Community briefs

Shetley wins national book award

The NYC Big Book Award recognized “The Jolt Felt Around the World” in the category of Childrens Environment as a distinguished favorite.

The competition is judged by experts from different aspects of the book industry, including publishers, writers, editors, book cover designers and professional copywriters. Selected award winners and distinguished favorites are based on overall excellence.

Published by Wisdom House Books, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, “The Jolt Felt Around the World” was inspired by a conversation between author Susana Shetley and her two young sons after listening to an NPR broadcast on the Paris Agreement. In the story, Earth becomes so laden with trash and despair, she begins falling from her orbital spot. Earth’s leaders reach out to the other planets for help, only to have their requests denied.

What will Earth do? Will they find a solution before it’s too late?

This vibrantly illustrated picture book touches on a number of political and social issues. “The Jolt Felt Around the World” is meant to serve as a conversation catalyst among adults and children and to be used in a positive way to increase awareness in our younger generations. It is a suggested addition to any home, classroom, or public library.

“‘The Jolt Felt Around the World” is a wonderful story with important messages for children. Young readers will be lured in by the superb illustrations and then taken on an exciting, educational journey that captures their interest with an intriguing plot and great insights and lessons about the world around them,” said Jim Alkon of BookTrib.

Shetley was born and raised in Asheville and currently lives in Waynesville with her family. She is an award-winning columnist for The Smoky Mountain News, associate editor of Smoky Mountain Living Magazine, and a writer for a number of other regional and national publications.

Waynesville’s Susanna Shetley took home the NYC Big Book Award for Childrens Environment as a distinguished favorite

for her book, “The Jolt Felt Around the World.” Donated photo

Haywood Historical & Genealogical Society announces new location

The Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society (HCH&GS) announced its relocation to the Folkmoot Friendship Center at 112 Virginia Ave. in Waynesville.

Beginning Oct. 1, the Society will occupy an office space just inside the main entrance to the Folkmoot Friendship Center. In this space will be the permanent records of the Society along with various artifacts and books of historical significance.

“By locating at the Folkmoot Friendship Center, the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society will be more accessible to its members and the public. The move is intended to enhance the Society, its service to our community and to partner with Folkmoot USA with new exhibits and historical programs,” said Mike McLean, President of the Society.

By locating at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville, the HCH&GS will have a presence where residents and visitors alike will be able to access various services of the Society such as family history and genealogy, review of historical documents and photographs, volunteer opportunities with the Society and review of potential donations of significant value to the Haywood County archives.

“Our presence in the old Hazelwood Elementary School, begun in 1923, is in itself significant. The once thriving industrial town of Hazelwood provided jobs, goods and services in a small-town atmosphere from its founding in 1905 to its merger with Waynesville in 1995. Today, it still has many residents and businesses who remember that time period and appreciate history,” said Alex McKay, Director of History for the Society.

Partnering with Folkmoot USA, the HCH&GS will offer classes in Genealogy research and Haywood County History as part of the Folkmoot Life Long Learning program recently announced (visit www.folkmoot.org to enroll in the classes). In addition, the Haywood Snapshot Project, in its newly formed digital capture process, will be available for donating significant historical photographs and documents to the online website for this purpose (haywoodsnapshotproject.com).

Plans are underway for cooperative efforts with the Hazelwood Boosters Club, also a new addition to the Folkmoot Friendship Center, to document and celebrate the rich history of this community.

Franklin welcomes book and vinyl store

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently cut the ribbon to officially open Cozy and Content located at 33 Edgewood Ave.

Cozy and Content is a boutique book and vinyl record store. Cozy and Content offers a unique selection of books in a wide variety of categories, including sci-fi, fantasy, romance, manga, graphic novels, mystery, and more.

The vinyl record selection ranges from rock to pop and everything in between.

“If we don’t have it, there’s a good chance we can order it,” said owner Jennifer Kelley.

In addition to books and vinyl records, the store carries unique gifts and collectibles including candles, journals, stationary, movie and TV collectibles.

Highlands recognizes community contributors

The Highlands Chamber of Commerce honored an individual, a group of volunteers and a local business with distinguished awards during its Autumn Ovation event. Held at the new Highlands Performing Arts Center (PAC), the annual event brings together Chamber members to network and celebrate the honorees. The awards included:

The Duke Power Award for Volunteer of the Year, presented to Cindy Trevathan. The award recognizes leadership, volunteer involvement and community service. Trevathan has served as a board member for REACH of Macon County; an elder, handbell choir member and Vacation Bible School volunteer at First Presbyterian Church; and a volunteer for Highlands Food Pantry and the Highlands Motoring Festival. Additionally, since 2015, Trevathan has played various leadership volunteer roles with the PAC as it raised funds and constructed its new facility — a monumental community project.

The Robert B. Dupree Award for Outstanding Community Service, presented to the volunteers for Mountain Findings. The award is presented to an individual or a group who has a distinguished record of community service and represents the true spirit of selflessly giving to others. In operation for more than 50 years, Mountain Findings has supported more than 40 charitable organizations and scholarships, granting nearly $5 million in financial awards. A non-profit, resale thrift store, Mountain Findings is completely operated by volunteers.

The Del Roberts Award for Outstanding Business, presented to Dauntless Printing. The award was created in 2005 to honor a business’ unselfish contribution to Highlands. Russell Majors accepted the award on behalf of the company. Located in Highlands Plaza, Dauntless Printing serves an array of satisfied customers, helping them select the right printed product and service at a fair price, with timely delivery.

Full Spectrum Farms to host annual fundraiser

Full Spectrum Farms announces the return of our annual fundraiser, Starlight Night.

This family friendly event will be held Oct. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1185 Wayehutta Road in Cullowhee, and includes music, BBQ dinner, hayrides, kids theater, silent auction, demonstrations and more.

Tickets are available at fullspectrumfarms.org or at the gate. The $25 per person or $50 per family fee goes directly into programs that support people with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Western North Carolina. Call 828.293.2521 to learn more or to hear about our sponsorship opportunities.