SMN 10 04 17 by Smoky Mountain News

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October 4-10, 2017 Vol. 19 Iss. 19

Cherokee election results land in Tribal Court Page 8 Haywood tourism board reconsiders funding formula Page 14

CONTENTS On the Cover: Amid the innumerable reasons why we love to live or visit Western North Carolina, the fall foliage of October might be the one key element that resides on everyone’s list. As the leaves change from green to yellow, orange and red, and the air gets a tad crisp in nature, so does the uptick in local and regional festivities. (Page 26) Fall colors on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Jackson County TDA photo

News Legislative candidates walk familiar path ....................................................................4 Jackson restricts referendums to high-turnout elections ........................................5 Waynesville inclusive playground approved ................................................................6 Swain elections director to sue county ........................................................................7 Cherokee election results disputed ..............................................................................8 Cherokee’s attorney general resigns ..........................................................................10 Cherokee outlaws backpay with Council pay hikes ..............................................11 Waynesville aldermen throw dogs a bone ................................................................12 Haywood Pathways Center to expand ......................................................................13 Tourism board looks to change funding methods ..................................................14 Sylva, Franklin pass brunch bill ....................................................................................16 Franklin football banner incites religious debate ....................................................18 Business News ..................................................................................................................21

Opinion After tragedy in Vegas, where to from here? ..........................................................22

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

October 4-10, 2017

Biking and biology go hand-in-hand for WCU professor ....................................42

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CONTACT WAYNESVILLE | 144 Montgomery, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585 SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789 INFO & BILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 Copyright 2017 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2017 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News is available for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1, payable at the Smoky Mountain News office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of The Smoky Mountain News, take more than one copy of each issue.

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Déjà vu: candidates walk familiar path BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER spate of early announcements by local candidates hoping to gain seats in the North Carolina General Assembly may have voters feeling like they’ve been here before — because the candidates certainly have. “I’m running again because my values are the same that they were in the last election and they have been for years,” said Rhonda Cole Schandevel, the Beaverdam Democrat who failed to unseat Burnsville Republican Rep. Michele Presnell in 2016’s District 118 race. “This community is my backyard. These are people I grew up with, went to school with, that I worship with, and I care about their wellbeing as much as I do my own.” “I’m running again because of what’s really important in the state of North Carolina — good government,” said Joe Sam Queen, the Waynesville Democrat who was unseated by Bryson City Republican Mike Clampitt in 2016’s District 119 race. “Good government matters. Funding education at all levels matters. Health care matters.” The results of that 2016 election were affected dramatically by the hard-fought Presidential contest between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton; Trump’s victory, at least locally, buoyed Republicans across the board. But if the 2016 election was a referendum on Trump, what will that referendum look like in 2018? And how will it affect Queen and Schandevel?

October 4-10, 2017

THE TRUMP TIDE

There is perhaps no better demonstrator of the effect Trump had on local Republicans than in Michele Presnell’s district. Presnell defeated Democrats Ray Rapp and Dean Hicks in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Both candidates earned 48.7 percent of the vote. Some of Presnell’s decisions haven’t been well received by local leaders — the partisan school board flap and yet another rejection of an increase in Haywood’s room occupancy tax, to name the most recent — which is why Democrats thought she was somewhat vulnerable in 2016. Given that almost 50 percent of the votes in Presnell’s district come from Haywood County, Shandevel was viewed as a strong candidate. Indeed, Schandevel said while announcing her intention to face Presnell again on Aug. 26, state party officials told her she’d outperformed every other Democratic candidate on the ballot. But Schandevel earned just 44.6 percent of the vote; making matters worse, Presnell’s best performance came in Schandevel’s home county of Haywood, where Schandevel won 4 just 3 of 18 precincts.

Smoky Mountain News

Presnell topped her two prior opponents, Rapp and Hicks, by less than a thousand votes, but her margin of victory over Schandevel was more than 4,200 votes. Not so coincidentally, it’s estimated that about 3,000 more Republican votes were cast in Haywood County than would have been expected. “It’s absolutely true,” Queen said. “They were angry for a reason, they just don’t know who to be angry at.” Mike Clampitt’s victory over veteran legislator Joe Sam Queen was likewise unexpected; in his two previous contests with Queen he earned 48.3 percent and 47.4 percent of the vote in 2012 and 2014, respectively, In 2016 he improved to 50.4 percent due to a 1,400-vote swing in the results; Queen was the only North Carolina Democrat to win in Haywood County, but it still wasn’t enough — he lost the closest legislative race in the state by less than 300 votes. That election, however, occurred before Trump was inaugurated as the nation’s 45th President on Jan. 20, 2017.

Rhonda Cole Schandevel Since then, he’s emerged as a polarizing figure to say the least. His opponents seem to be as vigorous as his supporters, and it’s hard to say what net effect that has had on voters up to now, or what effect it might have after another year of administration failures and scandals, or accomplishments and victories. “Although I believe there is still strong support for Trump among the Republican base in Haywood County, it's doubtful that many of the 3,000 new voters who cast ballots for the first time in 2016 will feel the same motivation to go the polls in 2018,” said Myrna Campbell, chair of the Haywood County Democratic Party. “I've spoken with Democrats who are experiencing ‘voter remorse’ — many of them say their vote wasn't really ‘for him,’ but was against Hillary. My sense is these Democrats will reconnect with the Party in 2018.” Campbell added that she thought socalled “Trumpocrats” were simply reacting to

Former Rep. Joe Sam Queen (foreground) speaks at an April 2017 rally as Jackson County activist Nilofer Coture looks on from the background. Cory Vaillancourt photo a person, not to a party or to a change in their core values. “They will gradually realign with the Democratic Party and we'll come back strong,” she said. “On the local and the state level.”

THE SAME BUT DIFFERENT Voter turnout during presidential election years is always higher; the thinking is, more people are attracted to the highly visible presidential campaign and end up voting in down-card races while they’re at the polls anyway. Higher turnout usually benefits Democrats the most, but the 2018 election is not a presidential election, and turnout can be expected to be a third less than last time. Furthermore, from 2008 to 2016, Democratic votes declined 29.7 percent while Republican votes increased 46.5 percent. Schandevel and Queen acknowledge those challenges, but remain enthusiastic. “There’s several different reasons for that,” Schandevel said. “One of the main reasons is that I think Democrats are going to be more engaged in voting. They were complacent, a lot of people were complacent, and weren’t excited about the top of the ticket and a lot of people like me got hurt.” “It’s always different,” said Queen, who’s about to embark on his seventh legislative campaign, not counting primaries. “It’s different every time. I didn’t expect to lose last time but people listen and people learn. I’m listening and I’m learning.” Queen will formally announce his candidacy Nov. 9 at the Balsam Mountain Inn. “I believe Schandevel and Queen are feeling optimistic about the 2018 election due to the activist movement that has re-energized the Democratic Party,” Campbell said, adding that even with a “very active” voter outreach initiative in 2016, they’re party is seeing plenty of new volunteers and also seeing existing volunteers pledging to work even harder. “A record number of volunteer forms

were submitted at our county fair booth this year, and our collaboration with the Progressive Nation WNC has definitely broadened our range of impact within the county,” said Campbell. “Both Queen and Schandevel are closely aligned with Governor Cooper and I expect his statewide ‘Break the Majority’ initiative will have a positive impact on their campaigns.” Republicans including North Carolina Republican Party Executive Director Dallas Woodhouse believe that Presnell and Clampitt have more than proven their worth. “Rep. Presnell and Rep. Clampitt have become key members of the Republican majority, capable of delivering solutions and results to the people of Western North Carolina,” Woodhouse said. “Having worked with them closely, they never miss an opportunity to advocate for their constituents.” Clampitt says his biggest argument for reelection is that he’s been more effective than Queen. “I’ve had more traction in getting bills introduced that were passed, and more influence in identifying needs in Swain, Jackson and Haywood counties to help local farmers and fix infrastructure,” Clampitt said. He also said that his performance will speak to voters more than party affiliation or presidential popularity. “Naturally, I’m concerned in any election, presidential year or not,” he said. “I think people recognize the lack of traction Mr. Queen had in the past, of getting things accomplished for the district, and I think my record will stand.” Other Democrats have been rumored to be considering a primary challenge to Schandevel or Queen — candidate filing ends Feb. 28, 2018 — but regardless of who runs, the choice is clear, according to Woodhouse. “Certainly voters have the opportunity to stick with members whose voices count heavily in Raleigh, or go with Democrat insiders that simply will not be able to deliver the kind of results the people of Western North Carolina deserve.”

Referendum to fund indoor pool under discussion

The Smoky Mountain News will hold two aldermanic candidate forums in the coming weeks. Join SMN editorial staff on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the Town Hall Pavilion in Maggie Valley, and on Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Colonial Theater in Canton for an evening of political discourse. Admission is free both nights, and a reception will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m.,

allowing voters to meet and greet aldermanic candidates before the forum begins. Tentatively confirmed for the Canton forum are Carl Cortright, and Kristina Smith; as of press time, Brent Holland and Ian Markey hadn’t responded. Scheduled to appear in Maggie Valley are Allen Allsbrooks, Mike Eveland, Jasay Ketchum, and Brooke Powell. As of press time, Alderman Clayton Davis hadn’t yet responded. Residents of Maggie Valley and Canton can submit questions in advance of the debate via email, Facebook, fax, letter, phone or Twitter until Tuesday, Oct. 17.

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More Than Mayo and Mustard...Expanding Your Condiment Range Condiments are “…edible food items added to a dish or a meal…not strictly necessary but serve to enhance the flavor.” Often when we think of condiments we automatically mention mayonnaise, mustard, relish and ketchup but there are so many other condiments that can be used to compliment dishes that you make at home. Here are a few that you can find at Ingles: Salsas • Sriracha sauce (spicy) • BBQ sauces Chutneys • Coleslaw You can even make spreads into condiments: • Guacamole or peeled, sliced and mashed avocado as a spread for toast or sandwiches • Nut or fruit (apple) butters as a spread •Cottage or ricotta cheese blended with seasoning spices or honey as a spread Or how about combining some for the perfect taste: • Old Bay seasoning + Mayo + Lemon to top your fish sandiwch or taco • Sriracha sauce + Mayo + Lime + Chopped cilantro for pork or tempeh sandwiches (Tip: Combine part plain Greek yogurt with part mayo to cut calories)

Smoky Mountain News

Candidate forums in Maggie Valley, Canton

RENTALS • SALES REPAIRS • PARTS

October 4-10, 2017

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he Jackson County Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution Sept. 18 that will limit referendum votes on sales tax increases and bonds to elections when turnout is highest. From now on, the resolution states, referendums on local tax increases and bonds can take place only during the November elections of even-numbered years. That’s because between 2008 and 2016, Jackson County voter turnout on these elections has averaged 55 percent. Meanwhile, the average turnout in even-year second primaries during the same period has averaged only 4 percent. “I think it supports better access for folks to have a say,” said Commissioner Ron Mau, who has been pushing for such a resolution ever since his election to the board in November 2016. During the months leading up to the 2016 election, Mau had taken issue with the decision of the commissioners then sitting on the board to include a referendum question about whether to raise sales taxes by one-fourth of a cent on the ballot for the second primary in June. He’d cited voter turnout statistics to the board, arguing that the county would get a better understanding of what citizens wanted if it delayed the vote until November. Chairman Brian McMahan, however, had said at the time that asking the question in June would allow for more thorough voter education and discussion on the issue, as the November ballot would be crowded with pages of races ranging from county commissioners to state judges to the U.S. president. In addition, deciding the issue earlier would allow funds from the increased sales tax — which the county wanted to earmark for capital projects at Southwestern Community College and Jackson County Schools — to

begin accumulating earlier. The June 2016 referendum ultimately passed with 63.5 percent in favor and an 11.1 percent voter turnout. When commissioners voted on the Sept. 18 resolution, however, all five were in favor of its passage. The new rules could get a test run sooner rather than later. Recently, commissioners have been discussing a referendum vote on a bond to fund an indoor swimming pool. Citizens have consistently put an indoor pool at the top of their wish list for the county, with a 2013 survey done as part of the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Master Plan showing that 70 percent of 763 respondents said they’d be willing to support funding for a centrally located indoor swimming pool. But the devil’s in the details, and a question just as big as whether the community wants a pool is how much that pool would cost to build and maintain. During a Sept. 11 work session, commissioners discussed what the timeline might look like, were they to decide to put the question out for referendum. According to draft meeting minutes, County Manager Don Adams said the process of getting the question on the ballot would take three or four months, and it would take an additional three to six months to pin down estimated project costs if the pool were planned as an addition to the Cullowhee Recreation Center. That timeline could change if the pool were planned as a standalone facility. Commissioners aren’t necessarily in agreement that the county should build an indoor pool, or that it’s a project that should happen within the next five years. But they are talking seriously about getting the question on the ballot. Such a question, McMahan said according to draft meeting minutes, would allow commissioners to gauge public support for the project and, if it passed, give them the option to go about financing it. A successful referendum vote wouldn’t require commissioners to fund the pool, however.

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Jackson restricts some referendums to high-turnout elections

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Waynesville inclusive playground approved BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER Play, it is said, is the work of children. But a substantial population of disabled kids who’ve up until now been excluded from playing with their peers — peers of all ability levels — will soon have much work to be done. Waynesville’s pursuit of an inclusive playground that caters to those with physical and mental conditions that make standard playgrounds too extreme, too unsettling or too inaccessible is almost complete. It’s been a long journey, but its ultimate realization is demonstrative of how a town striving to build a rich sense of community can prevail when the public and private sectors work together.

Smoky Mountain News

October 4-10, 2017

ALL TOGETHER NOW

The inclusive playground, which will be located adjacent to Vance Street, should be complete before Thanksgiving. An old softball diamond — with its accompanying scoreboard, chain link fence and press box — will come out, after public input during the recent Recreation Master Plan process revealed that the sport had diminished in popularity. The Waynesville Board of Aldermen approved final schematics for phase one of the project Sept. 26, and Waynesville Parks and Recreation Director Rhett Langston turned in a check request Sept. 29. “Once we get that in to the company, it takes about three or four weeks for them to build and get it here,” Langston said. “Then it will take about a week-and-a-half to install it, so I say a conservative estimate is early to mid November and it should be in.” What they’re building first and foremost is a park that is accessible to children who have mobility challenges; a rubberized surface, handrails, sunshades and smooth grades will contribute to the ease of mobility and safety when the occasional spill occurs. Phase one also includes two “zip line” style activities, several slides, swings and spinners. But what they’re also building is a sense of community. “It will meet the needs of a lot of children that we haven’t been able to meet, and bring more people here to Waynesville,” Langston said. A recent study from N.C. State said that there could be more than a thousand special needs children in Haywood County who might utilize the playground; taking in to account that there isn’t another such playground within a 90-minute drive of Waynesville, it’s supposed that thousands more in adjacent counties could also use it. That greater regional impact is what led in part to the park’s entry in a contest this past spring. Back in May, Waynesville Resident Marti Peithman brought to Langston the annual Kiwanis “Legacy of Play” contest, which invited participants to pitch a project and

A softball field and its accompanying press box will soon be removed to make way for the area’s first inclusive playground. Cory Vaillancourt photo

conduct an online voting contest Work will soon begin on the first phase for a chance to win $25,000 in free playground equipment from (right) of Waynesville’s new inclusive Landscape Structures, Inc. playground. Town of Waynesville illustration Running from May 16-31, the contest drew almost 50 entrants from across the country; Langston liaised on behalf of the town with a small group of volunteers dedicated to winning the prize. Despite finishing with more than double the votes of the second place entry, another town was selected as the winner — something that has happened before and is no reflection on the quality or feasibility of the entry. Peithman said at the time that she was proud nonetheless. “We certainly raised awareness of our special needs community,” she said. “We should be Waynesville’s Kiwanis Club contributed proud of ourselves for running such a well$10,000 to the effort, on top of a $25,000 organized campaign that really got our mescontribution from the Evergreen Foundation sage out.” and $500 from Pepsi. And did it — the contest received heavy Perhaps the most satisfying contribution coverage from multiple news outlets both in — in light of the disappointing contest loss Haywood County and points beyond, and received votes from as far as St. Maarten and — was from Landscape Structures, which ended up giving the project a wholly unexJapan. Luckily, Waynesville’s project didn’t need pected $6,800. Phase one’s total cost as billed stands at the money as badly as some of the other $158,879; with all the public sector contrientrants did; Langston was instrumental in butions, the Town of Waynesville itself only helping the town win a $90,300 Connect needed to kick in $22,575, or about $2 per N.C. Bond grant. resident. “Rhett has been the most valuable and The payback on that for the public will instrumental person in this project,” said come when people from outside the area Mary Beth Brown, a physical therapist with learn about the park, spend dollars locally Haywood County Schools who also helped with the contest. “He has dedicated a signifi- while they use it and perhaps consider moving closer to it — bringing their jobs and cant amount of time heading the project up, businesses with them. writing grants, meeting with the town and “I think it’s very, very important,” making sure that it runs smoothly.”

“Overall we’re very excited about what this means to the community and the fact it will also educate children to play together regardless of their abilities. It’s a great idea because it’s teaching everyone to work together and play together and participate together. For a community that’s something invaluable to have.” — Director Rhett Langston, Waynesville Parks and Recreation

Langston said. “We’ve already made some strides in other areas such as our skate park and disc golf course. We get a lot of people from other areas that will drive here to participate in those activities, so I think this is another one of those things, but this one will be even larger. There is nothing like this within a 90-mile radius.” That the park might become an attraction in the economic development sense is one thing, but that particular aspect has always been secondary to the community-building that’s always been at he heart of the endeavor. “Overall we’re very excited about what this means to the community and the fact it will also educate children to play together regardless of their abilities,” Langston said. “It’s a great idea because it’s teaching everyone to work together and play together and participate together. For a community that’s something invaluable to have.”

Swain installs Charters of Freedom Swain County officials came together last week to dedicate the Charters of Freedom monument that can now be seen just outside the county’s administrative building. The monument includes cased replicas of the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights plus a time capsule that won’t be unearthed and opened until Constitution Day. Sept. 17, 2087. The monument was made possible by Foundation Forward, a nonprofit founded by

Vance and Mary Jo Patterson, to fund these kinds of monuments all over the country — starting with North Carolina. Vance Patterson was present at the Swain County dedication and told the community about how his trip to the National Archives in Washington, D.C., inspired him and Mary Jo to make these incredible pieces of America’s history available for all citizens even if they can’t make the trip to the U.S. capital. A Charters of Freedom monument has also been installed in Jackson County and Macon County’s monument is in the process of being installed.

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Swain County Commission Chairman Phil Carson (left) is presented with a Charters of Freedom plaque from Vance and Mary Jo Patterson. Jessi Stone photo

October 12-13 • 10-5 • October 14 • 10-4 Macon County Fairgrounds Franklin

October 4-10, 2017

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR wain County Elections Director Joan Weeks recently informed the board of elections that she hired a lawyer and planned to file a lawsuit against the county in an effort to recoup unpaid salary and retirement benefits. Weeks, along with the Board of Elections, has been fighting with county commissioners for years trying to get the money she says she’s owed. Weeks told the board the lawsuit would also attempt to get the county to pay Weeks and Deputy Director Judy Allman a pay increase to put their salaries in line with similar size counties. Weeks finally made the decision to hire her own legal representation after Board of Elections Chairman John Herrin’s pleas with commissioners didn’t go anywhere. Herrin approached the commissioners back in March 2015 asking them to retroactively fund retirement benefit for Weeks and increase wages for Weeks and Allman. County commissioners claim they don’t owe any retirement money to Weeks from the years in questions. Weeks has been the elections director in Swain County since 1983, but at the time it was a part-time position that didn’t qualify for county retirement benefits. When the position became a full-time job in 1992, Weeks became eligible and enrolled

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Swain elections director to sue county

in the county retirement plan. However, Herrin told commissioners the state didn’t differentiate between part-time and full-time status for elections directors and that Weeks should have been eligible for retirement benefits from the beginning. Commissioners have been aware of Weeks’ request for retirement benefits for many years. Gary Bartlett, former State Board of Elections director, wrote a letter in 2009 urging commissioners to calculate Weeks’ retirement based upon wages earned from her initial employment in 1983 until the present. Weeks sent a form to the North Carolina Retirement System to get an estimated cost of her retirement claim. As of 2013, the estimated claim was $76,497 for 7.5 years of service. County Attorney Kim Carpenter responded in 2009 by researching Weeks’ employment and maintained she was a part-time employee averaging less than 1,000 hours a year from 1983-1992 and therefore not eligible for county retirement until she began working full-time hours. More recently, Kim Westbrook Strach, the current state board of elections director, sent the Swain Board of Elections a letter in July 2014 urging the county and the elections board to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Despite the urging from Herrin and the state board, Swain commissioners haven’t taken any action on the retirement issue. They also haven’t fulfilled the local board of elections’ requests for pay increases for Weeks and Allman to put them more in line with other similar size counties. The employees have only been given annual cost-of-living increases that were given to all county employees. In 2015, the board of elections sent a request for an opinion to the state board but the local board never received a response.

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Election results disputed Election Board orders runoff race in Birdtown; candidate files suit in Tribal Court BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER proar over the results of an election recount in the race to represent Cherokee’s Birdtown community on Tribal Council has culminated in a decision to hold a runoff race between contenders Albert Rose and Ashley Sessions — and a lawsuit arguing that the decision was an “egregious error of law.” The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Board of Elections released its ruling ordering a runoff late afternoon Thursday, Sept. 28, just before the deadline to decide following a hearing Thursday, Sept. 21. The board concluded that a recount of the ballots “has not determined the accurate vote count” and ordered that a runoff election between the two candidates be held Tuesday, Oct. 10. The runoff election will not include opportunities for absentee or early voting. The issue stems from a recount that Sessions requested when preliminary results showed her trailing Rose by 12 votes, a margin of 0.7 percent — tribal law permits any candidate to request a recount when the margin is less than 2 percent. During the recount, election board members discovered a large number of ballots that had gone uncounted during the machine tabulation on election night. Rose picked up 12 votes, while Sessions gained 29 votes — enough for her to defeat Rose by five votes. “I was kind of dumbfounded looking at that,” Election Board Chair Denise Ballard said during a recount of the Snowbird election Sept. 18. “I didn’t understand.” The unprecedented increase in votes led the Election Board to conduct hand counts of all races, even those not within the 2 percent margin.

October 4-10, 2017

DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM Smoky Mountain News

Upon investigation and discussion with Automated Election Services, the company the tribe contracts with to handle its elections, a picture began to form. Nearly all of the surplus votes came from early voting, which the tribe offered for the first time this year. “We didn’t anticipate such a turnout,” Ballard said Sept. 18. On that last day of early voting, poll workers ran out of early voting ballots. So, they decided to use blank absentee ballots instead, crossing out the word “absentee” and designating the ballots as early voting ballots instead. “The machine did not read any votes on those substitute ballots,” Ballard said. “It read the ballot, counted the ballot, but did 8 not read any marks on the ballots.”

Adam Wachacha, who was later named chairman of the Tribal Council, takes the oath of office surrounded by his family. Holly Kays photo

Council elects new leadership Following the inauguration of new members Oct. 2, Tribal Council made its way to the councilhouse for a brief session in which it elected its new chairman and vice chairman. Both Adam Wachacha and Richard French were nominated for the chairman’s seat, with Wachacha winning 57-31. Voting for Wachacha were Tommye Saunooke, David Wolfe, Bo Crowe, Tom Wahnetah, Perry Shell, Boyd Owle and Wachacha. Voting for French were Lisa Taylor, Jeremy Wilson, Bucky Brown and French. During the previous term, Wachacha had been consistently for the impeachment and French had been consistently against it. David Wolfe was chosen as vice chairman with no opposing nominations. Wolfe has previously served on the Tribal Council but did not run for re-election in 2015 in order to run for principal chief. It’s possible that the pens used to mark those early voting ballots could have been at fault as well, Mario Ruîz of AES told Tribal Council Sept. 27. “It looks like there was an issue with contaminated ink or old pens in the batch, which weren’t rendering a dark enough mark for the machine to read,” Ruîz told Council. According to findings in the board’s written decision ordering the runoff, the machine tabulator counted only 148 early votes in the Birdtown race when it should have counted 155. Of those 155 ballots, 55 were absentee ballots altered to serve as early voting ballots. They were not all votes for Rose or Sessions. During a hand count of votes for the other two candidates, Boyd Owle picked up 30 votes and Travis Smith gained seven. When questioned, Ruîz told Tribal Council that he’d never seen anything close to the 4 percent increase in votes discovered in the Rose-Sessions contest during his 10 years in the business. However, he was also unequivocal on how best to find the true vote totals. “I stand here before you to say I think our best move and the best thing to get the truth and utmost results is to do the hand count, and that’s what the election board had done,” he said. Several councilmembers questioned that conclusion. “It just doesn’t make sense to me,” said Councilmember Tommye Saunooke, of Painttown. “If it (the ink) is contaminated

they just have to guess which one’s right?” Ruîz explained that the marks made by contaminated ink are invisible only to the machine, not to the human eye. “It to the human eye is 100 percent dark,” he said. “I’ve actually been part of a recount here years ago. I’ve been part of that so I have 100 percent faith in the election board that the election was done correctly.” “Mr. Rose asked you if you’d ever seen such a discrepancy,” Saunooke replied. “If you see such a discrepancy, what’s your recommendation? Another election, or what?” “We usually do a recount,” Ruîz repeated. Councilmember Travis Smith, of Birdtown, had the next question after reading an online article about rejected ballots. “It says a rejected ballot is one that has made its way to a ballot box and has been rejected at the counter,” he said, continuing to read that it’s a ballot that “doesn’t clearly reflect the choice of the voter.” “If it doesn’t clearly reflect that that’s a choice, why would you count it?” he asked. Ruiz explained that ballots that don’t clearly reflect the voter’s intent are not included in election results. The previously uncounted early voting ballots, meanwhile, had clearly reflected voter intent — the machine just hadn’t read them. “If the ballot gets kicked out on Election Day you say, ‘Ma’am, sir, your ballot kicked out. Let’s guide you to a new ballot.’ In absentee and early voting you take that away and we

hope that the voters are doing their part away from there when they mail it in,” Ruîz said. “If a ballot kicks out and you can’t tell the intent, it has to be rejected,” he continued. “You can’t guess for a voter. You cannot make a decision based on that maybe looks right.” “We know that better than you do,” said Chairman Bill Taylor, of Wolfetown. “And that’s what I’m getting at,” said Smith. “If it’s a rejected ballot, why would you even hand count it if it’s not clear that that’s a mark?” Smith’s comments continued from there, and Ruiz did not have the opportunity to answer that question for the second time. Later in the conversation, Smith questioned Ballard as to security measures inside the Board of Election offices, asking about the possibility that ballots had been tampered with. “Is there security cameras in the office?” he asked. “I don’t think there’s even security cameras in our hallway,” Ballard replied. “If someone had a key they could have gone in there and fixed these ballots?” said Smith. “That’s a possibility. I guess that’s always a possibility,” Ballard said. “With those questions being asked and the possibility being there, it don’t sound good. It don’t sound good,” Smith replied. Ballard said that Election Board members, the board’s employee and the building manager all have keys to the office. However, she told The Smoky Mountain News in a Sept. 14 interview, only one person had the key to the box where the used ballots were kept. Blank early voting ballots were kept in an unlocked box. “Everybody’s saying, ‘Oh, nothing’s secure,’ which I disagree with,” Ballard said Sept. 14. On Sept. 28, Smith asked that tribal leaders consider an investigation into how the election was conducted, saying that, “there needs to be some clarity to what’s happened here.” Councilmembers seemed to agree that an independent third party would best do the investigation with oversight by the executive office, whose leaders were not up for election this year. Principal Chief Richard Sneed said that he would bring in a resolution during next month’s council meeting.

ELECTION RESULTS CERTIFIED New councilmembers were sworn in as planned on Monday, Oct. 2, taking their oaths of office surrounded by family members on the stage at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. However, Birdtown was short one representative on that stage, as neither Rose nor Sessions will be sworn in until the runoff results are tabulated. Some in Cherokee were worried that new members wouldn’t be sworn in at all following comments from several councilmembers in the Sept. 27 session. During that meeting, Taylor had pointed out that tribal law charges Council with certifying election results — implying that the body could refuse to recognize new members — with Smith and

Following discovery of uncounted ballots during a recount in the Birdtown Tribal Council race, all votes were recounted. The new totals below were certified by Tribal Council Oct. 2.

Tribal Council Big Cove • Richard French, 241 (increase of 5 from preliminary results) • Perry Shell, 177 (+3) • Fred Penick, 166 (+4) • Lori Taylor, 139 (+6) Birdtown • Boyd Owle 536, (+30) • Ashley Sessions, 448 (+29)* • Albert Rose, 443 (+12)* • Travis Smith, 330 (+7) Painttown • Tommye Saunooke, 210 (+2) • Lisa Taylor, 167 (+7) • Terri Henry, 160 (+1) • Yona Wade, 160 (+3) Snowbird • Bucky Brown, 240 (+3) • Adam Wachacha, 239 (+5) • Larry Blythe, 212 (+2) • Janell Rattler, 199 (+6) Wolfetown • Bo Crowe, 508 (-5) • Jeremy Wilson, 393 (+8) • Sam “Frell” Reed, 357 (+13) • Bill Taylor, 244 (+6)

October 4-10, 2017

H E

Revised election results

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Yellowhill • David Wolfe, 255 (+1) • Tom Wahnetah, 214 (+2) • Charles Penick, 149 (+1) • Anita Lossiah, 104 (+2)

School Board Big Cove • Karen “French” Browning, 207 (+1) • Tammy Bradley, 169 (+2) Wolfetown • Isaac “Ike” Long, 294 (+4) • Chelsea Taylor Saunooke, 282 (+6) Birdtown • Gloria “Punkin” Griffin, 512 (+7) • Sasha McCoy Watty, 406 (+9)

* The Board of Elections found these vote totals unreliable and ordered a runoff election between the two candidates. These numbers have not been certified.

Smoky Mountain News

Saunooke both expressing hesitance at certi- this vote the clear and accurate vote of those UPREME OURT who participated? And that three-day winfying results before all results were final. “During the 15 days (before the runoff dow between the end of the election, the iniRULING SOUGHT election) the old council would remain, is tial, the final tally, and then a recount creates that correct, until a new council is seated?” that suspicion.” Sessions is asking the Cherokee Supreme For his part, Jones argued that Rob Court to overturn the board’s decision, arguSaunooke asked. “That’s up to you whether you decide to Saunooke hadn’t proven what the law required ing that Rose’s protest should have been dishe prove in order to hold a runoff election. certify the election,” Ballard said. missed when he failed to meet his burden of “What they have to show is that the things proof and that the board’s conclusion that a “Travis (Smith) is right, we can’t certify till they’re complaining about changed the posi- runoff is necessary is not supported by its we know for sure,” Saunooke said. Smith then pointed out Section 2 of the tions, not that they think it did, not that own findings of fact. tribe’s Charter and Governing Document, maybe it could have, but that it actually Cherokee law allows the Board of Elections which outlines qualifications for elected offices changed the outcome,” he said. “It didn’t. to call a runoff election between “all candiand says that, “all officers shall hold office until You folks hand counted all the Birdtown bal- dates that the Board deems as necessary to their successors are duly qualified.” resolve any issues concerning the accuHowever, during Council’s cleanup racy of the vote count” if it determines session the next day, both Taylor and that “a recount of ballots would not Smith said that their comments determine the accurate vote count.” shouldn’t be construed to mean they’re However, Jones argued in the brief he trying to get their seats back. Both men filed on Sessions’ behalf, “the Board’s came in last in their respective elecconclusion that ballots which were tions, more than 100 votes behind the actually cast and which they physically second-place winning candidate. viewed and counted twice cannot be “I was outvoted and I’m going to relied upon is illogical, and not supportthe house,” Taylor said Sept. 28. “I’m ed by evidence.” not going to sit here and make accusaFurther, Jones said, even if the use tions. I get beat, I’ll go to the house. I’ll of absentee ballots as early voting ballive to fight another day.” lots made the hand count unreliable, it “I want to be clear, if there was wouldn’t make sense to limit the runoff something done wrong, they need to be election to Rose and Sessions. held liable for it,” Smith said. “And “All four candidates in Birdtown that’s the bottom line. I don’t want no (and indeed all 24 candidates for votes changed, I don’t want no seats Tribal Council) received early votes changed.” that the Board now concludes, without Ultimately, the 2015-2017 Tribal Councilmember Richard French is inaugurated to his second any factual basis, are suspect,” he term on Tribal Council. Holly Kays photo wrote in his brief. Council voted unanimously to certify the election results before closing out While Birdtown certainly picked up the term Monday morning, with 11 represen- lots twice. You came to the same results with the most new votes in the recount — between Ms. Sessions being the second place candi- all four candidates, 78 additional votes were tatives sworn in shortly thereafter. date when you did the actual hand recount of counted — candidates in every community ballots.” picked up votes when the issue with early votEARING BEFORE all the Rob Saunooke replied that the absence of ing was discovered and the election board an accurate ticker tape is enough to call the decided to hand count every race. Birdtown THE LECTION OARD election’s legitimacy into question. has the most registered voters of any town“If I snuck in somehow with a key and put ship, as well as the most people voting in the The election protest hearing between Rose and Sessions carried with it echoes of 100 more ballots in that box, you have no way race. However, Wolfetown/Big Y, which had 87.8 percent the number of ballots as the divide that’s persisted in Cherokee since of knowing if I did or didn’t,” he said. Jones rejected that premise. Birdtown, had 24 additional votes. The smallTribal Council first began publicly discussing “The ballot boxes were sealed and the er communities of Big Cove, Yellowhill, the impeachment of former Principal Chief seals were numbered and the seals were cut Snowbird/Cherokee County and Painttown Patrick Lambert in February. Rose had been pro-impeachment; off at the time. So nobody stuffed 100 extra had gains of 18, 6, 16 and 13, respectively. The Rose-Sessions race was not the only Sessions was anti-impeachment. During the ballots in the ballot boxes,” he said. The board agreed that Rose had failed to one to finish by a thin margin. Following the hearing, Sessions was represented by attorney Scott Jones, who had represented prove that election irregularities changed the recount, Perry Shell of Big Cove beat Fred Lambert during the impeachment proceed- outcome. However, its decision continued, Penick by 11 votes, and Lisa Taylor of ings. And Rose was represented by Rob the board conducted its own fact-finding Painttown beat Terri Henry and Yona Wade Saunooke and Chris Siewers, both of whom investigation and decided to order the runoff by seven votes. As of press time, neither Interim Attorney had been hired to present the case for election based on those findings. The decision to call a runoff election General Mike McConnell nor Rose’s attorney impeachment before Tribal Council. Rob Saunooke’s central claim was that, hinged on three findings: that one person Rob Saunooke had filed their response briefs. because the absentee ballots used in place of who was not a registered Birdtown voter was However, in an interview conducted before early voting ballots weren’t read by the found to have voted in the election; that announcement of the lawsuit, Rose said that machine, the machine’s ticker tape — which boxes with blank early voting ballots were not he agrees with the Election Board’s decision is supposed to produce a record each time a locked; and that the 55 absentee ballots and believes that the runoff should be ballot is cast — couldn’t accurately show how hand-changed for use as early voting ballots restricted to him and Sessions, as theirs were many ballots had been cast. Therefore, he “cannot be relied upon, and should not have the only results under discussion at the said, it’s impossible to know whether the 41 been used.” However, the decision did not protest hearing. “The 4 percent swing (in vote counts), that’s extra votes that the recount revealed for elaborate as to what made these substitute ballots unreliable. unheard of. That doesn’t happen. So the Sessions and Rose are legitimate votes. The decision did not have unanimous runoff ’s the right decision,” Rose said. “It gives “I don’t think, and no one can prove, any illegal act, that someone did or didn’t do support from board members. Board mem- a clear winner in Birdtown. That way whoever’s something,” Rob Saunooke said in the hear- ber Margaret French, of Big Cove, wrote the sitting there the next two years is not going to ing, according to a transcript provided to The word “disagree” underneath her signature on be told, ‘Oh, you’re not supposed to be there.’” The case is scheduled for a hearing at 1 Smoky Mountain News. “That’s not the issue the document. Phone calls requesting comp.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4. here. But it — you know, the question is: Is ment on that stance were not returned.

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Cherokee’s attorney general resigns Decision mutual say chief, former AG BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he attorney general of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians appointed during the administration of Principal Chief Patrick Lambert has decided to resign from his position, his last day Sept. 22 coming just 17 months after his April 2016 appointment. “Sometimes you reach a time where you know it’s time to leave, and so I did,” Danny Davis said of his reason for resigning. “I don’t have any hard feelings, any bitterness toward anyone. I’m disappointed in some people. I expected more.” This was actually Davis’ second resignation from the position. He initially resigned in May following Tribal Council’s decision to remove Lambert from office, and Principal Chief Richard Sneed accepted the resignation. However, Sneed later asked him to consider staying on with the tribe, lending stability during a tumultuous time. Davis declined to name any specific incident that had led to his decision to resign for good, saying that while he “could throw darts” he’s decided he’s not going to. “It wasn’t anything against the chief,” he said. Davis added that he’d begun to feel like his presence had become more distracting than helpful in the tribe’s efforts to find unity again. “There was no ill will, no malice,” Sneed said of Davis’ departure. “We just agreed that professionally we were going to go in a different direction, and that was that. It was kind of a blip on the radar screen really.”

October 4-10, 2017

Davis agreed with Sneed’s assessment of the decision. Davis had served as the tribe’s attorney general throughout the contentious impeachment proceedings that dragged throughout the first half of 2017. During a lawsuit over the process between Lambert and Tribal Council, Davis had intervened in order to get the court to answer some key questions on points of law surrounding impeachment. Among other things, Davis had argued that the law did not grant Council the authority to remove by impeachment and that the sitting Council did not have the authority to impeach because a census had not been done as required by law to determine how each member’s vote should weigh in the total.

“I spent over half of my life in a courtroom defending the rule of law. The rule of law matters and you can’t just use it when it’s to your benefit.” — Danny Davis

“When you sue the Tribal Council, a lot of them have a reason to have hard feelings toward you, as well as the community and that kind of thing,” Davis said. “I don’t have any regrets. I did that because it felt like the process needed to be fair and I felt like what I did made it more fair.” He also pointed to several other accomplishments that the Department of Justice made during his time there, such as creating a legal assistance office and streamlining a

Danny Davis addresses Tribal Council during one of its last meetings before his resignation as attorney general. EBCI council house image

variety of operations. However, he said, there is still work to be done when it comes to making the law work fairly and justly in Cherokee. “I spent over half of my life in a courtroom defending the rule of law,” said Davis, whose career has included more than 30 years as a judge. “The rule of law matters and you can’t just use it when it’s to your benefit. You can stand by it when it benefits you and when it doesn’t benefit you. I hope in some small way I’ve influenced some folks over there that the rule of law matters. You can’t just make it up as you go.” Sneed said that he’s still evaluating how best to fill Davis’ position. Currently Mike McConnell is serving as interim attorney general, and Sneed hopes to have someone per-

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manent in the position within 30 to 60 days. That could be an individual person, or it could be a law firm that the tribe hires to handle the duties of the attorney general. “It gives long-term stability and there are other federally recognized tribes that have been doing that for years,” Sneed said of the latter option. “It seems to work well for them. Right now it’s just a discussion.” Since he isn’t serving a full four-year term as principal chief, his ability to recruit someone for the position could be a bit more limited than in a more typical situation, Sneed said. And he believes that hiring a firm could grant more stability and make the attorney general’s office less susceptible to political influence. However, he emphasized, nothing is decided.

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The legislation was a response to a controversy that permeated tribal politics from late 2014 through the general elections in 2015. Currently, Tribal Council representatives make $80,600 per year, with the chairman and vice chairman making slightly more. However, said outgoing Councilmember Travis Smith, of Birdtown, that’s not as much money as it might seem. “This job’s tough. Everybody thinks $80,000 is a lot of money. It’s not when that’s all you get,” he said. “You don’t get any retirement. You don’t get Social Security. You don’t get no 401K.” “You’re exactly right, and people don’t understand,” agreed Councilmember Tommye Saunooke. “How long have I been here — 18 years — and I’ve never paid a thing into Social Security, and that’s really going to hurt down the road.”

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October 4-10, 2017

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER uring its last days before swearing in newly elected members, the Cherokee Tribal Council unanimously passed an ordinance amendment that will prevent future tribal councils from getting cumulative backpay with pay raises. “When we came into office I was adamant about us not having a pay increase at all,” said outgoing Councilmember Anita Lossiah, of Yellowhill, who had originally introduced the legislation during the beginning of her term in 2015. It wound up tabled and didn’t come to a vote until Council’s cleanup session Sept. 28 in advance of the new term. “Consequently in each of the three budgets we have not approved a pay increase. This was basically additionally saying that if there was something that had been passed in the past, it shall not take a cumulative effect.” The legislation was a response to a controversy that permeated tribal politics from late 2014 through the general elections in 2015. While passing the 2014 budget, the Tribal Council sitting at the time had quietly included a $10,000 pay raise for themselves, complete with backpay for the years when they supposedly should have already been earning the higher salary. Backpay checks were prorated based on how long each member had been in office, with some payouts as high as $33,000. Between higher salaries for that first year and all the backpay, the legislation cost the tribe about $1 million.

Despite a tribal law saying that pay raises for councilmembers can’t take effect until after the next election, the raises were effective immediately. The pay raises elicited widespread anger among tribal members and prompted a coalition of them to file a lawsuit in tribal court. However, the suit was eventually dismissed due to lack of standing. The 2015-2017 Tribal Council included four councilmembers who were also in office during the previous term and supported the pay raises. However, last week all of them voted for Lossiah’s legislation that would explicitly prohibit a repeat of the action.

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Cherokee outlaws backpay with Council pay hikes

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U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the 2017 National Blue Ribbon Schools, which included Riverbend Elementary School in Haywood County. Riverbend was previously recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2011. The award is based on the overall academic excellence or the progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. “We have the most beautiful, hardworking and talented children who come to school each day ready to grow and learn,” said Riverbend Principal Jill Chambers. “I could not be more proud and honored to be their principal. Riverbend has such a great atmosphere and that doesn't happen by accident. It takes our students, parents, staff and community all striving for excellence to make this happen.” The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the

hard work of students, educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. “Riverbend Elementary School has achieved an A+ rating for the last three years and has been among the top performing schools in the state for the last five consecutive years,” said Superintendent Dr. Anne Garrett. “They have worked very hard for this honor and we are proud of what they do for our children each and every day. Riverbend is a wonderful school in a wonderful school system.” Now in its 35th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on a small number of schools achieving academic excellence. On Nov. 6-7, the United States Department of Education will formally recognize Riverbend Elementary School at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. “Riverbend is to be commended for leading the way,” said Associate Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte. “Haywood County Schools has gone from average to consistently and persistently high performing over the last decade. Riverbend’s second National Blue Ribbon recognition is the latest indication of our overall academic and extra-curricular success.”

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Riverbend named Blue Ribbon School

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Canton continues pondering pigs as pets BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER iggles, snickers, snorts and outright laughter echoed through the Town of Canton’s Sept. 28 board meeting as an ordinance regarding “pigs as pets” was again discussed. The normally reserved, businesslike board first heard the proposal Sept. 12 and appeared to be generally in favor of allowing smaller breeds of pigs as pets within the town, but got bogged down over registration, licensing procedures and enforcement, weight limits and the number of pigs allowable in any one home. When they discussed the issue again last week, some members of the crowd — and the board — just couldn’t hold back guffaws any longer, probably due to the rarity, novelty and adorability of these animals that are still most often associated with food. In the past, animal control ordinances across the country considered pigs as livestock — because they were; the trend of keeping smaller breeds of pigs in one’s home as a pet is relatively recent. But as popularity of the porcine pals continues to grow — the North American Pet Pig Association has only been around since 1989 — municipalities have had to address the issue and its ensuing consequences. A draft ordinance presented by Town Manager Jason Burrell says that “any member of the dwarf breed of pig known as Vietnamese potbellied pigs (Susscrofa bittatus)” that was being housed as a pet “and not kept or raised for human consumption” would be allowable, provided that that no more than two pigs were kept in the same home, that they grow to no more than 22 inches in height and that they do not exceed 100 pounds in weight. Other restrictions similar to those of dogs (becoming a nuisance, improper disposal of waste or leash requirements) would also apply. Regarding a possible weight limit for the pigs, members of the board asked Burrell who would enforce it, and how. “I’d have no problem weighing a pig,” said the burly Burrell. Burrell presented the board with a wealth of information on how other towns handle the porky pets and said he’d also seen a weight limit of 65 pounds in some of them, but Alderman Zeb Smathers opened up another line of thinking when he noted that the town doesn’t register any other animals. The meeting ended with no action being taken, but members of the town have long been receptive to public input; contact the Canton Town Board about pigs as pets at www.cantonnc.com/mayor-board-alderman.

Smoky Mountain News

October 4-10, 2017

Waynesville aldermen throw dogs a bone BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER lthough Waynesville aldermen continue to seek a definitive answer on whether or not to rescind the town’s 15 year-old policy of banning pets from festivals, they’ve embraced a temporary measure that may help point them in the right direction. Back on Aug. 22, the board considered ending the ban; with aldermen apparently split on the issue — Jon Feichter cited overwhelming public support for the ban, and LeRoy Roberson expressed concerns about animal waste — Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown directed town staff to research best practices in neighboring municipalities and report back. At the end of the town’s Sept. 26 meeting, however, Feichter and Brown told the rest of the board that they’d independently arrived at the same conclusion even though discussion of the ban wasn’t on the meeting agenda.

What they proposed was a 90-day moratorium on enforcing the ban; Feichter made a motion to do so, Alderman Julia Boyd Freeman seconded it, and it passed unanimously. “I don’t want to end run the process — that’s not my intention,” Brown said in proffering the measure. Instead, Feichter opined, it would be a good “test case” from which to gather data and gauge public reaction. The motion authorizes Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites to direct town employees not to enforce the ban from Oct. 1 through New Year’s Day; that window of time allows for pets to attend the Church Street Art and Crafts Show Oct. 14, the Apple Harvest Festival Oct. 21, and the Waynesville Christmas parade Dec. 4 as well as the Art After Dark and Street Dance events. Aldermen first began to reconsider the ban as a way to accommodate tourists or day-trippers visiting the area with pets; once they’re here, there’s not much in the way of accommodations for pets while their owners attend festivals where pets aren’t allowed. Doggy day-care had been considered in the past; it didn’t work, but remains an option. Conversely, people have expressed concerns about tripping over leashes, dogs biting each other or other people, animal waste, soaring pavement temperatures and elevated sound levels. All Waynesville aldermen commenting on the ordinance — including the mayor — confessed to being either dog lovers or dog owners; in tabling the Aug. 22 measure, Brown said he was hoping to present an ordinance that would receive unanimous approval.

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT shelter. STAFF WRITER “They had agreed with us and Open he causes of homelessness — and Door and some of the area churches to homelessness in Haywood County — charge, I think it was like $28 a night, so we are varied and numerous, but accordwere able to put a few families in there at a ing to the Haywood Pathways Center more time, cost-effectively,” Haithcox said of The must be done locally to address the probLodge, which has now been demolished. lem regardless of source. “Now there’s one hotel that will do it for like That’s why the faith-based 501c3 asked $40 a night, and there’s others who will agree county officials for permission to build a to take our folks but not reduce the price, so two-story, 5,300 square Drawings show an exterior view of the modular structure to be constructfoot modular ed near existing Haywood Pathways Center buildings. Haywood County illustration home on a vacant piece of countyowned land at its existing facility at 179 Hemlock Street in Waynesville. “We have a real opportunity to change Haywood County, especially for some of our it’s not the wisest choice to be putting famiyounger members,” said Mandy Haithcox, lies in there for a week at $100 a night.” HPC’s executive director, at the Oct. 2 meetNow that the project has the county’s ing of the Haywood County Board of backing, the next step is for HPC to order Commissioners. the modular building and identify a conThe board approved HPC’s request tractor to begin prepping the site, which is unanimously, although Commissioner Bill just feet from other HPC buildings where Upton was absent. the needy are already fed and housed. In late 2014, HPC partnered with “We are a lot fuller than we have been,” Haywood County to begin serving homeless Haithcox said, noting that August saw 70 men and women; as the only emergency people served. “We’re not entirely full, but shelter in the county, it assisted more than we’re close to full, all the time, and I imagine 270 people in 2016 alone, but currently canwith cold weather coming it won’t be long.” not serve individuals with children. Drawings from award-winning modular Haywood County Sheriff Greg fabricator Cardinal Homes show five bedChristopher and County Commissioner rooms, two and one-half bathrooms, a launKevin Ensley have been vocal supporters of dry room, closets, an office and a large comHPC, which cites stats claiming that of mon area on the 2,062 square-foot first those who were released from the Haywood floor. The second floor is of a similar 5/2.5 County Detention Center in 2016 and layout. availed themselves of HPC, 47 percent of According to HPC’s written proposal to men and 68 percent of women did not the county, the new building could house become recidivists. up to 10 homeless families for up to six Traditionally, homelessness stems from months at a time. a variety of causes much more complex Paying for it, according to HPC, will than the inability to afford shelter; mental require effort but shouldn’t be a problem. health and substance abuse issues, domesCommission Chairman Kirk Kirkpatrick tic violence and lack of a support structure said that no county funds would be used for all play a role in homelessness, but the abilithe project; HPC has estimated the total ty of HPC to provide that support structure cost as $625,000, and has about a quarter of has now been compromised in a clear case that on hand, but a fundraising campaign of unanticipated consequences. and the pursuit of grants should make up The new Publix grocery store currently the rest. under construction on Russ Avenue has “Everyone’s really been supportive of us been hailed as a another Waynesville ecoas a community project,” Haithcox said. nomic development victory and has been A major fundraising campaign is in the welcomed as a quality-of-life improvement works, but anyone who’d like to donate that will offer consumers greater choice and needn’t wait. competition in the grocery market, but the “Contact us directly,” said HPC new store displaced The Lodge, a small Community Liaison Deb Isenberg. “And hotel hidden atop a hill beside Russ Avenue we’d be delighted to come and speak to any that was utilized by HPC as an emergency group that would have us.”

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Tourism board looks to change grant funding methods BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR he Haywood County Tourism Development Authority is considering a number of major changes to increase its efficiency in collecting and allocating tourism revenue dollars. The recommended changes from consultant Chris Cavanaugh with Magellan Strategy Group — a company the TDA hired to review its investments — include less emphasis on funding for festivals and events and changing the makeup of subcommittees that currently have a big say in how about $350,000 a year is spent. The TDA collects a 4 percent occupancy tax on all hotel/motel rooms, cabin rentals and other overnight accommodations in the county and is tasked with spending those funds to market Haywood County as a tourist destination. While the TDA board uses 3 percent of the tax revenue to promote the county as a whole, the other 1 percent is distributed amongst the five zip codes in which it is collected — Maggie Valley, Waynesville, Lake Junaluska, Clyde and Canton.

ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES

Taking into consideration the number of funding requests the TDA receives — 60 applications for 2018 — Cavanaugh made some suggestions for streamlining the application process. Currently, the TDA uses paper applications that are then scored by the separate subcommittees before they come to the TDA board for final consideration. That’s a lot of paperwork for TDA Executive Director Lynn Collins to keep up with and for a lot of folks to follow up with if the application is incomplete. “That burden is currently borne primarily by the executive director — that is not an efficient use of the executive director’s time and expertise,” Cavanaugh said. He recommended the TDA hire a parttime grant administrator to take those responsibilities off of Collins’ plate. “Compare the cost of Lynn doing that versus what it would be hiring a new position,” he added. Another suggestion was to take the application process online to avoid all the paperwork and increase accountability and a new scoring sheet for the subcommittees to complete.

SUBCOMMITTEES

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October 4-10, 2017

Presently, each zip code area has a 1 percent subcommittee that reviews funding request applications from its community and makes recommendations to the TDA board. Not every county tourism agency uses the subcommittee setup like Haywood, but that’s how Haywood decided to do it back in 2007 when the 1 percent funding legislation passed in the North Carolina General Assembly — it gives each community where the room tax is collected a say in what events or projects get funded. “That’s a relatively uncommon approach — not necessarily good or bad — just unusual to redirect funds back to zip codes,” Cavanaugh told the TDA board. “Most destinations it’s done by what’s best for the county as a whole.” He suggested simplifying the 1 percent funding process by doing away with all the subcommittees or by combining the five subcommittees into one subcommittee to review applications for all the zip codes. According to Cavanaugh, legislation creating the TDA says only that the TDA must make 1 percent funding allocations “in consultation” with the zip codes. “Finding 16 people total to serve on those committees is difficult — there’s no established criteria other than place of residence to serve on those committees,” he said. If the TDA continues with the subcommittees, Cavanaugh suggested requiring a 14 member of the municipal government or the

additional 2 percent on the occupancy tax to be used for tourism product development. In fact, if the 2 percent is added to Haywood’s occupancy tax through the General Assembly, Cavanaugh said, Haywood wouldn’t be able to use any of the 1 percent for non-marketing tourism-related expenditures because of the legislative mandate that only one-third of the total occupancy tax can be used for that purpose.

BOARD REACTION Chris Cavanaugh with Magellan Strategy Group — a company the TDA hired to review its investments — gives recommendations to the board. Jessi Stone photo TDA to also be a member on the committee. He also recommended more training sessions for subcommittee members to reinforce the importance of their decisions and how funding allocations need to be in line with the TDA’s broader goals for the county. These sessions would also be an opportunity to teach committee members how to collect and track information to gauge whether an event was successful.

EVENT FUNDING The majority of requests for 1 percent funds are for the promotion of local events, but Cavanaugh suggested expanding the scope of applications. “Although the 1 percent fund is mostly used to fund grants for events, there’s nothing in the (TDA) legislation saying it has to be allocated to support local events,” he said. “You have to ask what’s the return on investment to the TDA. Events have a limited window for creating economic impact, but once you’ve invested the money it’s gone.” For example, while the Fourth of July celebration and fireworks display is a popular

event that draws many local residents and visitors, Cavanaugh said, the TDA has to ask itself whether the funding is contributing to overnight stays or to brand the county as a destination. He suggested the TDA encourage a broader range of applications to diversify how the 1 percent is spent — that could include beautification efforts, wayfinding signage, public art projects, hospitality training, tourism-related building façade improvements, co-op advertising, website development, familiarization tours for media, video and photography production, trade show booth rentals costs, park and recreation projects and brand identify development. Cavanaugh did acknowledge that measuring overnight visitation impact based on a new website or upgraded building façade can be even more challenging than an event or festival. However, the potential impact of a website or new façade lasts much longer than a weekend festival. The consultant also noted that his recommendation to use the current occupancy tax revenue for other needs should not deter the TDA and county officials from pursuing an

The TDA board seemed more receptive to consolidating the five zip code subcommittees into one subcommittee instead of getting rid of the committees all together. Several board members admitted that finding people to serve on the subcommittees has become more difficult. Also, there are no qualifications for subcommittee members other than living in the respective zip code. The change would have to be done through a resolution by the Haywood County commissioners. TDA Board member Mike Eveland, who is also a Maggie Valley alderman and manager of the Maggie Valley Inn, asked Commissioner Mike Sorrells if the commissioners would be open to some of the recommendations. “Some of these changes would be very significant from what we’re doing now — not saying it’s good or bad at this point,” Eveland said. Sorrells said he thought the board would be open to any changes that would improve tourism spending. TDA Chairman Lyndon Lowe said a lot has changed since the 1 percent legislation was approved in 2007 when Haywood County set up the subcommittees to help manage the funds. “When it was set up each zip code was marketing themselves

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“Even though we didn’t get the additional 2 percent, we listened to the proposal and saw the benefits so we supported it — if it’s a good move we’ll be supportive of it,” Sorrells said of the county commissioners’ support. Board members were also supportive of putting the application process completely online and letting applicants know a broader range of things they can apply for instead of just events and festivals. If the applications are done through a website, applicants will have to completely fill it out in order for the document to be submitted, which cuts down on administrative work. Collins said putting everything online could also help with the problem with some subcommittee members refusing to complete a score sheet for an application because they know the document is a public record and don’t want backlash from the applicant if they aren’t approved. Collins said 2018 would be the time to move forward with a change since new subcommittee appointments would be coming up soon. Lowe said the TDA finance committee would discuss the subcommittee recommendations and bring a proposal back to the board.

October 4-10, 2017

The Haywood County Tourism Development Authority discusses potential changes to how the 1 percent funding is allocated. Jessi Stone photo

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— now we’re marketing things in a very different way. It’s countywide to compete against Cherokee and Gatlinburg and Asheville,” he said. TDA Board member Tammy Wight, coowner of the Clarketon Motel in Maggie Valley, agreed that it’s important to advertise as a whole county but that she also didn’t want to see each community lose its own unique identity. “Every seminar we’ve been to says no one cares what county you’re in — they know the towns,” she said. Eveland agreed that Maggie Valley couldn’t lose its own identity because that’s what draws visitors every year. On the other hand, he said the Maggie Valley co-op advertising is working well to promote Maggie as a destination while also helping to meet the TDA’s overall goals. “We’ve gone as far as we can go over the last few years with the system we have in place,” Eveland said. Sorrells agreed that the TDA has to continue to look at what works and look for ways to improve.

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Sylva approves Sunday morning alcohol sales BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ylva has joined the growing list of towns and counties approving Sunday morning alcohol sales following a 4-1 vote Sept. 28. Four people delivered comment during the public hearing preceding the vote, all in favor of the measure — the number included three downtown restaurant owners and the director of Jackson County’s Tourism Development Authority. “I think this potentially could have a huge impact on our town as well as the folks who work in these businesses that will have the opportunity to bring in more tips as the average transaction increases,” said Bernadette Peters, owner of City Lights Café. Jeannette Evans, owner of Mad Batter Food & Film, added that the bill could make things easier on employees in another way — by making them less susceptible to getting caught on an ABC sting by accidentally selling alcohol at 9:59 a.m. She anticipated the earlier sales having a positive impact on tourism as well. “I think it would encourage people to stay in town an extra day and enjoy our town, maybe walk around a bit longer and look at shops,” she said.

October 4-10, 2017

Nick Breedlove, director of the TDA, underscored the potential benefit to local businesses, pointing out that on Wilmington’s first day of earlier Sunday sales, Blackfinn Ameripub reported more than 650 mimosas sold at that single establishment, a figure that doesn’t include any other type of alcoholic drink order. “Local businesses are not the only ones who stand to benefit from adopting the ordinance,” he continued. “Local patrons will have a greater selection of brunch venues, while increased sales will generate more tax revenue for both local and state governments. The positive impact of this ordinance will only grow as brunch continues to become an increasingly popular setting for families to celebrate weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions and an integral part of people’s travel experience.” When it came time to vote on the measure, Commissioner Harold Hensley was the only one of the five to oppose it, though he didn’t comment on the issue during the meeting. “That’s fine if they want to start selling alcohol after 12, but it’s like I say I’m not a great religious man but it’s just interfering too much with the church I think,” Hensley said in a follow-up interview. “And all the

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people that supported me feel that I voted the right way and that’s who I’m down there to please is the people who put me down there.” During her comments to the board, The Cut Cocktail Lounge co-owner Jacque Laura addressed that argument. “People who drink are going to drink,” she said. “People who don’t drink don’t have to come into a place that is serving alcohol.”

City Lights Cafe celebrates the first Sunday after Sylva approved earlier alcohol sales by serving up mimosas, bellinis, beer and wine. File photo The remaining commissioners expressed their satisfaction with the decision upon casting their votes. “The only reason I wouldn’t vote for it is because it doesn’t go far enough,” said Commissioner David Nestler. “I think it’s great and it’s a step in the right direction. A

Franklin approves brunch bill with little fanfare The Franklin Town Council unanimously approved the local adoption of the brunch bill, which will allow restaurants and stores to begin selling alcohol at 10 a.m. Sundays instead of waiting until noon. The town council held a public hearing regarding the proposed change during its Monday night meeting, but no one spoke up against the measure. Bill Van Horn said he was in favor of the bill because it would benefit local businesses and better cater to the tourists who help support the local economy when they’re visiting. “Just like I enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with my dinner, I have friends from outside town who live in big cities — if I took them to brunch they’d like to have a cocktail with their meal,” he said. Lenny Jordan, a co-owner of Lazy Hiker Brewing — Franklin’s first craft brewery — said he supported passing the brunch bill even though it will have little impact on his business. With the competitive nature of the tourism industry in Western North Carolina, Jordan said Franklin needed to be able to compete with Asheville and other neighbors. “Tourism is our business — this aligns

lot of our alcohol laws are antiquated, so I’m glad they’re remedying this one.” Commissioner Greg McPherson added his hope that the earlier alcohol sales will provide a boost to a slower area of Sylva’s economy. “I think that’s one of the main drags on our economy here is that everything is closed on Sundays,” he said. Commissioner Barbara Hamilton directed her comments toward the business owners sitting in the audience. “We’re trying our best to support business owners,” she said. “It may not be what everybody likes, but those that do (drink) should be able to do that, and I’m hoping that it does help your businesses and your employees.” The ordinance became effective immediately following its passage, with multiple downtown businesses serving up mimosas on Sunday morning just days later.

us in a favorable light with other locations,” he said. When Mayor Bob Scott asked the board if there was any further comment on the brunch bill, there was no other discussion to be had. Councilmember Barbara McRae said she hadn’t heard of any opposition since the town first brought up the subject last month. “Seems like most people are in favor of it,” she said. Her motion to pass the brunch bill passed unanimously — Councilmember Billy Mashburn was not present for the meeting. Franklin joins Waynesville and Sylva in passing the local measure. The issue caused more contention in Bryson City — local businesses requested the town pass the measure and other business owners backed them up, but ultimately the board decided selling alcohol earlier on Sunday was not acceptable for the religious community of Swain County. Only Alderman Heidi Woodard-Ramsey voted in favor of it. The religious community in Canton is also encouraging the town aldermen there to vote no on the brunch bill, but the decision has been put off until a public hearing is held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. Maggie Valley will hold a public hearing on the same issue at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, during its regular board meeting. — Jessi Stone, News Editor

Waynesville to reinstitute capacity use fees T

be repaid to the developers,” said Hites. That threw everyone into a frenzy, Hites said, because many local governments had collected millions of dollars in capacity use fees over the years. Waynesville’s capacity use formula, developed in 2006, does not take into account future cost; however, had a classaction lawsuit emerged, Waynesville would have still had to spend thousands to make an appearance and prove it didn’t owe anyone any money. The possibility of losing that case, although remote, prompted Waynesville last fall to place a moratorium on collecting any capacity use fees at all. Insulation against that exposure came from an unlikely place — in July, House Bill 436 was passed by the North Carolina General Assembly, which in recent years has taken an adversarial stance toward municipalities, stripping them of revenue and some local control. “It’s really a credit to the North Carolina League of Municipalities, that they were able to convince the leadership,” Hites said. “It’s a really good bill.” Towns maintained that it would be unfair to force them to reimburse developers because the developers had passed those capacity use fees on to their customers — homebuyers — and that capacity use fees 398-02

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Bryson City Republican Rep. Mike Clampitt, who represents a portion of Haywood County, HB 436 limits the exposure of towns that had collected the fees, and charts a path forward. Haywood’s other representative, Burnsville Republican Michele Downtown Waynesville. Presnell, voted for the bill. “It really did a good job of settling the issue of capacity use fees,” Hites said. Municipalities, however, aren’t free to speculate as to what those future costs might be; in order to begin collecting the fees, they have to be set by a qualified professional after a study is undertaken. On Sept. 26, Waynesville aldermen voted unanimously to engage Asheville consulting firm McGill and Associates to undertake that study at a cost of $8,500; once it’s complete and the fees are set, it’s “It’s really a credit to the North expected to clear up any uncertainty with developers that need accurate Carolina League of costing for projects. “We’re getting some more interMunicipalities, that they were est, we’re getting more developable to convince the leadership. ment,” said Hites. “I think we’ll get a payback on that $8,500 within the It’s a really good bill.” first 12 months of adopting the — Rob Hites, Waynesville Town Manager fees.”

taking future costs into account were crucial to the infrastructure of towns large and small. Legislators agreed; sponsored by Speaker Pro Temp Sarah Stevens, R-Mt. Airy, and

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER hanks to the N.C. Supreme Court and the North Carolina General Assembly, the Town of Waynesville’s about to be back in the capacity use fee business. “About 20 years or so ago, towns interpreted the general statutes to allow us to charge fees to developers when they want to extend and add water and sewer to their developments,” said Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites. What some towns did was develop a fee that not only helped the town pay for the previous cost of building water and sewer plants and trunk lines, but also gave them the ability to pay for the projected future costs of adding capacity to the water and sewer plants, and future trunk lines. A group of developers sued the Town of Carthage, in Moore County, asserting that the town didn’t have the statutory authority to charge fees for future use. The N.C. Supreme Court found that the language stating sanitary districts — like Junaluska or Maggie Valley — could charge capacity fees for the future cost of expanding infrastructure conferred no such authority on local governments like Carthage and Waynesville. “So all capacity fees that were developed with the words ‘future cost’ in them had to

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Franklin football banner incites religious debate School board reacts to complaints on both sides BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR t a Friday night football game against Murphy, the Franklin High School cheerleaders took to the field like they do before every game to display a spirit banner for their team’s players to run through. The banners usually include big paw prints to represent the Panthers’ mascot with phrases like “Go Big Red,” “Be Fearless!” or other encouraging words for the players. But the banner FHS cheerleaders held up at the Aug. 25 game has started a freedom of speech and religion debate within the community. The banner read, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” — a popular Bible verse — along with a cross. It was definitely a heavier message for a high school football game and the conversation surrounding the issue heated up when a photo of the banner was posted on social media.

While many people in and outside the community are sure the banner violates the law, others have defended the students’ rights to freedom of speech and religion. Macon County Schools Superintendent Dr. Chris Baldwin received a letter Sept. 1 from a lawyer with the Freedom From Religion Foundation — a national nonprofit with the mission of protecting the constitutional principle of separation between church and state — regarding the football banner. Senior Counsel for the foundation Patrick C. Elliott, cited several cases where the courts decided public schools may not advance or endorse religion, which he claims is what occurred when the cheerleaders displayed the banner with the Bible verse. Stone v. Graham ruled that the Ten Commandments couldn’t be displayed in schools; Lee v. York County ruled that teachers couldn’t display religious messages in the classroom; Ahlquist v. City of Cranston struck down a prayer mural in a high school auditorium and a Supreme Court ruling (Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe) struck down a policy allowing religious messages at football games even when delivered by a student.

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Franklin High School cheerleaders display a Bible verse on a football game banner on Aug. 25 that was not approved by school administrators. Donated photo “Like the prayers in Santa Fe, religious banners on the field, even if held by students, are also inappropriate and unconstitutional,” Elliott wrote. “Public high school events must be secular to protect the freedom of conscience of all students. The banners alienate those non-Christian students, teachers and members of the public whose religious beliefs are inconsistent with the Christian messages.” Elliott continued by saying the display of the banner was clearly part of a school-sanc-

tioned cheerleading activity and that the cheerleaders routinely are granted access to the field to display banners and to participate in cheerleading, which is a school extracurricular activity. “We understand that school cheerleading banners in the past have also included biblical messages. Based on an FHS cheerleading webpage created by the cheerleading coach, it appears that these proselytizing and religious messages are similar to messaged that are promoted by the coach,” he said.

overt as the last one. This time the banner read, “We are not ashamed. Franklin Panthers 10:33.” All the lettering was black except for the letters M, A and T, which were in red and clearly referenced Matthew 10:33 in the Bible — “but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” The banner was lifted up by cheerleaders and received loud applause from supporters in the stadium. The cheerleaders also wore shirts that said “Not Ashamed.” Bonfire Ministries, a nonprofit Christian organization geared to youths, has been a big supporter of the cheerleaders’ banners. Ministry leaders — Andy Jones and Nate Garrett — have been posting videos and comments about the religious banners on their Facebook page. “We were in Franklin NC this past spring and several of these girls (cheerleaders) attended Bonfire School Release. They got

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Elliott went on to point to the coach’s personal Shutterfly blog page, which is now private and can’t be publicly viewed. Despite all the case law cited, many in the community are still defending the cheerleaders’ right to freedom of expression. About 50 people showed up to a recent school board meeting held in Highlands to show their support for the banner. Baldwin said the banner issue was not an item on the school board agenda but that the school system did address the issue. He said the school system already has a policy in place — school board policy 35-15 — to ensure the protection of personal freedoms while also not infringing on the rights of others. “The policy basically says that the Macon County School System will remain neutral in regard to religion and that we will follow federal and state laws regarding the U.S. Constitution and freedom of speech,”

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fired up for Jesus being a positive witness in their school and are now being bullied by the Freedom From Religion Foundation,” Garrett posted. “Pray for these girls, this school, and this community that they have the courage to stand up and fight!” The Bonfire School Release is the ministry’s program that allows public school students to leave campus for a field trip with parent permission to attend a local church or facility where they will see and hear a Christian concert and program. Baldwin said Henning is working on a response to the Freedom From Foundation letter. While many of the cases cited in the letter involved issues involving school and religion, Baldwin said none of the cases were specific to cheerleader-produced banners. However, he pointed to a recent ruling in Texas where an Appeals Court sided with the cheerleaders who sued the school district over being able to display Bible verses at high school football games. The Ninth Court of Appeals found that the cheerleaders’ choice to display the Bible verses is protected private speech.

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Baldwin said. “We recognize that the U.S. has a history and an important religious heritage — we respect diverse religious beliefs in the school system.” It’s a hard tightrope to walk — balancing a student’s freedom of speech rights and also making sure the school system isn’t in violation of the Establishment Clause. According to the school’s policy, if an employee wants to engage in a religious program or activity, it has to be approved by the school principal. If the principal has legal concerns about the activity or program, it is supposed to go up the ladder to Baldwin and then to the school board’s attorney John Henning, Jr. Cheerleader banners fall into this approval process, but the Aug. 25 banner with a Bible verse did not go through the process and Baldwin and Henning have said it wouldn’t have been approved even if it had. After getting clarification on the school’s policy, the cheerleaders responded with another banner during the Sept. 29 football game. While Baldwin said the latest banner was approved, it still contained a Christian message — it was just wasn’t as

October 4-10, 2017

Franklin High School cheerleaders used a more subtle approach for their next banner during a Sept. 29 game. Donated photo

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Business dedicated to saving bees Spriggly’s Beescaping is a new small business located in Waynesville that offers workshops, products, and services to create environments that support beneficial pollinators. Husband and wife team Brannen Basham and Jill Jacobs relocated to the region from the Philadelphia area in June 2016 to start the business. They Brannen Basham offer affordable, low-mainteand Jill Jacobs, nance solutions that any garowners of Spriggly’s dener can implement to supBeescaping. port native pollinators and increase production in their garden or farm and provides a series of educational opportunities for individuals, community groups, educational institutions, and K-12 students. To see a Spriggly’s exhibit in Waynesville, visit cut-yourown flower farm, Love Lane Flower Farm at 431 Dellwood City Road, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. To learn more, visit www.sprigglys.com, email info@sprigglys.com, or connect on social media @sprigglys_beescaping on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

SCC offers free business seminar Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center will be offering a general business seminar from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. The seminar, entitled, “Starting a Better Business,” will cover how to assess your business ownership skills, how to assess the feasibility of your business idea, the parts of a business plan, the different types of business formations, the licenses that are required and the financing options that are available. To register, visit http://bit.ly/ncsbcn.

Indoor shooting range opens in Franklin Jeff’s Ammo & Arms recently celebrated its grand opening in Franklin. The range offers over 300 firearms, including SBRs, silencers, ammunition, reloading supplies, holsters, scopes and more. In addition to the gun shop, Owner Jeff Wang has added Franklin’s first indoor shooting range for both members and nonmembers. The range includes a pistol range and a rifle range totaling eight lanes. Classes are available for beginners and advanced levels including concealed carry classes offered both during the day and evening. All firearms instructors have an extensive background

training both law enforcement and the private sector. Customers can purchase a yearly range membership or rent a firing lane on an hourly basis. Rental guns are also available to be used in the gun range. Jeff’s Ammo & Arms is located at 261 Carolina Mountain Drive. 828.524.1103.

Maggie welcomes Moo Mountain Bakery Moo Mountain Bakery in Maggie Valley, owned by Tracy Taylor, offers 15 kinds of cookies, pastries, quiche, cinnamon rolls and hand-rolled bagels. Moo Mountain began with bagged cookie mixes sold at festivals and fairs, but Taylor started noticing as she put out samples of the cookies she baked, people loved the instant gratification of having a cookie to eat right then and there. The mixes can still be found online, at Attic Treasures and Ledford Produce or stop by the bakery at 2511 Soco Road in Maggie Valley from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Harrah’s supports Power of Pink Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort presented a $2,500 donation to the Haywood Healthcare Foundation in support of its 11th Annual "Power of

Pink" 5K, to be held Saturday, Oct. 7. The sponsorship will aid in breast cancer detection efforts and providing mammograms for under-served women in Haywood County. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort's chefs will also be delighting guests at the "Party In Pink" on Oct. 5. Since 2007, The Power of Pink has funded mammograms and follow-up procedures for over 800 women and men in Haywood County.

Animal Hospital of Waynesville certified ‘Fear Free’ Staff members of the Animal Hospital of Waynesville have been taking courses and training to get their certification in the Fear Free Professional program. This program is extensive and requires much study before taking a final test to receive this certification. The first three members of the program to receive their certification are Hospital Manager Danielle Treadway, Lead Registered Vet Tech Amanda Garrett and Vet Assistant Alyson James. The Fear Free Professional certification is just the next step to make pets feel comfort when visiting. More staff members will complete the training in the next few weeks and months and plans are in place to have the facility certified by the end of 2017. Many items in the facility have had to be changed for this to be accomplished, from the surface texture the pets stand on during examination to the colors used in the hospital and the variety of treats used. Visit www.animalhosp.com/fear-free.

Blush salon opens in Franklin Blush, a new salon in Franklin, offers hair styling at its Blowout Bar and Braid Bar along with make-up at their Make-up Bar. In addition to the bars, Blush offers classes, makeup/skincare products and several home and paper goods. Owner Erin Moffitt said she created Blush in hope that it would be a haven for women to come as they are and find things that empower them and make them feel confident. “I’m excited to be able to offer a go-to place with people who care for them and want to pamper them. I love being a part of the Westside Merchants and so excited to give back to this town,” Moffitt said. Blush is located at 20 W. Palmer Street.

New event venue comes to Canton Construction is underway for the pavilion at Canton’s newest event venue, Reflections at the Pond. Surrounded by mountain views and lush landscaping, the climate-controlled pavilion will overlook a large natural pond and will have many amenities including a caterer’s kitchen, large fire-

• Andy Shaw Ford of Sylva recently announced the promotion of Johnny Marr from Senior Lead Technician to Shop Foreman in the Service Department. “Johnny will coach and work with the other technicians and be responsible for the dealership goal of ‘fix it right the first time,’” said David Rogers, service manager. • Walker Quilt Co. recently opened at 27 Macon Center Drive in Franklin. Walker Quilt Co. is a longarm rental studio offering four models of brand new, Handi Quilter machines available for hourly rental. A one-time certification class teaches you how to load your quilt and operate the machines. The shop also offers a variety of classes.

ALSO:

• Southern & Sunkissed Boutique recently opened in Franklin, located at 135 Franklin Plaza. Owned by Kristin Drake, the boutique has combined UV free spray tan booths, high quality, level 3, UV tanning and a women’s clothing and accessories boutique. Boutique styles are handpicked and sold in small quantities to ensure small town girls stay unique and trendy. Visit www.facebook.com/southernandsunkissed.

place and a porch scaling the entire length of the building. The venue has been hosting events for several months and the grand opening for the pavilion is scheduled for October 2017. Located at 335 Johnson Drive in Canton, the 16-acre site is the ideal setting for any event, large or small, business or personal and is picture-perfect for weddings and receptions. The venue is owned by Mike and Debbie Crawford and managed by HoneySuckle Mountain Design & Events LLC. www.reflectionspond.com and at www.hsmdesignevents.com.

Animal hospital undergoes renovations Junaluska Animal Hospital in Waynesville is undergoing a major renovation project that includes two phases of construction. The first phase, which includes a 4,000square feet addition and a total redo of half of the existing building, is slated for completion by January 2018. The second phase, which includes the reception area and exam rooms, should be complete by April 2018. The goal of the project is to increase the size of the hospital and improve workflow and functioning. There will be a total of 10 exam rooms, a double table surgery suite, dental suite and separate dog and cat hospitalization wards with a critical care unit behind glass in the treatment area for easy viewing of patients. Boarding facilities will be located in another portion of the hospital. Visit www.junaluskaanimalhospital.com or call 828.452.1478.

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

After tragedy in Vegas, where to from here?

So retirees should relinquish rights? To the Editor: I am completely mystified by a recent letter writer’s response to my letter questioning the legitimacy of requiring English proficiency for legal immigration to the U.S. How do most of his arguments relate to the topic he claims to comment on? As to being among the 50 percent (and I do wonder how he came upon this specific figure) of those who do not currently pay income tax, yes I am a retiree. I have paid income taxes for the 50 plus years of my working life. Is the letter writer saying that this counts for nothing? So retirees are not to have a say in government policies because our working life is over? So are we now considered irrelevant and of no value? To imply that I am somehow against the acquisition of English after residency has been established is again another erroneous assumption on the part of this letter writer. As a matter of fact, I have volunteered tutoring English to nonnative speakers while I was a wage earner. I am currently volunteering my time and money, (although I am on a fixed income) to establish an ESL program here in Macon County. I wonder what percentage of their time other useless retirees spend in vol-

opened fire from a tower on the Austin campus, killing 15 people and wounding another 31. At that time, it shook the nation and the world. How could someone carry out such a violent act in such a safe environment, meant for learning, connecting with others and positive human interaction? For me, as a longtime music writer — and also a journalist in general — seeing this massacre occur at a live music performance is just devastating. Music, especially when seen/heard live, is meant to be an escape from the chaos and confusion of the outside world. That sense of connection between friends and strangers alike, amid the melodic beauty of bands and singers we adore, is supposedly to be the few moments or Columnist hours within your daily life that you are part of something bigger than yourself, something where you and others around you, are able to rise above the disagreements, the hate and aggression, the panic and sadness running rampant in our society. So, here again, fear wins. Bloodshed spills across the oncesafe grounds of innocence and happiness. I myself can even say how much these thoughts of “what if?” linger in my head as I routinely attend and cover music festivals, sporting events, and large gatherings of all shapes and sizes. There have been times, very few and fleeting moments, where I’m standing in these huge crowds, or backstage looking out on a sea of people, wondering if “this is the night” something bad happens. And it’s no wonder I, and probably everyone around me, have those sentiments way in the back of our heads. After the

Garret K. Woodward

I’ve never shot a gun. Nope. Not once. I come from a family of gun owners. I’ve held plenty of guns. I’ve even attended a handful of gun shows. And I enjoyed learning about each one, the feeling of history and power within my fingers. But, I’ve never shot one. No interest, really. Honestly. Waking up this past Monday morning, I grabbed my smart phone and toyed around on Facebook for a hot minute before heading to the newsroom. And on the Facebook stream was post after post about the mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas that occurred while all of us were asleep on the East Coast. “Good god,” I mumbled under my breath, my girlfriend turning over and asking what was wrong. A flood of sentiments, feelings, and images, filled my mind. Dozens senselessly murdered, while hundreds more were wounded, tens of thousands forever carrying with them the emotional wounds of a one-time dream experience immediately turned into a bloody nightmare. Now, am I for or against guns? Well, I’m all for the Second Amendment. But, I’m also for accountability. Increase the background checks. You get your gun, society can sleep a little better at night, hopefully. And yet, really, none of that matters, especially when you consider stolen weapons, or folks who finally snap after seemingly decades of quiet behavior, where you always see the news clip from a neighbor, “He was such a nice guy. Never expected this from him.” When I read how the Vegas shooter was pulling the trigger from a nearby hotel room, high above the Jason Aldean concert, I thought of the University of Texas tower shooting. In 1966, Charles Whitman, a former Marine sharpshooter,

unteer activities? I grant the letter writer that perhaps other terminology would more aptly describe English speakers supporting this prerequisite. However, to assume that the terms “selfish “and “ethnocentric” have racist overtones against white people or to imply that I consider them “evil” is dead wrong. Incidentally, I do happen to be white, although my race should be of no concern to anyone. Lastly, how do the merits of capitalism relate to English proficiency as a requirement for legal immigration to the U.S.? Judy Stockinger Franklin

Air Force Academy general deserves praise To the Editor: All men and women who have served in the armed forces can hold their heads high when they learn the courage of Lt. Gen. Jay Silveria, who spoke to the cadets of the Air Force Academy after incidents of racial harassment at the Academy. “If you cannot treat someone,” he told them, “with respect and dignity, then you don’t need to be here.” He goes on, “if you cannot treat someone from a different race or different skin color with dignity and respect,

shooting at the Charlie Hebdo magazine headquarters and the Eagles of Death Metal concert massacre at the Bataclan Theatre (both in Paris, in 2015), I’d be lying if I said it hadn’t crossed my mind how easily it could happen in our newsroom or at a local show, where the right elements and intents combine into a source of pure evil. The officials and promoters in Vegas did everything right to ensure the safety of their attendees. But, how do you stop the unstoppable? How do you prevent tragedy that originates outside the security perimeters? It’s pretty much impossible, but it isn’t hopeless. I try to think of the steps and crossroads that led an individual to decide to commit such horrific acts. What went wrong? What could have been said or noticed that could have put out these flames of hate and anger before they set fire to the mindset of an entire city, and also the national dialogue? We may never know the motives of the Vegas shooter, or we may find out in the coming days. Regardless, countless more folks are now dead or wounded in the name of whatever it was that provoked this shooter in the first place. But, what remains is more questions than answers. We all know the numerous solutions out there — more mental health awareness, more “say something if you see something,” etc. — though the outcome tends to always be the same: more bloodshed. What are we doing wrong? But, also, what are we doing right, and how can we do more of that good, day-in-and-day-out? Take a step back, and hug a loved one, or a stranger alike today, and everyday thereafter. We are all one. This ain't being hokey or cheesy. We are human. We laugh and cry, and reach out for help, all the same. Reach out. Be present. Love, and be loved.

LETTERS then you need to get out” Wouldn’t it be refreshing to hear our president say those bold words? Instead, he has called some black athletes “sons of bitches” (respect and dignity?). Furthermore, he wraps himself in our flag to attempt to stifle these black athletes’ protests of racial injustice. Protesting, however, is not disrespect; it is actually the reason many young men and women lie in graves in Normandy and other sites in France. They gave their lives to defeat a tyrant who had no respect for people of different religions or different skin color. They gave their lives to preserve the American right to protest Wouldn’t it also be refreshing to hear such bold words from our white supremacist-oriented AG? Instead, he hides behind some vague notion of ‘national security’ while attempting to deport all the brown-skinned immigrants from our country. Deporting mothers and grandmothers who have lived peacefully in our country for 20-plus years does not make our nation more secure. The words of Lt. Gen. Silveria are forceful and to the point. He is aware that he can not change national events dealing with bigotry and racial injustice. He mentions Charlottesville, Ferguson, and the NFL protests. But he is saying that racial bigotry

and injustice will not be tolerated at the Academy during his watch. And perhaps that is the best we can all do. We cannot prevent the degradation of people of different colors, races, or genders, or creeds in all parts of the world. We can, however, take action to stop it in our own little corner of the world. The general shows us the way. Bravo, General! Paul Strop Waynesville

Children’s healthcare must be supported To the Editor: Last week the US Congress failed to reauthorized the Children’s Health Insurance Plan — CHIP — known in North Carolina as Health Choice. Seven million children in the U.S. rely on this plan for their health insurance. Several thousand of these children live in Western North Carolina. I have been a pediatrician in Haywood County for 28 years and have treated many children with serious chronic diseases, including cancer. For hundreds of families in WNC Health Choice is not an option — it is a life or death necessity. Our Congressman, Mark Meadows, R-Asheville, knows what

families in your districts. Failure to act on this would be a moral failure. Stephen Wall, MD Waynesville

Chris Cox

the tragedy of cancer can do to a family. He lost his sister and father to cancer. We can only offer him our deepest sympathy for those tragedies. Congressman Meadows now must step up and protect those children — many of whom who suffer from serious diseases or need preventive care — and who rely on Health Choice. So far he has NOT done so. CHIP was passed in the 1990s by an effort of both political parties working together. It is time to put aside useless partisan bickering and stand up for the health of the children of this country. Re-fund CHIP/Health Choice NOW! Our local state representatives have been absolutely silent on this critical issue. Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City, and Rep. Michelle Presnell, R-Burnsville, will you lend your voices to meet the needs of the children of WNC? Speak with Congressman Meadows. I have called his office and alerted his staff to the crisis about to hit hundreds of

We can survive the Trump era To the Editor: President Trump never ceases to amaze me on his downward spiral to be the worst president in U.S. history. The potential Nero of American political history, President Trump fiddles on Twitter hill about NFL football players kneeling while 3.5 million Americans on Puerto Rico suffer and die in the aftermath of a major hurricane; while his fifth attempt at an Obamacare repeal bill dies; while he ratchets up a potential nuclear holocaust with North Korea; and while he continues on his general insidious course of dividing an already dan-

changed out the equipment on stage, The lights went down and out came the Heartbreakers, taking their position on the stage. When Tom Petty came out, he nearly tripped over the monitor before strapping on his electric guitar and launching into the first song, “Shadow of a Doubt (A Complex Kid).” The crowd erupted, swaying, singing, jumping up and down. I saw two girls in tears, hugging tightly. The Heartbreakers were lanky and funny and completely unpretentious, and they absolutely tore the place apart for the next two hours with blistering versions of all those songs we knew so well. It was one of the best rock and roll shows I have ever seen, before or since. Somehow, I never got around to seeing Tom Petty again, but his music has been a constant in my life since I was a junior in high school. I like to think of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers songs like Marcel Proust’s biscuits from his novel, The Remembrance of Things Past. When I bite into one, a flood of memories carries back people, places, and times that have drifted away on the tides. When I put on Tom Petty, I am suddenly “free falling” in Boone in 1989, or “learning to fly” two years later, when I made the move from Boone to Waynesville to begin a whole new life. Or, drifting back further, sitting in my driveway late at night, basketball practice over, playing “Even the Losers” over and over again before going in the house for supper. “Well it was nearly summer, we sat on your roof Yeah we smoked cigarettes and we stared at the moon And I showed you stars you never could see It couldn’t have been that easy to forget about me.” I will never forget you, Tom. Thanks for all those times you gave us, thanks for the memories, thanks for making us believe that, sometimes, you were singing especially to us, or even about us. (Chris Cox is a teacher and writer. jchriscox@live.com.)

gerously polarized country. It’s particularly amazing that Trump disparages Sen. John McCain, who flew hundreds of combat missions as a Navy pilot in Vietnam before he was shot down, tortured and imprisoned by the communists at the “Hanoi Hilton” during the height of the war. It should be noted Trump got a deferment from serving in Vietnam due to “bone spurs” in his foot. McCain, by the way, had most of his bones broken during his crash and subsequent torture by the communist in Hanoi. Trump has bragged about chasing women in the New York City disco scene during the time McCain was imprisoned. Trump, in a radio interview with Howard Stern, said avoiding STDs was “my personal Vietnam.” Yet, this narcissistic man is our president. The Republic will survive because we are stronger than one sick aberration. James Budd Bryson City

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Smoky Mountain News

Campbell’s solos. “You don’t have to live like a refugee!” (“Give me a beer back here, asswipe!”) “Somewhere, somehow, somebody must have kicked you around some!” We sang all of the songs and then argued about which were the best. Then we argued about whether “Damn the Torpedoes” was better than the last Tom Petty album. Then we argued about whether Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were the best American band of all time, since the Stones, the Beatles, and Led Zeppelin were all British bands. Somebody said Creedence and got hit with an empty beer can. “Even the losers get lucky sometime!” We got there in plenty of time to find our seats, which were just a few rows from the stage. All of us had been to Carowinds a few times to ride the rollercoasters and do the theme park thing with our parents or youth groups, but this was the first time we had ever been here — sans parents — to see a rock and roll show. More importantly, it was the first time any of us had seen Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. “Tom Petty!” “And the Heartbreakers!” “Tom By God Petty!” High fives were attempted, not altogether successfully. We may have been a little buzzed from our refreshments, but mostly we were just bristling with the energy that flows among a crowd of people getting ready to see and hear music that they love so much that it is part of the fabric of their day-to-day lives. There is no feeling in the world exactly like that. The opening act was a guy named Tommy Tutone, whose song “867-5309/Jenny” had become a huge FM radio hit that summer. He was fun, and everybody sang along and jumped around when he sang that song. The rest of his set we spent restlessly, watching girls and waiting for Tom Petty. Finally, about half an hour after Tommy Tutone left the stage and the roadies

October 4-10, 2017

e were pretty full of ourselves, I guess. Barely 19, barely finished with our freshman year in college, having left our provincial little town behind for the urban chaos and the infinite possibilities of university life just over a year ago. Now here we were again, back in town for the summer. We knew we were going back to school soon enough, so we wanted to cram every bit of experience and drunken camaraderie into those last few weeks together before packing up our junk, moving back into the dorm, settling on a Columnist major, and getting serious about the future after a few false starts and narrow escapes during our freshman year. The first thing on the agenda was going to see Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Carowinds. We all had different taste in music. I was into Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, and had discovered punk rock in college, which opened up a whole world I did not even know about until I heard some guy down the hall playing a New York Dolls album one day. Some of my friends were partial to The Who, others to Lynyrd Skynyrd, others to the Eagles or Van Halen. But we all loved Tom Petty. In my entire life, I have never met anyone who did not love Tom Petty. When we heard he was playing Carowinds, we snagged some tickets immediately. On the day of the show, we met in town at The Pantry and bought some cheap beer and cigars, chips and dip, and mixed nuts for the road. Mark gassed up the car and we lit out for I-77, a straight shot south to Carowinds. On the way, we listened to “Damn the Torpedoes” all the way through, screaming more than singing and banging the dash and the windows with our fists, wailing on air guitar during Mike

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opinion

A part of my generation’s soundtrack W

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

October 4-10, 2017

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. BOGART’S 303 S. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.1313. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic old-time setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal festival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

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 preprepared 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. Saturday night will feature an evening cookout on the terrace, with choices such as steak and shrimp. On all other nights of the week, the chef will prepare dinner 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. So join us for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations. CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored. CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville. 828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com. THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and 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. EVERETT HOTEL & BISTRO 16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934. Open daily for dinner at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 4:30-9:30 p.m. Serving fresh and delicious weekday morning lite fare, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly prepared menu offerings range from house-made soups & salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialty sandwiches and burgers. Be sure not to miss the bold flavors and creative combinations that make up the daily Chef Supper Specials. Followed by a tempting selection of desserts prepared daily by our chefs and other local bakers. 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.

Smoky Mountain News

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.

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com. 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. LOS AMIGOS 366 Russ Ave. in the Bi-Lo Plaza. 828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the lunch prices Monday through Sunday, also enjoy our outdoor patio.

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

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

Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Sun. 12-9 p.m.

Sandwiches • Burgers • Wraps 24

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

32 Felmet Street (828) 246-0927

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100%

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

tasteTHEmountains 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. 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 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. NEWFOUND LODGE RESTAURANT 1303 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee (Located on 441 North at entrance to GSMNP). 828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily. Established in 1946 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Family style dining for adults and children.

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. SALTY DOG'S SEAFOOD & GRILL 3567 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

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.

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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.

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Smoky Mountain News

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

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.

Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday 6pm to 8pm

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PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.454.0070. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Breakfast bagels and sandwiches, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches for lunch with homemade soups, quiches, and desserts. Wide selection of wine and beer. Outdoor and indoor dining.

828.926.9105. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Full service bar and restaurant located in the center of Maggie Valley. Featuring daily $6 lunch specials and daily dinner specials such as $1 Taco Tuesdays and 45¢ Wednesday Wings. Backyard Bar is open every weekend thru October. Join us for every NFL game.

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Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food 25

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Smoky Mountain News

Time of the season

WNC falls into October

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD • STAFF WRITER

mid the innumerable reasons we love Western North Carolina, the fall foliage of October might be the common denominator that resides on everyone’s list.

As the leaves change from green to yellow, orange and red, and the air gets a tad crisp in nature, so does the uptick in local and regional festivities. Whether it be the elaborate arts and crafts shows, community gatherings, or simply finding a picturesque corner of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge mountain ranges to call your own, the essence of the fall season is getting out and about, capturing the last of our backyard beauty before we hunker down for the impending winter.

Folk School ‘Fall Festival’

The annual “Fall Festival” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 7-8 at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown. As fall’s vivid colors begin to transform the Southern Appalachian Mountains, communities large and small come together to honor the region’s vibrant culture. This year’s “Fall Festival” has special significance, as the Folk School has dedicated the event to the North Carolina Arts Council’s 50th birthday celebration. The Folk School’s enduring commitment to the arts is evident in two vibrant exhibitions showcasing the

School’s Visual Arts and Quilting and Surface Design Programs. Davidson Hall will house works by accomplished painting, drawing, and mixed media instructors. The Pitman Fiber Arts Building will feature a display of over 30 striking quilts made by the school’s instructors. Festivalgoers will be welcomed by over 250 local and regional craftspeople displaying artwork for sale. Visitors will browse basketry, glass, jewelry, pottery, weaving, and woodturning exhibits, and more. Folk School studios will host over 30 traditional and contemporary craft demonstrations. Talented artisans will offer up-close views of blacksmithing, clay, jewelry, spinning, woodcarving, and many other works in progress.

“Fall Festival” weekend also features lively music and dance performances on the Festival Barn and the Shady Grove stages. Acclaimed regional musicians will share old time, country, bluegrass, Celtic, French, gospel, and blues tunes. Impressive performances by the Campbell Folk School Cloggers, Kudzu Kickers, and Brasstown Morris & Garland dancers are also scheduled for the Festival Barn Stage. High-energy children will discover numerous activities. At the Cherokee County Arts Council’s Kids’ Art tents, near the gardens and petting zoo, youngsters can complete several free children’s art projects. Options include puzzle making, mask making, bead stringing, simple drawing and coloring, felting, leaf or quilt block collages, and Halloween decoration making. Face painting and pony rides will be available, and animal-loving attendees will visit the Valley River Humane Society’s pet adoption exhibit. Hungry festivalgoers will find a variety of lunches and desserts, with community and non-profit groups receiving the concession proceeds. The Folk School’s acclaimed Craft Shop has long been an integral part of the “Fall Festival.” This well-stocked gallery features craft items from over 300 juried regional artists, plus an extensive collection of craft and music books. During the festival, visitors can enter to win a $100 gift certificate. This year, the Craft Shop’s Mary Doornbos and Registrar Kate DeLong are organizing the “Fall Festival.” Doornbos emphasizes the event’s contribution to the larger community. “The festival’s craft vendors are local and regional artisans, and the food vendors are nonprofit and local community groups who benefit from the festival as their primary

fundraiser of the year,” she said. The free on-campus shuttle bus will also return, traveling between the Craft Shop and Festival Barn gates and parking areas. No ATMs are available on campus. While many vendors accept credit/debit cards, festivalgoers should bring cash for tickets and food. Please leave your pets at home. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12-17, and free for children under 12. Parking: The Murphy High School Shooting Team will manage the free on-campus parking. Donations are encouraged, with proceeds helping the team to learn shooting sports in a safe, positive environment. For more details, visit www.folkschool.org/fallfestival or call 800.365.5724.

ColorFest returns to Dillsboro

The ninth annual ColorFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in downtown Dillsboro. Come spend the day in a walk-about mountain town filled with color and history. It’s the perfect place to showcase authentic works of the hand, and the perfect place for you to enjoy a day of fun, entertainment and shopping. Featured in this year’s ColorFest are some of the best fine artists and fine crafters in Western North Carolina; plus many festival foods and great entertainment. Artisans will be displaying authentic Cherokee art, pottery, jewelry, photography, loom beading, hand-

S EE S EASON, PAGE 28

as weather are,” she said. And several variables may still come into play. A few conditions could make the fall less colorful, Collins said. • An active hurricane season that affects WNC — A windstorm could knock leaves off trees and thin the fall canopy. The remnants of Hurricane Irma that moved through the mountains Sept. 11-12 blew off some foliage in spots, especially at higher elevations, but did not have a widespread negative impact, Collins said.

Beverly Collins.

“The warm, wet spring and most of the summer has been ideal for photosynthesis. Under those conditions, plants make abundant chlorophyll and associated leaf pigments, such as yellows, oranges and reds, to produce sugars.”

• Herbivores — A good year for photosynthesis means a good year for insects that feed on leaves. For example, folks have been noticing the recent fall webworm outbreak, especially on black walnut, cherry and black locust trees. Herbivores can eat holes in leaves, cause them to turn brown and fall, or even defoliate an entire tree. However, WNC’s diversity of tree species means herbivore effects are usually spotty over the landscape. • Above-normal temperatures through fall — Although the decreasing daylight hours in fall are the primary cue for plants to make less chlorophyll, continued warm temperatures could slow down color change. www.wcu.edu.

Smoky Mountain News

— Beverly Collins, WCU Department of Biology

October 4-10, 2017

t’s September in the hills when Western Carolina University’s fall foliage forecaster Beverly Collins attempts to quantify the quality of the annual color show in Western North Carolina through a scientific-based prediction. And Collins is anticipating a good display across the mountains this year. Each fall, the region’s autumnal colors emerge as chlorophyll in leaves breaks down, revealing pigments that were hidden by the green. “I think it will be a colorful fall this year,” said Collins, a professor in WCU’s Department of Biology. “If we have a typical fall with bright, sunny days and cool nights in mid- to late-September and a cold snap in early October, chlorophyll will fade and the other pigments will be exposed, giving us the bright colors. The warm, wet spring and most of the summer has been ideal for photosynthesis. Under those conditions, plants make abundant chlorophyll and associated leaf pigments, such as yellows, oranges and reds, to produce sugars.” The peak color around WNC could arrive around the second and third week in October, depending on elevation, she said. The much-anticipated fall color season is important for a region that benefits from travel and tourism, said Steve Morse, economist and director of the Hospitality and Tourism Program in WCU’s College of Business. “We consider the fall foliage tourist season to be primarily an October event — and October is the highest month for tourist spending in WNC,” Morse said. “Many mountain locations are hosting major fall festivals and events, including allstar celebrity concerts at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. “We predict a 3 to 4 percent growth in 2017 October tourist spending over 2016 October tourist spending,” he said. “While we know the Aug. 21 solar eclipse brought many first-time visitors to WNC, many of these visitors may be second-time visitors for the fall foliage season.” Morse said a factor that could affect October visitation in a good way is stable gas prices and supplies in the Southeast, especially in major tourism feeder markets including Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham and Knoxville. As WCU’s leaf color prognosticator, Collins follows in the steps of Dan Pittillo, retired professor of biology, and Kathy Mathews, current associate professor of biology. Collins, who earned master’s and doctoral degrees in botany at Rutgers University, has researched and written extensively about forest and plant ecology. “From a scientific perspective, as a botanist and ecologist, I understand how many factors contribute to plant responses such as leaf color change and how variable and unpredictable factors such

arts & entertainment

Autumn leaves must fall, but not before being a WNC tourism draw

arts & entertainment

will be centrally located at the foot of Church Street. Most musicians have a need to perform/compose through their strong love of music, and this certainly shows with the fine array of local performers lined up for daylong entertainment at ColorFest. Entertainers include Twelfth Fret, The Maggie Valley Band, J. Creek Cloggers, and The Elderly Brothers. Besides the festival food offered, there’s also nearby restaurants: Kostas Family Restaurant, Jarrett House Restaurant, Haywood Smokehouse, Boots Saloon & Grill, Lee’s at the Depot, and the Well House. For more information, call Connie Hogan at 828.586.3511 or visit www.visitdillsboro.org.

Waynesville’s ‘Art After Dark’

October 4-10, 2017

S EASON, CONTINUED FROM 26 made soaps, many kinds of needle work, Christmas ornaments, pine cone wreaths, candles, rustic furniture, chair caning, baskets and much more. Most of the artisans will be demonstrating their work and striving for the prizes awarded for first, second, third place (plus honorable mentions), sponsored by Champion Credit Union in Canton. The festival has many great visual artists this year who will be demonstrating their expertise. Sheila Bowers and Doreyl Ammons Cain hail from Tuckasegee and share their love of nature in completely different art forms. Bowers specializes in acrylic contemporary poured art, natural landscapes, and abstract fantasy. She also enjoys blending her love of artwork into jewelry making. Inspired by her beloved Smokey Mountains, Bowers enjoys caring for her farm animals and horseback riding as well as creating beautiful works of art.

Cain’s nature art is also a celebration of life. Using vivid colors she explores shapes, design and expression. Coming from a career in biological art, she enjoys exploring the endless forms of natural life. Painting in pastels, acrylics and mixed media on various sur-

TIME OF THE SEASON faces, she creates commissioned art for books, exhibits, collectors and hand signed and numbered fine art prints for festivals. Bob Robinette from Waynesville will also be demonstrating his love of acrylic. Dina Deason from Bryson City is another acrylic/mixed media artist. Entertainment, mixed with the aroma of exceptional food, will enliven the festive environment of the day. The entertainment stage

Smoky Mountain News

Church Street Art & Craft Show

The 34th annual Church Street Art & Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, in downtown Waynesville. Attracting over 20,000 visitors each year, the festival features over 100 artisans and crafters. Vendors include fiber art, photography, glass, leather, jewelry, gourmet food, handcrafted items, garden accessories, and much more. There will also be live entertainment, with bluegrass bands and clogging groups performing on both ends of Main Street. As well, there’s an abundance of food vendors and children’s activities. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

The next “Art After Dark” will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in downtown Waynesville. Each first Friday of the month (MayDecember), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors. Participants include Burr Studio, Cedar Hill Studios, Earthworks Gallery, Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery & Gifts, The Jeweler’s Workbench, Moose Crossing Burl Wood Gallery, T. Pennington Art Gallery, Twigs and Leaves Gallery and The Village Framer. “Art After Dark” is free to attend. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

Apple Harvest Festival The annual Apple Harvest Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21,

on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. This beloved festival has grown into the region’s premier juried arts and crafts event and celebration of all things apple. This year’s event will feature exhibitors, artisan demonstrations, live entertainment and great food. Hailed as one of the “10 Best Fall Harvest Festivals in the Nation,” Apple Harvest Festival is a celebration of the autumn harvest and Haywood County’s agricultural heritage. Countless booths of fresh apple pies, tarts, caramel apples, ciders, jewelry, pottery and yard art. Try your hand at hand-cranking ice cream or pressing apple cider, then taste the fruit of your labor. Music, dancing, crafts, and oldfashioned games make this event fun for the whole family. The festival is free to attend. All are welcome. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

Cashiers Leaf Festival The Leaf Festival will be held Oct. 6-8 on the Village Green in Cashiers. Arts, crafts, food vendors, live music, and much more. Presented

arts & entertainment

‘Singing in the Smokies’ The annual “Singing in the Smokies” fall festival will be held Oct. 12-14 at Inspiration Park in Bryson City. Live performances by The Inspirations, Chuck Wagon Gang, The Kingsmen, The McKameys, and The Diplomats. Nearby lodging, camping and RV parking available. Tickets are $20 per night. For more information, visit www.theinspirations.com.

by the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association. Free admission. www.visitcashiersvalley.com.

for a can of Friskies as a donation to the Catman 2 Cat Shelter. Booths still available. 828.349.4324 or www.franklinchamber.com.

Autumn Leaves Craft Show

Maggie Valley quilt show

The annual Autumn Leaves Craft Show will be held Oct. 12-14 at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Franklin. Handmade crafts, food vendors, and more. Free admission, but there is a request

Hosted by the High Country Quilt Guild, the 27th annual quilt show, “High Country Autumn,” will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13-14 at the First Baptist Church in Maggie Valley.

Cowee ‘Fall Festival’ The “Fall Festival” will be held starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Cowee Gift Shop & Mason Mountain Mine in Franklin. Live music, artisan crafters, exhibits on mining, and more. For information, call 828.524.4570 or visit www.franklin-chamber.com.

The annual “Harvest Festival” will be held Oct. 20-21 at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville. • 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 20: storytelling, Marshmallow roast, hot cocoa, and more. • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21: artisan crafters, clogging, country fair, and quilt exhibit. • 7:30 p.m. Oct. 21: Americana/bluegrass performance by Mountain Heart. The two-day festival is free to attend. The Mountain Heart show is $25 for adults, $10 for children and students grades K-12. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

Kimberly Childs

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Smoky Mountain News

Mountain Heart to headline Stecoah fest

Bookstore

October 4-10, 2017

There will be 80 to 100 quilts of all sizes from wall hangings to kings on display as well as two craft rooms where we’ll be selling articles such as wall hangings, hot pads, decorative items and more, all handmade by the guild members. Vendors include J Creek Fabrics, Lisa’s Quilting Shed, Shakerwood Woolens, Elaine’s Attic SC, Quilters On The Go, and Sherry Verse Sew New Again. There will also be a display of quilts from our Quilts for Heroes project. You will have a chance to see some of the quilts members have made to send off to the USO in Germany to give to returning service men and women who have been wounded in action. These will join the 70 quilts we have already sent this year. The donation quilt to be raffled off takes the Smoky Mountains for theme. Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. High Country Quilters is a nonprofit organization. Funds collected from the sale of raffle tickets for the theme quilt are used for local scholarships and charities.

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Smoky Mountain News October 4-10, 2017

arts & entertainment

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

Adults $24 Seniors $22 Students $11 *Special $16 tickets for all Adults on Thursday, October 5. 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 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.

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Smoky Mountain News

The ninth annual ColorFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in Tom Petty. downtown Dillsboro. I can’t remember a time without him and his band’s music in The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host my life. It’s always been there, The Russ Wilson Trio (jazz/old-time) at 7 p.m. just like Bob Dylan and Willie Saturday, Oct. 7. Nelson have always been there The musical comedy revival “Smoke on the for my parents’ generation. I Mountain” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 7, grew up on the sounds of Tom 12, 14, 19 and 21 at the Smoky Mountain Petty & The Heartbreakers. We Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. all did. Every single one of us, whether we realize it or not. Bob Plott will host a reading and discussion on It’s the songs swirling above his new book Plott Hound Tales: Legendary at the local hamburger joint in People & Places Behind the Breed at 3 p.m. Small Town USA or echoing from Saturday, Oct. 7, at Blue Ridge Books in a jukebox in some city you’d Waynesville. always seen on a map, one day hoped to visit, and did, for good The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will or ill. It’s the melodies radiating host Russ T. Nutz (honky-tonk) at 10 p.m. from the car stereo, a joint rotatFriday, Oct. 6. ed among friends and strangers becoming fast friends, all for the rumbling outside, I was good to go. possibilities of the unknown night. And Petty had all those great music Myself a child of the 1980s and 1990s, videos. “Runnin’ Down A Dream.” “Mary Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were Jane’s Last Dance.” “Free Fallin’.” And espeeverywhere. When my family finally got cially, “Don’t Come Around Here No More,” cable in the early 1990s, I found myself with all its “Alice In Wonderland” characters sneaking into the living room while my and eerie musical stylings. mother was mowing the lawn to watch It was riding around in my mother’s old MTV. At that time, I wasn’t allowed to watch MTV. But, with my dad still at work, Toyota Corolla, with KOOL 105.1 FM blaring. Petty & The Heartbreakers would spill and as long as I could hear the lawnmower

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October 4-10, 2017

‘You never slow down, you never grow old’

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

out of the speakers, flowing out the window and onto the vast cornfields and Adirondack foothills along the Canadian border. Though I didn’t have a driver’s license or vehicle in middle school, I did have the local bowling alley. The Bowl Mart, as the rickety sign buzzed in the enormous parking lot filled with potholes and potheads. My best friend, Ben, and I would convince my mother to drop us off there on Friday and Saturday nights. Seeing as that’s where the cool kids and cute girls were, it was the place to be, so, obviously, we had to be in attendance. One night, Ben approached the old jukebox in the lobby and threw in a crumpled dollar bill. I watched his fingers poke around for the song he wanted. And then it came over the loud bowling alley speakers. “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” was the tune, and I can honestly say, the words struck a chord in me. Sitting there, with some girl I had a crush on atop my lap, I zoned out for a moment, just focusing on the song, “Well I don’t know what I’ve been told / You never slow down, you never grow old / I’m tired of screwing up, I’m tired of goin’ down / I’m tired of myself, I’m tired of this town / Oh my my, oh hell yes / Honey put on that party dress / Buy me a drink, sing me a song / Take me as I come ‘cause I can’t stay long…” I had never heard words like that, let alone sung like that. It was like they were written for me. It was like a lightning bolt struck me, when I, for the first time, realized I could leave my cow town and its limitations, that no desire was too farfetched to reach for. I was 13-years-old and I felt like Petty himself leaned in and told me the secrets to life. Once the bowling alley speakers went silent, I tapped the cute girl on the shoulder to move so I could get up. I had something more important to do, as I waltzed up to the jukebox and searched for the song to play it again. And I did, and have at every single dive bar around this wild and wonderful country whose threshold I’ve crossed in my 32 years on this planet. All of Petty’s songs resonate that way with me, and probably with you, too. His “Greatest Hits” album has always been within arm’s reach of my truck’s stereo, somewhere near my ragged U.S. atlas and stack of yellowed and torn Jack Kerouac books behind the driver’s seat. Tom Petty is America, and America is Tom Petty. Plain and simple. It’s adventure, and the idea you could be anybody you wanted to be, just as long as you never lost sight of the dream, the sound, the way, “Yeah runnin’ down a dream / That never would come to me / Workin’ on a mystery, goin’ wherever it leads / Runnin’ down a dream / I rolled on as the sky grew dark / I put the pedal down to make some time / There’s something good waitin’ down this road / I’m pickin’ up whatever’s mine…” We lost a cornerstone of American music this week. And yet, the music will forever push ahead into the infinite depths of the universe. At least, in my heart of hearts, it will. It will. Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

MASSIE FURNITURE CO., INC. 45 N. Main St., Waynesville (828) 456-3311 • (828) 452-5792

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arts & entertainment

On the beat

Willie Nelson to play Harrah’s

Summer Brooke & Mountain Faith.

Mountain Faith to headline comedy revival

October 4-10, 2017

The musical comedy revival “Smoke on the Mountain” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19 and 21 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Set in the 1930s, this musical tale introduces the singing Sanders family, who perform their traditional and bluegrass gospel songs for the members of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in celebration of their new electric light bulb. Consisting of almost 30 gospel tunes and the rich stories of the Sanders family’s history on the

gospel circuit, “Smoke on the Mountain” is full of laughs and toe-tapping bluegrass as the characters and the audience realize with a little bit of faith and a whole lot of heart, anything is possible. A full two-act theatrical presentation, featuring Mountain Faith as the Sanders Family Band, will be presented by the Overlook Theatre Company. Tickets are $12 for students and $17 for adults. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

Strategic Plan Update Town Hall Meeting Tuesday, October 17 / 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Smoky Mountain News

Jackson County Public Library Community Room, Sylva

Western Carolina University is undergoing a comprehensive update of its strategic plan, titled “2020 Vision: Focusing on our Future.” WCU oﬃcials are inviting members of the community to share their input and help shape the future of the region’s university.

Learn more at strategicplan.wcu.edu 32

Legendary outlaw country singer Willie Nelson will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Harrah’s Cherokee. A country-rock megastar, Nelson penned such classics as “Crazy,” “Always On My Mind” and “Whiskey River,” and is viewed as a “living legend” of American music and culture. For more information and tickets, visit www.harrahscherokee.com.

Cullowhee bluegrass show A bluegrass concert featuring Allie Burbrink and Frank Lee will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, in the HFR Auditorium at Western Carolina University. Lee and Burbrink present traditional songs and tunes from the rural South with guitars, banjos, fiddle, and harmony. A passion for traditional songs and tunes from the rural South has fueled Frank’s love of

Bryson City community jam A community music jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, 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 welcome. The

performing for the past 25 years. As a founding member of The Freight Hoppers (out of Bryson City), Lee has shared this passion with audiences all over the United States and Canada as well as much of northern Europe. He presents a range of old-time music that spans from raw Blues from the Mississippi Delta to the hillbilly music recorded in the South in the 1920s. Burbrink grew up a farm girl in the vast cornfields of southern Indiana. With her mom playing We Sing Fun & Folk cassettes and her dad blaring Nitty Gritty Dirt Band records, it was no surprise at age 14 that she picked up her mom’s old guitar to lead songs and entertain kids at church and camp. In high school and college, she loved playing and singing anywhere from churches to dorm rooms to community events as a distraction from studies. Intrigued by a friend’s clawhammer banjo playing, Burbrink stole from her mom again, taking her banjo down for a week of lessons at the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. She now plays and tours both with Frank and The Whipstitch Sallies. This program is free and open to the public. www.frankleeandallieburbrink.com or www.wcu.edu.

jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City. The community 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.

On the beat

• Bistro 29 (Franklin) will host Melissa Ellis (singer-songwriter) at 6 p.m. Oct. 7. • Bosu’s Wine Shop (Waynesville) will host a jazz evening with the Kittle/Collings Duo from 6 to 9 p.m. every Friday. Free and open to the public. www.waynesvillewine.com. • The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host The Moon & You (guitar/cello) Oct. 6, The Russ Wilson Trio (jazz/old-time) Oct. 7, Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams (piano/guitar) Oct. 13 and Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Oct. 14. All shows are free (unless otherwise noted) and begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

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• Derailed Bar & Lounge (Bryson City) will have music at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.488.8898.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Marc Keller (singer-songwriter) Oct. 6 and So What Band Oct. 14. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. There will also be a Community Rhythm Circle every Tuesday at 7 p.m. with free drum circle lessons at 6:30 p.m. www.froglevelbrewing.com. • Guadalupe Café (Sylva) will host Folks’ Songs (world/fusion) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays. Free.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Rachel Stewart (singer-songwriter) Oct. 6, Sol Rhythms (world) Oct. 7, Shane Davis (singer-songwriter) Oct. 13 and The UpBeats Oct. 14. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a “Jazz Night” from 6 to 8 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of the month. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com. • Nantahala Brewing Company (Bryson City) will host The Hustle Sounds (funk/soul) Oct. 6 and Rick Balliot & The Blues Experience

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 7 and 21. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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 Grits & Soul (Americana/bluegrass) Oct. 7 and Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) Oct. 14 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 Russ T. Nutz (honky-tonk) Oct. 6, Dead End Parade Oct. 7, Whiskey River Band Oct. 13 and Post Hole Diggers w/The Fumblebuckers (bluegrass/rock) Oct. 14. All shows begin at 10 p.m. • Waynesville Pizza Company will have an open mic night at 7 p.m. Oct. 16. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0927 or www.waynesvillepizza.com. • Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Horn Recital at Oct. 6, Trumpet Recital Oct. 11, saxophonist Alex Sellers Oct. 12 and a Horn Recital Oct. 13 in the Coulter Building. The Symphonic Band Concert will be at Oct. 10 at the Bardo Arts Center. All events are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.wcu.edu.

Smoky Mountain News

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Oct. 4 and 11, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Oct. 5 and 12. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Fish Out of Water (funk) Oct. 6, Alex Culbreth (Americana) Oct. 7, The Fumblebuckers (bluegrass/rock) Oct. 13 and St. Christopher ft. Shane Davis (punk/country) Oct. 14. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

October 4-10, 2017

• Friday Night Live (Highlands) will host The Johnny Webb Band (classic country) Oct. 6 and Southern Highlands (mountain/bluegrass) Oct. 13. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

Oct. 13. All shows are free and at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

arts & entertainment

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host Liz Nance (singer-songwriter) Oct. 6, Austin & Katie Coleman (singer-songwriter) Oct. 7 and Tessia (singer-songwriter) Oct. 13. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. There will also be a “Bluegrass Jam with Heidi” at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

Smoky Mountain News

October 4-10, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the street

Sarge’s ‘Furry Friends Benefit Bash’ The Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation’s ninth annual “Furry Friends Benefit Bash” will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. It’s an evening of fun, food, activities, music and live and silent auctions. Before the dinner, guests may enjoy bidding on silent auction items, including many dining, golf and spa packages, as well as unique items for people and their pets. The live auction will include an overnight package at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, vacation get-a-ways and a special “tag-along work day.” The event will feature “Buy-It-Now” auction items auctions at a fixed price — first come, first buy — and will include specialty items, art pieces and the ever-popular rights to have the winner’s dog’s picture on the 2018 Sarge’s Dog Walk T-shirt. The evening’s auctioneer will be Todd Thompson, owner of Thompson Carr Auction in Sevierville, Tennessee. Thompson also owns the world-famous Charity Pros Benefit Auction Service. The event will be a sit-down dinner with two entrées from which to choose — a beef tenderloin/chicken Francaise combination or vegetarian entrée, all with side

dishes, salad and dessert. Menu selections must be turned in by Sept. 28. There will be a cash bar. Sponsorships are also available — visit www.sargeanimals.org/furry-friends. Tickets may be purchased for $75 per person at Sarge’s Adoption Center, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville. Table sponsorships are available for $650, which will reserve a table for eight guests. Call 828.246.9050 or visit www.sargeanimals.org. Attendees may purchase with PayPal or a credit card at www.sargeanimals.org/furry-friends or use the ‘Donate Social’ button on Sarge’s Facebook page.

Cherokee Indian Fair

Sylva’s ‘Bark in the Park’ “Bark in the Park,” will be held on Sunday, Oct. 8, at Mark Watson Park in Sylva. A partnership between the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association and the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department, the event is part of the American Kennel Club’s “Responsible Dog Ownership Day.” The festival includes dog contests, live demonstrations, raffles, and much more. www.mountainlovers.com.

Country star Pam Lorrie Morgan will perform on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Cherokee Indian Fair. The 105th annual Cherokee Indian Fair will be held Oct. 3-7 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. Like the typical county fair, Cherokee invites a top-of-the-line carnival to provide amusements all week for the young and old alike. From games to high-tech rides, the carnival is always a welcome feature at the fair. Community arts and crafts exhibits, Miss Cherokee contest, live music by Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, and more. For a full schedule of events, activities, and gate openings, visit www.visitcherokeenc.com.

On the street “The Spirit of a Mountaineer” will be the presentation for the meeting of the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City. The presenters, brothers Roger and Tommy Bryant were researching their family history when they made startling discoveries that resulted in their co-authoring a historical novel, Secret in the Smokies. Their presentation will include the story of adventurous mountain families who migrated from Germany in the later 1600s, the routes and travel in those times, descriptions of life in the Western North Carolina mountains in the late 1700 and 1800s, as well as life during the depression in Bryson City as remembered by their mother Helen Beck Bryant. In this web of history is also the intriguing story of Charlie Beck in a case of

moonshine and murder in Swain County in the 1920s. Copies of the Bryant’s book may be purchased after the meeting. Roger is a high school teacher and baseball-football coach. He has coached teams that have earned seven North Carolina state championships and has been awarded Coach of the Year. His brother, Tommy, is a former police detective of the High Point North Carolina Police Department. While working in law enforcement, Tommy received a Service to Mankind award for his work with children and has been a Parade magazine officer of the year nominee. He coached a youth baseball team and a youth football team to North Carolina state championships. Tommy currently works as a sportscaster. Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. This is free and open to the public. www.swaingenealogy.com.

• The Civil War Roundtable will discuss the 155th anniversary of The Battle of Perryville from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 9 in the HFR Auditorium at Western Carolina University.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 and 14 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for Mindfullness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva. Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion. Free admission. For more information, please call 828.335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.

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• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 7 and 14 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. • The Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express will depart at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 6 and 13, and noon and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 7-8 and 14-15 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. On board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, guests will hear a narration of Schulz’s “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” as the train travels to the Pumpkin Patch. Activities to enjoy at The Great Pumpkin Patch will include: campfire marshmallows, a coloring station, temporary tattoos, trick or treating, bouncy house, hayrides and live musical entertainment. For tickets, visit www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

Stroll the Galleries the First Friday of Each Month 6-9 p.m. • May through December Winter Arts Smoky Style

Smoky Mountain News

The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park. Sit by a bonfire, alongside a river, and listen to some of Cherokee’s best storytellers. The bonfire is free and open to the public. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, INC. October 4-10, 2017

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

Do you like a bonfire, storytelling?

arts & entertainment

Early history of WNC presentation

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WAYNESVILLEGALLERYASSOCIATION.COM Funded in part by Haywood County Tourism Development Authority • 1.800.334.9036 visitNCsmokies.com

October 4-10, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the wall Fine Art Museum new acquisitions The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the exhibition “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” through Jan. 26 in Cullowhee. The exhibition reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5. It features catered hors d’oeuvres, wine, live music, and a gallery talk that explores the WCU Fine Art Museum collecting process. This WCU Collects exhibition showcases a selection of artworks recently given to the museum and includes a number of artists not previously represented in the collection. The WCU Fine Art Museum stewards a collection of more than 1,500 art objects in all media. As the museum continues to research and interpret the collection, purchases and gifts expand and strengthen its holdings. All WCU Fine Art Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public. For further information, visit go.wcu.edu/wcucollects or call 828.227.3591. The WCU Fine Art Museum boasts four art galleries with exhibitions yearround. The Museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.wcu.edu.

Open call for art grants

Smoky Mountain News

The Haywood County Arts Council is now accepting applications for North Carolina Arts Council Regional Artists Project Grants (RAPG) through Oct. 6. The grants will fund artists in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson and Macon counties at any phase of their professional development. Grants may cover equipment purchases, professional development training, marketing, and more. Projects must occur between Dec. 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018. The deadline for applications is Oct. 6. Grantees will be notified by Oct. 31. There will be a grant workshop at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, in the HCAC office at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville. Applications and instructions will be available at the workshop. It is recommended that all new applicants attend. Those interested should RSVP by emailing the Lindsey Solomon, RAPG administrator at info@haywoodarts.org. For application information, visit www.haywoodarts.org/ regional-artist-project-grant. In the west, grant awards to artists generally range from $500 to $1,200 and follow a competitive application and review process. 36 The Haywood County Arts Council is

Jackson celebrates NC art Darren Nicholson will perform Oct. 26 in Sylva.

The Jackson County Arts Council announced that it is one of 170 organizations across North Carolina to participate in a Statewide Arts Celebration to recognize the 50th anniversary of the North Carolina Arts Council. Arts and cultural organizations in all 100 North Carolina counties will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the North Carolina Arts Council in October with music, dance, exhibitions, fall festivals, and more.

The Jackson County Arts Council is proud to sponsor and/or co-sponsor the following events in honor of the 50th anniversary of the North Carolina Arts Council: • Jan Boyer’s alcohol ink paintings will be on display in the Rotunda Gallery at the Jackson County Public Library through the end of October. • Gallery One on Main Street in Sylva will spotlight the artwork of Joe Meigs and other local artists for the month of October.

supported in part by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources. The Regional Artists Project program is managed through a partnership with the North Carolina Arts Council and local arts organizations throughout western North Carolina working as a consortium. Consortium partners include the Art League of HighlandsCashiers & the Greater Plateau, Cherokee County Arts Council, Clay County Historical & Arts Council, Haywood County Arts Council, Jackson County Arts Council, and the Stecoah Valley Arts, Crafts & Educational Center, Inc. Since 1985, the North Carolina Arts Council has provided funds for the Regional Artists Project program to support professional artists. The regional consortium of western North Carolina arts partners matches the N.C. Arts Council to create a pool of funds for the artists.

“Carolina Kitchen.” The program will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Cost for the class is $25. To register to attend, call Dogwood Crafters at 828.586.2248 by Oct. 12.

• “Cooking with Brenda” will be an educational program offered by Dogwood Crafters Co-Op on Thursday, Oct. 19. Brenda Anders, an accomplished cook and president of Dogwood Crafters, will share tips, techniques, and recipes as she prepares a meal starting with appetizers and ending with dessert for program participants to enjoy. Anders is a frequent guest on WLOS-TV’s

• A “Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin” class will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. $40 to attend. To reserve your spot, call 828.631.0271. • The Franklin Uptown Gallery will hold its monthly membership meeting on at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, at 30 East Main Street. The featured artist is CynDe Copple of the Tsartistry Gallery in Franklin. As a quilt artist, Copple combines her love of painting and quilting, color, texture, and design to create abstract works of art. Light, nature, and the power and grace of movement inspire her work. Please join them and learn how Copple creates her intricate and beautiful art quilts. For information, call 828.349.4607.

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• Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For the full schedule of screenings, visit www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• WCU Art Ed Club, WCU Fine Arts Museum, and JCAC will host “Kids Art Days” for school aged children on Oct. 5-6 at the Bardo Arts Center. Call 828.227.7397 for registration information. • Heather Mae Erickson, ceramicist, will be the presenter for the Oct. 9 Artist Talk at the Jackson County Library Community Room sponsored by JCAC. This event is free and begins at 6 p.m. • Darren Nicholson, of Balsam Range, will be in concert at the Jackson County Library Community Room at 6 p.m. Oct. 26. The Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) will be the opening act. This event is cosponsored by The Jackson County Arts Council and the Jackson County Library and is free of charge. “We are delighted to pay tribute to the N.C. Arts Council with these events that celebrate the many artists and art forms in Jackson County” said Gayle Woody, president of the Jackson County Arts Council. “We are proud of the impact the N.C. Arts Council has had across the state and in our own community.” Information on events sponsored by Jackson County Arts Council can also be found at www.jacksoncountysrts.org. To learn more about 50th anniversary activities visit www.ncarts50.org. Follow NC Arts Council’s 50th anniversary celebration at #NCArts50 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

• 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. • “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (Oct. 5 and Oct. 19) 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. • 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. • 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.

On the wall

Heather Mae Erickson.

Haywood Arts ‘Studio Tour’ This October, local residents and visitors are invited to view work from Haywood County artists who operate studios in this county. Though there will not be a “Studio Tour” in 2017, this show will fill a gap and create excitement for next year’s tour. Participants work in diverse media, including clay, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, mixed-media, sculpture, and two-dimensional applications. You can view the work of 22 local artists from Oct. 6-28, with the Art After Dark opening event from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6. The “Studio Tour” is organized by a dedicated group of Haywood County artists who are very interested in having this event back on the schedule for 2018. Bonnie Smith, “Studio Tour” Committee member says, “There are discussions going on to decide whether a spring or fall tour would be best.” Lindsey Solomon, executive director of the Haywood County Arts Council shares, “Though the Studio Tour is reorganizing this fall, we’re so excited that we’re still able

to share work here in the gallery. These local artists enrich our county in a beautiful way.” For additional information, visit www.haywoodarts.org or www.facebook.com/openstudioshaywood.

Waynesville’s ‘Art After Dark’

arts & entertainment

‘Artist Talk’ to showcase ceramicist

The next “Art After Dark” will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in downtown Waynesville. Each first Friday of the month (MayDecember), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors. Participants include Haywood County Arts Council Gallery, Burr Studio, Earthworks Gallery, The Jeweler’s Workbench, Twigs & Leaves Gallery, TPennington Art Gallery, Cedar Hill Studios, JoRidge Kelley/Earthstar Studios, Moose Crossing Burl Wood Gallery, and the Village Framer. “Art After Dark” is free to attend. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com

October 4-10, 2017

of Ceramics Alfred University. In 2012, she moved to Colorado and taught at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, Red Rocks Community College, Colorado Mountain College-Aspen Campus and Arapahoe Community College. The following academic year she was a visiting teaching artist/sabbatical replacement for the 2013-14 academic year at CU Boulder. She has earned numerous awards, including first place for the Horizon Award presented by the Museum of Art and Design in New York and honorable mentions at the Korea Biennale International 2007, 2009 and 2017 Exhibitions. She was awarded an honorable mention in 2016 and jurors choice for the sculpture category in 2017 in the ArtFields Competition. Erickson is currently Assistant Professor and Area Coordinator of Ceramics at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and resides in Sylva/Dillsboro. She is currently preparing for her next solo exhibition which will take place in February 2018 at Coastal Carolina University. www.heathermaeerickson.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

The next “Artist Talk,” sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council, will feature ceramicist Heather Mae Erickson from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Erickson will lecture about her academic and artistic journey from her beginnings as an undergraduate at The University of the Arts to her current position at Western Carolina University. Erickson earned her BFA at The University of the Arts and her MFA at Cranbrook Academy of Art. After which she was a summer resident at the Archie Bray Foundation and was also awarded a Fulbright to study at Aalto University in Helsinki, Finland from 2004-2005. She then became a resident artist at The Clay Studio, and taught at UArts, Rowan University, and Arcadia University. Erickson was awarded an Independence Fellowship for a summer 2009 residency at The International Ceramic Research Center in Denmark. She was the 2009-2012 Robert Chapman Turner Teaching Fellow in Ceramic Art at The New York State College

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arts & entertainment

On the wall Photographer art reception, showcase There will an art Danielle Greb. reception and party for photographer Danielle Greb from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Greb’s art will be on display in the Meeting Room throughout the month of October. Join the library on Oct. 12 for some refreshments and an informal visit with the photographer. Greb has been a Franklin resident since 2011 and taking pictures as a hobby for more than ten years. For the past two years, as a student of art at Western Carolina University, she’s dug deeper into the technical and fine art aspects of photography. She currently spends her time using low light and a slow shutter to capture dual images as well as motion within a single photograph. www.daniellegreb.com.

Smoky Mountain News

October 4-10, 2017

‘The Study of Light in Photography’

The Sylva Photo Club John MacLean will present “The Study of Light in Photography: Part 2” by John MacLean at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, in the Cullowhee Methodist Church on the campus of Western Carolina University. In Part 1 of this program, they studied the “Nature of Light: Quality and Direction.” In Part 2, the presentation is on “Control of Light: Color and Application.” Photography’s medium is light, and all photographers must use light to create photographs. Identification of the different aspects of light — control, quality, direction, color, and, application — will help any photographer improve their final images. And, special lighting doesn’t have to be expensive. This presentation will also show how lighting can be created with very simple, inexpensive tools for both indoor and outdoor photography. MacLean is a professional photographer specializing in architecture and landscape photography and lives in Franklin. He also does professional photographic prints. He teaches workshops and does one-on-one training. Please visit his website at www.johnmaclean.com and his Facebook page at www.facebook.com/johnmacLeanphoto for more information. Share and Tell will follow with the theme of “Use of Unique Lighting.” Please download on a USB any pictures you would like to share. Cost for this program is a $5 donation for guests (applied to membership for this year). Annual membership to the Sylva Photo Club is a $20 donation, $10 for students. sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com, Facebook at Sylva Photo Club, sylvaphotoclub@gmail.com; or call Tony Wu at 828.226.3840.

Native American exhibitions, symposium

focused on contemporary Native American art. Speakers include artists with work in the exhibition as well as local artists. The symposium will be held on from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10, followed by a reception honoring the “Return from Exile” exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public. The symposium includes a ticketed keynote performance from Canadian First Nation electronic music group A Tribe Called Red at 7:30 p.m. For details visit arts.wcu.edu/tribe. The museum is also presenting “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions.” This exhibition showcases a selection of artworks recently given to the museum and includes a

In the WCU Fine Art Museum main gallery through Dec. 8 is the nationally traveling exhibition “Return from Exile: Contemporary Southeastern Indian Art,” curated by Tony A. Tiger, Bobby C. Martin, and Jace Weaver. The exhibition features more than 30 contemporary Southeastern Native American artists working in a variety of media including A Tribe Called Red. painting, drawing, printmaking, basketry, sculpture, and pottery. “Return from Exile” is one of the first major exhibitions to focus on contemporary artists from tribal nations with an historical connection to the Southeastern United States. These include the so-called Five Civilized Tribes, the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Cherokee, and Muscogee (or Creek), and Seminole, all of whom were forcibly removed in the 1830s to present-day Oklahoma as a result of the number of artists not previously represented Indian Removal Act of 1830. The title of the in the collection. The WCU Fine Art exhibition represents the return of these Museum stewards a collection of more than artists to their ancestral homelands. 1,500 artworks in all media — from painting The WCU Fine Art Museum received a and printmaking to book arts, sculpture, $25,000 grant from the National ceramics, and contemporary craft. Endowment for the Arts to host this exhibiwww.wcu.edu. tion and organize a one-day symposium

Haywood Arts Council seeking artists The Haywood County Arts Council is seeking artists for its 10th annual small work show, “It’s a Small, Small Work,” to be held Nov. 3 to Dec. 23 in HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville. The show provides a unique opportunity for budding artists to exhibit their work, as well as the opportunity for more seasoned artists to test their boundaries. The non-juried show is open to all artists with a permanent address in the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, which includes the Qualla Boundary or any of the following counties: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey. All pieces submitted must be exactly 12” or smaller in every dimension, including base, matting, and frame. Each artist is required to submit original work (photographers submit prints) to include a minimum

of three pieces and a maximum of five pieces. Each artist entering the show will pay a flat fee of $20 for handling and publicity. College degree-seeking students may enter for $10. All work must be for sale, priced at $300 or less, and must have been created in the last two years. All mediums are welcome. Commission will be the gallery’s usual 60 percent (artist) to 40 percent (HCAC) split. Artwork can be mailed to P.O. Box 306, Waynesville, N.C. 28786, Oct. 9-14 or hand delivered to the Arts Council Oct. 16-21. The Haywood County Arts Council’s small work show was launched in 2008 to demonstrate that original artwork is affordable and fun. Most businesses, homes and apartments can accommodate smaller works of art — and the show promotes buying local and regional work to help support artists in Western North Carolina. For a Small Works Show application and information on how to submit your artwork, download an application at www.haywoodarts.org, email info@haywoodarts.org, call 828.452.0593, or visit the Haywood County Arts Council at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville.

On the stage John Highsmith photo

A stage production of the Tennessee Williams classic play “The Glass Menagerie” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5-7, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. The play premiered in Chicago in 1944 and was championed by critics Ashton Stevens and Claudia Cassidy. They succeeded in attracting New York producers and later that year it opened on Broadway with Laurette Taylor as Amanda Wingfield, one of the stage’s most memorable characters. Williams was instantly catapulted from obscurity to international fame. The play won the Drama Critics Circle Award and entered the canon of classics. Williams

penned a memory play that is in some aspects autobiographical drawing on the characters of Williams himself, his histrionic mother and his mentally fragile sister Rose. Williams, whose real name was Tom, learned to his horror in 1943 that in his absence his sister had been subjected to a botched lobotomy which left her institutionalized for the rest of her life. It is this episode that inspired the story of the haunted character Tom in the play. Williams would leave the bulk of his estate to provide for Rose’s care. For tickets, call 828.456.6322 or visit www.harttheatre.org. Dinner is also available before the performances at Harmons’ Den Bistro.

‘Live via Satellite’ to screen ‘Norma’ The Highlands Performing Arts Center will begin the “Live via Satellite Series” with the MET Opera’s production of “Norma” at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. There will be a pre-opera discussion at 12:30 p.m. led by Beverly Wichman. This new production of Bellini’s masterpiece, “Norma,” stars Sondra Radvanovsky as the Druid priestess and Joyce DiDonato as her rival, Adalgisa — a casting coup for bel canto fans. Tenor Joseph Calleja is Pollione, Norma’s unfaithful lover, and Carlo Rizzi conducts. Sir David McVicar’s evocative production sets the action deep in a Druid forest where nature and ancient ritual rule. Tickets are available online at www.highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 828.526.9047.

‘Hamlet’ goes punk rock The 2017-18 Mainstage season of Western Carolina University’s School of

Stage and Screen will present “God Save Gertrude,” an offbeat punk rock riff on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” written by Deborah Stein. Ashlee Wasmund, WCU assistant professor of dance, will direct. “God Save Gertrude” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Oct. 7, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, with all shows in the studio theatre of the Bardo Arts Center. Tickets for the Mainstage season or single show tickets may be purchased at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or by calling 828.227.2479.

arts & entertainment

HART presents ‘The Glass Menagerie’

• A production of “Guilty Conscience,” the clever and intriguing mystery by William Link and Richard L. Levinson, will hit the stage on Thursdays through Saturdays from Oct. 12-22, at the MartinLipscomb Performing Arts Center in Highlands. Tickets will go on sale for season subscribers on Oct. 5-6, and for the general public beginning Oct. 7. Requests for reservations may be left at 828.526.8084 or reserved at www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

ALSO:

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

Books that transcend the divisiveness rom Thanksgiving dinners to football games, from the floors of Congress to Joe’s Bar & Grill, from universities to kindergartens, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, Americans find themselves locked into political and cultural debates, shooting out tweets, screaming at rallies, shouting down speakers, and smearing their opponents. Civility and a sense of humor have been banished, replaced by identify politics pitting tribes of people against their neighbors whose skin color, religion, party, Writer and gender preferences differ from their own. The abuse of language, reason, and argumentation, and the failure to define terms or to make clear what is said, only make more brutish this mix of hysteria and malevolence. Had I a megaphone powerful enough to reach all 50 states, I would stand atop Mount Mitchell and yell, “Shut up, please! Everybody shut up!” Were I president, I would immediately issue an executive order commanding all red-faced politicos in the country to eat a chocolate chip cookie and drink a glass of milk every day at noon, and then sleep till two. Children need their naps. I have no bullhorn, of course, and I hope never to be president of anything, but to those who, like me, are sick of all the shouting, shoving, screeching, and sham moralizing, I can offer this comfort: books. First up on the line of defense against the Coocoo For Cocopuffs brigades is Myron Magnet’s The Founders At Home: The Building of America, 1735-1817 (W.W. Norton & Company, 2014, 472 pages). In this handsomely written history, Magnet, who is the editor-at-large of City Journal, gives us mini-biographies of many of the American Founders, a history of the times in which they lived and died, and a walk inside their homes, many of which are now historical sites. The Founders At Home should appeal to readers unfamiliar with the era as well as those who have studied it. I knew quite a bit about Washington, Hamilton, and Jefferson,

Jeff Minick

for example, but little about William Livingstone or John Jay. Reading of these men reminded me of the arduous tasks they faced, building a nation at a time when roads were

Washington, the most powerful man in America, plans to return to his Virginia farm: “When George III heard that he intended to return like Cincinnatus to his farm, he exclaimed with amazement, “If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world!” On Christmas Eve 1783, private citizen Washington dismounted his horse at his beloved Mount Vernon’s welcoming door.” Like any historian worth his salt, Magnet brings a critical eye to his subjects, but he also writes as one who clearly loves and treasures the government and the country these men and women established. If you feel lost in America these days, or if you feel America is lost, reading The Founders At Home may provide you some relief. And if you are tired and

often rutted paths and disease and fatal accidents common. Reading Magnet’s descriptions of the homes of these early patriots, which some of them designed to reflect a vision of liberty for their country, was equally captivating. Magnet’s powers of description, his ear for tone in his writing, and his ability to unobtrusively include snippets and quotes from original manuscripts make the journey through The Founders At Home a great pleasure. Here, for example, Magnet describes George Washington’s resignation from the army and King George III’s reaction when he learns that

worn from the abuse of language and the meaning of words, then I urge you to turn to Do I Make Myself Clear? Why Writing Well Matters (Little, Brown and Company, 2017, 417 pages). Sir Harold Evans, former editor of The Sunday Times and The Times of London, brings a lifetime of wisdom to this manual for novice and veteran writers. He writes with a fine wit — I several times burst out laughing at some of his comments — and provides readers with many examples of writing both good and bad. Evans stresses the importance of editing, contrasting, for example, Roosevelt’s speech asking for a declaration of war against the Japanese with its duller, earlier version. He introduces readers to a website, Readabilityforumulas.com, on which writers can paste passages and have the piece judged for readability and grade level of reading. (Fun, but I doubt I’ll return to it.) The best chapter is “Ten Shortcuts to Making Yourself Clear,” which urges us to take steps like “Ration Adjectives, Raze Adverbs,” “Be Positive,” and “Cut The Fat, Check The Figures.” In Step 8, “Put People First,” for instance, Evans advises: “Aim to make the sentences bear directly on the reader. People can recognize themselves in particulars. The abstract is another world. The writer must make it visible by concrete illustration. This means calling a spade and spade and not a factor of production. Eyes that glaze over at “a domestic accommodation energy-saving improvement program” will focus on “how to qualify for state money for insulating your house.” One caveat regarding both books: Myron Magnet leans to the conservative side, Sir Harold Evans to the progressive. Does some of that prejudice slip into the writing of these two men? Of course, especially in Do I Make Myself Clear? where Evans makes no attempt to conceal his prejudices, especially his loathing of President Trump. So who cares? Both The Founders At Home and Do I Make Myself Clear? are excellent books, the former reminding us of our roots, the latter reminding us of the importance of clarity in language. (Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. Minick0301@gmail.com.)

Memoir searches for love, home Kimberly Childs present her book, Remember Me as Loving You, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. In this colorful memoir, Childs quests for the love and home her glamorous, alcoholic mother is unable to provide. Jeanne Gibson is a mountain woman with unusual charisma — a real-life Holly Golightly — who marries Broadway's meanest producer, David Merrick, and proceeds to self-destruct. Bounced from place to place, Childs grows up in Lady Eden's English boarding school, London's prestigious Savoy Hotel, a Kentucky farm with an outhouse, a Manhattan private girls' school, and amidst Broadway's theaters. Seeking connection on the streets and in the communes of 1960s San Francisco, Childs discovers serenity through meditation and the Dances of Universal Peace. Aspiring for transformation, she finds home in an Indian Guru's ashram — then realizes she must trust her own instincts and courageously walks away. To reserve copies of Remember Me as Loving You, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Bestselling author luncheon New York Times bestselling author Wiley Cash will present his new work, The Last Ballad, during a special luncheon at noon Thursday, Oct. 12, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Partnering with Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville, the Wineseller will host a special occasion literature luncheon, where Cash will discuss the book as soups and salads are served. Cash returns with a new novel, set in the Appalachian foothills of North Carolina in 1929 and inspired by actual events. A chronicle of a single mother's struggle for her rights in a textile mill, The Last Ballad is a moving tale of courage in the face of oppression. Lyrical, heartbreaking, and haunting, this eloquent novel confirms Cash’s place among our nation’s finest writers. Cash is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of A Land More Kind Than Home. A native of North Carolina, he has held residency positions at Yaddo and The MacDowell Colony and teaches in the low-residency MFA program at Southern New Hampshire University. He and his wife live in Wilmington. A full feature on Cash will be in next week’s edition of The Smoky Mountain News. For tickets to the event, or to purchase/reserve a signed copy of The Last Ballad, call 828.456.6000 or click on www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

Sylva’s story time October 4-10, 2017

Adam W. Jones will read his new children’s book, Cecil and the Big Wave, during weekly story time at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Cecil the Littlest Ant may be small, but he's fed up with being bullied about it. The other kids at Aardvark Park tease him about his size, what they don't see is his magnificent courage. Cecil knows that the bullies are wrong about him, and to prove it he focuses on a new goal: he will become a great surfer. With the help of his Uncle Juba, Cecil learns how to master even the biggest waves. Armed with his new skills and confidence, Cecil shows everyone that if you believe in yourself, you can accomplish great things — no matter your size. To reserve copies of Cecil and the Big Wave, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Smoky Mountain News

History of the Plott Hound Author Bob Plott will host a reading and discussion on his new book Plott Hound Tales: Legendary People & Places Behind the Breed at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. The Plott Hound has reached worldwide fame through the contributions of many colorful characters from the Southern Appalachians. An author and breed expert, Plott reveals the fascinating people and places that have shaped the history of the Plott Hound, which has historical roots in Haywood County and is the North Carolina “State Dog.”

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Pedaling toward Mitchell Biking and biology go hand-in-hand for WCU professor BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER arby Harris is going on a bike ride Saturday, Oct. 7, but how far he’ll pedal will be a mystery until he wakes up that morning. Harris’ ride will be fueled by donations to the Western Carolina University Biology Club, with each $10 gift buying 1 mile. And, with the planned route to the top of Mount Mitchell totaling 11,000 feet of climbing, each mile will be a hard-won victory. It’s 110 miles from WCU’s Stillwell Building to the top of the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River, meaning that the Biology Club will have to raise $1,100 to get him all the way there. And, if they raise more than that, Harris will just turn the bike around and start riding back to Cullowhee. “It could get really interesting if they really do raise a lot of money,” Harris said. “It could make for a long day, but I’m going to try to do all the riding at one time.” Harris, an instructor in WCU’s Department of Biology, is no stranger to cycling — or to long rides in support of biology education. This will be his third year in a row to complete a cycling challenge as a

fundraiser for the biology club. Last year, he raised just over $1,000 by completing the Mt. Everest Challenge, riding an out-and-back route between WCU’s Health and Human Sciences Building and the Jackson County Airport 52 times for a total of 130 miles and 29,120 feet of climbing — slightly more than the elevation of Mt. Everest. And in 2015, he did his first cycling fundraiser by completing a 142-mile ride north on the Blue Ridge Parkway from WCU, raising about $900. Before returning to school for a master’s degree and later a Ph.D., Harris had spent years racing as a competitive cyclist, a hobby he began as a teenager. He describes himself as one of those who kids who “didn’t take really strong to the traditional high school sports,” but when a friend of his introduced him to road biking, he got “kind of hooked on

it” and began riding with a group based out of a bicycle shop near his home in Durham. “Even as a high-schooler I would go out with all the older cyclists, these ‘super old’ guys who were 25 and 30,” Harris recalled. “After a while they realized I had a good knack of keeping up with them on the hills.” This led to Harris entering in progressively more competitive races, spending five years as a Category 1 racer — the highest ability level for amateur road cyclists. The timing of Harris’ season in the sport had him riding alongside what are now some of the most well known names in the sport. “I actually have been in a race against Lance (Armstrong) when we were younger. That whole generation of cyclists were sort of my peers,” said Harris, now 45. “It was interesting to see how the best of those went on to

Help Harris bike for biology Donations toward Darby Harris’ bike ride in support of the Western Carolina University Biology Club will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 6, both online and in person. Every $10 will fund 1 mile of the bike ride, with Harris currently planning a 110-mile route ending at Mt. Mitchell State Park. Donate at www.gofundme.com/biking-for-biology or by taking donations to the Biology Department office in room 132 of WCU’s Natural Sciences Building.

Darby Harris pedals through the Western Carolina University campus. WCU photo

make a name for themselves one way or another, whether it was a good name or a bad name.” Harris eventually cycled out of competitive racing. He had a few accidents, including one that resulted in a broken leg and fractured pelvis. “It set me back for a while and I began to realize that maybe I wouldn’t be a professional cyclist one day,” he said. It’s been about 10 years since Harris has entered a competitive bike race, and five since he came to work at WCU. But he’s never stopped riding, and three years ago he had the epiphany that he could use his hobby to do good for others. “I started to think I could actually do something I love to do and have another use for it and have it was a way to raise awareness or money for the biology club,” he said. “I’ve just been sort of astounded that first of all I never thought of this before, but also that it’s so far worked pretty well.” Proceeds from the fundraisers he’s done so far have brought in enough money to help the club do a trip in the spring and participate in a variety of educational activities to enrich their experience outside the classroom. And he’s convinced that there will be a continued need for those funds, because the biology club is growing. “The club has been growing because our major has been growing by leaps and bounds the last 10 years,” Harris said. “We’ve gone from about 150 majors to pushing 500 almost at this point. It’s amazing, it really is. The biology club almost died out a few years ago to where there weren’t really any members, and now there’s at least 50 or more.” While the semester is back in full swing, Harris has been working for months in anticipation of this long ride — he completed the grueling Assault on Mt. Mitchell race in May, riding the 102.7 miles from Spartanburg, South Carolina to the mountaintop, and over the summer he made a point to take advantage of the longer days to get some good rides in during the afternoons, after he’d finished teaching class. “I try to build up a good base in the middle of the summer so by the time I get back to the fall I have some pretty good fitness in the legs,” he said. “I don’t need to worry about getting into shape at this point. I just need to maintain for a month or so.” This week, however, has been mainly about rest and nutrition, trying to stave off any potential sickness and gathering his energy for the big day. Though just how big that day is remains to be seen. “I’m sort of a self-motivated person to ride anyway, but knowing that every mile is raising $10 for the club is sort of like extra motivation on top of that, which gets me even more excited,” he said. “After 150 miles of riding the mountains I can’t tell you how high my motivation will be, but it’s definitely exciting to have the challenge if that’s what happens.”

outdoors

Grant funds to protect farmland Three Western North Carolina properties are among those to be protected through $3.28 million in grants recently awarded by the N.C. Agriculture Development and Farmland Preservation Trust. n Mainspring Conservation Trust received $1.24 million to help buy a perpetual conservation easement on 104 acres of cropland in Cherokee County. n Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy received grants for two properties in Haywood County. A $210,000 grant

will help purchase a perpetual conservation easement on 215 acres of cropland and forestland, while a $125,000 grant will help buy a perpetual conservation easement on 155 acres of cropland and forestland. In addition, the N.C. Foundation for Soil & Water Conservation received $114,000 to assist with purchase of equipment and supplies for a statewide program to improve pasture management, ensure farms are droughtresilient and provide conservation equipment to soil and water conservation districts.

1-800- V I S I T

Smoky Mountain News

Sales of Friends of the Smokies license plates brought in $230,000 over the first half of 2017, a 6 percent increase from last year that brings the plates’ overall fundraising total to $4.3 million since they were first sold in North Carolina. “Not only is it a good-looking plate, but it supports programs in the park enjoyed by all ages,” said Steve Woody, a founding member of Friends of the Smokies. “The park is a huge economic driver of Western North Carolina, so I am proud to give back by buying the specialty license plate. It is money well spent and much appreciated by the national park.” Twenty dollars of each $30 plate fee goes directly to projects in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These include the Parks as Classroom program, Student Conservation Association internships, protection of flora and fauna and preservation of historic and cultural treasures. Plates are available from local License Plate Agency offices, www.friendsofthesmokies.org and www.ncdot.gov/dmv.

October 4-10, 2017

Proceeds grow from Smokies plates

Discover the state you’re in.

W W W. V I S I T N C . C O M .

October 4-10, 2017

outdoors

Race through autumn It’s hard to beat October when it comes to running weather, and races planned throughout Western North Carolina this month will offer plenty of opportunity to jog through autumn landscapes. n The Power of Pink 5K will raise money to improve breast cancer detection in Haywood County, 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center in Clyde. The event will include opportunities for walkers and runners, as well as a dog walk and costume contest. $30 5K; $10 walk; $20 for members of a group of five or more; $10 dog walk. Register at www.HaywoodHealthcareFoundation.org. n The Cullowhee 10K Creek Run and Taste of Cullowhee will start at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Cullowhee Community Garden. The event will offer 5K, 10K and half marathon routes, with walkers welcomed on the shorter two distances and cyclists welcome on the half marathon. Teams encouraged. The event is certified through USA Track and Field. Cost varies by distance and number of people. Sign up at www.imathlete.com. n The Bethel Half Marathon and 5K will return to Haywood County at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, offering the chance to run through rolling farmlands framed by autumn colors and the Pigeon River. Sanctioned by the Asheville Track Club with a USA Track and

Field-certified half marathon. Early registration is $25 for the 5K and $40 for the half marathon, with day-of prices increasing by $5. www.runsignup.com. n A pre-Pumpkinfest run will raise money for Macon/Jackson County Habitat for Humanity at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Tassee Shelter Greenway in Franklin. The route will feature goodies to go along with the season, with the festival held downtown that same day. $25. www.active.com. n The Zombie 5K Chase Race will provide a chance to run against the undead at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, on the Western Carolina University Campus. Runners will wear flags that “zombies” will attempt to steal as they run the course. Anyone who can’t make it to the finish line with at least one flag will be

Experience fall in Panthertown Bethel Half Marathon. Patrick Parton photo

turned into one of the walking dead. Proceeds will support the Mountain Area Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic. Open to ages 10 and under, with runners under 18 required to sign a waiver. $25. www.active.com.

SENIOR TRIP:

FALL FOLIAGE TOUR October 16 • 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Smoky Mountain News

A tour through the area to find the best fall colors

Schoolhouse Falls. Jackson TDA photo

PER PERSON

for Waynesville Rec. Center members

A leaf-looking stroll through Panthertown Valley will be offered 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, near Cashiers. This casual group hike will venture from Salt Rock Gap to Warden’s Falls and back, a total distance of 6-7 miles. The route is rated as moderately difficult, and hikers should bring lunch, snacks, water and shoes sufficient for uneven and muddy trail.

Support Nantahala trails The Nantahala Hiking Club will hold its annual awards and spaghetti dinner fundraiser at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. The evening will honor members who maintain the Appalachian Trail and keep the group functioning, as well as a dinner that is one of two fundraisers the club holds each year. Attendees should bring $10 per person, a dessert to share and dishes and silverware to use. The event is located inside the church’s Tartan Hall. www.nantahalahikingclub.org.

Hike to Hemphill A 7-mile hike to one of the best views in Haywood County will head out from Purchase Knob Tuesday, Oct. 10, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Ascending 1,500 feet to Hemphill Bald, the hike will feature a stop at Ferguson Cabin, which was built in 1987 and is the highest log cabin in the Smokies. The group will also be treated to a brief presentation from national park rangers about the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center, part of a network of centers supporting research and

$12/person for non-members

WAYNESVILLE

PARKS AND RECREATION Info & Registration: 44

828.456.2030 tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov

Members can bring friends and family for free, with non-members asked to join Friends of Panthertown by making a donation. Memberships start at $25. RSVP required. Join Friends of Panthertown online at www.panthertown.org/join and RSVP for the hike at 828.269.HIKE or friends@panthertown.org.

View from Hemphill Bald. Donated photo

education in the national parks. Beth Ransom, an accomplished hiker and Smokies supporter, will lead this hike, organized by Friends of the Smokies. Meeting locations will be offered in Waynesville, Asheville and at the trailhead. $20 for Friends of the Smokies members; $35 non-member fee includes a one-year membership. Donations benefit the Trails Forever Program, which pays for skilled crews to reconstruct high-use and high-priority trails in the park. Register at www.hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.

Electric expo coming to WCU outdoors

An electric vehicle expo will demonstrate Western Carolina Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new solar electric vehicle charging station and offer opportunity to learn more about sustainable transportation, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in the parking lot behind Reid Gymnasium. Guests will see the new self-driving Tesla, along with other electric vehicle makes and models, and be eligible for free giveaways. Expo participants include Uber, Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition, Brightfield Transportation Solutions, Blue Ridge EV Club and WCUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eco CATS, Sustainable Energy Initiative and Office of Parking and Transportation. Lunch available for purchase. Lauren Bishop, 828.227.2562 or lbishop@wcu.edu.

Help work the farm

October 4-10, 2017

A chance to serve the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will take place 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Mountain Farm Museum next to Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Volunteers will help perform needed maintenance work on the museum, located along U.S. 441 just north of Cherokee. The event is one of several service projects scheduled across the park this summer and fall. Participants should sign up four days before the event at http://conta.cc/2yKcTow. Logan Boldon, 865.436.1278.

Get acquainted with native plants

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

Smoky Mountain News

A look at the native plants that stood in as a general store of sorts for Cherokee families and white settlers will commence at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, during a daylong class offered on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bryson City resident and wildcrafter Ila Hatter will teach the course, which will include information on what was used for flavor and pharmacy, sampling of traditional Cherokee foods and a tour of the Indian Botanical Gardens. The class is offered through the Smoky Mountain Field School, a cooperative effort between the park and the University of Tennessee. The field school draws from more than 30 experts teaching more than 80 diverse sessions, with classes held in locations throughout the park. $79. Register at www.smfs.utk.edu or call 865.974.0150.

Log on. Plan a getaway. Let yourself unplug. 45

outdoors

Scouts bring in the apple harvest Meet Charlotte Figi.

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October 4-10, 2017

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{Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}

More than 600 pounds of apples wound up in the pantries of people in need thanks to the efforts of 14 Girl Scouts during a Sept. 23 glean at the Waynesville home of John and Nancy Shillinglaw. The volunteers came from Waynesville Troop 30098 and Asheville Troop 30089 and ranged in age from 7 to 14. The apples they picked went to nine different recipient locations, each of which serves food-insecure Haywood County residents. The day was organized in cooperation with the Haywood Gleaners, a group that connects with growers to get any produce that would be left to rot after harvest into the hands of those who need it. Haywood Gleaners is affiliated with the Society of St. Andrews, a national nonprofit whose mission is to feed the hungry. “I felt very accomplished and empowered by the thought that I could do something like this to help people,” said Asheville troop member Gates. Girl Scout policy requires that scouts be identified by their first name only. “I would 100 percent encourage working with the Haywood Gleaners again.” Haywood Gleaners is always looking for volunteers to help pick and transport pro-

Smoky Mountain News

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duce, and local orchard owners, home gardeners and commercial produce growers willing to allow gleaning. Sign up at www.haywoodgleaners.org.

Dam removal to boost native species A recent dam removal on Santeetlah Creek in the Nantahala National Forest is allowing native fish to return to high-quality habitat found in the waterway. Flowing from the Snowbird Mountains and Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, Santeetlah Creek was once home to several important native aquatic species. However, biologists noticed that the fish community had become less diverse than that of other streams in the area — due to poor management techniques in the past. A concrete fish barrier was built in the mid-1960s to prevent native fish from swimming upstream, and the creek was then poisoned upstream of the barrier to remove the native fish before being restocked with non-native rainbow and brown trout. The treatment was intended to help the introduced trout thrive, but monitoring showed no long-term benefits to the trout fishery. The dam was removed following U.S. Forest Service consultation with the N.C. Wildlife Resource Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Before removal, biologists snorkeled the site to make sure no hellbender salamanders would be harmed during demolition. The removal project was conducted in May.

Catch-and-release rules go into effect

Members of Waynesville Girl Scout troop 30098 glean apples. Donated photo

Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations are now in effect on 34 trout waters in Western North Carolina. On these waters, no trout can be harvested or possessed between Oct. 1 and one half-hour after sunset June 1, 2018. Anglers cannot possess any natural bait and may fish only with artificial lures with a single hook. During fall and spring, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission stocks these waters with high densities of trout to increase anglers’ chance of catching fish. Delayed Harvest Trout Waters are posted with diamond-shaped, black-and-white signs and are popular with anglers who enjoy catchand-release fishing. www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/F ish/Trout/TroutFishing.aspx.

Fly fishing as healing A homegrown fly-fishing talent will speak about his work using angling as a tool for therapy at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley. Since 2009, Rick Queen has been a volunteer with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, working with veteran, disabled and elderly populations in a fly-fishing setting. He will discuss his experiences and offer a special segment on streamer fishing. Queen is a Jackson County native, attorney and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served 10 years as an officer and helicopter pilot with tours in Operation Desert Storm and Mogadishu, Somalia. He is also a highly ranked competitive fly fisherman. The presentation is part of Trout Unlimited Cataloochee’s regular monthly meeting. Attendees are welcome to come early and enjoy dinner.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • The Beaverdam Community Center will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, at the center. Guest speaker is Mary Roderick with Haywood Waterways Association. 648.0552 or a-jsellars@att.net. •The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park. Sit by a bonfire, alongside a river, and listen to some of Cherokee’s best storytellers. The bonfire is free and open to the public. www.visitcherokeenc.com. • Applications are now available for the Waynesville Christmas Parade, which is at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4, on Main Street. Registration ranges from $20-30. info@downtownwaynesville.com or 456.3517. Applications are due by noon on Friday, Nov. 17. • Folkmoot is organizing a trip to Greece that will depart Dec. 26 and return on Jan. 3. To register or get more info: http://folkmoot.org/Greece or 452.2997. • Cruise in Maggie Valley event is held from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday at 2771 Soco Road. Vendors: $10 per space. Cruising@MaggieValleyAntiques.com. • Qualla Boundary Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will host a “Choosing Your Legal Structure” seminar from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 5, at the Regional High Technology Center in Clyde. Part of the Business Startup Series. For info or to register: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512. • The Western North Carolina Civil War Round Table will host Christopher L. Kolakowski’s presentation of “The Kentucky Campaign: Battle of Perryville” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the HF Robinson Auditorium at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Meet-n-greet at 5 p.m. at Bogart’s in Sylva; light refreshments/social at 6:30 p.m. at the auditorium. • A financial education class on “How to find extra income in your day-to-day life” will be offered by OnTrack from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Preregistration required: 452.7960. • The Small Business Center at Haywood Community College will offer a QuickBooks Summit from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the campus library in Clyde. Presenter is Alicia Sisk-Morris. Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512. • A Hunter Safety Course will be offered two more times from 6-9:30 p.m. on Nov. 6-7 and Dec. 18-19 on the Haywood Community College Campus, Building 3300, Room 3322, in Clyde. Participants must attend both nights to receive certification from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Canton and from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. Sign up at the front desk of either library or call 356.2507 for the Waynesville Library or 648.2924 for the Canton Library.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • United Christian Ministries will have fundraisers at the following days, times and locations – with 10 percent of all proceeds going to help Jackson County families in need: all day on Thursday, Oct. 5, at South of Philly in Sylva; from 5-10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, at Zaxby’s of Sylva; from 4 p.m.-closing on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Sazon in Cullowhee; 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Half Past of Sylva; 5 p.m.-closing on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Wendy’s of Sylva; 4 p.m.closing on Thursday, Nov. 9, at Coach’s in Dillsboro; and 4-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Pizza Hut of Sylva. • Tickets are on sale now for Sarge’s ninth annual Furry Friends Benefit Bash, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Silent auction and dinner. Menu selections due Sept. 28. Tickets: $75. Sponsorships: $650. www.sargeanimals.org, 246.9050 or stop by Sarge’s Adoption Center at 256 Industrial Park Dr. in Waynesville. • The Macon TRACS 10th annual Blue Jean Ball is from 6-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Franklin. Barbecue dinner, cake walk, music, dancing, silent auction and raffles. $15 for adults; children and takeout $7. • Western Carolina University instructor Darby Harris will have a fundraising ride to Mt. Mitchell on Saturday, Oct. 7. He plans to ride one mile for every $10 donated to WCU’s Biology Club. Distance is 110 miles. Donate: www.gofundme.com/biking-for-biology. Info: 227.3662 or dmharris@wcu.edu. • The Crabtree-Iron Duff Fire Department will have its annual auxiliary barbecue from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7. $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12. Entertainment and 50-50 drawing. Proceeds to go community education scholarship program. 627.3138. • Food4kids Haywood is collecting easy-to-prepare food items and financial gifts - for children lacking food stability in Haywood County at 10 a.m. on Oct. 7 at the Harvest of Hope Tractor Parade in downtown Waynesville. Bring five items and receive treat card for a free chicken sandwich or eight-count nugget from Chick-fil-A. • 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.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS

• 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.

• An opportunity to perform volunteer maintenance work on the Mountain Farm Museum will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Oct. 7, next to the Oconalftee Visitor Center near Cherokee in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sign-up: http://conta.cc/2yKcTow.

• A meeting of current and former employees of the Waynesville plant of Champion/Blue Ridge/Evergreen is held at 8 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at BoJangles near Lake Junaluska’s entrance.

• Booths are available for the Autumn Leaves Craft Show, which is Oct. 12-14 at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Franklin. 349.4324.

• One-on-one computer lessons are offered weekly at the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Public Library. Lesson slots are available from

• The Haywood County Special Olympics program is seeking volunteer coaches for golf, soccer, basketball and bocce. The Fall Games Celebration is at 9 a.m. on Oct. 14. Info: tpetre@waynesvillenc.gov.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Good Samaritan clinic of Haywood County seeks volunteers to help uninsured patients receive medications, vision care and other health and spiritual-related services in Waynesville. Clinic is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday. 454.5287 or crocco@gcshaywood.org. • Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers to assist rangers with managing traffic and establishing safe wildlife viewing areas within the Cataloochee Valley area. To register for training or get more info: karl_danforth@nps.gov.

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings

• Haywood Regional Medical Center is currently seeking volunteers of all ages for ongoing support at the hospital, outpatient care center and the Homestead. For info and to apply: 452.8301, stop by the information desk in the lobby or volunteer@haymed.org. Anyone interested in becoming a hospice volunteer can call 452.5039.

• 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.

• STAR Rescue Ranch is seeking volunteers to help with horse care, fundraising events, barn maintenance and more at the only equine rescue in Haywood County. 505.274.9199.

• Western Carolina University’s student-run, Mountain Area Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. 227.3527.

• Volunteer Opportunities are available throughout the region, call John at the Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center today and get started sharing your talents. 3562833 • Phone Assurance Volunteers are needed to make daily or weekly wellness check-in calls for the Haywood County Senior Resource Center. 356.2816.

• The Haywood County Health & Human Services Public Health Services Division is offering a Night Clinic from 4-6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in Waynesville. Services include family planning, immunizations, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment. Appointments: 452.6675.

HEALTH MATTERS • A diabetes management education opportunity for senior citizens will be offered from 4-6 p.m. on Mondays from through Nov. 6 at First Baptist Church of Waynesville. Info: 356.2272. • “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for Mindfullness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva. Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion. Free admission. 335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook. • Macon County Public Health will hold influenza vaccination clinics from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Highlands First Baptist Church and from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Macon County Public Health. $30, and insurance will be filed. Appointments also available. 349.2081. • A community health fair is scheduled for 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 7 at Long’s United Methodist Church in the Center Pigeon/Bethel Community at 1097 Coffee Branch Rd. in Canton. Info: 648.0380 or awilliams1@wnccumc.net. • Appalachian Community Services will hold its Balsam Center Open House from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 91 Timberlane Road in Waynesville. RSVP by Oct. 3: 454.1098, ext. 2878, or Tabatha.Brafford@ACSwnc.com. • A program on “Caregiving During the Holidays” will be offered from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, at the Waynesville Library. •”Breastfeeding A-Z” will be offered for expectant mothers from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 9 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Taught by Board-Certified Lactation Consultants. MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440. • “Your Amazing Newborn” classes will be offered for new parents from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 16 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440. • 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.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health will offer a general clinic from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 587.8225. • A Food Addicts Anonymous Twelve-Step fellowship group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville. www.foodaddictsanonymous.org. • Big Brother/Big Sister, a one-evening preparation class for children who are about to greet a new baby into their family, is offered for children ages 3-10 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. 452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses. • Mothers Connection, an ongoing social gathering for mothers and their babies, meets from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursdays excluding holidays at Haywood Regional Medical Center. 452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses. • A support group meeting for those with Parkinsons Disease and their caregivers will be held at 2 p.m. on the last day Wednesday of the month at the Waynesville Senior Resource Center. • A support group for anyone with Multiple Sclerosis, family and friends meets twice each month: at 2 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Heritage Room at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva and at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Info: 293.2503. • A monthly grief support group sponsored by The Meditation Center meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 East Main Street in Sylva. Info: www.meditatewnc.org or 356.1105. • Inner Guidance from an Open Heart will meet from 68 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 East Main Street in Sylva. Info: www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105. • Dogwood Insight Center presents health talks at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month. • Free childbirth and breastfeeding classes are available at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. Classes are offered bimonthly on an ongoing basis. Register or get more info: 586.7907. • Angel Medical Center’s diabetes support group meets at 4 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month in the AMC dining room. 369.4166.

wnc calendar

• A free weekly grief support group is open to the public from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at SECU Hospice House in Franklin. Hosted by Four Seasons Compassion for Life Bereavement Team. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org. • A monthly grief processing support group will meet from 4-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care in Clyde. 452.5039. • A Men’s Night Out will take place at 6:30 p.m. on the third floor of the hospital. on the first Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 E. Main St. in Sylva. www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105. • A free, weekly grief support group will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at the SECU Hospice House in Franklin. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org. • “ECA on the Move!” – a walking program organized by Jackson County Extension and Community Association – meets from 9-10 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. It’s an effort to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day. 586.4009. • A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • The High Mountain Squares will host their Harvest Day Dance from 6:15-8:45 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Franklin. Western-style square dancing, mainstream and levels. 342.1560, 332.0001 or www.highmountainsquares.com.

October 4-10, 2017

e• 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. • Open play and practice for adult coed volleyball will be offered at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through September at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $4 per person for nonmembers; free for members. 456.2030. dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov or 456.2030. • Yoga is being offered at the Fitness Connection in Waynesville. First class is free. Info: 476.0179 or 550.1640. • ZUMBA! Classes, are offered from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, at the Canton Armory. $5 per class. 648.2363 or parks@cantonnc.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Tai chi is offered from 10:45-11:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. It’s also offered from 1-2 p.m. on Thursdays. Taught by Bill Muerdter. For info about the classes or HRHFC memberships and offerings, call 452.8080 or visit MyHaywoodRegional.com/Fitness.

• Ultimate Frisbee games are held from 5:30-8 p.m. on Mondays at the Cullowhee Recreation Park. Organized by Jackson County Parks & Recreation. Pick-up style. 293.2053 or www.rec.jacksonnc.org. • The Wednesday Croquet Group meets from 10 a.m.noon at the Vance Street Park across from the shelter. For senior players ages 55 or older. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of Remember Me as Loving You, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499. • Author Bob Plott will host a reading and discussion on his new book Plott Hound Tales: Legendary People & Places Behind the Breed at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• Pickleball is from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday nights at First Methodist Church in Sylva. $1 each time you play; equipment provided. 293.3053.

• Adam W. Jones will read his new children’s book, Cecil and the Big Wave, during weekly story time at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of Cecil and the Big Wave, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

• Cardio Lunch class will meet from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Waynesville Book Club at 5:30 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at Waynesville Library Meet to discuss books, which are chosen by each member (taking turns) and provided by the library. New members are welcome. For more information, 356.2507.

• Flexible Fitness class will meet from 4:30-5:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov. • Pump It Up class will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov. • The Canton Armory is open to the public for walking from 7:45-9 a.m. on Monday through Friday unless the facility is booked till spring. 648.2363. parks@cantonnc.com.

POLITICAL • A Fall Rally to support the Haywood County Democratic Party is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Canton Armory. $20 for dinner with a wine/beer cash bar provided by Bear Waters Brewery. Keynote speaker is Graig Meyer, who represents House District 50 in the N.C. General Assembly. Tickets available at party headquarters or from your precinct chair. Info: HaywoodDemocrats@gmail.com or 452.9607. • The Haywood County Libertarian Party is now meeting at Blue Ridge Books on Main Street from 4:30-6 p.m. every second Monday of the month. These meetings will be for discussion on current events, and are open to the public. • A lunch-and-discussion group will be held by the League of Women Voters at noon on the second Thursday of each month at Tartan Hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. RSVP for lunch: lwvmacon@wild-dog-mountain.info or 524.8369.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Kimberly Childs present her book, Remember Me as Loving You, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at the City

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

youth retreats, which start Dec. 29. Register or get more info: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth.

KIDS FILMS • “The Lego Ninjago Movie” is playing at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4-5 at The Strand on Main in Waynesville. www.38main.com. • “Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” is playing Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. FREE. 586.3555. “Spiderman: Homecoming” will be playing at the Mad Batter Food & Film on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. FREE. 586.3555. • A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • A Life @ Western program featuring Pam Duncan, local author, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on Oct. 10 at Western Carolina University’s HF Robinson Building Auditorium. For people over 50. life@wcu.edu or 227.3022. • A Life @ Western program featuring Amy Rose and Kareena Cooper-Duffy, is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on Oct. 17 at Western Carolina University’s HF Robinson Building Auditorium. Topic is “Botswana Education Connection.” For people over 50. life@wcu.edu or 227.3022.

KIDS & FAMILIES • The Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express will depart at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 6 and noon and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 7-8 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681. • Smart Start Basketball program will be offered for 4 and 5-year olds in Haywood County this fall, and a mandatory parent meeting is at 5:45 p.m. on Oct. 9, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $55 registration. Skill-building program runs from 5:45-6:45 p.m. for six weeks starting Oct. 26. Info: 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov. • A kids’ nature discovery program will be offered to ages 3-5 and kindergarten through third grade through the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. Younger ages will meet at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays (Oct. 25, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20) at Cullowhee Recreation Center and at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays (Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 13) at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center. The older ages meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays (Oct. 25, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20) at Cullowhee Recreation Center and at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays (Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 13) at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center. $10 per child. Pre-register: www.rec.jacksonnc.org. • Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s winter

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • The Leaf Festival will be held Oct. 6-8 on the Village Green in Cashiers. Arts, crafts, food vendors, live music, and much more. Presented by the Greater Cashiers Area Merchants Association. Free admission. www.visitcashiersvalley.com. • The 105th-annual Cherokee Indian Fair is through Oct. 7 at Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 359.6492. • The 9th annual ColorFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, in downtown Dillsboro. Fine artists and fine crafters in Western North Carolina; plus many festival foods and great entertainment. Most of the artisans will be demonstrating their work and striving for the prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place (plus honorable mentions), sponsored by Champion Credit Union in Canton. For more information, call Connie Hogan at 586.3511 or go to www.visitdillsboro.org. • The John C. Campbell Folk School’s annual Fall Festival is scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7-8, on the school’s campus in Brasstown. More than 250 local and regional craftspeople display artwork for sale. Music and dance performers, children’s activities. Admission: $5 for adults; $3 for ages 12-17; free for children under 12. www.folkschool.org/fallfestival or 800.365.5724. • “Bark in the Park,” will be held on Sunday, Oct. 8, at Mark Watson Park in Sylva. The festival includes dog contests, live demonstrations, raffles, and much more. www.mountainlovers.com.

• The 34th annual Church Street Art & Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, in downtown Waynesville. Features over 100 artisans and crafters. Vendors include fiber art, photography, glass, leather, jewelry, gourmet food, handcrafted items, garden accessories, and much more. Live entertainment, with bluegrass bands and clogging groups performing on both ends of Main Street. Food vendors and children’s activities. www.downtownwaynesville.com. • The “Fall Festival” will be held starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Cowee Gift Shop & Mason Mountain Mine in Franklin. Live music, artisan crafters, exhibits on mining, and more. 524.4570 or www.franklin-chamber.com. • The annual “Harvest Festival” will be held Oct. 2021 at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville. Friday, Oct. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m.: storytelling, marshmellow roast, hot cocoa, and more. Saturday, Oct. 2111 a.m. to 5 p.m.: artisan crafters, clogging, country fair, and quilt exhibit with Americana/bluegrass performance by Mountain Heart at 7:30 p.m. The two-day festival is free to attend. The Mountain Heart show is $25 for adults, $10 for children and students grades K-12. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com. • The annual Apple Harvest Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, on Main Street in downtown Waynesville. Countless booths of fresh apple pies, tarts, caramel apples, ciders, jewelry, pottery and yard art. Music, dancing, crafts, and oldfashioned games make this event fun for the whole family. The festival is free to attend. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • A stage production of the Tennessee Williams classic play “The Glass Menagerie” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5-7, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org. Dinner is also available before the performances at Harmons’ Den Bistro. • Multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Frank Lee will perform at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, in the First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Series at Western Carolina University’s H.F. Robinson Administration Building in Cullowhee. 227.7129.

• The 2017-18 Mainstage season of Western Carolina University’s School of Stage and Screen will present “God Save Gertrude,” an offbeat punk rock riff on Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” written by Deborah Stein. Ashlee Wasmund, WCU assistant professor of dance, will direct. “God Save Gertrude” will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, through Saturday, Oct. 7, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, with all shows in the studio theatre of the Bardo Arts Center. bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or by calling 828.227.2479.

• Legendary outlaw country singer Willie Nelson will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Harrah’s Cherokee. www.harrahscherokee.com. • The Haywood Community Band’s final Maggie Valley concert of the season is at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, at the Maggie Valley Community Pavilion. Theme is the history and beauty of the American Midwest. • Tickets are on sale now for The Shelton House’s “Ghosts & Growlers Halloween Party & Harry Houdini Ghost Speak” event, which is from 7-11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 in Waynesville. Tickets: $25. www.sheltonhouse.org. • Tickets are on sale now for Western Carolina University’s Homecoming Concert featuring country singers Brett Young and Carly Pearce. The concert is at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center in Cullowhee. Purchase tickets at ramsey.wcu.edu.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • The N.C. Humanities Council will present “The Way We Worked” – a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute Traveling Exhibition Service – through Nov. 7 at the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. A celebration of 150 years of America’s Workforce. www.nchumanities.org. • 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. • “The Spirit of a Mountaineer” will be the presentation for the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society’s meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City. Presenting will be brothers Roger and Tommy Bryant. www.swaingenealogy.com. • A Glass Pumpkin Class will be offered on Oct. 6-7 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Time slots available from 4-8 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Register: 631.0271 or www.jcgep.org. • The ninth annual Dillsboro Fine Arts & Crafts Fair is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 7. Displays, demonstrations, food and entertainment. 586.3511 or www.visitdillsboro.org. • The 27th annual quilt show, presented by High Country Quilt Guild, is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 12-14, at the First Baptist Church in Maggie Valley. Entry: $3. 80-100 quilts of all sizes on display. Hours are: noon-4 p.m. on Thursday; 10 a.m.4 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. • The Autumn Leaves Craft Show is Oct. 12-14 at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Franklin. 349.4324.

Smoky Mountain News

• The musical comedy revival “Smoke on the Mountain” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5, 7, 12, 14, 19 and 21 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. A full two-act theatrical presentation, featuring Mountain Faith as the Sanders Family Band, will be presented by the Overlook Theatre Company. Tickets are $12 for students and $17 for adults. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• A production of “Guilty Conscience,” the clever and intriguing mystery by William Link and Richard L. Levinson, will hit the stage on Thursdays through Saturdays from Oct. 12-22, at the Martin-Lipscomb Performing Arts Center in Highlands. Tickets will go on sale for season subscribers on Oct. 5-6, and for the general public beginning Oct. 7. Requests for reservations may be left at 526.8084 or reserved at www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

October 4-10, 2017

• “Art After Dark” will be from 6 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of the month (May-December), in downtown Waynesville. Each Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

• The MET Opera’s production of “Norma” will be shown live via satellite at 12:55 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center in Highlands. Tickets: highlandspac.org or 526.9047.

wnc calendar

• The annual “Singing in the Smokies” fall festival will be held Oct. 12-14 at Inspiration Park in Bryson City. Live performances by The Inspirations, Chuck Wagon Gang, The Kingsmen, The McKameys, and The Diplomats. Nearby lodging, camping and RV parking available. Tickets are $20 per night. www.theinspirations.com.

• The annual Presbyterian Craft Fairs are scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Oct. 14 and Oct. 21 at the Waynesville Presbyterian Church. Cakes, pies, breads, preserves and more sold at bake sale in conjunction with the event. • The “Study of Light in Photography, Part 2” will be the theme of the Sylva Photo Club’s meeting at 2 p.m.

wnc calendar

on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Cullowhee Methodist Church. Led by John MacLean. Sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com or 226.3840. • A “Women in the Woods” series will be hosted by the N.C. Cooperative Extension in Haywood County from mid-October until mid-November. Meetings are from 9 a.m.-noon. Facilitated by Dr. James Jeuck of Haywood Community College. More info or to register: 456.3575. • Sign-ups are underway for the 26th annual Haywood Arts Regional trip to broadway, which is May 10-13. Cost is $1,575 per person. $500 deposit due by March 1; balance due April 1. HART, P.O. Box 1024, Waynesville, NC 28786.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center will present a reception for “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee. Exhibit on display through Jan. 26. 227.3591. • Work from Haywood County artists who operate studios in the county will be on display from Oct. 6-28 at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Art After Dark opening is from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 6. HaywoodArts.org. • A reception for “Conversation/What Remains” featuring artists Rachel Meginnes and Kelly O’Briant will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at Penland Gallery near Spruce Pine. Display runs through Nov. 19. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery.

Smoky Mountain News

October 4-10, 2017

• Ceramicist Heather Mae Erickson will be featured during “Artist Talk” from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, at the Jackson County Library’s Community Room in Sylva. Heathermaeerickson.com.

• Artists are sought to participate in the Haywood County Arts Council’s 10th annual small work show “It’s a Small, Small Work,” which is scheduled for Nov. 3-Dec. 23 in the HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville. $20 per artist entering the show. Application and info: www.haywoodarts.org, info@haywoodarts.org or 452.0593. • The art of MaryEtta Burr and Dane Burr will be featured during the Art After Dark event on Friday, Oct. 6, at Burr Studio in Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com. • An art reception/party for Danielle Greb will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. Greb has been focused on the technical and fine art aspects of photography. http://daniellegreb.com. • In the WCU Fine Art Museum main gallery through Dec. 8 is the nationally traveling exhibition “Return from Exile: Contemporary Southeastern Indian Art,” curated by Tony A. Tiger, Bobby C. Martin, and Jace Weaver. The symposium will be held on from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10, followed by a reception honoring the “Return from Exile” exhibition from 5 to 7 p.m. Both events are free and open to the public. The symposium includes a ticketed keynote performance from Canadian First Nation electronic music group A Tribe Called Red at 7:30 p.m. arts.wcu.edu/tribe. The museum is also presenting “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions.” This exhibition showcases a selection of artworks recently given to the museum and includes a number of artists not previously represented in the collection. www.wcu.edu. • A new exhibition titled “Within the Margins: Contemporary Ceramics,” curated by Steven Young Lee, will be on display at Penland Gallery off Penland Road near Spruce Pine in Mitchell County. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery. • New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

FILM & SCREEN • “Churchill” is playing at the Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva on Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. FREE. 586.3555. • “Blade Runner 2049” is being shown at The Strand on Main in Waynesville on Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. & 10:05 p.m., Oct. 7 at 12:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., 7 p.m., and 10:05 p.m., Oct. 8 at 12:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 7 p.m., and Oct 9-13 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 14 at 12:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 7 p.m. and Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. See website for tickets and pricing. www.38main.com. • “Baby Driver” will be shown on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. FREE. 586.3555. • “A Ghost Story” will be shown on Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. FREE. 586.3555. • “Lady MacBeth will be shown on Oct. 19 at 7:30 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. FREE. 586.3555. • Free movies are shown every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

Field School. $79. Register: www.smfs.utk.edu or 865.974.0150. • A leaf-looking stroll through Panthertown Valley will be offered from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 9, near Cashiers. Free for Friends of Panthertown members; memberships start at $25. RSVP required. Join and/or RSVP: www.panthertown.org/join, 269.HIKE or friends@panthertown.org. • Mainspring will have a “20 Years of Saving the Places You Love Celebration” from 5:30-7 p.m. on Oct. 12 in downtown Franklin. www.mainspringconserves.org/be-a-mainspring. • A program on “camera trapping” wildlife will be offered at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman. $20 for adults, $15 for students/seniors/military and $5 for children ages 6-11. Free for children 5-under. Register and pay: www.pari.edu or 862.5554. Info: schappell@pari.edu. • The KOA Fall Fishing Tournament is Oct. 14 at KOA Campground in Cherokee. 497.1580. • The Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council’s October meeting is at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at Currahee Brewing Co., 100 Lakeside Drive in Franklin.

Outdoors • A Spay/Neuter Clinic is offered from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays at 182 Richland Street in Waynesville. As low as $10. 452.1329. • Registration is underway for Hunter Safety Classes that will be offered Nov. 6-7 and Dec. 18-19 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Participants must attend both evenings from 6-9:30 p.m. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org. • Mainspring Conservation will have a Pinnacle Peak from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 5 in Jackson County. http://tinyurl.com/y9wuqp8d. • Jeff Hunter of the National Parks Conservation Association will make a presentation on “Protecting Our National Parks” from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Waynesville Library. www.nccandidcritters.org. • Trout Unlimited Cataloochee will have its first stocking of the delayed harvest season at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, at the West Fork Parking Lot. Bring a clean five-gallon bucket. • An electric vehicle, sustainable transportation expo is scheduled for 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, in the parking lot behind Reid Gymnasium at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Self-driving Tesla and other electric vehicles will be on display. 227.3562 or lbishop@wcu.edu. • The Smoky Mountain Hook, Hackle and Rod Show is scheduled for Oct. 6-7 at the Swain County Recreation Center in Bryson City. Silent auctions, educational booths, casting and fly tying demonstrations. www.flyfishingmuseum.org. • A festival celebrating WNC’s fly fishing heritage is scheduled for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, in downtown Bryson City. Vendors and demonstrations. 488.3333. • Forestry students, entertainers, craftsmen and exhibitors will hold a celebration of forests and forest heritage during the 23rd annual John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Cradle of Forestry in American near Brevard. $6 for ages 16-up; $3 for ages 5-15 and free for ages 4younger. 877.3130. • A daylong class about native plants that served as a general store for Cherokee families and white settlers is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, on the N.C. side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Led by Ila Hatter; offered by the Smoky Mountain

• A “Winged Wonders” butterfly exhibit is on display through Oct. 29 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. http://www.ncarboretum.org/event/winged-wondersstep-world-butterflies/all. • The Nantahala Hiking Club holds a Saturday Work Hike on the fourth Saturday of each month. 369.1983. • A cycling ride leaves at 8 a.m. on Saturdays from South Macon Elementary School. Routes vary with distances typically 15-25 miles. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 828.369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com. • Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to assist the Trails Forever trail crew for a rehabilitation project on the Rainbow Falls Trail from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. every Wednesday. Sign up or get more info: 497.1949, Adam_Monroe@nps.gov or https://friendsofthesmokies.org/trailsforever/volunteer.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Registration is underway for the 11th annual Power of Pink 5K Walk and run, which starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. Register at www.HaywoodHealthcareFoundation.org or www.gloryhoundevents.com/event/power-of-pink. • Sign-ups are underway for the Naturalist Trail Race, a 25K or 50K tour of Franklin and the Bartram Trail that features brutal climbs and fantastic views on Oct. 7. $65 for the 25K or $80 for the 50K. www.ultrasignup.com. • The Cullowhee 10K Creek Run and Taste of Cullowhee will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Cullowhee Community Garden. The event will offer 5K, 10K and half marathon routes, with walkers welcomed on the shorter two distances and cyclists welcome on the half marathon. Teams encouraged. The event is certified through USA Track and Field. Cost varies by distance and number of people. Sign up at www.imathlete.com. • The Bethel Half Marathon and 5K will return to Haywood County at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, offering the chance to run through rolling farmlands framed by autumn colors and the Pigeon River. Sanctioned by the Asheville Track Club with a USA Track and Field-certified half marathon. Early registration is $25 for the 5K and $40 for the half marathon, with day-of prices increasing by $5. www.runsignup.com. • Registration is underway for a pre-Pumpkinfest run, which will raise money for Macon/Jackson County Habitat for Humanity at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Tassee Shelter Greenway in Franklin. The route

will feature goodies to go along with the season, with the festival held downtown that same day. $25. www.active.com. • Registration is underway for the Zombie 5K Chase Race, which will provide a chance to run against the undead at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, on the Western Carolina University Campus. Runners will wear flags that “zombies” will attempt to steal as they run the course. Anyone who can’t make it to the finish line with at least one flag will be turned into one of the walking dead. Proceeds will support the Mountain Area Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic. Open to ages 10 and under, with runners under 18 required to sign a waiver. $25. www.active.com.

FARMERS MARKET • The Jackson county Farmers Market is from 9 a.m.noon each Saturday at Bridge Park on Railroad Ave. in Sylva. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org. 393.5236. • A community tailgate market for local growers is open from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. 734.3434, info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or www.villagegreencashiersnc.com. • Haywood Historic Farmers Market is held from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays in the parking lot of HART Theatre in Waynesville. haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com, www.waynesvillefarmersmarket.com or www.facebook.com/HaywoodHistoricFarmersMarket. • The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville (behind Bogart’s). 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net. • The Jackson County Farmers Market will be on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon at Bridge Park located in Sylva. Info: 393.5236. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or website jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org. • The ‘Whee Farmer’s Market is open from 4 p.m. to dusk every Tuesday at the University Inn on 563 N. Country Club Drive in Cullowhee, behind the entrance to the Village of Forest Hills off Highway 107 across from Western Carolina University. 476.0334. www.facebook.com/CullowheeFarmersMarket. • The Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market is from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays on East Palmer Street across from Drake Software in Franklin. 349.2049 or alan_durden@ncsu.edu. • Swain County Farmers Market will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays through October at the barn on Island Street in Bryson City. 488.3848 or Christine_bredenkamp@ncsu.edu.

HIKING CLUBS • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 2.5-mile easy hike on Sunday, Oct. 8, to Mud Creek Falls in Sky Valley, Ga. Little elevation change. Reservations and info: 369.6820. • Carolina Mountain Club will have its Weekend Camporee on Oct. 7-8 at Appletree Campground. Hikes of various lengths and difficulties will be offered. $10 to reserve a space. Mail to Kathleen Hannigan, 307 River Edge Dr., Asheville, NC 28803. 230.4883 or Kathleen.hannigan@duke-energy.com. • Carolina Mountain Club will have a five-mile hike with a 1,400-foot ascent on Oct. 8 at Balsam Gap. Info and reservations: 296.7537 or lgblue@bellsouth.net. • Friends of the Smokies will have a Classic Hike on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from Purchase Knob to Hemphill Bald. Register: http://Hike.FriendsoftheSmokies.org. $20 for members; $35 for new and returning members. • Carolina Mountain Club will have a 9.6-mile hike with a 1,640-foot ascent on Oct. 11 at Big Fork Ridge. Info and reservations: 253.1626, 423.9030 or rfluharty54@gmail.com.

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A PRIVATELY OWNED TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY Is seeking applications/resumes for an Installer/Technician. The successful applicant will need the following: • Able to climb utility poles • Good driving record •The ability to operate and handle hand tools, power tools, hydraulic eqpmnt., ladders, etc. • Some computer experience would be helpful • Self-motivated & dependable with the ability to work independently • The ability to deal with difficult customers and members of the public in a professional, courteous manner • Be able to handle multitasking and stressful situations in a professional manner • Be available for “On Call” Duty on weekends and overtime as needed with little notice • Be able to pass a drug test and background check This person will be responsible for the installation of telephone, cable, and internet service from the utility pole into a customer’s home, will install and set up modems, digital equipment, etc. in a customer’s home, and be able to detect, troubleshoot, and fix problems as they occur with the services offered to a customer. Salary is dependent on exp. Benefits are available Anyone interested should e-mail their resume to: sanders@ccvn.com or fax it to 828.536.4510. Resumes/applications will be accepted through Friday, September 22, 2017. Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans encouraged to apply

EMPLOYMENT

Prevent Unwanted Litters! The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10. Operation Pit is in Effect! Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment. Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each. 828.593.8321 JAMISON TREE SERVICE AND DEBRIS REMOVAL The Feeling of Fall Cleanup is in the Air! No Job Too Big or Too Small! Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727

Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

MAGGIE- SAINT BERNARD MIX, 9YRS OLD. SHE & HER HOUSEMATE, DAISY, WERE SURRENDERED TO US THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN. MAGGIE IS A LITTLE SHY, AND THE LESS CONFIDENT OF THE TWO, BUT SHE HAS ADAPTED WELL TO LIFE AT THE ADOPTION CENTER, AND SHE'LL BE EVEN HAPPIER IN A COMFORTABLE, LOVING HOME OF HER OWN. CORNELIA- A LOVELY SIAMESE KITTY 4 YRS OLD. SHE WAS SURRENDERED TO THE COUNTY SHELTER WHEN HER OWNER HAD TO GO TO A NURSING HOME. SHE IS SWEET & FRIENDLY, & ALTHOUGH SH’S ADAPTED TO SHELTER LIFE, SHE'LL BE MUCH HAPPIER IN A HOME OF HER OWN WITH A SPECIAL PERSON TO LOVE.

COMPLETE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES

SERVICE SPECIAL OIL CHANGE

EMPLOYMENT

Always Fast, Fair & Friendly!

www.hyundaiofasheville.com

HOME INSPECTIONS

828.734.3609 | haywoodhomeinsp@gmail.com

Steve Mauldin

828.734.4864

smauldin@beverly-hanks.com

74 N. Main St.,Waynesville

828.452.5809

beverly-hanks.com

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

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

LAND FOR SALE? Reach buyers across the state in over 100 newspapers for only $375. Call this newspaper or Wendi Ray at NC Press Services, 919.516.8009. HUNT YOUR OWN LAND Or Build Dream Cabin 68 acres on Hwy. 21 Alleghany & Wilkes Co., NC Selling: Sat, Oct. 14 @ 11am NCAL#685 336.789.2926 RogersAuctionGroup.com

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

Mieko

Thomson

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

BROKER/REALTOR®

Cell (828) 226-2298 www.ncsmokies.com homes@ncsmokies.com

WAYNESVILLE NORTH CAROLINA

Beverly Hanks & Associates

HOMES FOR SALE

Mike Stamey

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

mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

828-508-9607

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160. Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more information.

CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS

www.beverly-hanks.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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 Steve Mauldin - Smauldin@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

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

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

Ron Breese Broker/Owner 2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

www.ronbreese.com Each office independently owned & operated.

Offering 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $420.00

Lakeshore Realty

Section 8 Accepted - Rental Assistance When Available -

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

Mountain Home Properties

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

mountaindream.com • Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com

Phone # 1-828-456-6776 TDD # 1-800-725-2962

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

Equal Housing Opportunity

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS We Are Offering 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting From $465.00

SFR, ECO, GREEN

Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

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

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

147 WALNUT STREET • WAYNESVILLE

828.506.7137

aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

www.sunburstrealty.com/amy-spivey

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

• • • • • •

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com Mieko Thomson - ncsmokies.com The Real Team - the-real-team.com Ron Breese - ronbreese.com Landen Stevenson - Landen@landenstevenson.com Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

smokymountainnews.com

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

OFFICE HOURS:

October 4-10, 2017

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

WNC MarketPlace

LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots! Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

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

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

www.smokymountainnews.com

October 4-10, 2017

WNC MarketPlace

Super

CROSSWORD

26 BEGINNING TO END

79 Cat paw part 80 Speed test ACROSS 81 Crucial arteries 1 Nest item 84 — noire 4 Funny Mort 85 D.C. VIP 8 Casual top 86 Like tapestries 14 Cape, e.g. 87 * “No noise allowed” 19 British lav Amtrak area 20 Jai — 89 * Kids’ chemistry set, 21 Its capital is Roma e.g. 22 Berry of “The Call” 92 Fed. of Brezhnev 23 * Group for motorists 93 Deliver an address 25 * Turn a profit, say 96 Walk- — (small 27 Jogging pace parts) 28 Scheming 97 Chemical ending 29 Drench 98 Nuclear trial, for 30 On the other side of short 31 * “La Vie en Rose” 100 Run-of-the-mill singer 102 “Inc.” relative 34 * Amass wealth 103 Start for marital 38 Aug. hours 106 * 13th-century pope 39 Bonn “one” 108 * General Mills cere40 Nail file materials al 42 As dry as — 111 Cascade Range 47 — -Man defense peak 48 “Rugrats” father 115 — kwon do 49 Baddie’s look 117 Squirmy fish 51 Son of Eve 118 With 104-Down, 52 * 2009 R. Kelly song cure concocted by Mom 56 * Stay calm 119 * The mineral cit58 10,000,000 ergs rine, e.g. 59 Lend support 123 What the first and 60 Tip sheet statistics last letters of 13 answers 63 Compares in this puzzle proceed 64 Askew through 65 Guevara the guerrilla 125 Lowest point 66 Greek diner menu 126 Lift item 127 Printer’s unit 67 Lushes 128 Chemical ending 68 * Fulfill, as a promise 129 Gives applause 130 Capital of 95-Down 71 * What you don’t 131 Harper of Hollywood need a return ticket for 132 Seaport of Scotland 76 Only 77 Skew

DOWN 1 Highly happy 2 Pumpkins, e.g. 3 “Get busy!” 4 Body pouch 5 Pumpkin pie ingredient 6 Cart off to the jailhouse 7 Tripoli’s land 8 Quirky mannerisms 9 Moe or Larry 10 Impedes 11 — du Diable 12 — de Oro 13 Frat letter 14 Mambo relative 15 Actor Bert 16 Roll topper 17 Sad cry 18 Adidas rival 24 Slugger Mel 26 Tic- — -toe 32 Fling 33 Regaled 35 Element #50 36 Smells nasty 37 “Ahh, OK” 41 Post-rain dirt 43 Swimming specialty 44 Woodwind instrument 45 Gas in lights 46 Pipe elbows 47 Leisure suit fabrics 48 Recoiled (from) 50 Add ammo 52 Des Moines’ state 53 Wait secretly 54 Western lake 55 Happiness 57 Feel for 58 Clog 61 Let go of 62 Put on 65 Big name in old video

game consoles 66 Itty-bitty biter 67 Football Hall of Famer Lynn 69 Butting beast 70 Be in debt to 72 Foil relatives 73 Shankar with a sitar 74 “Law & Order: SVU” actor 75 Ballpoint, e.g. 78 In medias — 81 Blue-green 82 Force to go 83 Go skyward 84 “Well done, diva!” 85 Raw power 86 George of “Cheers” 88 Saudi, e.g. 90 Turning tooth 91 Bean trees of India 94 Fifth of fifty 95 African country 99 Teaches one-on-one 101 2009 James Cameron film 102 Sobieski of Hollywood 103 Great fear 104 See 118-Across 105 New Hampshire prep school 107 Unedited 109 Bodily pump 110 “— -ching!” 111 Align, briefly 112 Get well 113 Alan of TV and film 114 Tiny mistake 116 Poet Pound 120 Sine — non 121 Increases 122 Ulna’s place 124 Royal Navy inits.

answers on page 48

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE FOR YOU 1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

828.734.6500, 828.734.6700 maggievalleyselfstorage.com

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YARD SALES YARD SALE THIS SATURDAY On Jonathan Creek, in front of Summer Place Community. From 8:00 - 4:00. Several Families! See You There! - WEEKEND ESTATE SALE Thurs. 9:00am - 6:30pm, Fri. & Sat. 10:00am - 3:00pm Located: 303 Hillside Terrace, Waynesville. Whole House Must Go, 2 Bedrooms & Office Plus a Basement ‘Pickers Sale‘ • Something for Everyone • Cash Only - Rain or Shine! Presented by Frog Pond Estate Sales and Downsizing

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

When they bloom, ‘fall’s a-coming’ BACK THEN Little, Brown and Co., 1977), supplemented by Richard M. Smith’s Wildflowers of the Southern Mountains (Knoxville: University of Tennessee Press, 1998) and Jack B. Carman’s Wildflowers of Tennessee. (Tullahoma TN: Highland Rim Press, 2001). Don’t become overly frustrated if — even after consulting those sources — you can’t make a final decision as to the precise species you’re attempting to identify. In that regard, Columnist former WCU biologist Jim Horton, observed in The Summer Times (Tampa: Cider Press, 1979) that, “The asters form a nearly continuous series of variant forms. This means that while any two aster plants may be quite different from each other and may obviously belong to different species, it is possible to find ... plants that are transitional between one variant and the next.” In other words, even the experts can’t always determine which species of aster they’re trying to identify. It’s my experience that the same observation can be made in regard to

George Ellison

ate summer has slid into early autumn. The end of summer officially arrived with the autumnal equinox of Sept. 23, when the sun crosses the celestial equator. One senses this transition in the cool mist-shrouded mornings we’ve been experiencing of late … as well as by the brownsplotched and red-tinged leaves of the buckeye trees. Communal groups of swallows will gather on wires and branches prior to their annual southerly migration. Monarch and cloudless sulphur butterflies will pass with ease over high ridges and through low gaps headed for ancestral wintering grounds. Many think that spring is the prime season for wildflowers, but the fall season is equally spectacular — and perhaps even more varied and interesting. Joe Pye weed, iron weed, cardinal flower, the golde goldenrods, various woodland orchids, gentians, and others are just some of the showy species associated with the upcoming season. And the quintessential fall wildflowers are the asters. Here in the Smokies region there are 30 or so asters. These can often be difficult to identify down to the species level. The best non-technical field guides for this purpose, in my opinion, are Lawrence Newcomb’s Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide (Boston:

1985), noted that, “The name ‘aster’ comes from the Greek word for ‘star,’ but the smallwhite-flowered species, called frost asters, should have been named after the Milky Way. They bear such an abundance Asters. of tiny blossoms among roadside grasses that they look like the mass Elizabeth Ellison illustration. of stars you see strewn across the sky on a clear night. One legend maintains that asters are a result of a god scattering stardust across the land.” Long ago, I was discussing fall wildflowers with an elderly woman on her farm near Sylva. She kept referring to a group of flowers she was particularly fond of that she knew as “Farewell to Summer.” Curious as to exactly what she was talking about, I asked her to show me some. “Sure enough,” she said. I followed her into the garden behind her home, where she pointed to a beautiful stand of large-leaved asters (Aster macrophyllus) in full bloom that, she advised me, her husband had transferred from the wild into their garthan a few aster species bear small white den when they were married. flowers. Several of the white-flowered aster “When they bloom, you know fall’s aspecies blossom by early September. Acordingly, Donald and Lillian Stokes, in coming,” she said. (George Ellison is a naturalist and writer. their informative book A Guide to Enjoying He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.) Wildflowers (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., goldenrods. When one hears the name “aster,” he or she usually conjures up an image of a purplish-blue flower with a disc shape. But more

October 4-10, 2017 Smoky Mountain News 55

Smoky Mountain News October 4-10, 2017