seasonally for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted. MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561. Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska. Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano. Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95. Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available. Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts. Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar. Catering special events is one of our specialties. SMOKEY SHADOWS LODGE 323 Smoky Shadows Lane, Maggie Valley 828.926.0001. Check Facebook page for hours, which vary. Call early when serving because restaurant fills up fast. Remember when families joined each other at the table for a delicious homemade meal and shared stories about their day? That time is now at Smokey Shadows. The menus are customizable for your special event. Group of eight or more can schedule their own dinner. SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400. Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A Waynesville tradition, the Smoky Mountain Sub Shop has been serving great food for over 20 years. Come in and enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere. Sub breads are baked fresh every morning in Waynesville. Using only the freshest ingredients in homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Come

in and see for yourself why Smoky Mountain Sub Shop was voted # 1 in Haywood County. Locally owned and operated. SPEEDY’S PIZZA 285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800. Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, calzones and seafood. Also serving excellent prime rib on Thursdays. Dine in or take out available. Located across from the Fire Station. TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville. 828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com.

LUNCH DAILY 11:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. DINNER NIGHTLY AT 5 P.M. TUESDAY-SATURDAY Voted Best Steak in Waynesville

Wine Down Wednesday's 1/2 off bottle of wine

Classic local American comfort foods, craft beers, along with small batch bourbons & whiskey. Vegetarian options available Closed Sunday & Monday 454 Hazelwood Ave • Waynesville Call 828.452.9191 for resvervations

FOOD • FILMS • FUN Special Solar Eclipse Hours

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville. 828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails! VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin. 828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito. The recipes have been in the family for 50 years (don’t ask for the recipes cuz’ you won’t get it!) Each Pizza is hand tossed and made with TLC. You’re welcome to watch your pizza being created. WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville. 828.246.0927. Open Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Opened in May 2016, The Waynesville Pizza Company has earned a reputation for having the best hand-tossed pizza in the area. Featuring a custom bar with more than 20 beers and a rustic, family friendly dining room. Menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade desserts, and a loaded salad bar. The Cuban sandwich is considered by most to be the best in town.

Open Sunday Night and All Day Monday

Free Movies Thurs-Sat SALADS PIZZAS BURGERS VEGETARIAN 828.586.3555 • Downtown Sylva MadBatterFoodFilm.com Scratch-made Locally Owned

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.

Closed Tues.

Sun. 12-9 p.m.

August 16-22, 2017

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

too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

Sandwiches • Burgers • Wraps 32 Felmet Street (828) 246-0927

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

August 18- August 21 Stop by for Sun-Moon cookies, $6 Solar Flights of Local Beer, and Total Eclipse Sweet Crepes with Dark Chocolate & White Clouds of Whipped Cream. 3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

Smoky Mountain News

WAYNESVILLE’S BEST BURGERS

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde MON.-SAT. 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505 Mtwitter.com/ChurchStDepot C facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food 23

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

WNC welcomes ‘The Great American Solar Eclipse’

t 2:35 p.m. on Aug. 21, Western North Carolina residents and visitors will have the chance to watch as the moon moves fully in front of the sun for the first time in 26 years. For those inside the 70-mile-wide path of the solar eclipse, the sky will turn pitch black, the air will cool, and stars will be visible in the middle of the day. This is the first time in 26 years that America has seen a total solar eclipse, and it is one of the few that will sweep the nation from Atlantic to Pacific coasts. The last time a total solar eclipse crossed from one coast to the other of the continental United States was June 8, 1918. The eclipse event will take place between 1 and 3 p.m. with totality expected to occur around 2:30 p.m. Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties are fortunate enough to all be within the path of totality to some degree in Jackson County will have the longest view of the eclipse with almost 2 minutes while Haywood County's view will only last about 1 minute. The Smoky Mountain News has compiled an eclipse guide containing all you need to know about how to prepare for, view, photograph and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime event. Throughout the weekend leading up to the solar eclipse, an array of activities centered around the main event on Aug. 21 will be held throughout WNC. Events include:

FRIDAY, AUG. 18 • Concerts on the Creek – Porch 40 (rock/funk) will perform from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bridge Park. Free admission (donation encouraged). Bring a chair/blanket.

SATURDAY, AUG. 19 • A Social Function will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bridge Park. Food trucks onsite will be NGN 52 (pizza) and Chili Chomper Mobile (tacos). Dancing Bear Ice cream will serve ice cream. Free admission. Following the concert, Main Street merchants will be open late for moonlight madness shopping with special deals, offerings and discounts. • Participate in the 2k (1.1 mile) Moonlight Fun Run at 9:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Complex in Cullowhee. This is a self-timed run (no timing services will be offered). Included in your registration fee of $10 will be a t-shirt (glow in the dark ink), a glow in the dark necklace or bracelet.

SUNDAY, AUG. 20 • Learn the science behind the eclipse at a panel with area astronomers, astrophysicists, and professors at 6 p.m. in the Southwestern Community College Myer’s auditorium (Balsam Building). Admission is free. The panel is moderated by Southwestern Community College’s NASA Project Director and Physics Instructor Matt Cass. Panelists

The “diamond ring” appears just before the beginning of totality, when a single bright point of sunlight shines through a deep valley on the Moon’s edge and the inner corona becomes visible. Rick Fienberg/TravelQuest International/Wilderness Travel will include: Dr. Rachel Smith, Head of the Astronomy & Astrophysics Research Lab, Appalachian State University; Dr. Dan Caton, Director of Observatories, Appalachian State University; Dr. Enrique Alberto Gómez, Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy, Western Carolina University; Dr. Paul Heckert, Astronomy Professor, Western Carolina University; and Dr. David Sitar, Astronomy Professor, Appalachian State University.

MONDAY, AUG. 21 • Sylva lies in the path of totality and will experience 1 minute and 47 seconds of darkness. Activities for this celestial event will take place at the Bridge Park Solar Eclipse fest beginning at 11 a.m. and will include live music from The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) and children’s activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Onsite food vendors are: Brew Dawgz (gourmet hotdogs), Al’s BBQ and Ginny’s Concessions (funnel cakes). • Don’t miss the planetary walk of the Solar System scaled to fit on Sylva’s Main Street. Children’s activities at Poteet Park (a one-minute walk from Bridge Park) are: 1. Creating Shadows (ages 4 & up); 2. Eclipse Art

(ages 4 & up); 3. Modeling an Eclipse (ages 7 & up); 4. Solar System Scale (3-foot) Presentations: 11:30 a.m. – Reading book Moonbear’s Shadow; 12:30 p.m. – Solar System Scale. Adult events following kids’ events held at Bridge Park: 1. UV bead bracelets 2. Eclipse Stories; 3. Solar System Scale (6-foot) • Bridge Park’s subject matter expert, Dr. Amy Fagan, will instruct crowds, starting at 1 p.m. on safe viewing techniques and guide them through eclipse science. Onsite food trucks will be serving up tacos, tasty bites and more. • The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs to 4 p.m. Shuttles to the site will run from the Jackson County Justice Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shuttle rides are $1 per ride per segment and parking is free at those sites. For Sylva, the start of the partial eclipse will be at 1:06 p.m. with a maximum eclipse at 2:36 p.m. and total eclipse at 2:37 p.m. Learn more about Jackson County’s solar eclipse events by visiting www.ncsolareclipse.com. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has safety viewing glasses for sale for $3 each at the chamber. Proceeds will benefit Concerts on the Creek. www.mountainlovers.com.

What to do, where to go? WNC prepares to celebrate Solar Eclipse Rock/funk act Porch 40 will play Concerts on the Creek in Sylva on Aug. 18.

ANDREWS • “The Great American Solar Eclipse” celebration will be from noon to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at Harold H. Hall Park. Andrews is on the centerline of the path of totality and will see 2 minutes and 39 seconds. Since the portion of North Carolina within totality is small, the Moon’s shadow will pass quickly. The total

solar eclipse first touches North Carolina at 2:33 p.m. and exits at 2:49 p.m. Activities include food, live music, craft beer and wine at Hall Park on First Street. Organized by Andrews Brewing Company, Calaboose Cellars, Hoppy Trout Brewing Company, and FernCrest Winery Tasting Room. www.cherokeecountychamber.com.

BRYSON CITY FRIDAY, AUG. 18 • Farmers Market – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Island Street

Eclipse photography takes research, preparation

TOTALITY At totality, the sun’s pearly corona will be visible and a tempting catch for photographers. • Remove solar filter quickly when totality begins. • Use a telephoto lens — 500-1,000mm — to get as close to the sun as possible. • Switch the camera from manual to automatic. • Totality will be over quickly. Take lots of pictures in hopes of ending up with a few good ones. • Set the camera to bracket all shots. • As soon as any bright light is visible, get your eye out of the viewfinder. Replace the solar filter before taking any more shots.

smartphones — be covered with a special solar filter to prevent camera damage. • Use a telephoto lens of 500 to1,000 millimeters to get a close-up view. • Mount the camera on a sturdy, tall tripod, and use a remote shutter release button if possible to avoid shaking the camera while taking images. • Set shutter speed and aperture manually, as auto settings will yield a washed-out image of the sun. • Set the camera to bracket each shot so that every press of the shutter button yields three photos taken with multiple exposure settings. • Keep solar glasses handy. Don’t wear them while looking at the camera screen, but always wear them when looking at the sun. • Using the screen to frame your shot is safer than using the viewfinder. • Cover the back of the camera with a blanket so you can see the screen better. • If using tape to attach filters to the camera, use painters tape to avoid sticky residue.

TIME LAPSE

• Riverfront Park – Live music, 7 to 9 p.m. • Nantahala Brewing – Hardworker Band (rock), 8 to 11 p.m. SATURDAY, AUG. 19 • All Around Town – Eclipse Man will be available for photos and autographs around town and at the Red Caboose at noon and 3 pm. • Darnell Farms – Swain County Agricultural Fair & Festival, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Balsam Range (bluegrass), 8 to 10 p.m. • Bryson City Fire Department – Free 15-minute planetarium program “Eclipses & NASA Journey to Mars” sponsored by the Marianna Black Library (donations welcomed), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Southwestern Community College/Swain County – Ceramic Arts Club Pottery Sale, 10

a.m. to 4 p.m. • Mountain Layers Brewing – Twelfth Fret (acoustic/rock), 6 to 9 p.m. • Riverfront Park – The Elderly Brothers (50s70s music), 7 to 9 p.m. • Nantahala Brewing – Jangling Sparrows (soul/rock), 8 to 11 p.m. SUNDAY, AUG. 20 • Darnell Farms - Appalachian Festival, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Porch 40 (rock/funk), 7 to 9 p.m. • Bryson City Fire Department – Free 15minute planetarium programs “Eclipses & NASA Journey to Mars” sponsored by the Marianna Black Library (donations welcomed), noon to 4 p.m. • Riverfront Park – The Caribbean Cowboys

PARTIAL ECLIPSE

Learn more When it comes to solar eclipses, there’s a lot to learn — but also a lot available for those who want to know. • Retired NASA astrophysicist and photographer Fred Espenak lays out detailed information about eclipse photography, as well as other aspects of the phenomenon, at www.mreclipse.com. Espenak also maintains the site www.eclipsewise.com. • For forecasts of cloud cover on eclipse day, visit www.cleardarksky.com. The site provides detailed cloud cover information for sites along the eclipse path for conditions up to two days out. • Master astrophotographer Jerry Lodriguss gives valuable tips and information at www.astropix.com.

(calypso/classic rock), 7 to 9 p.m. • Nantahala Brewing – Rick Rushing & The Blues Strangers (blues), 8 to 11 p.m. MONDAY, AUG. 21 • Block Party at the Depot – Grandpa’s Cough Medicine (bluegrass), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and The Company Stores (rock/blues), 1 to 3 p.m. • Solar Eclipse Train – The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will have a Solar Eclipse Train depart the Bryson City depot at noon, returning back at 5 p.m. For tickets, visit www.gsmr.com. • Riverfront Park – Frank Lee & Friends (oldtime), 1 to 3 p.m. • Swain County Event Park (at Inspiration Park) – Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats (rock/blues), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Lyric

Being prepared is the key to taking quality eclipse images. The much-anticipated event will come and go surprisingly quickly, so spend some time thinking about what you’ll need and gathering those items in preparation. • A telephoto lens of 500 to 1,000 millimeters to take close-up images of the sun. • A wider-angle lens to try for time-lapse photos and to take photos of the landscape as a whole. • Solar filters for each lens to be used. Filters can be purchased premade or made from special solar filter paper. Scratched filters are not safe to use. • A sturdy tripod. • A blanket to cover the back of the camera, making it easier to see the screen. • A remote shutter release button. • Double-check that the battery is charged and the memory card has as much space as possible. • Lens cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

(rock/funk), 1 to 3 p.m. Parking fee ($10, $20 or $40 depending on size of car/van/bus), includes viewing glasses for everyone in the vehicle. • Darnell Farms – Kick The Robot (rock), 1 to 2 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. Solar eclipse viewing party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Nantahala Brewing – King Corduroy (rock/soul), 8 to 11 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

Smoky Mountain News

The partial eclipse occurs as the moon partially covers the sun but does not completely block it. During this time, it’s essential that any camera lens — including lenses on

Some of the most striking eclipse images show a composite time lapse of the partially eclipsed sun making its way across the sky. Producing these images requires digitally combining individual photos afterward. • Use a wider-angle lens — 75 to 125 millimeters — in order to capture multiple images of the sun making its way across the sky.

IN THE CAMERA BAG

August 16-22, 2017

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER t’s safe to say that a good solar eclipse photo requires a bit more preparation than your average snapshot. Perhaps most obviously, there’s the need for a solar filter to prevent camera damage — a piece of equipment that few photographers have likely had occasion to order before the run-up to the Great American Eclipse of 2017. Then there’s the challenge of finding the right exposure to capture this once-in-a-lifetime event, and the pressure of knowing that you’ve got only one chance — and that the moment is passing swiftly by. Roger Bacon, a retired Western Carolina University professor and avid photographer, has been working for quite a while to maximize his chance of capturing the perfect image, and he’s enjoyed the process. “If we have a day like today, the eclipse is going to be a little bit anticlimactic, but for me the preparation has been so much fun,” Bacon said during a presentation he gave on a rainy day in Sylva. Preparation is perhaps the first rule to getting quality eclipse images. Make sure you know where you’ll be watching, make sure you have all the equipment you need, and practice photographing the afternoon sun leading up to the event to get your camera settings locked in. The eclipse will include three main opportunities to capture a striking image. During a presentation he gave at the Jackson County Public Library Thursday, Aug. 10, Bacon gave his tips for each.

• Leave at least three minutes between images. • Set shutter speed and aperture manually. • Be careful not to move the camera in between shots. A remote shutter release button is handy. • Be sure to use a solar filter. Same safety precautions apply as with other partial eclipse shots.

arts & entertainment

Prepare to shoot

The midday sun makes its way across the sky. Photographer Roger Bacon took this composite image while practicing to shoot the eclipse. Roger Bacon photo

CASHIERS • The Cashiers Eclipse Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 on The

S EE ECLIPSE EVENTS, PAGE 26 25

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

arts & entertainment

ECLIPSE EVENTS, CONTINUED FROM 25 Village Green. The Village Green lies directly in the path of totality and will experience darkness for 2 minutes and 23 seconds beginning at 2:36 p.m. Astronomy activities with eclipse tips and facts will be taking place throughout the day of the Eclipse. Visitors can try several local food trucks such as Glenville’s own Flip & Whip, Coach Joe Crosby, and Native Private Chef, enjoy beer and wine by Cashiers Mountain Market, and sweet treats and ice cream from Cream & Flutter. Yard games and a live music performance by Coconut Groove (classic rock) will entertain guests during the festivities. The U.S. Postal Service will be on site to sell and cancel commemorative Solar Eclipse stamps. Other commemorative items, as well as eclipse viewing glasses, will be available for purchase. Admission with donation. For more information on the event, parking and “The Great American Solar Eclipse,” visit www.ncsolareclipse.com.

A Cherokee artist designed an eclipse logo based on traditional native beliefs. In the Cherokee syllabary, it says “I watched the frog swallow the sun in Cherokee, North Carolina.”

CHEROKEE • The “Cherokee Cultural Eclipse Celebration” will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 at the Cherokee Fairgrounds and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. At the fairgrounds, there will be live music, storytelling, stickball, and more, throughout the two-day event, with a bonfire at 7:10 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Oconaluftee Indian Park. Admission to the fairgrounds is $25 per day for ages 6 and over, free for ages 5 and under (admission includes certified lunar viewing glasses).

CLYDE

• The Haywood Community College Library will hold a “Total Eclipse Book Sale” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21-25 in Clyde. This solar eclipse of all book sales will feature magazines for $0.10, paperbacks for $0.50, hardbacks for $1 and arts and crafts books for $3. The books on sale will include those in the subjects of arts and crafts, gardening, natural resources, fiction, history and miscellaneous. Forms of payment accepted are 26

cash and check. HCC’s Library is located in Building 200. For more information about the sale, call 828.565.4083.

CULLOWHEE • With a total solar eclipse to occur on the first day of the fall semester, Western Carolina University is taking steps to help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to safely view the rare celestial phenomenon. And by everyone, WCU means everyone — not just faculty, staff and students — as the university is making plans for a live online video stream to allow people far away from campus to witness the eclipse Monday, Aug. 21. The live video stream will be hosted by Brandon Truitt, a 2016 graduate of WCU with degrees in communication and public science, who now is working at television station WNCT in Greenville. The online broadcast is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. with a series of live panel discussions and taped educational programming, with footage of the eclipse starting as the skies darken at approximately 2:35 p.m. The live stream will be broadcast on www.wcu.edu/solareclipse, as well as and on WCU’s Facebook and YouTube sites. On campus, WCU officials have decided that no classes will be held between 1 and 3 p.m. Aug. 21 to give students and faculty the opportunity to witness the eclipse. In addition, staff members who are able to be away from their desks or duty stations will be allowed to step outside to observe the phenomenon. Student Affairs staff members are planning activities in the vicinity of the A.K. Hinds University Center lawn and the Central Plaza fountain area, including music, food and panel discussions on eclipse-related topics.

FONTANA • The “Solar Eclipse Viewing Party” will be Aug. 20-21 at the Fontana Village Resort. Two days of live entertainment, cookouts, and more. For more information or to reserve your spot for the festivities, visit www.fontanavillage.com.

FRANKLIN • Lazy Hiker Brewing will host the “Blackout Blowout” Solar Eclipse celebration with Grandpa’s Cough Medicine (bluegrass) 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats (rock/blues) 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, The Company Stores (Americana) 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, Troy Underwood (singersongwriter) 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 and The Remnants (Americana) 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20. Craft beer releases all weekend. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. • The Franklin Chamber of Commerce will host a solar eclipse viewing party starting at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at its office on Hyatt Road. Refreshments will be served, with viewing glasses available. Parking and restrooms provided. www.visitfranklinnc.com. • On Monday, Aug. 21, the Town of Franklin will be providing free RC Cola and a Moonpie to the first 100 eclipse viewers at the visitor information station set up from 1 to 6 p.m. at the gazebo downtown. The ton will also give

Lazy Hiker Brewing will host the “Blackout Blowout” Aug. 18-20 in Franklin. away 2,000 pairs of custom eclipse glasses. Visitors can also purchase special eclipse Tshirts, magnets and Christmas ornaments at the information booth. A children’s play station will be located on Iotla Street. Town Hall’s lower parking lot will be closed off to vehicles and serve as a viewing area for residents and visitors. A free outdoor concert featuring Last Five Standing will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the gazebo. For more information, visit www.townoffranklinnc.com. • Saints & Sinners will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, as part of the post-eclipse “Block Party” at Currahee Brewing. www.curraheebrew.com.

HIGHLANDS The Highlands Eclipse Fest will run Aug. 17-21. Key events include the following: THURSDAY, AUG. 17 • Solar eclipse lecture: 6:30 p.m. Highlands Nature Center FRIDAY, AUG. 18 • Friday Night Live: Johnny Webb Band (country) 6 p.m. Town Square SATURDAY, AUG. 19 • Early history of NASA lecture: 9:15 a.m. The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center • Twilight 5K: 4 to 9 p.m. Kelsey Hutchinson Park • Saturdays On Pine: Tea 4 Three 6 p.m. Kelsey Hutchinson Park • Total eclipse lecture: 6:30 p.m. Highlands Nature Center SUNDAY, AUG. 20 • Space today and the future lecture: 10:30 a.m. The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center • A brief history of the Sun: 1:30 p.m. Highlands Nature Amphitheater • Science of the Sun and stars: 1:30 p.m. The Mountain Retreat & Learning Center MONDAY, AUG. 21 • Solar eclipse viewing party: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kelsey Hutchinson Park • Live music at Kelsey Hutchinson Park: Tyler Kittle (noon), Hurricane Creek (3 p.m.)

MAGGIE VALLEY • The Cataloochee Guest Ranch will host the “Exclusive Eclipse Celebration” from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. Patrons will enjoy a Cataloochee chuckwagon cookout and listen to Native American storyteller Lloyd Arneach

as we wait for darkness to fall, with 360 degrees of open, unobstructed views. At 2:36 p.m., as the moon obscures 99.89% of the sun, the mountaintops of Cataloochee will be in virtually total darkness. This exclusive event is limited to 100 local attendees at $150 per person. Certified safety glasses will be provided. For reservations or more information, call 828.926.1401. www.cataloocheeranch.com. • Cabbage Rose Gifts in Maggie Valley will host an Eclipse Street Party from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. Live band Boomer Brothers will perform. Games for all. Bring your lawn chairs and coolers. Viewing glasses will be provided.

NANTAHALA GORGE • The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) will host a viewing party for “The Great American Solar Eclipse” on Monday, Aug. 21. With prime viewing locations at the Nantahala, Chattooga, and Ocoee Rivers, they will witness over 2 minutes of totality during this summer’s biggest outdoor event. Choose four different river adventures on the wild and scenic Chattooga River, or experience this incredible solar phenomenon from our flagship location on the Nantahala River. Bring the whole family for a full day of fun with rafting, zip lines, and flatwater paddling opportunities for all ages. For more information or to reserve your spot, visit www.noc.com.

SAPPHIRE • The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society will celebrate the solar eclipse with “Total Barkness” on Monday, Aug. 21. The CHHS will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse. Starting at noon, CHHS will be hosting a special adoption event and viewing party with the shelter pets to commemorate this extraordinary and historic event. Eclipse viewing glasses and collector’s edition tshirts will be on sale that day, with all proceeds benefitting the animals at the no-kill shelter. For more information, please call 828.743.5752.

S EE ECLIPSE EVENTS, PAGE 28

Preparing for the eclipse

JACKSON COUNTY After discussions, Jackson County commissioners also decided to close county offices Monday, Aug. 21, and Jackson County students will now head back to school Tuesday, Aug. 22 instead of Monday.

SWAIN COUNTY Several eclipse events will be held around Swain County, but there will be no road closures in the downtown Bryson City area except for Fry Street at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot. The train depot area will be used as a designated viewing site, but GSMR is also run-

FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS: • Be prepared for crowds, lines and traffic. Allow extra time for travel. • Have snacks, water and first-aid supplies on hand. • Have an emergency kit and emergency plan; make sure family members or friends know your schedule, when you are expected to return, and your plan if something happens. • Have a full tank of gas days in advance of the eclipse to avoid long lines at the pumps and potential shortages. FOR BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS: • Prepare for a larger than normal influx of customers. Goods should be ordered and staffing adjusted accordingly. • Encourage your employees to be prepared with full fuel tanks and other necessary supplies to avoid long lines and other delays that could occur should the influx of visitors be significant. • Talk to suppliers, particularly those out of the local area that may not anticipate the event. Some deliveries might need to be adjusted accordingly.

MACON COUNTY

The Swain County Event Park will host a solar eclipse viewing party on Aug. 21. Eclipse events will be spread out across Jackson County throughout the weekend and into Monday. For your convenience, www.nceclipse.com includes a site map showing visitors where events are taking place and where public parking is available in Sylva and Cashiers. Railroad Avenue and a portion of Allen Street from Sylva Town Hall to Ward Plumbing will be closed Sunday night and most of Monday for events.

HAYWOOD COUNTY Haywood County agencies have already been coordinating with one another and preparing for heavy traffic and congestion surrounding Haywood County for the eclipse. DOT and the State Highway Patrol will have extra staff and officers on duty

ning a special eclipse train ride, which means people should anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic downtown. The Swain County Event Park, located at Inspiration Park, 1130 Hyatt Creek Road, is also hosting an eclipse viewing celebration along with live music, food trucks and portable toilets. Other popular viewing areas will be Darnell Farms and Riverfront Park. Eclipse visitors should give themselves plenty of extra travel time to reach their destination. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is removing lane closures on primary routes in the 17 westernmost counties from Friday evening, Aug. 18 to Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 22. Other major interstates across North Carolina will be monitored, and lane closures could be removed if heavy traffic backups occur.

PROTECT YOUR EYES Eclipse viewers should protect their eyes from the sun using certified eclipse glasses to prevent eye damage. • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that looking directly at the sun without the correct eye protection, even for a short time, can cause permanent damage to your retinas. • Damage can occur without pain, and it can take a few hours or even a few days after viewing the eclipse to have symptoms of damage, which include not being able to see colors as well and loss of central vision, with only side vision remaining. If you notice any symptoms after viewing the eclipse, seek immediate help from your eye care professional. • The best way to know for sure whether your eclipse glasses will provide adequate protection is to check to see if the filters on the glasses were manufactured by a reputable vendor that has achieved ISO certification. The American Astronomical Society keeps a list of reputable vendors at https://eclipse.aas.org/ resources/solar-filters • Avoid looking at the sun through an unfiltered camera, smartphone, telescope, or any other optical device. You’ll need to add a certified solar filter to these devices to safely look at the sun. 27

Smoky Mountain News

Macon County commissioners decided the expected eclipse madness on a Monday warranted a paid holiday for non-essential personnel, but Sheriff Robbie Holland said his entire department would be working Saturday through Monday to cover any safety issues that could arise. “We’re going to take the worse-case scenario and prepare for it,” Holland said. Listening to the experts and taking into account the number of hotels, cabin rentals, and camping spots available in Macon County, Cabe said the county could anticipate having more people in town for the eclipse than Fourth of July crowds. According to the official Great American Eclipse website, a total of 7.4 million people are expected to swarm the 70-mile path of totality across the U.S., which includes several Western North Carolina counties. “When people are renting (camping) spots in a corn field for $150 a night and there’s a waiting list, you can assume there’s going to be a lot of people,” said Commissioner Karl Gillespie. While most Macon and Jackson county employees will get a paid holiday, town of Franklin offices will be open and employees will be working throughout the event. Town Manager Summer Woodward said the only street closure downtown would be

How to prepare for the eclipse

August 16-22, 2017

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR here are still many unknowns as the historic Total Solar Eclipse approaches Aug. 21, but local governments are trying to prepare for the worst-case scenario while hoping for the best. It will be the first time in the last 100 years a solar eclipse has been visible in the U.S. so emergency planners don’t have any experience in dealing with such an event and don’t have many colleagues to turn to for advice. “We’re trying to get people prepared for this, but we’ve never anticipated something like this — we’ve never done this in our career and we’ll never do another one,” said Warren Cabe, emergency management director for Macon County. The eclipse will occur during a two-hour timeframe from 1 to 3 p.m. Those within the 70-mile path of totality will witness daylight fade like dusk before being in complete darkness for about 2 minutes as the moon covers the sun. Then as the moon moves away from the sun, there will be a dawn-like experience in the middle of the day. Visibility of the eclipse will be dependent on the weather. If it’s raining or cloudy, visibility could be limited and everyone’s excitement and anticipation could quickly turn to disappointment.

a portion of Iotla Street — from Church Street to East Main — from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Town Hall’s lower parking lot will also be closed as early as 8 a.m. as the town prepares to host an eclipse viewing station for residents and visitors. The town will have extra portable toilets and trash bins located around town to accommodate the influx of people and emergency personnel will have a command station set up at the gazebo downtown to provide first aid, answer visitor questions and keep an eye on the crowds. Woodard encouraged people coming to Franklin to carpool when possible, arrive early to find public parking and be prepared for traffic delays.

arts & entertainment

Local governments plan for the worst, hope for the best

throughout the weekend and into Monday patrolling U.S. 74 and I-40. Several places in Maggie Valley, Waynesville and Canton will be hosting eclipse viewing parties and other recommended viewing spots include Lake Logan, Lake Junaluska and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway will be packed with people trying to find the best overlook view. August is already a busy tourism month on the parkway before factoring in the onslaught of folks coming for the eclipse. Parkway officials are cautioning visitors to expect delays, have a full tank of gas, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, first-aid kit and a hat since the overlooks don’t offer much shade. Cell service is spotty on the southern end of the parkway and increased numbers of users may interrupt any available service.

ECLIPSE EVENTS, CONTINUED FROM 26 arts & entertainment

STECOAH • The Stecoah Valley Center will host a solar eclipse viewing party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. The 10-acre campus will be open to any and all. Free admission and free viewing glasses. Food and cold drinks for sale. Educational activities, live music and more. Event will be limited to 500 people. $5 per car parking. www.stecoahvalleycenter.org.

SYLVA • Eclipse Party at Andy Shaw Ford from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. Sit on the hillside across from Walmart. Bring your lawn chair. Snacks and refreshments provided. Free Solar Eclipse glasses. 828.586.0900.

WAYNESVILLE

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will hold a special “Solar Eclipse” painting celebration at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• The Waynesville Gallery Association “Total Eclipse of the Art” will be an all-day celebration, which will remain open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in downtown. Jeweler Becky Smith will be demonstrating in Twigs and Leaves from 2 to 8 p.m. Sweet, celestial treats will be available during the day with light hors d’eurves from 5 to 8 p.m. as you enjoy the entertainment. Add sparkle to your eclipse viewing experience with bedazzled eclipse glasses you create in the gallery (as long as supplies last). The Jewelers Workbench will offer an entire case of special eclipse jewelry from 10 different artists to help commemorate the day. Jo Ridge Kelley Fine Art and Earthstar Studio’s will celebrate with Kelley’s Nocturnal Oil Paintings and Earthstar’s Unique Moonstone and Sterling Silver Jewelry. The Haywood County Arts Council will stay open late with moon-themed snacks, music and naturethemed art for the public to enjoy. Moose Crossing Burl Wood Gallery will have an eclipsing price sale, with Black and White treats, and specials on Black Walnut. At Cedar Hill Studio, there will be Celestial Celebration Memento “The Sky’s the Limit” Sonshine Promise Figurine by Gretchen Clasby.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Bass Lake near Boone.

‘Life being what it is…’

Smoky Mountain News

I could see the back axle of The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood the truck bowing. County will have a corn hole tournament It was five years ago today fundraiser starting at noon Saturday, Aug. 19, (Aug. 10) when I moved from at BearWaters Brewing in Canton. Upstate New York to start a new The Summer Arts & Crafts Market will be held life at The Smoky Mountain from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in News in Waynesville. Whatever downtown Dillsboro. didn’t fit into the back of my small, old pickup truck didn’t Popular Western North Carolina rock/funk act go with me to Western North Porch 40 will perform during Concerts on Carolina. Boxes of books, the Creek at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, in clothes, vinyl records, and my downtown Sylva. mountain bike. That was it, The 13th Annual Franklin Area Folk Festival, with the back of the truck lower “A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage,” will than the front end due to the be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. excess weight. 19, at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center. I didn’t have an apartment yet, so I slept underneath my The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will desk in the newsroom. I didn’t host The Blacktop Laurels (Americana/blueeven have enough money left in grass) at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18. the bank to eat well until I got my first paycheck from the newsLooking back, his passing lit a fire in paper, so it was eggs, toast and slim ham and the souls of all who knew and loved him, cheese sandwiches. I didn’t even know if where we all found ourselves questioning changing my scenery, trading in the North the paths we each were currently on. Were for the South, would ultimately provide me we living the life we wanted and had with answer to questions I’d been asking since I graduated from college — the biggest hoped for? That circle shattered, with of which, “Can I actually make a living being pieces finding themselves in San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, New York City, Buffalo, Lake a writer?” Placid, and Waynesville. By all accounts, A lot of things earlier in that year (2012) everyone has tapped into their destiny in led up to my acceptance of the position of the last five years, forever linked by that arts and entertainment editor. I still, vividly, one cozy winter of potlucks, snowflakes remember the phone call in late January and midnight shenanigans that ended so with my friend who informed me, through abruptly, so tragically. screaming and tears, that our mutual friend Not long after that, I found myself in a has committed suicide the previous evening. relationship, seemingly out of nowhere, Our friend circle in that frozen town of with this friend of a friend. I’d always Plattsburgh, New York, was never the same again. We scattered, many of us, even to this known her, but not well enough, at least at the time, to ever consider her a possibility day, without a word to say to each other, in as a girlfriend. It was a rollicking few hopes of closure, because we really didn’t know what to say or do once that person dis- months, where we found ourselves at numerous intersections of “Is this going to appeared from this earth.

August 16-22, 2017

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

ahead in pursuit of connecting the dots of work?” and “Are we actually good for each our communities, all while trying to make other?” She still wasn’t over her ex. I still sense of everyday reality. was scraping by freelancing, trying to find A lot has changed since 2012, for myself footing in journalism in the midst of a battered and bruised economy, the only one I’d and also for many of you out there reading this. Politically, socially, professionally, and known since I graduated from college some personally, the dynamics and organized five years before that (2007). chaos shifts constantly, where you try to By the time early summer had rolled keep from falling off the ride that is life. around, my back was against the wall. Do I It’s like that Kaki King melody, “Life bite the bullet and go back to graduate school, in hopes of finally getting my teach- Being What It Is,” which has been part of the underlying soundtrack of my thoughts since ing degree? Or do I stick it out and give I first came across it in the winter of writing another shot? I chose writing, applying for dozens of jobs all through June 2007/2008, some 10 years ago, when I was 2012. I lost count of the number of resumes I mailed “I didn’t have an apartment yet, so I out during that month at around 75. slept underneath my desk in the I was desperate for work. I newsroom. I didn’t even have was entertaining taking positions in the oil fields of enough money left in the bank to Western North Dakota, education reporting in Omaha, eat well until I got my first paycheck” cops and courts in Florida. Whatever, wherever. I just starting my first writing job in the desolaneeded full-time employment. And I still tion and isolation of Eastern Idaho, wanderstick to my story when I say there were two ing aimlessly in search for something, anybig reasons for my arriving in Haywood thing that would point me in the right direcCounty. tion of my ultimate intent, “And if you turn it One, being offered a gig where my focus on you’d find I’ve written you a thousand times was (and remains) to track down characters / You would do anything, you’d give up everyand culture in Southern Appalachia. Two, thing for God knows why / I just can’t stay till and this being the kicker, was that my pubyou’re gone, I won’t wish you well / I won’t see lisher, Scott McLeod, was the only newspayou off, I won’t try to call if I see you in my mind per person I interviewed with that was opti/ I’ll say to you it’s not your fault…” mistic about the future of our industry. He Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all. remains optimistic, as do I, as we push

On the beat arts & entertainment

Peter Rowan returns to Cataloochee ESTABLISHED IN 1942 Visit the newly remodeled lounge for:

• Local Ice Cream • Beer & WIne • Full Coffee Bar • Theater Snacks

SHOWTIMES EMOJI MOVIE Wed. 9th - 7pm Thurs. 10th - 1 & 7pm

THE GLASS CASTLE Fri. 11th - 7pm Sat. 12th - 1 & 3:30 pm Sun. 13th - 1, 4, & 7pm Mon. 14th - 7pm • Tues. 15th - 7pm

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Americana/bluegrass icon Peter Rowan will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. Grammy-award winner, six-time Grammy nominee, and 2015 IBMA Award winner for “Recorded Event of the Year,” Rowan is a singer-songwriter with a career spanning over five decades. From his early years playing under the tutelage of bluegrass veteran Bill Monroe, to his time in Old & In the Way and breakout as a solo musician and bandleader, Rowan has built a devoted, international fan base through a solid stream of records, collaborative projects, and constant touring. “I’m a songwriter and Bill Monroe told me, if I could play bluegrass, I could play anything. I took him at his word and I’ve done a lot of different things,” Rowan said.

Peter Rowan will play Aug. 27 in Maggie Valley. Amanda Rowan photo

“I’m not trying to prove a point or wear the ‘Crown of Bluegrass.’ It’s more like a celebration of the roots of the music in my approach. It’s the originality of the songs that calls me.” Tickets for the intimate fireside solo per-

formance are $35. A gourmet mountain dinner will be available for purchase before the show. Reservations are highly suggested. This show will sellout. To RSVP, call 828.926.1401 or visit www.cataloocheeranch.com.

38main.com

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

Bring ad in for free kids popcorn!

during school years and welcome new performers to join. Contact Band President Rhonda Wilson Kram, 828.456.4880, if interested playing with the Haywood Community Band. Rehearsals are held each Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. www.haywoodcommunityband.org.

Marianna rocks out Haywood band celebrates seasons The Haywood Community Band will perform music highlights for the seasonal changes at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Maggie Valley Community Pavilion. The concert will begin with the concert march “The Sounds of Spring” followed by Aaron Copeland’s magnificent “Appalachian Spring.” “Summertime” from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess” and “Dixieland Clambake” complete the first half of the program. Following an intermission, the audience will enjoy newer compositions “Autumn Roads” and “October” with three pieces from the winter and holiday season, including Mel Tormé’s “Christmas Song,” completing the evening. The free concerts, performed to enthusiastic audiences, are held each third Sunday evening through the summer and fall with a monthly program of new selections. They are sponsored by the Maggie Valley Civic Association and have traditionally ended with standing ovations. All musicians played their instruments

As part of a Summer Music Series, the Marianna Black Library presents an evening of acoustic classic rock with Twelfth Fret at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, in Bryson City. From Jackson County, Twelfth Fret are an acoustic duo that performs vintage rock, retro classic rock and pop with Americana flair. The duo’s music includes covers versions of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Eagles, REM, and Tom Petty. This program is free and open to area residents and visitors. Plus, snacks and refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Marianna Black Library. The library is located in downtown Bryson City at the corner of Academy and Rector. For more information or driving directions, call the library at 828.488.3030 or visit www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

Concerts on the Creek Popular Western North Carolina rock/funk act Porch 40 will perform during Concerts on the Creek at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, in downtown Sylva. The event is free and open to the public. Lyric (rock/soul) will play Aug. 25. www.mountainlovers.com.

Jim Lauderdale will play Aug. 26 at Pisgah Brewing.

Bluegrass, Americana at Pisgah The Jam In The Trees Festival will take place Aug. 25-26 at Pisgah Brewing in Black Mountain. The lineup includes Tim O’Brien & Jan Fabricius, The Infamous Stringdusters, Acoustic Syndicate, Peter Rowan, Larry Keel Experience, Jim Lauderdale, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, and more. Tickets start at $25. There are twoday and VIP passes also available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.jaminthetrees.com.

On the beat

• Bogart’s Restaurant & Tavern (Waynesville) will host Carolina Catskins (bluegrass) Aug. 17 and Eddie Rose & Highway 40 (bluegrass) Aug. 24. All shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. • The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Aug. 18 and 26, The Flea Bitten Dawgs (Americana, $10 per person music free that can be applied toward food purchases) Aug. 19, and Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams (piano/guitar) Aug. 25. All shows are free (unless otherwise noted) and begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

ALSO:

• Concerts on the Creek (Sylva) will host Porch 40 (rock/funk) Aug. 18 and Lyric (rock/soul) Aug. 25 in Bridge Park. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 828.586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Bradley Carter (singer-songwriter) Aug. 19 and Ryan Sheley (singer-songwriter) Aug. 26. Shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.curraheebrew.com. • The Cut Cocktail Lounge (Sylva) will host an open mic night at 8 p.m. on Mondays. All welcome. 828.631.4795. • Derailed Bar & Lounge (Bryson City) will have music at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.488.8898.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Bohemian Jean (pop/rock) Aug. 19. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.froglevelbrewing.com. • Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host Julie Gribble (Americana) Aug. 18 and Sundown (classic hits) Aug. 25 at The Village Green. All shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. www.visitcashiersvalley.com. • Guadalupe Café (Sylva) will host Folks’ Songs (world/fusion) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays. Free.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Aug. 16 and 23, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Aug. 17 and 24. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host a “Solar Eclipse Party” Aug. 18-21. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Music on the River (Cherokee) will host Robert Wolfe & The Renegades (country) Aug. 18, Trippin Hardie Band (acoustic) Aug. 19, AM Superstars (alternative) Aug. 25 and Aaron Jones (honky-tonk) Aug. 26 on the Oconaluftee River Stage. Shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.visitcherokeenc.com. • Nantahala Brewing Company (Bryson City) will host Hardworker Band (Americana) Aug. 18, Jangling Sparrows (zydeco/folk) Aug. 19, Rick Rushing & The Blues Strangers (rock/blues) Aug. 20, King Corduroy (Americana) Aug. 21 and Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters (honky-tonk) Aug. 26. All shows are free and at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com. • The Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will Supertight (funk) Aug. 26. Shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.noc.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will host Johnny Webb Band (country/classic) Aug. 18 and Mountain Dulcimer Group (traditional/bluegrass) Aug. 25. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

The Ubuntu Choir will perform a concert of music from around the world on at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the First Presbyterian Chapel in Franklin. Founded in 2009 and directed by Tom Tyre, the Ubuntu Choir joyfully sings a cappella music from diverse traditions and cultures. Sunday’s program includes songs from Cameroon, Hawaii, Korea, Russia, South Africa, United Kingdom, and other countries. There’s even a song about darkness in anticipation of Monday’s eclipse. Admission is by donation; $5 is suggested. The chapel is on Church Street at Harrison Avenue; wheelchair access is from the First Presbyterian Church parking lot. This event is produced by the Arts Council of Macon County with funding from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For more information, call 828.524.ARTS or arts4all@dnet.net.

August 16-22, 2017

• Concerts on the Square (Hayesville) will host The Caribbean Cowboys (beach/classic hits) Aug. 18. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.cccra-nc.org.

World music program in Franklin

arts & entertainment

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will The Blacktop Laurels (bluegrass/folk) Aug. 17, The Harmed Brothers (7 p.m.) Aug. 18, Granny’s Mason Jar (Americana) Aug. 20, Liz Nance (singer-songwriter) Aug. 25 and Frank & Allie (bluegrass) Aug. 26. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. There will also be a “Bluegrass Jam with Heidi” at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host The Company Stores (folk/blues) Aug. 18, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine (outlaw/bluegrass) Aug. 19, Karaoke with Chris Monteith Aug. 25 and Pullin’ Strings (Americana) Aug. 26. Shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. www.nonamesportspub.com.

arts & entertainment

On the beat • The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to the sounds of southern Appalachia. • Pickin’ in the Park (Canton) will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 and 25 at the Recreation Park. Free and open to the public. www.cantonnc.com. • Pickin’ on the Square (Franklin) will host The Blue Ridge Quartet (gospel) Aug. 19 and Paradise 56 (blues/variety) Aug. 26. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

ALSO:

• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday with Mike Farrington of Post Hole Diggers. Free and open to the public. • Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays, and an Open Jam with Rick 8 p.m. Thursdays.

August 16-22, 2017

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic with Susan at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and live music on Friday evenings. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com. • Saturdays on Pine (Highlands) will host Tea 4 Three Aug. 19 and Log Noggins Aug. 26. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org. • Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host line dancing every Friday at 7 p.m. and

contra dancing every other Friday at 8 p.m. 828.586.6440. • Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (Sylva) will host Papa Smurf 8 p.m. Aug. 19 and The Maggie Valley Band (Americana) 8 p.m. Aug. 26. 828.586.1717. • Southern Porch (Canton) will host Robbie Call (singer-songwriter) Aug. 17, Mile High Band (classic rock) Aug. 18 and Bryce Denton (singer-songwriter) Aug. 19. Shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.southern-porch.com. • The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com. • Tunes on the Tuck (Bryson City) will host The Elderly Brothers (classic hits) Aug. 19 and Twelfth Fret (acoustic/rock) Aug. 26 at Riverfront Park. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com. • The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host The Blacktop Laurels (Americana/bluegrass) Aug. 18, Tony Poole (singer-songwriter) Aug. 19 and The Fumblebuckers (rock/bluegrass) Aug. 25. All shows begin at 10 p.m. • Waynesville Pizza Company will have an open mic night at 7 p.m. Aug. 21. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0927 or www.waynesvillepizza.com. • The Waynesville Public Library will host Pyramid Brass at 3 p.m. Aug. 26. The show is free and open to the public. www.haywoodarts.org.

Louisville rock, blues returns in WNC Kentucky Americana honky-tonk act Nick Dittmeier & The Sawdusters will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at BearWaters Brewing in Canton. The band will also hit the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at Oskar Blues Brewing in Brevard. “I get a lot of inspiration from my hometown and the area we’re from. It’s a unique place with a lot of history. Louisville is regarded either as the northernmost southern city or the southernmost Midwestern city,” Dittmeier told The Smoky Mountain News last year. “I

also like to take small almost mundane things and try to make them much larger. A good example of that is our song ‘Rhythm of the Train.’ There are a lot of trains passing through my neighborhood on the river. Most people tune those noises out or don’t ever think much about them, but there’s more to that and it facilitates way more connectivity than people give thought to. With my music, I feel I rarely try to tell people what to think. Instead, I try to hold a mirror up to a subject.” All three shows are free and open to the public. For more information on the group, visit www.nickdittmeier.com.

Join Bryson City community jam

join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — year-round. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts. 828.488.3030.

A community music jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to

Smoky Mountain News

Celebrating 15 years of serving the community Larry East, CFP® First Vice President – Investments 52 Walnut St., Suite 6 Waynesville, NC 28786 Office: (828) 456-7407 larry.east@wellsfargoadvisors.com https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/larry.east

Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank afﬁliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2016 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.

On the beat

H A Y WO O D • C O U N T Y Haywood Count

y Fair

Fair

August 24th-27th, 2017 Haywood County Fairgrounds TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 10 a.m-6 p.m.

Fair Exhibits Accepted Vendor/Booth Set-Up

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed for judging 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Carnival rides only, no parking fee

The Jeff Little Trio will play Aug. 19 at Stecoah Valley Center.

APPLE ORCHARD EVENT CENTER

4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Vendor booths & Exhibits

DOGWOOD EVENTS CENTER

4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Fish Fry - Pigeon

4 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Variety Music Show 5:30 pm-6:30 pm Military Appreciation & Opening Ceremonies 7:00 pm Bingo

9:00 am - 5:00 pm Open for the Public 9:00am - 9:00 pm Local Artisan Demonstration 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm Chainsaw Wood Carving 12:30 pm-1:30 pm God Science 1:00 pm Watermelon Eating Contest 2:00 pm Ice Cream Eating Contest

DOGWOOD EVENTS CENTER

LIONS CLUB BARN

9:00 pm - 2:00 pm Open for Seniors 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Open for the Public to view 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Chainsaw Wood Carving

10:00 am - 10:00 pm Farm Animal Viewing Exhibit

4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Open to the Public

5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Carnival Rides Open

Community Center

GREAT SMOKIES ARENA 6:00 pm Firemen’s Competition Drinks and Snacks on sale by Fairgrounds Volunteers

LIONS CLUB BARN 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Farm Animal Viewing Exhibit

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26

GREAT SMOKIES ARENA 9:00 am Tractor Pull Registration 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm Horseshoes (1st and 2nd Prizes) 6:00 pm Lawn Mower Pull Registration

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Open to the Public 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm Carnival Rides Open

APPLE ORCHARD EVENT CENTER

9:00 am - 5:00 pm Vendor booths and exhibits 10:30 am Smokey Mountain Cowboy Church 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm Smoky Mountain Jubilee emceed by Joe Sam Queen

4:00 pm - 10:00 pm 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm 7:00 - 9:00 pm

9:00 am - 5:00 pm Open for the Public 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm Chainsaw Wood Carving

9:00 am - 2:00 pm 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

School Day for 4th Graders Open to the Public Carnival Rides Open Vendor booths and exhibits New Generation Jamboree Rock n’ Roll Dance Party

DOGWOOD EVENTS CENTER

GREAT SMOKIES ARENA

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Open for the Public to view exhibits, Local Artisan Demonstrations 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm Chainsaw Wood Carving

1:00 pm Truck Pull

BURLEY LIVESTOCK BARN

MONDAY, AUGUST 29

6:30 pm Sheep Show

10 a.m.-6 p.m. Pick-Up and Take Down

LIONS CLUB BARN 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm Farm Animal Viewing Exhibit

OTHER ATTRACTIONS Thursday-Sunday-Animal Viewing Zoo (Burley Livestock Barn)

vals and events across the United States. They have shared the stage with legendary artists such as Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Monkees, Chubby Checker, and many others. Tickets start at $17 each. To purchase tickets to see The Return, or to find out more information about this or any other show at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

Subject to change Call 828.400.1704 for information www.haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org

Smoky Mountain News

One of the best Beatles tribute bands in the country, The Return will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. The Return began in 1995 when four young friends joined together to play their favorite Beatles songs just for fun. They began playing in front of small audiences, which eventually led them to playing gigs on a regular basis. It was at that time they decided to make it official and named themselves The Roaches. After their success continued to grow, they took on a more professional presence and hired an agent who changed their name to The Return. Their energy and enthusiasm makes for a very true and entertaining show as they deliver a near perfect reproduction of a live Beatles performance. They recreate an early-1960s Beatles concert experience from the tiniest details such as John Lennon’s on-stage gum chewing, to the biggest and most expensive details such as using exact replicas of the instruments and gear used by the Beatles. Their look and their sound amazes audiences as they enjoy songs such as, “Hey Jude,” “Let it Be” and “Can’t Buy Me Love.” The Return has performed thousands of shows across the nation. They have performed at Abbey Road Studios in London, England; in Japan when they headlined for the 40th anniversary celebration of The Beatles’ first visit to Tokyo; and at many festi-

SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 9:00 am - 10:00 pm Open to the Public 10:00 am - 2:00 pm “Family Fun Day at the Fair” 9:00 am - 10:00 pm Carnival Rides Open Richland Creek Meadow

August 16-22, 2017

Beatles tribute comes to Franklin

6:00 pm K-9 Demo 7:00 pm Horse Show

APPLE ORCHARD EVENT CENTER

9 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Senior Citizens Day 55 and older

The “An Appalachian Evening” summer concert series will continue with The Jeff Little Trio at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Stecoah Valley Center. The annual bluegrass/mountain music series will also feature The Kruger Brothers (Aug. 26) to conclude the seris. Tickets for The Jeff Little Trio performance are $25 for adults, students and grades K-12 $10. Tickets are a pre-show dinner are also available for purchase. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

GREAT SMOKIES ARENA

9:00 am - 10:00 pm Vendor booths and exhibits 10:00 am Entries for King Arthur Flour Baking Contest 10:30 - 11:30 am Flour Baking Contest and Prize Bake Goods Auction 1:00 pm Natural Beauty Pageant 4:00 pm Haywood County FFA BBQ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Heritage Hoedown

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

arts & entertainment

‘An Appalachian Evening’

$5/vehicle Other Attractions Wednesday-Sunday: Farm Animal Exhibit (Livestock Barn) 33

arts & entertainment

On the street Appalachian festival at Darnell Farms The Appalachian Renaissance Festival will be held 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 19-20 at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. The Swain County Agricultural Fair will be Saturday at the farm. Other events carry over into Sunday. A county fair style festival, complete with judging of vegetables, eggs and flowers, agricultural demos, craft vendors, food trucks and live music. Camping is welcomed. Address is 2300 Governors Island Road (U.S. 19 East of Bryson City at the river bridge). The event is free. 828.488.2376.

Corn hole for a cause

Create collage art at luncheon The annual Grace Church in the Mountains “Tablescaps Luncheon” will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the church in Waynesville. Hosted by the Episcopal Women’s Group (ECW), the event will take place in the church’s Thatcher Hall as well as on the covered deck. Tickets are $20 per person. The net proceed will benefit ECW mission projects. The program this year will feature renowned local artist Margaret Roberts who will have the attendees create a collage, which she will later complete, to be won by one of the lucky ticket holders. Gift baskets will be raffled off during the event with proceeds going to the homeless youth of Haywood County. Tickets may be purchased from the church office, which is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The office phone number is 828.456.6029.

Dine with Habitat A benefit dinner for the Haywood Habitat for Humanity will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. The four-course dinner will one drink per person, with other beverage options offered. Vegetarian options are also available. Tickets are $60 per person. Half of the ticket price will go to Haywood Habitat. To purchase tickets, call 828.452.7960.

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County will have a corn hole tournament fundraiser starting at noon Saturday, Aug. 19, at BearWaters Brewing in Canton. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. and there will also be pre-registration forms available. Vance Moore with L & M Boards of Cullowhee will facilitate the tournament. All funds raised from this event will stay in Haywood County and will be used to help children facing adversity. First place winners will receive $250 cash, second place, $100, and third place $50. Live entertainment as well as t-shirts and food will

be provided for tournament participants, $40 per team entry, two people per team, and double elimination. There will also be door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. Rain date is Sept. 23. Contact Martha Barksdale at 828.273.3601 or haywood@bbbswnc.org for further details, sign up a team, or to become a sponsor.

FINAL PERFORMANCES!

August 17, 18, 19 at 7:30 pm August 20 at 2:00 pm Adults $24 Seniors $22 Students $11 Special $8 Tickets for all Students on Thursdays & Sundays.

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

For More Information and Tickets:

828-456-6322 | www.harttheatre.org 34

This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

On the street

Do you like Legos?

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host the Jackson County Corn Hole Association on Monday evenings ($5 buy in, 100-percent

Council, Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, Blue Ridge Heritage Music Trail and others. The festival is made possible by grants from the Franklin/Nantahala Tourism Development Committee and the Tourism Development Authority of the Town of Franklin. www.franklinfolkfestival.com or call 800.932.5294.

payout), Karaoke with Captain Moose from 7 to 11 p.m. on Tuesdays, Trivia at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays and a Guitar Hero Tournament at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. 828.586.6440. • The Railroad Reserve Wine & Dine evening event will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.gsmr.com.

ALSO:

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 and 26 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120. • A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 and 26 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075. • Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro. Watch the demonstrations, eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. All recipes posted online. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.

Smoky Mountain News

The next Lego Club meeting will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. The library provides Legos and Duplos for ages 3 and up. The only thing area children need to bring is their imagination. This program provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn how to develop fine motor skills. It also develops problem-solving skills, organization, planning through construction, and improves creativity. All area children are invited join in and let your creativity shine. This month, the theme will be “Transportation.” The Marianna Black Library is also requesting that you consider donating your gently used Legos and Duplos to the library, to help expand the Lego Club. For more information, call the library at 828.488.3030. The Marianna Black Library, a member of the Fontana Regional Library, is located in downtown Bryson City at the corner of Academy and Rector.

by the Folk Heritage Association of Macon County and the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center and support from Cowee Community Development Organization, Scottish Tartan Museum, Macon County Historical Museum, Macon County Arts

August 16-22, 2017

The 13th Annual Franklin Area Folk Festival, “A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage,” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center. This family-friendly festival features live heritage demonstrations, Appalachian crafts, old-time mountain music & SEBA (SouthEastern Bluegrass Association) jammin’ sessions, Civil War reenactors camped on the grounds with infantry drilling and firing demonstrations, kids’ activities, food, textiles, tours, and more. Artisans inside Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center will exhibit Macon County’s rich heritage by teaching us about pottery, textiles, painting, and local history. By linking our future to our past, the Franklin Area Folk Festival sponsors hands-on activities to allow visitors to experience what mountain life was like way back when. These folks learned at their parents’ knee woodcarving, moonshinin’, weaving and spinning, and all the many other heritage skills they’ll be demonstrating. This free event is co-sponsored annually

arts & entertainment

Franklin celebrates folk heritage

Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the wall

• A “Leather Leaves Workshop” sponsored by Dogwood Crafters will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Brenda Anders, president of Dogwood Crafters Co-Op, will be the instructor. Anders will teach participants how to cut out and dye a variety of leaves from leather. The leaves make beautiful jewelry or accessories for the home. Cost is $11 and all supplies will be furnished. Register to attend by calling Dogwood at 828.586.2248 by Aug. 19.

Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. Exhibit support is provided by The North Carolina Arboretum Society and Smoky Mountain Living magazine. www.smliv.com. • “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (Aug. 17 and 31) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

ALSO:

• The “Meet the Artist” reception with Brian Hannum (pianist), Drew Campbell (photographer) and Jon Houglum (painter) will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at Gallery Zella in Bryson City. For more information, call 828.488.3638 or visit www.galleryzella.com.

• There will be a “Thursday Painters Open Studio” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public. Membership not required. For information, call 828.349.4607.

• The Waynesville Fiber Friends will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month at the Panacea Coffee House in Waynesville. All crafters and beginners interested in learning are invited. You can keep up with them through their Facebook group or by calling 828.276.6226 for more information.

• A “Youth Art Class” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Appalachian Art Farm on 22 Morris Street in Sylva. All ages welcome. $10 includes instruction, materials and snack. For more information, email appalachianartfarm@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.

• Acclaimed Bryson City painter Elizabeth Ellison’s newest exhibit, “Spirit of Place,” will run through Sept. 4 at the North

• The Cruso Quilt Show will be held Aug. 2526 at the Cruso Community Center. For more information, call 828.400.7323.

ART AND CRAFT SHOW IN HIGHLANDS The Highlands Village Square Art & Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 26-27 at the Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park in downtown. The event features local and regional artisans with fine art, pottery, rustic furniture, and more. Demonstrations, live music and food onsite. Free admission. Sponsored by Rotary of Highlands Mountaintop. 828.787.2021.

‘Paint & Sip Workshop’ The “Paint & Sip Workshop” will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at Gallery Zella in Bryson City. Enjoy learning to paint with a buddy, daughter, son or even your sweetheart. Take home an incredible memory of your trip to the mountains — your own original painting on canvas. Enjoy a glass of wine (or soft bev-

erage) and a light snack. Your painting instructor Jon Houglum is known as the area's best oil painting teacher. Students will be presented with various visual tools for suggesting background, middle ground and foreground colors which will give the sense of great depth in their paintings. Cost is $50, which includes all materials. For more information, call 828.488.3638 or visit www.galleryzella.com.

On the wall

August 16-22, 2017

A six-course “Start to Finish” bladesmithing class with Brock Martin from WarFire Forge will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 24 and 31 and Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. In this course, students will learn the process of forging blades, producing a basic blade before forging a higher carbon blade with more attention on fit and finish. Students will be able to select their handles from various exotic woods and other materials. They will cover metallurgy: grain properties, annealing, heat treating of knives, and use differential hardening to temper our blades. Leather sheaths will be made to accompany students' blades. No prior experience necessary. Cost is $295 per person, which includes materials, due at registration. Martin will also be holding a “Viking Round Shield Class” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 26-27 at the JCGEP. In this course, students will focus on forging a shield boss (raised center) and assembly/construction methods of creating a Viking round shield. Students will have a few different options on how their shield is assembled and finished. Riveting and some leather work will be discussed as well. Students will be able to choose between different sizes, ranging from 26” to 34” in diameter. No prior experience required. Cost is $285 per person, which includes materials, due at registration. For both classes, students must wear closed toe shoes (preferably leather), long pants, and cotton clothing, and should bring a lunch. Pre-registration is required. www.jcgep.org.

arts & entertainment

Interested in bladesmithing, Viking shields?

Summer crafts show coming to Dillsboro Smoky Mountain News

The Summer Arts & Crafts Market will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, in downtown Dillsboro. The market has grown to over 70 booths, covering Front Street and Church Street as well, with an added focus on children’s activities. Children’s activities will be focused on Church Street, where there will be a storytelling booth with opportunities to purchase children’s books. Some of the entertainment onstage will include Spark the Fairy, Dew Drop, and the Ammons Sisters. Other entertainment includes the Collins Sisters who will sing songs for children, and also be joined by Mr. Limberjack. www.visitdillsboro.org.

On the stage arts & entertainment

Highlands Cashiers Players opens 23rd season

Love and loss, before Facebook The stage production of “The Loves of Elaine” will return to the Feichter Studio at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18-19 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. When her mother, Elaine, passed away a few years ago, Lyn Donley discovered to her surprise a stash of love letters — but not from her father. These were from a wide variety of fantastic men that were all in love with Elaine revealing a whole new side to the woman she knew. In the production, Donley will be acting out the story alongside C.J. Deering. Tickets are $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 828.456.6322 or visit www.harttheatre.org.

The delightful New York romance “Crossing Delancey” (made into a movie starring Amy Irving in 1988) will open the Highlands Cashiers Players’ 23rd season Aug. 18 through Sept. 3. Directed by veteran actor/director Dr. Ronnie Spilton, the women in the cast include Lynleigh McLain playing Isabelle, a single young career woman, Faye Siegel, her grandmother, and Barbara Jamison, a new actor to HCP, playing the matchmaker hired to find a young man for Isabelle. Lance Trudel plays Sam Posner, presented to Isabelle as a candidate, while Chris Hess plays Tyler Moss, the self-centered author with whom Isabelle is besotted. Though Isabelle is not at all pleased when she learns that Sam is the owner of a pickle business, who lives on the “wrong side” of New York’s Delancey Street, further acquaintance with him changes her mind. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. August 18-20. The regular season begins Aug. 24, with evening shows beginning at 7:30 p.m. and the two Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 27 and Sept. 3. For tickets, call 828.526.8084 or visit www.highlandscashiersplayers.com.

Harrah’s welcomes Ron White

Ron White. Standup comedy legend Ron White will return to the stage Saturday, Aug. 26, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. White first rose to fame as the cigarsmoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour phenomenon. Today, he is an established star in his own right as a chart-topping Grammy-nominated comedian and a feature film actor. White has always been a classic storyteller. His stories relay tales from his real life, ranging from growing up in a small town in

Texas to sharing stories of his daily life to becoming one of the most successful comedians in America. All four of his comedy albums charted number one on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He has sold over 14 million albums (solo and with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour), been nominated for two Grammys (since 2004) been one of the top three grossing stand-up comedians on tour in America. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.harrahscherokee.com.

ECLIPSE AND MOUNTAIN SOUVENIRS

August 16-22, 2017

398-02

Smoky Mountain News

• Eclipse Stickers

• Eclipse T-shirts • Eclipse Mugs • & Much More!

On the stage arts & entertainment

HCAC dance performance, classes

Shakespeare at HART A stage production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Nights Dream” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 17-19 and at 2 p.m. Aug. 20 in the Fangmeyer Theater at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. The show is being staged in a way that will bring the outside in, plunging you into the forest as Demetrius, Lysander, Helena and Hermia get lost and the fair Puck makes mischief. Tickets are $25.68 per person. 828.452.6322 or visit www.harttheatre.org.

@SmokyMtnNews

✁

3. 2. 1.

Smoky Mountain News

Kids at HART will hold auditions for “Shuddersome: Tales of Poe” at 4 p.m. Aug. 25 and 27, the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. All middle and high school age students are invited to audition. Specters, ghosts and ghouls come alive in this vivid theatrical adaptation of some of Edgar Allen Poe’s best-known works. Included are The Tell-Tale Heart, The Bells, The Oval Portrait, The Raven, and The Masque of the Red Death. This is a large cast with parts for many. One of the exciting aspects of this productions is the opportunity for students to work with five directors who are all focused on making this a positive experience for everyone: Holly Cope, Anna Denson, Tom Dewees, David Yeates and Shelia Sumpter. Technical personnel for lights, sound, costumes, and stage management are also needed. Please bring your calendar with your

schedule to determine conflicts to the audition. Most rehearsals will be held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Audition sides are available at the Hart Box Office. The production will be held at times to be determined on Oct. 21. If you would like more information, contact Sumpter at 828.456.6322 or email at srsumpter@charter.net.

newsdesk crafts

Auditions for Kids at HART

August 16-22, 2017

The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) will host “Spark: An Evening to Benefit Dance ARîS” Aug. 25-26 in Waynesville. This year’s artists in residence will be Nicholas Young, Bessie award-winning and sought-after star of STOMP (tap), technically stunning Terpsicorps dancers Gavin Stewart and Carly Hambridge (contemporary ballet), Tisch up-andcomer Morgan Lamb (modern), and, back by popular demand, Aparna Keshaviah (contemporary Indian). Performances will take place in the evening at the Fangmeyer Theater at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre (HART). Friday, Aug. 25 will offer a performance at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 26 will include a pre-show gala at 6:45 p.m. catered by Harmon’s Den before the 8 p.m. performance. Tickets are $25 (plus tax) for the performance only and $60 (plus tax) for the gala plus performance package (available Saturday only); a $10 discount will be offered on all tickets for students 18 and under (or with valid ID). On Saturday, the Terpsicorps dancers and Nicholas Young will offer master classes at Folkmoot’s Friendship Center. The events are part of the HCAC dance artist residency program called Dance ARîS (Artist Residency in the Smokies, pronounced “arise”). As a new platform for professional classical and contemporary dance, the residency includes performances as well as classes and outreach activities to schools and underserved communities in the region. If you would like to be involved in planning and future growth, email director@haywoodarts.org or visit www.haywoodarts.org.

#193 - free table leveler

Books

Smoky Mountain News

Book delves into our lingering racial problems “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality ... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jeff Minick

“I’m not a race. I’m a person.” That line from Paul Clayton’s Van Ripplewink: You Can’t Go Home Again surely sums up the dream of Martin Luther King from half a century ago. He and others envisioned an America where skin color no longer mattered, Writer where all Americans were equal in the eyes of the law, where character and heart provided the criteria by which we were to judge our fellow human beings. When James Earl Ray assassinated Martin Luther King, I was 17 years old, the same age as Van Ripplewink in Clayton’s novel. My family had moved from Pennsylvania to North Carolina when I was 5, to a town and a state where segregation still lived. “Whites Only” bathrooms and restaurants. Separate schools for blacks and white. Separate seating in the town’s movie theater. Even separate areas in the doctor’s waiting room, a restriction that was banished as soon as the town’s new physician, my father, began his practice. Sometimes we don’t have the eyes or the consciousness to pause, look backward in time, and see where we once were. If we do take that moment, however, and examine the last half-century of our history, then Americans have much to be proud of. The evil practices of segregation were eliminated. In those 50 years, blacks won the right to vote, broke the color barrier in schools and universities across the South and Midwest, and rose to prominent positions in politics, including the presidency of the United States. Given these advances, many of us surely find it disheartening that race continues not just as a fractious issue for so many people, but that we can’t seem to get beyond it. Indeed, many of our politicians and members of the media, when viewed objectively, give the impression

that they deliberately use race as a constant provocation, dividing the country into groups based on skin color and heritage, seeking the attention and the votes of blacks, white, Hispanics, or Asians en

masse, as if skin color rather than common humanity makes us brothers and sisters. To lump constituencies together in such a ways is … well, racist. Still, there is that line from the book. There is the dream. “‘I’m not a race,” Mignon sobbed. “I’m a person.”‘ In Van Ripplewink: You Can’t Go Home Again (Streetlight Graphics, 2016, 326 pages), Philadelphia teenager Van Ripplewink — the name derives, of course, from Rip Van Winkle — awakes from a 48-year coma. The year is 2015, and the old neighborhood of white working class families where he and his parents once lived has now become a battleground of gangs and drug dealers, blacks and Vietnamese. A confused Van sets out to find his old house, desperately looking for familiar faces, but with his Smith Brothers beard, his tattered clothing, and his pale skin, Van quickly attracts the attention of five young black men, who savagely beat him. Rescued by Charles Davis, a black engineer working for the gas company,

Van finds himself in a world he could scarcely have imagined: foreign cars that didn’t exist in the America of 1967, computers, cell phones, a plethora of drugs, street people, violent gangs. Even the language has changed, leaving Van to ponder such concepts as Java — wasn’t that slang for coffee? — and “white male privilege.” Using Van as our wide-eyed and often baffled guide, author Paul Clayton takes us from the trashy camps of the homeless to the editorial offices of a campus newspaper, from the peaceful life and meaningful work of Charles and his family to a full-blown racial riot, set off when the police shoot a young black man. Van Ripplewink: You Can’t Go Home Again is not without flaws. Clayton fails, for example, to offer any valid explanations as to how Van survived his 48-year coma in a coffin. Many readers may also wonder why the young man didn’t search harder for his parents or tell someone his full story early on in the novel. Finally, Paul Clayton is a white male, and some on the PC patrol might deem his use of dialect as “cultural appropriation,” a term bringing great humor, incidentally, to those of us who enjoy eating Mexican or Chinese food. That said, Van Ripplewink: You Can’t Go Home Again offers a superb look at race and race relations in today’s America. The characters are real and differentiated individuals. Charles Davis, rescuer of Van, and his beautiful niece Mignon, whose father was black and mother Vietnamese, live upper middle class lives, have white friends, and have escaped the venomous race rhetoric that has poisoned some whom they know. Van eventually makes his own set of friends — Kang from Korea, Marco from the Philippines, Junior from West Virginia, and Chris the black middleclass youth torn between wanting to be with Mignon and life on the street. In the care and sympathy they show for one another, these young people give us a glimpse of Martin Luther King’s dream as reality. In addition to Van Ripplewink, Paul Clayton has written a three-book historical series — Calling Crow, Flight of the Crow, and Calling Crow Nation — Carl Melcher Goes To Vietnam, and White Seed: The Untold Story of the Lost Colony of Roanoke. (Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. minick0301@gmail.com.)

New Plott Hound book Author Bob Plott will present his new book Plott Hound Tales at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Plott Hound Tales reveals the fascinating people and places that have shaped the history of the Plott hound. Plott is the great-grandson of George Plott who first brought Plott bear hounds to America. He is also the author of Strike and Stay: The Story of the Plott Hound, A History of Hunting in the Great Smoky Mountains, Legendary Hunters of the Southern Highlands, and Colorful Characters of the Great Smoky Mountains. Plott and his family continue to raise the family Plott hounds at their Plott Ridge Kennels near Eufola. To reserve copies of Plott Hound Tales, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Beadle presents poetry collection Poet and former Haywood County journalist and teacher Michael Beadle will be reading from his latest poetry collection, Primer, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. The book features poems about childhood and family, discovery and disappointment, triumph and heartbreak. Primer was a national finalist in the 2016 Cathy Smith Bowers Chapbook Contest, sponsored by Main Street Rag. Bowers, a former NC Poet Laureate who served as the judge for the contest, writes, “With courage and a kid’s heart, Michael Beadle brings to life the rites of passage of a small-town boy inching toward the threshold of adulthood.” Beadle is the author or co-author of four books on Haywood County history, including the local history Arcadia series books Waynesville, Haywood County and Canton. A former reporter with The Smoky Mountain News and The Mountaineer, Beadle was active in the Haywood County arts community for nearly two decades, performing poetry at downtown Waynesville festivals, acting on stage at Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, emceeing events at Folkmoot festivals, and teaching creative writing courses through Haywood Community College. As a writer-in-residence based in Raleigh, he teaches poetry and creative writing workshops throughout the state and serves as the director of the NC Poetry Society’s student contests and the Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poets Series. www.blueridgebooksnc.com or 828.456.6000.

New bluegrass book Diving into the rich, vibrant and controversial history of bluegrass music, If You Can’t Play, Get Off the Stage: Bluegrass in Western North Carolina and Beyond is the debut work from Garret K. Woodward, arts/entertainment editor for The Smoky Mountain News. Woodward will be holding a reading, bluegrass discussion and book signing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery & Gifts in downtown Waynesville. There will also be another reading at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, in the Community Room at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Both events are free and open to the public. The book features interviews, profiles, quotes and conversations with the biggest names in bluegrass, mountain and string music, including: Balsam Range, Bobby Osborne, Claire Lynch, David Grisman, David Holt, Del McCoury, Doyle Lawson, Jesse McReynolds, John Cowan, Larry Sparks, Marty Stuart, Peter Rowan, Raymond Fairchild, Rhiannon Giddens, Rhonda Vincent, Ricky Skaggs, Sam Bush, Tim O’Brien, and many more. For more information on the book and where to purchase it, visit www.facebook.com/yobrodobro.

August 16-22, 2017

Smoky Mountain News

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Roller coaster in the sky Solar eclipses inspire awe and enchantment for WCU professor BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER Enrique Gomez was 16 years old the first time he experienced the shadow of the moon. Gomez, now an associate professor of physics and astronomy at Western Carolina University, is originally from Mexico. And while his family had already moved to the United States when the 1991 solar eclipse passed over Mexico City, they just so happened to be in town that summer for a visit with Gomez’s grandparents. “I still remember vividly many aspects of that change of light and what the sun looks like when you see it unfiltered with the naked eye during totality,” Gomez said. Even at 16, Gomez had a strong proclivity for science and astronomy. He’d already begun making his own celestial observations and submitting them to both professional and amateur astronomy societies, and by the time the solar eclipse came around, he’d been reading for months about what to expect, even purchasing a small telescope for the occasion. He wasn’t disappointed. The experience was stirring, visceral, unforgettable.

As the moon began to eclipse the sun, the colors of the sky changed to the bright hues common at sunrise and sunset, but the experience was disorientingly distinct from anything that would occur in a typical day. The sun was still high in the air, making the shadows short and sharp. As totality came nearer, the shadow of the moon was visible racing ever nearer over the landscape. Then, for about six minutes, the sun was completely covered, its corona shimmering around the edge of the moon. Everything went dark, and silent. Stars became visible, and planets too. Gomez could see Venus and Saturn, as well as Sirius, the brightest star in the sky. His grandmother, who had seen eclipses before, had told him he’d be able to see flares around the sun when totality happened, but he didn’t quite believe her. As it turned out, she was right. “I’ve never seen anything as bright crimson red as those red flares all around the disc of the moon,” he said. “I was actually taken aback.” The sky above him was clear, but in the distance he could see a big thunderstorm

Enrique Gomez (below) sits in his office at WCU, solar eclipse images queued up on the computer screen. Gomez holds one of the computer components that will go on the balloon he plans to deploy to collect data during the eclipse. Holly Kays photos

moving across the open landscape, lightning flashing in the clouds. It was almost like riding a roller coaster while standing still — except more dizzying. “It’s a really weird feeling because with a roller coaster as you go over the edge you know you’re falling, and you’re falling towards the ground,” Gomez said. “Here when you’re in a flat area and you are looking at the sky with the stars up and the sun eclipsed by the moon and the corona from the sun, you get the feeling that you are about to fall into the sky.”

Experience the eclipse Southwestern Community College will deploy a balloon to video the eclipse live from Anderson, South Carolina at eclipse.stream.live. The team is called the SCC Mountain Flyers. For those who would like to contribute to the scientific efforts themselves, NASA has listed a variety of apps to predownload before the event in order to help take data. Citizen scientists can enter data related to cloud cover, animal behavior and sounds during the eclipse using apps such as GLOBE Observer, iNaturalist and Eclipse Soundscapes. eclipse2017.nasa.gov/apps.

Even the animals seemed to be holding their breath. The neighbors had chickens, which Gomez saw “dutifully go into their coop before totality and after totality they came out.” When totality ended, the birds began to sing “very dramatically,” and the dogs began to bark. Seeing an eclipse on a farm among the barnyard animals would likely be a fascinating experience, Gomez said. “The entire ecosystem around you has a response to it,” he said. The experience stayed with him, and when he had a chance to experience an eclipse again eight years later, he jumped on it. It was 1999, he had just graduated from college, and his best friend from school was from Austria, where the eclipse was set to occur. “He decided to call me up one day and say, ‘You want to come in and hang out for a couple weeks in Austria and see the eclipse?’ and I said, ‘Sure,’” Gomez recalled. When eclipse day came, Gomez was afraid he wouldn’t be able to see it — it was August, in a place with a climate relatively similar to the climate here. “It looked like it was almost going to be clouded over, but we managed to see the eclipse through the clouds,” Gomez said. As it happens, the eclipse Gomez saw in Austria 18 years ago is the same eclipse that is set to take over Western North Carolina next week. Every 18 years, 11 days and eight hours, the sun, moon and earth enter the exact same configuration — and Gomez just so happened to find work at a university in the path of that same eclipse he once experienced on the other side of the globe. “I’ve been talking about this eclipse to my students since 2008,” Gomez said. For a couple of years now he’s been preparing for the scientific side of the big day. Gomez’ research recently has focused on radiation from supernova — some of that radiation makes its way through the earth’s atmosphere to its surface. Theoretically, he said, the moon shouldn’t do much in the way of blocking that radiation when it sits between sun and earth during an eclipse. However, there was a “very weird” observation during a 1995 solar eclipse in Calcutta, India, that showed a drop of cosmic radiation

Hear from eclipse experts Panelists from WCU are Enrique Gomez, Ph.D. and associate professor of physics and astronomy; and Paul Heckert, Ph.D. and professor of physics and astronomy. Panelists from ASU are Dan Caton, Ph.D. and professor of physics and astronomy; David J. Sitar, director of Rankin Introductory Astronomy Laboratory; and Rachel Smith, Ph.D. and head of the astronomy and astrophysics research lab. Free, with a chance to submit questions for panel discussion before the event begins. www.southwesterncc.edu/eclipse.

Pisgah students go big at Resource Conservation Workshop Two Pisgah High School students will end their summer in possession of newfound natural resources-related knowledge following the Resource Conservation Workshop at N.C. State University in Raleigh, with one of them earning hundreds in scholarship dollars as well. Cat Turvin and Gracie Woods — both rising juniors — found the workshop week filled with hands-on lessons related to natural resource management, including soils, pollinators, wildlife, agriculture and more. Their attendance was sponsored by the Haywood Soil and Water Conservation District, and at the end of the week they took a test to compete for scholarship money. Woods achieved the second highest score on the test, winning a $275 scholarship plus $100 in cash. She was also named winner of the $500 S. Grady Lane Scholarship and the Area 1 Glen Carson Award. She hopes to become an engineer.

The Macon County Fair will be held Sept. 13-16 this year, with folks invited to construct educational booths for the event in line with this year’s theme of “Family, Agriculture, Impact, Resources.” Booths must be constructed between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, to be eligible for judging. Applications are available at macon.ces.ncsu.edu and should be returned to the Macon County Extension Office at 193 Thomas Heights Road in Franklin by Monday, Aug. 21. 828.349.2046.

Smoky Mountain News

then report on them, whether they’re what we expect or not,” said Matt Cass, principal investigator of the Smoky Mountains STEM Collaborative and physics instructor at SCC. Gomez is more than hopeful that the eclipse will catalyze a wave of interest in science and astronomy — he’s seen two eclipses and knows better than most what a profound impact the experience can have. For Gomez, every sunset is a reminder of his place on this curved planet, every glimpse of the Milky Way a dramatic portrayal of the collected light of 200 billion stars and gas clouds. “I go through life amazed by how amazing and dramatic the world is,” Gomez said. Maybe, after Aug. 21, more people will find themselves experiencing that same level of awe. “One of the reasons why I’m excited about this is that for just at least a couple of minutes, potentially up to 100 million of my fellow Americans are going to see the universe in the way I see it just about every clear evening,” Gomez said. “They’ll be seeing their relationship, experiencing their relationship with the sun and the moon and themselves where they are on the surface of the earth.” After all these years of looking forward to the eclipse, preparing for the eclipse, telling his students about the eclipse, Aug. 21 will have a bittersweet ending for Gomez. But for the millions of people who will go to bed having stood in the shadow of the moon for the first time in their lives, it could be the beginning of something new — a boom of interest in science and astronomy. “I’m hoping for a little bit of a sea change,” Gomez said.

Booth entries wanted for Macon fair

August 16-22, 2017

during the event. “Now why is that?” Gomez asked. “The idea is that it’s not the moon necessarily blocking that radiation. It’s just the entire atmosphere is cooling.” To test that theory, Gomez — along with many other teams spanning the entire country — will launch a balloon on Aug. 21 to collect data on temperature and radiation as it travels through the atmosphere. He’s been busy in the lead-up to the big day, launching other balloons gathering similar data on more cosmically typical days and refining the lightweight boom that will house all the scientific equipment attached to the balloon. “The dataset on that day will actually be pretty rich,” he said. WCU isn’t the only nearby college to see Aug. 21 as an opportunity for data collection. Southwestern Community College will launch a balloon as well — also part of a network, though a different one than what WCU is part of — to livestream and photograph the eclipse from an altitude of 90,000 feet. The balloon will launch from Anderson, South Carolina. SCC will also be hosting scientists from Appalachian State University and the N.C. Science Museum, and will work with NASA on a massive event at Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The event will include a citizen science element, encouraging folks to pre-download and take data with the iNaturalist, Eclipse Soundscapes and GLOBE Observer apps listed at eclipse2017.nasa.gov/apps. “We’re trying to get people to take charge of their own understanding of science and realize that without training or a degree, all it takes to be a scientist is to be curious and to look for those answers and

The Haywood County Fair will return to the fairgrounds in Waynesville Thursday, Aug. 22, with festivities continuing through Monday, Aug. 28. Fair week will include a variety of competition, entertainment and opportunities to see the best that Haywood County has to offer. Carnival rides, a fish fry, chainsaw woodcarving demonstrations, a firemen’s competition, a chance to see farm animals up close, a K9 dog demo, a horse show, a tractor pull and an ice cream eating contest are just a few of the many attractions to take over the fairgrounds. Prizes will also be awarded for a variety of exhibits, from livestock to baked goods to vegetables to artwork, with exhibits accepted 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Dogwood Event Center. They will be judged during the day Wednesday, Aug. 23, and available for pickup Monday, Aug. 28. For a complete schedule and exhibit entry information, visit www.haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org. Jude Lowery, fairgrounds manager, 828.400.1704.

outdoors

The night before The Great American Eclipse envelopes the region in darkness, Southwestern Community College will host a panel of experts to discuss to science behind this rare phenomenon — and offer advice on how to safely experience it. Scientists and faculty members from Appalachian State University and Western Carolina University will serve as panelists during the forum 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, in Myers Auditorium at SCC in Sylva. Matt Cass, SCC physics and astronomy instructor, will moderate.

Fair time almost here in Haywood

Cock of the rock, Ecuador. outdoors

Ed Boos photo

Adventure the equator Macon County birders Ed and Cindy Boos will tell stories and show photography from their adventures in Ecuador and Kenya during a program at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. The couple has traveled many places to photograph wildlife with an emphasis on capturing wildlife behavior. Ed specializes in photography and Cindy in video. Free. Part of the Franklin Bird Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s regular monthly meeting.

Monarchs get a home at Shelton House

August 16-22, 2017

The gardens at the Historic Shelton House in Waynesville are now attracting monarch butterflies, thanks to the efforts of the dedicated volunteers who maintain the gardens. Local garden clubs and volunteers began to work on the project in 2016, planting native flowers and milkweed plants that monarchs need to thrive. The gardens are now certified as an official Monarch Waystation, allowing Shelton House visitors to enjoy seeing monarchs from August to September. The museum and gardens at the Shelton House are open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of October. 828.452.1551 or www.sheltonhouse.org.

Stock up on native plants

Smoky Mountain News

The Southern Highlands Reserve in Lake Toxaway will hold its annual plant sale 9 am. To 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. Offerings include many types of azaleas and other shrubs, available in 1-gallon and 4-inch containers. All plants are grown from hand-collected seed. Credit cards and checks accepted. 828.885.2050.

Relax with raptors

reclaim your weekend

visitnc.com/parks

A birds of prey program featuring flight demonstrations by resident raptors of the Balsam Mountain Trust will be offered 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20, at the Cradle of Forestry in America. Michael Skinner, executive director of the Balsam Mountain Trust in Jackson County, will give the presentation along with birds Luna, Apollo and Cheyenne. Free with standard admission of $5 for adults 16 and up.

New Smokies science program to target schools A student smiles as he holds a live bird during a citizen science program. NPS photo

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REACHVET.COM • 828.665.4399 August 16-22, 2017

Hike Mount Pisgah A moderate 1.5-mile hike at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 18, will explore the history and unique stories surrounding Mount Pisgah. The hike, led by Blue Ridge Parkway rangers, will traverse the Mount Pisgah Trail starting from the Mount Pisgah Parking Area at milepost 407.6, on the Haywood-Transylvania County line. Participants should bring water, good walking shoes and clothing for changeable weather. Free. 828.298.5330, ext. 304.

Fee increases proposed in the Pisgah-Nantahala

Service. In addition, many sites have been recently improved or upgraded. Proposed fee changes include increasing camping fees to $10, $15 or $20 per night, depending on amenities. Day use areas such as picnic sites, trailheads and swim sites would increase to $3 or $5. Shooting ranges would increase to $5. After public comment is received, the Forest Service will assess the comments and concerns and then present its fee proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee in the fall. The committee will make recommendations on the proposals, and the regional forester will

make a final decision. The Recreation Resource Advisory Committee is composed of citizens representing a broad array of recreation interests. The Forest Service is allowed to keep 8095 percent of fees collected to operate, maintain and improve the recreation sites that produce them. For a complete list of proposed changes, visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/ nfsnc/2017recfeeproposals. Send comments to Logan Free at 828.257.4256, NFsNCfeeproposals@fs.fed.us or ATTN: Recreation Fee Proposals; 160A Zillicoa Street; Asheville, N.C. 28801.

Smoky Mountain News

The U.S. Forest Service has proposed increases to recreation fees at sites throughout the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest, with public comment on the changes accepted through Monday, Sept. 25. Current fees haven’t changed for more than a decade and have not kept pace with other recreation sites offering similar services and amenities, according to the Forest

outdoors

A new science education program will soon launch in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park thanks to a $1 million Veverka Family Foundation donation to the National Parks Foundation. Citizen Science 2.0 in National Parks will be a three-year partnership between the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, the park, and local middle and high schools, providing citizen science engagement for students and delivering professional development for teachers. The teacher education program will consist of a series of residential workshops at Tremont and consults at local schools, giving teachers practice with experiential learning and linking what they have learned with standards-based subject matter. “These science-based opportunities cultivate lasting connections between the public and their parks by establishing a fascination and love of science,” said Smokies Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We are thrilled to work with the National Park Foundation and the Veverka Family Foundation to implement this citizen-science based education project.” Cabrillo National Monument, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Rock Creek Park will also launch the program this year. The National Park Service and National Park Foundation will continue to identify additional parks, schools and education partners to participate nationwide. The National Park Foundation’s Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, through which the program

Take a pint for the park

A pair of pint nights at Wedge Brewing Company in Asheville will give the chance to sip a beer while learning more about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the work that Friends of the Smokies does to support it. n At 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, the presentation “Elk in WNC” will tell the story of the elk’s 2001 reintroduction to the park and the ecology of these magnificent animals. Esther Blakely, owner of Cataloochee Valley Tours and interpretive presenter for the park, will give the talk. n At 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, participants will learn why the Great Smoky Mountains are often called the “Salamander Capital of the World.” The park is home to several rare species, which serve as indicators of environmental quality. The evening will also include a chance to participate in salamander trivia. Throughout August, Wedge will donate sales of its WitBier to benefit crucial projects and programs in the national park. Smokies-inspired mountain landscapes from artist Lucy Reiser will also be displayed.

a website to take you to places where there are no websites.

Log on. Plan a getaway. Let yourself unplug.

Preserve the harvest outdoors

A pair of food preservation programs at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension office in Sylva will offer instruction on how to get the most out of this year’s garden harvest. n From 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Aug. 22, Food Preservation 101 will cover the basics of water bath canning, pressure canning and freezing fresh fruits, vegetables and meats. Free, with space limited. n From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, All About Tomatoes will offer a demonstration on preserving tomatoes whole, crushed or as tomato juice. Participants will make and process a pint of salsa to take home. $8. To register for either class, call 828.586.4009.

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Smoky Mountain News

August 16-22, 2017

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The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians will hold its second annual luncheon event to induct the next class of the Museum Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 26 with a pre-event fundraiser and chance to meet the inductees 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at Nantahala Brewing Company in Bryson City. Hall of Fame inductees will be honored for the ties they’ve made, the fish they’ve caught, the books they’ve written and more. Space is limited, with reservations required. Tickets are $35 and include lunch as well as allweekend admission to the museum. The luncheon will be at the Southwestern Community College Swain Center at 60 Almond School Road in Bryson City. The museum is co-located with the Swain County Chamber of Commerce in downtown Bryson City. RSVP to info@greatsmokies.com or 828.488.3681.

Sunday hunting laws loosen A new state law will expand hunters’ ability to pursue their sport on Sundays. The law, Outdoor Heritage Enhanced, increases opportunities to hunt wild animals and upland game birds on private lands and allows the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and other public land managers to implement new options for Sunday hunting on private lands. However, Sunday hunting for migratory birds such as waterfowl is still prohibited. On private lands, Sunday hunters may now hunt within 500 yards of residences, but they may not hunt within 500 yards of a place of religious worship or hunt deer with dogs. Shooting hours are still 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., though controlled hunting preserves may have longer hours. While Sunday hunting on Wildlife Commission game lands is still prohibited, the Commission now has the ability to authorize Sunday hunting on their lands from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and at least 500 yards from a place of religious worship. As on private land, no hunting of deer with dogs would be allowed. The Wildlife Commission plans to work with its governmental, private and corporate partners to determine the interest level in allowing Sunday hunting on its approximately 1.5 million acres of game lands.

Similarly, Sunday hunting of migratory birds on Wildlife Commission land is still prohibited but the rules are subject to change after March 1, 2018. To allow such hunting, the Wildlife Commission would have to conduct a study examining biological, resource management, economic and social impacts of hunting migratory birds on Sundays.

WNC gets new Wildlife Commission members Western North Carolina will have two representatives on the 19-member N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission following a round of appointments by Gov. Roy Cooper. Brad Stanback, of Canton, will serve a six-year term as the District 9 commissioner, and Hayden Rogers, of Brasstown, will serve a four-year term as an at-large commissioner. New members were sworn in during a ceremony July 27, with Secretary of State Elaine Marshall administering the oath of office. John Coley IV, of Raleigh, was elected chairman and David Hoyle Jr., of Dallas, was elected vice-chairman. The Wildlife Commission establishes policies and regulations governing hunting, fishing, trapping, boating and lands management throughout North Carolina. www.ncwildlife.org/about/commissioners.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Tickets are on sale now for a train ride following the route of the Southern Railway Murphy Branch Line established in 1891. Ridge will be offered on Saturday, Aug. 12, from Johnson City, Tenn., to Bryson City and back. Tickets: $83-152 for adults; $69-79 for children 2-12. Meals available for purchase. Printable order forms: www.wataugavalleynrhs.org. Info: 423.753.5797 or wataugavalley@embarqmail.com. • Nominations are being accepted through Sept. 1 for “Humanitarian of the Year” awards through the Jackson County Branch of the NAACP. One organization and one individual will be chosen for those doing work in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon or Swain Counties. Forms available at www.jacksonncnaacp.org or write to P.O. Box 788, Sylva, NC 28779. • For the drafting of a comprehensive bicyclist and pedestrian plan for the Town of Canton, drop-in input session will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17, at Colonial Theater in Canton. • The Haywood County Fair is Thursday through Monday, Aug. 24-28, at the fairgrounds in Waynesville. Competition, entertainment, carnival rides, fish fry, chainsaw woodcarving demonstrations, firemen’s competition, farm animals, K9 dog demo, horse show, tractor pull, ice cream eating contest and more. Schedule and exhibit entry info: www.haywoodcountyfairgrounds.org or 400.1704. • Reservations are being accepted for the induction ceremony for the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians Hall of Fame, which is set for Aug. 26 at the Southwestern Community College Swain Center in Bryson City. $35 per person includes lunch and weekend admission to the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians. info@greatsmokies.com or 488.3681.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Small business owners can find materials and services to support business growth at Fontana Regional Library’s locations in Macon, Jackson and Swain Counties. Computer classes and one-on-one assistance also available. 586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Tickets are on for the Cashiers Historical Society’s “2017 Cashiers Designers Showhouse™ that will be held through Aug. 27 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday through Saturday and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. One-day tickets are $40 in advance or $45 at the entrance; multi-day tickets are $70 in advance or $75 at the entrance. Tickets available at www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org. Three newly constructed cottages will be featured. • A benefit dinner for the Haywood Habitat for Humanity will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. The four-course dinner will one drink per person, with other beverage options offered. Vegetarian options are also available. Tickets are $60 per person. Half of the ticket price will go to Haywood Habitat.452.7960. • Sign-ups are underway for a Corn Hole tournament fundraiser, which is scheduled for noon on Saturday, Aug. 19, at Bear Waters Brewing Company in Canton. All funds raised will support Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Haywood County. • The Ruffed Grouse Society is selling tickets for its 31st annual Conservation and Sportsmen’s Banquet, which is at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Crest Center & Pavilion in Asheville. Dinner and membership starts at $80; junior membership and dinner ticket is

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Smoky Mountain News

of Canton, Attn.: Canton Labor Day; 58 Park Street; Canton, NC 28716. 648.2363.

HEALTH MATTERS $55 for ages 17-under. 231.7050 or dalepennell@gmail.com. • Tickets are on sale now for a 3 Doors Down performance as a fundraiser for the Better Life Foundation on Oct. 21 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000. • Tickets are on sale now for “Spark: An Evening to Benefit Dance ARIS,” presented by the Haywood County Arts Council. Featuring three distinct dance styles, the program will be offered on Aug. 25-26. Tickets: $25 for the performance or on Saturday, $60 for the gala plus performance. director@haywoodarts.org. • Tickets are available now for the 26th annual Golf and Gala, which is Aug. 29-30 at Maggie Valley Club and Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa and Laurel Ridge Country Club. Dinner, dancing and awards are Saturday evening at Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa. Golf and gala tickets: $150; gala only: $75. To play in two tournaments: $250 (includes two tickets to gala). haywoodhealthcarefoundation.org/event/2017-golf-andgala. • Sponsorships are available now for the Haywood Community College Shine & Dine Gala, which benefits the Haywood Community College Foundation. The event is from 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Dinner, music by Juan Benavides, demonstrations, silent and live auctions. Sponsorships range from $250 to $5,000. 627.4544 or pahardin@haywood.edu. Info: www.hccgala.events. • Tickets are on sale now for the Rock FUR The Cats benefit for Feline Urgent Rescue of WNC. Event is from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Grey Eagle in Asheville. Music by Pleasure Chest, master of Blues and Soul and Rock n’ Roll. $20 per person; sponsorships are $75. www.furofwnc.org or www.thegreyeagle.com. Info: 770.861.2994. • Tickets are on sale now for the Southwestern Community College Foundation’s annual “Bluegrass, Blue Jeans & Bling” fundraising gala, which is at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. It’s the school’s fourth annual gala. Frogtown will perform bluegrass. Activities include cornhole, wine pull, silent auction and a “Best Dressed Blue Jeans & Bling” contest. Tickets are $150 each, and table sponsorships start at $1,500. 339.4227 or www.southwesterncc.edu/gala.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • Registration is underway for a volunteer training for REACH of Macon County, which also serves Jackson County. Training is from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Aug. 17-18. Anyone who volunteers at a domestic violence agency in North Carolina and wants to work more directly with clients needs 20 hours of training beforehand. Register: http://tinyurl.com/ycj9slfn. • Registration is underway for a volunteer training for REACH of Haywood County. The Training is from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, at REACH’s office location at 627 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Anyone who volunteers at a domestic violence agency in North Carolina and wants to work more directly with clients needs 20 hours of training beforehand. Register: 456.7898. • The Town of Canton is accepting submissions for the 111th Labor Day Festival “A Celebration of All Things Made in Western North Carolina” until 4 p.m. on Aug. 21. Send artist bio, photos and sample of work to: Town

• A “Walk With A Doc” program is scheduled for 10 a.m. each Saturday at the Lake Junaluska Kern Center or Canton Rec Park. MyHaywoodRegional.com/WalkwithaDoc. • “Ready … Set … Baby” prenatal breastfeeding class will be offered at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, at the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency. Pregnant mothers-to-be and support persons welcome. Registration required: 356.2207 or 452.2211. • The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 4-8 p.m. on Aug. 17 at American Legion Post No. 47 in Waynesville. redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767. • The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon-4:30 p.m. on Aug. 21 at the Masonic Lodge in Waynesville. redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767. • The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Haywood Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Waynesville. redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767. • A blood drive is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. $10 Walmart gift card and 200 TBC reward points. • The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 25 at Lowe’s in Franklin. redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767. • The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1-6:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767. •”Breastfeeding A-Z” will be offered for expectant mothers from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays Aug. 31 and Nov. 9 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Taught by BoardCertified Lactation Consultants. MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440. • Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA) meets at noon on Saturdays at the First United Methodist Church Outreach Center at 171 Main St. in Franklin. 407.758.6433 or adultchildren.org.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • An opportunity the Bellyak (prone paddling/lay-on-top kayaking) will be offered through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation department at 11 a.m. on Aug. 20. $30. Rec.jacksonnc.org or 293.3053. • Pickleball, a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong, will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Old Hazelwood Gym in Waynesville. $3 per visit, or $20 for a 10-visit card. 452.6789 or drtaylor@haywoodnc.net. • Jackson County Rec Department will have disc golf tournament at 10 a.m. on Aug. 19. Cost is $5 for singles or $10 for doubles. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

SPIRITUAL • Divine Healing Conference is Aug. 24-27 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds in Cherokee. 727.439.8010. • Rev. Dr. David Wilkinson, a theologian and astrophysicist, will offer lectures Aug. 25, 27 and 28 as part of the Summer Speakers Series presented by Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Dr. Wilkinson will speak about “The Big Bang, Multiverse and Stephen Hawking” at 7 p.m. on Aug. 25 at the A.K. Hinds University Center Theater at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee; at 8:20, 9:40 and 11 a.m. at Long’s Chapel in Waynesville and at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 28 on

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Events for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings ■ To have your event listed email infromation to calendar@smokymountainnews.com the topic of “The God of the Bible and Answered Prayer” at Long’s Chapel. • Grace Church in the Mountains will have its annual Tablescapes Luncheon from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, in Waynesville. Hosted by the Episcopal Women’s Group. Tickets: $20 per person. Local artist Margaret Roberts will gave guests how create a collage, which she’ll later complete. Tickets: $20. Proceeds benefit ECW mission projects. 456.6029.

POLITICAL • A contemplative Dialog is scheduled for 1-2 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Franklin. Topic is “48 Hours Alone with President Trump: If given 48 hours alone with President Trump, how would you try to influence him?” All opinions respected. 524.3691. • The Macon County Democratic Women meet at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. • The Jackson County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 5:55 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Justice and Administration Building in Sylva to receive input concerning amendments to the “Cashiers Commercial Area Land Development Ordinance.” Copies available at jacksonnc.org/planning or at the Planning Department at the Justice Center. Citizens invited to make written or oral comments. • The Swain County Democratic Party Whittier-Cherokee precinct meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31, at the Birdtown Gym in Cherokee. Agenda includes listening sessions, Roaring on the River and voting absentee ballots. 488.1118.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Ben Anderson will hold book signings for “Smokies Chronicle: A Year of Hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park” on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m., at the Waynesville Public Library. parthemore@blairpub.com or 800.222.9796. • Author Ben Anderson will present “Smokies Chronicle: A Year of Hiking Great Smoky Mountains National Park” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17, in the Community room of the Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016. • The “Literary Hour” will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, in the Keith House at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. Poets Glenda Beall and Glenda Barrett, and prose writer Jo Carolyn Bebe will be the featured readers. • Garret Woodward will be holding a reading, bluegrass discussion and book signing at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17, at the Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery & Gifts in downtown Waynesville. There will also be another reading at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 24, in the Community Room at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. www.facebook.com/yobrodobro.

• Applications are being accepted through Thursday, Aug. 24, for the Homegrown Author Fair. Include brief author’s bio and book description: kolsen@haywoodnc.net. • Poet and former Haywood County journalist and teacher Michael Beadle will be reading from his latest poetry collection, Primer, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. www.blueridgebooksnc.com or 456.6000.

on Saturday, Aug. 19, at Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center. Heritage demonstration, Appalachian crafts, old-time mountain music and South Eastern Bluegrass Association jam sessions, Civil War Re-enactors and more. FranklinFolkFestival.com or 800.932.5294. • Darnell Farms – Swain County Agricultural Fair & Festival, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Balsam Range (bluegrass), 8 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 19. • Dillsboro’s Summer Arts & Crafts Market is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 19. 70 booths on Front and Church Streets. Among the featured artists will be Kimberly Gray of Mudpuppies Pottery in Sylva.

FOOD & DRINK KIDS & FAMILIES • “Natural Wonders of Macon County,” a program that’s part of the Macon County 4-H Summer Relief, is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Aug. 16 at the Cooperative Extension Office. For ages 9-18. $3. • Open House and orientation is scheduled for the following Macon County schools: 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 24 for Mountain View Intermediate (5th grade); 8:30 a.m.-noon on Aug. 23 for sixth grade drop in at Mountain View Intermediate; 4-6 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Highlands; 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Cartoogechaye; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Aug. 23 at East Franklin; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Nantahala; 67:30 p.m. on Aug. 24 at South Macon; 7 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Franklin High School (freshman orientation); 5:30-7 p.m. on Aug. 24 at Iotla Valley; 5:30 p.m. seventh grade and new student orientation on Aug. 24 at Macon Middle School; 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Aug. 24 for eighth grade open house droop in at Macon Middle School.

August 16-22, 2017

• Kids at HART will hold auditions for “Shuddersome: Tales of Poe” at 4 p.m. on Friday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and Aug. 27. Open to middle school and high school students. Production will be held on Oct. 21. 456.6322 or srsumpter@charter.net. • As part of the “Build a Better World” summer reading program, Marianna Black Library will have movies at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, story time for ages 3-5 at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays and a summer learning program each Thursday. www.fontanalib.org or 488.3030.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Smoky Mountain News

• The Franklin Area Folk Festival “A Celebration of Appalachian Heritage” is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Tickets are on sale now for the Harrah’s Cherokee Riverwalk 3rd annual Brew BQ followed by a live concert featuring Aaron Lewis (country) at the Event Center. Brew BQ is from noon-7 p.m. on Aug. 19, featuring barbecue and beer from the Carolinas. Tickets: 800.745.3000 or ticketmaster.com. • The Railroad Reserve Wine & Dine evening event will be from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. www.gsmr.com.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be presented through Aug. 20 at HART Theatre in Waynesville. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinee performances on Sunday. www.harttheatre.org or 456.6322. • “The Loves of Elaine” will be performed through Aug. 20 at HART Theatre in Waynesville. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. matinee performances on Sunday. www.harttheatre.org or 456.6322. • The Haywood Community Band (wind and brass) will perform at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, in the openair Maggie Valley Community Pavilion. www.haywoodcommunityband.org. • Tickets are on sale for the “Galaxy of Stars” performance series by WCU PRESENTS. Featuring artists from around the world at the Bardo Arts Center performance hall in Cullowhee. Season subscription: $125 for general public; $100 for WCU/Southwestern Community College faculty and staff and seniors 65 and older; $25 for WCU and SCC students. Season opens Sept. 7 with the Hillbenders (bluegrass) performing “The Who’s Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry.” bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.ARTS. • The Highlands Cashiers Players open their 23rd season on Friday, Aug. 18, with “Crossing Delancey.”Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays until Sept. 3. Sunday Matinees at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 27 and Sept. 3. Tickets: 526.8084 or highlandscashiersplayers.com. • Comedian Jordan Carlos will speak on “Find Out

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

What You Don’t Want to Do” during the New Student Convocation at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, at Western Carolina University’s Regional Activity Center in Cullowhee. 227.3017.

• The “Pickin’ On The Square” concert series will host Rick Morris Band on Aug. 19 and Paradise 56 (blues/variety) Aug. 26. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.townoffranklinnc.com or 524.2516.

• “Unto These Hills” drama will be performed at 8 p.m. nightly through Aug. 19 at 688 Drama Road in Cherokee. A reimagining of the Cherokee Story. http://tinyurl.com/ycm83jwv.

• The “Tunes on the Tuck” concert series will host The Elderly Brothers (pop/beach) on Aug. 19 and Twelfth Fret (acoustic/rock) Aug. 26at Riverfront Park. Free and begin at 7 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• One of the best Beatles tribute bands in the country, The Return will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $17 each. visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Pickin’ in the Park (Canton) will be held at 7 p.m. Friday evenings at the Recreation Park. Free and open to the public. www.cantonnc.com.

• Total Eclipse of the HART dance events will be held Aug. 25-26 at HART Theatre in Waynesville. Ballet, contemporary modern and classical Indian. Info, updates and tickets: www.HaywoodArts.org/dance. • Standup comedy legend Ron White will return to the stage at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26. www.harrahscherokee.com. •Americana/bluegrass icon Peter Rowan will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. Tickets for the intimate fireside solo performance are $35.A gourmet mountain dinner will be available for purchase before the show. Reservations are highly suggested. This show will sellout. To RSVP, call 926.1401 or www.cataloocheeranch.com.

SUMMER MUSIC SERIES • The “Concerts on the Creek” series at Bridge Park in Sylva will host Porch 40 (rock/funk) on Aug. 18 and Lyric (rock/soul) on Aug. 25. Both shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.mountainlovers.com. • The “Friday Night Live” concert series at the Town Square in Highlands will host Johnny Webb Band (country/classic) Aug. 18 and Mountain Dulcimer Group (traditional/bluegrass) Aug. 25. Free and begins at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org. • The “An Appalachian Evening” summer concert series will feature The Jeff Little Trio Aug. 19 and The Kruger Brothers (Aug. 26) will conclude the series. at the Stecoah Valley Center. All shows at 7:30 p.m. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com for tickets.

• “Music on the River” series will host Robert Wolfe & The Renegades (country) on Aug. 18 and Trippin’ Hardie Band (acoustic) on Aug. 19 at the Cherokee Welcome Center Kiosk in Cherokee. Shows start at 7 p.m. 359.6490 or travel@nc-cherokee.com. • “Music on the River” series will host AM Superstars (alternative) Aug. 25 and Aaron Jones (honky-tonk) Aug. 26 at the Cherokee Welcome Center Kiosk in Cherokee. Shows start at 7 p.m. 359.6490 or travel@nc-cherokee.com. • Twelfth Fret (acoustic classic rock) performs at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Part of the Summer Music Series. 488.3030.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • A workshop on cutting out and dying leaves from leather will be offered by Dogwood Crafters Co-op from 10 a.m.-noon on Aug. 24 at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. $11. Register by Aug. 19. Register: 586.2248. • Registration is underway through Aug. 30 for a scarecrow-making workshop, which is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 6 at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Instructor is Bernice Spitzer. Finished scarecrow will be 14 inches tall. $12. Register: 586.2248. • Applications are being accepted through Oct. 6 for Regional Artist Project grants through the N.C. Arts Council. Eligible projects include creation of new work, purchase of equipment, professional development workshops, travel and development of promotional materials. Application available at: www.haywoodarts.org, or email director@haywoodarts.org.

• Concerts on the Square will continue with Caribbean Cowboys (pop/beach) on Aug. 18 and Sarah Mac Band (Americana) on Sept. 1 at the town square in Hayesville. www.cccra-nc.org.

• Waynesville Fiber Friends welcomes fiber artists of every kind: crochet, knitting, cross-stitching and more, from 10 a.m.-noon on the second Saturday of each month at Panacea Coffee House in Waynesville. 276.6226.

• “Saturdays on Pine” will host Tea 4 Three Aug. 19 and Log Noggins Aug. 26 at Kelsy-Hutchinson Park in Highlands. All shows are at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

• The Franklin Uptown Gallery is calling everyone in the community to show off their creative side for the upcoming “Eclipse Celebration,” which will be Aug. 21. 349.4607 or 743.0200.

• The “Groovin’ on the Green” concert series at The Village Green in Cashiers will host Julie Gribble on Aug. 18 and Sundown (classic hits) Aug. 25. Free and begins at 6:30 p.m. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.

• A weekend of quilts from around the area and beyond will be held Friday and Saturday, Aug. 25-26, at the Cruso Community Center. Challenge competition, display, “Basket Mania” and more. Events start

newsdesk crafts

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• Author Bob Plott will present his new book Plott Hound Tales at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of Plott Hound Tales call 586.9499.

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3. 2. 1.

#193 - free table leveler

at 10 a.m. each day concluding at 6 p.m. on Friday and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. www.crusonc.com/2017quiltshow or 400.7323.

GALLERIES • The Swain Arts Center will host a reception for its first Open Juried Photography Contest at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, in the Lobby of the Arts Center. 488.7843. • The “Meet the Artist” reception with Brian Hannum (pianist), Drew Campbell (photographer) and Jon Houglum (painter) will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at Gallery Zella in Bryson City. 488.3638 or www.galleryzella.com. • Haywood County Arts council “ArtShare” exhibit – a showing of fine works of art. Exhibit runs from through Aug. 26. 33rockyknob@gmail.com or 452.0593. • Anne Fariello “Signs of the Times” exhibit of documentary photography is currently on display at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. • Several exhibitions are on display this summer at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center. “Water Portraits: Barbara Tyroler” is on exhibition until Aug. 25. “Ancient Forms, Modern Minds: Contemporary Cherokee Ceramics” is on display through Nov. 10. 227.ARTS or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu. • “Spirit of Place: Artwork by Elizabeth Ellison” – an art exhibit – will be on display through Sept. 4. at the Asheville Arboretum. • The graduating class of Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts program will exhibit their best work from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Sept. 24 at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville. 627.4673 or haywood.edu.

• “Dradonslayer” will be shown on Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. by Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva for free. • “Hidden Figures” will be shown on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. by Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva for free. • Registration is underway for the screening of “America Divided,” an EPIX Original Documentary Series, which will be shown at 2 p.m. on consecutive Thursdays from Aug. 17-Sept. 24, at the Waynesville Library. Features narratives around inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• “Lowriders” will be shown on Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. by Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva for free.

Outdoors • “Take in the View with a Ranger” program is held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month on the deck of the Pisgah Inn. Ask questions and learn about the Blue Ridge Parkway’s natural and cultural history. • The Wedge at Foundation will hold outdoor educational pint nights at 6 p.m. on consecutive Thursdays

• The Highlands Plateau Greenway will conduct its monthly work day from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Aug. 19. Meet at the Recreation Center. If interested, write highlandsgreenway@nctv.com or 482.1451. • Tom Tribble will present “Bird-Friendly Gardening” at 10 a.m. on Aug. 19 at the Environmental Resource Center in Franklin. 524.5234. • Several programs celebrating the sun and the ways that forests and ecosystems rely on it will be offered from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest near Brevard. $5 for ages 16-up. Amphibian and reptile navigation, photosynthesis and more. 877.3130. • Wildcrafter Ila Hatter of Bryson City will teach a one-day class called “Foraging for Food and Farmacy” from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, through the Smoky Mountain Field School. $79. Register: smfs.utk.edu. • Mainspring Conservation Trust will host a “Family Fun: Sun, Snorkel & Snoop” program from 10 a.m.noon on Aug. 19 in the Tuckasegee River. http://tinyurl.com/ybu5f84m. • The Balsam Mountain Trust will host a “Birds of Prey” program from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20. Balsammountaintrust.org. • Balsam Mountain Trust will present a “Birds of Prey” program from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, at Cradle of Forestry in Transylvania County. Flight demonstrations. BalsamMountainTrust.org. • “Adventures on the Equator” will be presented by Ed and Cindy Boos during the Franklin Bird Club meeting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 21 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.5234 or FranklinBirdClub.com. • A Preparedness Training Workshop is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Waynesville Library. Two segments: Info program about local hazards everyone should be prepared for and a handsonly CPR non-certification course. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. • “Birds and Beer” is at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Ugly Dog in Highlands. Presented by the Highlands Plateau Audubon Society. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939. • A Zahner Lecture entitled “Woodpeckers and Hoover Chickens in the Southern Piney Woods” will be presented by Robert Abernethy, president of the Longleaf Alliance” at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands. www.highlandsbiological.org, 526.2221 or highlandsbiological@gmail.com. • Registration is underway through Aug. 25 for a class on building and restoring fly rods at Haywood Community College. The class will meet from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Sept. 12 and running through Nov. 7. Instructor: Tommy Thomas. Tuition and materials: $350. Sign up: 565.4240 or clschulte@haywood.edu. • “The American Bald Eagle” – a PBS Nature Series film – will be shown at 7 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Hudson Library in Highlands. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939.

Smoky Mountain News

• “Alien Convenant” will be shown on Aug. 24 at 7:30 p.m. by Mad Batter Food and Film in Sylva for free.

• The Smoky Mountain Friends of the NRA meet Aug. 19 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 226.0738.

August 16-22, 2017

FILM & SCREEN • “The Glass Castle” will be showing at the Strand on Main on Aug. 16-17 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 19-20 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., and Aug. 21-24 at 7 p.m. in Waynesville. www.38main.com.

• Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway at 8 a.m. on Aug. 16. Meet at the Big Bear Shelter parking area. 524.5234 or https://franklinbirdclub.com.

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ART SHOWINGS AND

Aug. 24 in Asheville. Each beer sold will benefit Friends of the Smokies. FriendsOfTheSmokies.org.

• Tickets are on sale now for the Friends of the Smokies’ Fontana Lake Overnight Experience, which is Aug. 28-29. Fundraiser includes guided hikes, a campfire presentation and more. $350 per person or $500 for a couple/partner room. Register by Aug. 18. Hike.FriendsOfTheSmokies.org. • A Zahner Lecture entitled “Eastern Cougars” will be

wnc calendar

presented at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands. www.highlandsbiological.org, 526.2221 or highlandsbiological@gmail.com. • Registration is underway for the Qualla Country Trout Tournament, which is Sept. 1-3 in Cherokee. $11 registration fee plus $10 fishing permit. Register anywhere fishing permits are sold or at www.FishCherokee.com. Info: 359.6110 or 788.3013. • Booth reservations are being accepted for the Macon County Fair, which is Sept. 13-16, in Franklin. Theme is “Family, Agriculture, Impact, Resources.” 349.2046.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Registration is underway for the Cherokee Blue Ridge Run, which is Sept. 8-10 in Cherokee. Gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts. Music concerts, bike builders, bike games, bike show, prizes, vendors and more. Passes: $30 for all three days or $15 per day for Friday and Saturday and/or $10 for Sunday. 359.6707.

SOLAR ECLIPSE • A “Solar System Walk” will be open to the public through Aug. 21 in downtown Sylva. Set up by Southwestern Community College’s STEM Club, the walk features a poster of every planet in the solar system placed relative to its distance from the sun to give perspective as to how far apart each planet is. Entire walk is approximately one-half mile. SouthwesternCC.edu/eclipse or SouthwesternCC.edu/stem.

August 16-22, 2017

• A planetarium show: “Night Sky Overview” will be offered at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, followed by a hands-on eclipse activity at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600. • Presentacion en un planetario en español con Dr. Gomez is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600. Planetarium Show in Spanish followed by eclipse overview given by Dr. Gomez (with free eclipse glasses). • “Solar Eclipse” will be the topic of a Zahner Lecture at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 at the Highlands Biological Station in Highlands. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221. • In celebration of the Solar Eclipse live music will be presented at Riverfront Park on Aug. 18 at 7 to 9 p.m., The Elderly Brothers (50’s=70’s music) will perform on Aug. 19 at 7 p.m., The Caribbean Cowboys (calypso/classic rock) on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. and Frank Lee & Friends (old-time) from 1 to 3 p.m.

Smoky Mountain News

• A “Total Eclipse of the Art” celestial celebration eclipse kickoff event is scheduled for 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, in downtown Waynesville. Special events, sales and offers.

• At 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19 at Liberty Baptist Church in Sylva, Dr. Enrique Gomez of Western Carolina University will present “Four Thousand Years of Solar Eclipses in WNC: Sky, Land and Human Changes from July 5, 1294 BC to July 22, 2772 AD.” • All Around Town – Eclipse Man will be available for photos and autographs around Bryson city on Aug. 19 and at the Red Caboose at noon and 3 pm. • A Social Function will perform from Aug. 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Bridge Park in Sylva. Food trucks onsite will be NGN 52 (pizza) and Chili Chomper Mobile (tacos). Dancing Bear Ice cream will serve ice cream. Free admission. Following the concert, Main Street merchants will be open late for moonlight madness shopping with special deals, offerings and discounts. • Bryson City Fire Department – Free 15-minute planetarium program “Eclipses & NASA Journey to Mars” sponsored by the Marianna Black Library (donations welcomed), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 19 and noon to 4 p.m. on Aug. 20.

• The “Solar Eclipse Viewing Party” will be Aug. 20-21 at the Fontana Village Resort. Two days of live entertainment, cookouts, and more. www.fontanavillage.com. • Participate in the 2k (1.1 mile) Moonlight Fun Run on Aug. 19 at 9:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Complex in Cullowhee. This is a selftimed run (no timing services will be offered). Included in your registration fee of $10 will be a tshirt (glow in the dark ink), a glow in the dark necklace or bracelet. • Eclipse experts from Appalachian State University and Western Carolina University. will speak and take questions in a forum from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20, at Southwestern Community College in Sylva. Participating on the panel will be: Dr. Dan Caton (professor of physics and astronomy), David J. Sitar (director of the Rankin Introductory Astronomy Laboratory) and Dr. Rachel Smith (head of the astronomy and astrophysics research lab) of Appalachian State University, as well as Dr. Enrique Gomez (associate professor of physics and astronomy) and Dr. Paul Heckert (professor of physics and astronomy) of Western Carolina University. www.southwesterncc.edu/eclipse. • The “Cherokee Cultural Eclipse Celebration” will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 at the Cherokee Fairgrounds and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. At the fairgrounds, there will be live music, storytelling, stickball, and more, throughout the two-day event, with a bonfire at 7:10 p.m. Aug. 21 at the Oconaluftee Indian Park. Admission to the fairgrounds is $25 per day for ages 6 and over, free for ages 5 and under (admission includes certified lunar viewing glasses). • Stecoah Valley Center will host a Solar Eclipse viewing event featuring educational activities and music on Aug. 21 in Robbinsville. Parking: $5 per car. 479.3364. • The Franklin Chamber of Commerce will host a solar eclipse viewing party starting at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, at its office on Hyatt Road. Refreshments will be served, with viewing glasses available. Parking and restrooms provided. www.visitfranklinnc.com. • Bridge Park Solar Eclipse fest in Sylva begins at 11 a.m. and will include live music from The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) and children’s activities from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Onsite food vendors are: Brew Dawgz (gourmet hotdogs), Al’s BBQ and Ginny’s Concessions (Funnel Cakes). Shuttles to the site will run from the Jackson County Justice Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shuttle rides are $1 per ride per segment and parking is free at those sites. www.ncsolareclipse.com. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce has safety viewing glasses for sale for $3 each at the chamber. Proceeds will benefit Concerts on the Creek. • Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats (rock/blues), 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Lyric (rock/funk), 1 to 3 p.m. will play on Aug. 21 at the Swain County Event Park. • Eclipse Party at Andy Shaw Ford from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. Sit on the hillside across from Walmart. Bring your lawn chair. Snacks and refreshments provided. Free Solar Eclipse glasses. 586.0900. • Western Carolina University will over live online streaming video of the total solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21, at www.wcu.edu/solareclipse. • Solar eclipse viewing party: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kelsey Hutchinson Park in Highlands with live music Tyler Kittle (noon), Hurricane Creek (3 p.m.) • An “Exploring Space” program will be presented as part of Macon County 4-H Summer Relief from 8 a.m.3 p.m. on Aug. 21 at the cooperative Extension Office and Young Harris College. For ages 9-18. $11. • Farmstead Park will host a solar eclipse viewing event at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, in Swain County.

• Mainspring Conservation Trust will host a Great American Eclipse Event from noon-1:30 p.m. on Aug. 21, at Rainbow Springs. http://tinyurl.com/yctm6lv6. • Friends of Gorges State Park will sponsor a threeday celebration leading up to the total solar eclipse, which is Monday, Aug. 21. Saturday is Nature Day and Sunday is Fun Day. info@friendsofgorges.org or 419.0415. • The Cashiers Eclipse Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21 on The Village Green. Admission with donation. www.ncsolareclipse.com. • Tickets are on sale now for an opportunity to catch the total solar eclipse, which is on Aug. 21, at Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center’s Total Blackout Party. The event includes music from Group Therapy, Stankgrass and a variety of activities. Entry fee: $20 for adults, $15 for ages up to 18 and free for children four and under. Parking: $5 per vehicle. Scalymountain.com. • Haywood Community College’s Library will host a Total Eclipse Book Sale from Monday through Friday, Aug. 21-25. Special pricing on magazines, paperbacks, hardbacks and craft books. Store is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 565.4083. • The Cataloochee Guest Ranch will host the “Exclusive Eclipse Celebration” from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21. Patrons will enjoy a Cataloochee chuckwagon cookout and listen to Native American storyteller Lloyd Arneach as we wait for darkness to fall, with 360 degrees of open, unobstructed views. At 2:36 p.m., as the moon obscures 99.89% of the sun, the mountaintops of Cataloochee will be in virtually total darkness. This exclusive event is limited to 100 local attendees at $150 per person. Certified safety glasses will be provided. 926.1401. www.cataloocheeranch.com. • The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) will host a viewing party for “The Great American Solar Eclipse” on Monday, Aug. 21. With prime viewing locations at the Nantahala, Chattooga, and Ocoee Rivers, they will witness over 2 minutes of totality during this summer’s biggest outdoor event. www.noc.com. • The Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society will celebrate the solar eclipse with “Total Darkness” on Monday, Aug. 21. The CHHS will be in the direct path of a total solar eclipse. Starting at noon, CHHS will be hosting a special adoption event and viewing party with the shelter pets to commemorate this extraordinary and historic event. Eclipse viewing glasses and collector’s edition t-shirts will be on sale that day, with all proceeds benefitting the animals at the nokill shelter. 743.5752.

FARM AND GARDEN • “Food Preservation 101” will be offered at 9 a.m. on Aug. 22 at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension in Sylva. 586.4009 or kerri_rayburn@ncsu.edu. • A seasonal native plant sale is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, at the Southern Highlands Reserve in Lake Toxaway. www.southernhighlandsreserve.org. • An “All About Tomatoes” program will be offered from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Aug. 29 at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension in Sylva. $8; registration required. Demonstration and opportunity to make and process a pint of salsa to take home. Register: 586.4009 or kerri_rayburn@ncsu.edu. • “More in My Basket at the Market” classes are offered in September at the Cooperative Extension Service in Waynesville. Learn benefits of shopping at the farmer’s market. Info and to register: 456.3575.

HIKING CLUBS • Carolina Mountain Club will have a nine-mile hike with a 2,400-foot ascent on Aug. 16 at Silers Bald. Info and reservations: 460.7066 or barbc129@gmail.com.

• Liz Domingue will lead a hike through Alum Cave Bluffs on Friday, Aug 18, as a women’s only backpacking trip, presented by the Great Smoky Mountains Association. $20 for members; $35 for new members. Free for Hemlock members. www.smokiesinformation.org/info/backpacking. • Blue Ridge Parkway rangers will lead a moderate, 1.5-mile hike at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, partway up the Mount Pisgah Trail as part of “The Stories of Pisgah” program. Meet at the Mount Pisgah Parking Area at milepost 407.6. Info: 298.5330, ext. 304. • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate, four-mile hike on an interpretive trail on Saturday, Aug. 19, to Ranger Falls. 600-foot elevation change. Reservations and info: 524.5298. • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate, three-mile hike with an elevation change of 800 feet on Sunday, Aug. 20, to Tellico Valley. Reservations and information: 524.5234. • Carolina Mountain Club will have an 8.8-mile hike with a 1,500-foot ascent on Aug. 20 at Pigeon Gap, Bridges Camp Gap and East Fork of Pigeon River. 337.5845 or laurafrisbie@charter.net. • Carolina Mountain Club will have a four-mile “Ecliplse Hike” with a 250-foot elevation gain on Aug. 21. 864.638.3686 or tedsnyderjr@bellsouth.net. • Carolina Mountain Club will have a seven-mile hike with a 2,200-foot ascent on Aug. 23 to Big Butt from the Blue Ridge Parkway. 864.607.2645 or gabechtel@yahoo.com. • Carolina Mountain Club will have a nine-mile hike with a 2,400-foot ascent on Aug. 26 at Silers Bald. Info and reservations: 460.7066 or barbc129@gmail.com. • Carolina Mountain Club will have an 11-mile hike with a 1,400-foot ascent on Aug. 27 at Upper Snowbird Creek. Info and reservations: 371.0347, 524.7400 or alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com. • Nantahala Hiking Club will take an easy, 1.4-mile hike with an elevation change of 300 feet on Aug. 27 to historic Warwoman Dell and Becky Branch Falls. Reservations and info: 772.233.7277.

OUTDOOR CLUBS • The Jackson County Poultry Club will hold its regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office. The club is for adults and children and includes a monthly meeting with a program and a support network for those raising birds. For info, call 586.4009 or write heather_gordon@ncsu.edu. • The North Carolina Catch program, a three-phase conservation education effort focusing on aquatic environments, will be offered through May 15. The program is offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free for members; daily admission for non-members. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov. • An RV camping club, the Vagabonds, camps one weekend per month from April through November. All ages welcome. No dues or structured activities. For details, write lilnau@aol.com or call 369.6669. • The Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets the second Tuesday of the month starting with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Rendezvous restaurant located on the corner of Jonathan Creek Road and Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 631.5543. • Cold Mountain Photographic Society is a camera/photography club for amateurs and professionals who want to learn about and share their knowledge of photography with others. Must be 18 or older to join. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the conference room of Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center, 262 Leroy George Drive in Clyde. More information at www.cmpsnc.org or info@cmpsnc.org.

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

Rates:

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

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS RAILROAD IN BRYSON CITY Is currently hiring! We have Full Time Vacancies for Retail Sales Associates and Reservationists. Earn train passes, retail and food discounts, passes to area attractions and more! Full Job Descriptions and Applications are Available at: www.gsmr.com/jobs You may also get an Application from the Bryson City Depot Located at 226 Everett Street in Bryson City.

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ROTATING ASSISTANT TEACHER Jackson County - Candidate must have High School Diploma/ GED, Child Care Credentials I & II, be able to assume the responsibilities of teacher when absent, work well with all staff members, have good judgement/problem solving skills and the flexibility to work with diverse families. Computer skills and 2 yrs. Exp. in Child Care preferred. Full Time with Benefits. Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, 2251 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville or 25 Schulman St, Sylva, NC or www.mountainprojects.org EOE/AA FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Department Chair Industrial Systems Technology. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu EOE CHILD CARE DIRECTOR: BA or BS in Child Development or E.C. Education or C.D. W/ 3yrs. Exp. in Licensed Child Care. $32K - $45K DOE. Cover Letter & Resume to: officemgr@longschapel.com

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HOMES FOR SALE FOR SALE BY OWNER

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Haywood County Real Estate Agents Beverly Hanks & Associates • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun - pbraun@beverly-hanks.com Pauletter Childers -paulettechilders@beverly-hanks.com Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com George Escaravage - gescar@beverly-hanks.com Billie Green - BGreen@beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy - michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - marilynnobrig@beverly-hanks.com Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com Brooke Parrott - brookeparrott@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com Pamela Williams - pamelawilliams@beverly-hanks.com

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kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Julie Lapkoff - 828-273-6607 • Yvonne Kolomechuk - yvonneksells.yourkwagent.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

ITEMS FOR SALE

Mountain Home Properties

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

Realty World Heritage Realty

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RE/MAX — Mountain Realty

MEDICAL

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smokymountainnews.com

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COMM. PROP. FOR RENT

GEORGE

August 16-22, 2017

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

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—————————————— WNC MarketPlace

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VACATION RENTALS

Rob Roland Realty • Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

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

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August 16-22, 2017

WNC MarketPlace

Super

CROSSWORD

M-T SET ACROSS 1 Comic Viking 6 It licenses lawyers 14 Habit-kicking programs 20 Florida city 21 It made Razr phones 22 Take a — (give a go) 23 Was glad to stick around? 25 New Orleans university 26 Outdated 27 Entertainer Zadora 29 Decrees 30 Grouch’s cry 31 Monotonous predictions from mind readers? 36 Get all sudsy 40 Rho follower 41 Big beer buy 42 Colorful bird helping out? 46 Pop group — Tuesday 49 Untimely? 50 Hoop dangler 51 Conk 52 Powdery 54 Just make, with “out” 55 Book leaf 57 Snap a pic of an animated character? 61 See 63-Across 63 With 61-Across, Yankee who won the 1997 Silver Slugger Award 64 Nels or Nellie on “Little House on the

Prairie” 65 Massive coup? 69 1980s game consoles 72 Do, —, fa, sol, la, ti, do 73 Oratorical art 77 Steering rod on a purple dinosaur’s boat? 80 Harvard rival 81 Sch. URL ending 82 Consecrate 83 Suffix with Vietnam 84 Slalom, e.g. 85 Distance unit in astron. 86 According to 87 A trio of fuddyduddy ducks? 93 Sandal, e.g. 95 Go get 96 Late, great crossword puzzle writer Merl 97 Buying candy for trick-or-treaters, e.g.? 102 “Tsk!” 103 Edgar — Poe 104 — -Blo fuse 105 Deprived of parents 110 Bread units 112 Flooring unit that can be installed in about 7% of an hour? 117 Intertwine 118 Distribution 119 Hair tint stuff 120 Like freshly baked 110-Across 121 Spruced up 122 Like a cliff DOWN 1 Twinkie alternative

2 Hail — 59 Studio alert 3 Spaces 60 Shanty 4 Rival of Iams 62 Aquatic birds 5 Relative of a trolley 66 1957 Bobbettes hit 6 Rocker Patty 67 Singer Badu 7 Lug along 68 Atheist Madalyn 8 — minimum Murray — 9 Craggy crest 69 “Dancing Queen” 10 Go astray band 11 Young male, in hip- 70 Like a giant hop 71 District 12 A, in Hebrew 74 Label again 13 Halves of diameters 75 Rustic verse 14 Q-U link 76 Jinx 15 Liszt works 78 Small giggles 16 Many a salt, chemi- 79 Medit. nation cally 84 Use a straw 17 Manual calculators 85 Grazing spot 18 Swahili’s subfamily 87 AAA offering 19 Geyser spew 88 Young newt 24 Hopped 89 Salty waters 28 Say “OK” to 90 Gallon divs. 31 Brad of films 91 Spew forth 32 Cpl.’s boss 92 Restraints 33 Singer Sumac 93 Works hard 34 Isn’t unable 94 Candid 35 Road goo 97 “Roots” novelist 36 City of witch trials Alex 37 Japanese port city 98 By oneself 38 Daisy lookalike 99 Camel kin 39 Flaky treat 100 Spritelike 40 Allergic reaction 101 Gallows loop 43 Wrath 102 Evened (up) 44 “I could write —” 105 Years ago 45 Obtained 106 Toiling away 46 General — chicken 107 — -to-five 47 “Am — early?” 108 In addition 48 NFL’s Swann 109 Low in pitch 52 Strike out 111 Reticent 53 In — (gestating) 113 D.C.’s home 55 Sprites 114 Road furrow 56 Edgy 115 West in film 57 Sword stuff 116 Small hotel 58 Blackjack request

answers on page 48

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

Threatened piping plover, Isle of Palms beach. Don Hendershot photo

The naturalist’s corner BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Beach bump riends and followers of “The Naturalist’s Corner” know I’m keeping a year-list of birds I see/hear this year. As I wrote in an earlier column, “I was just curious about how many different species of birds I normally run into throughout the year.” And I have a great core of birding activities that provide a good nucleus for a list including Christmas Bird Count, George Ellison’s Great Smoky Mountains Birding Expedition, my annual point count contract with the Forest Service and other opportunities such as leading a trip for the Franklin Bird Club, generally leading birding trips during the annual Wildflower Pilgrimage (which, regrettably, I missed this year due to a scheduling conflict with spring break) and an annual summer trip to Isle of Palms. The Isle of Palms trip is the one I was counting on for a list boost. The Christmas count, the Forest Service contract and birding with friends and organizations across Western North Carolina provide a great chance to see an amazing array of migrant and resident birds, throw in a trip to the coast — even in late summer — and you have a recipe for a respectable year list.

Birding is kinda like real estate in one respect — location, location, location. The herons, egrets, night herons and wood storks plus gulls and terns one normally encounters along Coastal Carolina can easily provide new species for a predominantly WNC list. I had 169 species on my list when we headed for IOP Saturday morning, Aug. 5. A Mississippi kite appeared overhead as we were crossing the marsh on I-526 near our IOP exit, making my first “island bird.” Wood storks in the marsh as we crossed the IOP connector added another tick and a walk along the pier behind the home where we stay at Wild Dunes quickly added six more species — so, just arriving at the beach added eight species to the list. The beach at IOP is not particularly birdy. It is more for play time, and with one teenage and one tween-age daughter I got plenty of beach play time in. On one trip to the beach I noticed a couple of small shorebirds running about. I figured they were sanderlings — which would be a new species, so I decided to get closer to check ‘em out. When I got a better look I could see they were piping plover and while I didn’t have my bins, I did have my camera and took a few shots. The piping plover is a globally threatened species and

there are efforts across the country to protect nesting sites and band and monitor populations. I didn’t realize this bird was banded until I downloaded the photos. These bands tell the story of this particular plover — where it was banded; when; age; sex etc. I don’t have a handle on the color codes at this time but I’ve sent the photos off to find out the particulars. There is great birding up and down the coast within 30 to 45 minutes from IOP and I was able to make a few quick trips to Pitt Street Bridge in Mt. Pleasant, Moore’s Landing, a quick shelling expedition to Bulls Island with my daughter Maddie and a trip

to Santee Coastal Reserve to see red-cockaded woodpeckers. All and all it was a productive trip to the beach — bumped the list by 33 species. And as always after our annual IOP trip, I reflect on how fortunate we are to have great friends like Bill and Elaine Cave who allow us to experience their beautiful marsh residence. I mean, what better way to add roseate spoonbill and glossy ibis to your year list than by sitting in a comfy chair at the end of the dock with an adult beverage. (Don Hendershot is a naturalist and a writer who lives in Haywood County. He can be reached at ddihen1@bellsouth.net)

August 16-22, 2017 Smoky Mountain News 55

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