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October 11-17, 2017 Vol. 19 Iss. 20

Haywood manager was valued public servant Page 4 Developer takes Jackson to court over permit denial Page 18

CONTENTS On the Cover: After hearing complaints from several residents, the Swain County commissioners are interested in hearing feedback from the community regarding the services and programming available at the recreation center. The county will be updating its recreation master plan soon in order to apply for a state grant.

(Page 6) Ila Sansouci, (from left) Anna Plantenberg and Ruth Boyd enjoy a beautiful afternoon at the Swain County Recreation Center playground. Jessi Stone photo

News Brunch bill languishes in Maggie Valley ........................................................................3 Haywood manager Dove was valued public servant ..............................................4 Court upholds runoff in Cherokee ..................................................................................8 WCU student dies in shooting ....................................................................................11 Waynesville mulls economic incentives policy ........................................................12 Candidate forums next week in Canton, Maggie Valley ......................................14 Developer takes Jackson to court over permit denial ............................................18 Bryson Senior Living close to completion ................................................................20 Bryson City secures new maintenance property ....................................................21 Health News ......................................................................................................................23

Opinion Save your crude posts for other websites, please ................................................24

A&E Greensky Bluegrass returns to WNC ........................................................................28

Outdoors

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October 11-17, 2017

Trout stocking a team effort in Haywood ..................................................................42

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Brunch bill languishes in Maggie Valley

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER he Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen took no action Oct. 9 on the so-called “brunch bill” that’s been making the rounds of Western North Carolina governments since its passage in the General Assembly earlier this year, but it’s clear that the debate over extending alcohol service hours on Sunday mornings has entered some surprising new territory, on both sides of the issue.

What’s not surprising is that the town did not vote on a proposed ordinance; action was neither required nor expected, especially after Maggie Valley Mayor Saralyn Price said Oct. 3 she hoped the board wouldn’t vote on the night of the Oct. 9 public hearing so that the board would have time to take under advisement the concerns of the community.

And even that hearing wasn’t required; an ordinance allowing for the sale of both onpremise and off-premise alcohol sales on Sundays at 10 a.m., rather than noon, didn’t require a public hearing at all.

It almost didn’t get one, either; two aldermen — Clayton Davis and Phillip Wight — voted against holding a public hearing. In Wight’s case, he said at the time that the ordinance wasn’t relevant in a community with admittedly few brunch spots.

But both proponents and detractors of the proposed ordinance showed up Oct. 9 anyway, hoping to sway board members who appear, at least publicly, to be as yet undecided on the issue.

Teresa Smith spoke first, as executive director of the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, at whose suggestion the bill was originally entertained by the board.

Smith explained that her organization backed the proposed ordinance, primarily for economic development reasons.

“As the Chamber of Commerce for Maggie Valley, we feel that it is our duty to uphold the economic impact that this bill could have on Maggie Valley,” Smith said.

But in what is a necessarily late development in the story of how the brunch bill has been presented in other jurisdictions, Smith cited a long list of neighboring towns and counties that had already passed an ordinance, implying that Maggie Valley would be left behind in the highly competitive economic development arena.

“We would like to see this bill passed so that future businesses who are looking to relocate or open a new business in the valley would consider us,” she said.

If Smith merely implied it, distillery owner Dave Angel flat out said it.

“I sat down and did the math. There’s about eight or nine vacant restaurants in Maggie Valley right now,” Angel told the board. “We should be doing everything in our power to help potential restaurateurs be attracted to Maggie Valley, that see a chance for survival in Maggie Valley, and want to do business here. Why would we want to limit the opportunities they have to be successful, when this is a very simple way of doing it?”

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Teresa Smith of the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce makes her case in favor of a brunch bill ordinance before the Maggie Valley Town Board Oct. 9. Cory Vaillancourt photo

The Town of Canton Board of Aldermen/women will hold a public hearing to solicit opinions on the expansion of Sunday morning alcohol service hours.

Since its passage by the N.C. General Assembly earlier this summer, the “brunch bill” has generated substantial controversy in some municipalities, and nowhere more so than in Canton; the expanded service hours aren’t automatic, and must be passed by each municipality or county before they take effect.

The measure allows, among other

ties, over $1 billion has been spent on beer, wine and spirit manufacturing in these counties alone, and 2,500 of our neighbors work in this industry.”

He continued on the economic development aspects of his argument, highlighting the “left behind” mantra and said he’d talked personally with two breweries in the last year that had looked at property in Maggie Valley, but had taken a pass.

“As a county, we need to be saying everything we can to people who are in the position of bringing the next big brewery — the next Sierra Nevada, the next New Belgium — we need them to be looking at Haywood County,” Angel said. “If Asheville and Buncombe County are all about it, and Sylva and Jackson County are all about it, they’re not going to come to Haywood County if parts of Haywood

Smoky Mountain News

The Waynesville resident Angel owns Elevated Mountain Distillery on Soco Road in Maggie Valley; as such, a brunch ordinance in Maggie Valley means little to him, at least directly — he’s not open on Sundays, doesn’t serve food and plans to do neither.

But he’s still been advocating before local boards — Waynesville in particular — saying that although it would indirectly benefit him if establishments that carried his brand of locally-produced spirits opened an extra two hours a week, he’s more concerned with the signal a brunch bill sends to potential developers.

“North Carolina is the fifth-largest beer state, we have over 60 distilleries and that number will probably be 80 by the end of next year,” Angel said. “If you look at Haywood, Henderson and Buncombe coun-

• What: Brunch bill public hearing • When: 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12 • Where: Canton Town Hall, 58 Park Street

County are on the fence about the opportunity to bring that business in.”

Not everyone, however, seems to want that business in Haywood County, or in Maggie Valley.

“I’ve lived here since nineteen and fifty-one,” said Rich Cove resident Agnes Moody. “We were over here when the town was beginning.

They said no liquors, no beer joints, no nothing like that. Now look at it. It’s everywhere.”

Last to speak was Wayne Burgess, representing the first Baptist Church of Maggie Valley.

“At 10 a.m., we feel like it’s God’s time,” Burgess said. “You need to be in church.

Getting you there is another problem, you know, but anything that can hinder someone to make our values better as far as moral standards — we’ve been going in the wrong direction for a few years. I’d like to see that turn around. So at this time, I’d like to ask the board to vote this brunch bill down.”

Burgess’ comments on behalf of First Baptist represent another instance of the now-persistent religious opposition to the brunch bill; Bethel Baptist Rev. Roy Kilby spoke out against Canton’s proposed ordinance weeks ago, but no one spoke against it at all in Waynesville.

Maggie Valley aldermen have no clear course of action at the moment; the board may decide to do nothing, or may decide to schedule a vote at an upcoming meeting.

For any brunch ordinance to pass in Maggie Valley on its first reading, a twothirds majority of the board is required, which means that a 3-2 decision won’t suffice.

A simple majority on second reading, however, would.

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October 11-17, 2017

Brunch bill to be heard in Canton

things, permitees to begin selling both onpremise and off-premise alcohol beginning at 10 a.m. on Sundays, rather than the current noon start.

Asheville moved quickly to pass the bill, and Waynesville passed it without controversy Sept. 12, but local temperance crusader Rev. Roy Kilby denounced it in a Canton board meeting weeks ago, and proprietors at two Canton bars — BearWaters Brewing and Southern Porch — didn’t seem to think the relatively minor increase would have much effect on their respective businesses.

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For keeping track of your food intake, monitoring your calories and counting your carbohydrates (since they affect your blood sugar):

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• My Fitness Pal - a free app you can download to your phone • Supertracker from the USDA - www.supertracker.usda.gov Some general information about diabetes: www.ingles-market.com/dietitian/nutrition-info/diabetes Also, check with your local hospital or health department to see if they offer a diabetes support group, classes, or a certified diabetes educator (CDE). Classes and intruction are often covered by insurance.

Haywood manager Dove was valued public servant

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT of the county purchases of property adjacent STAFF WRITER to the troublesome landfill — purchases that lthough Ira Dove’s tenure as Haywood eliminated the risk of excess gas affecting County manager was relatively short, homeowners. his long service to the county and the Of late, the county’s Affordable Housing contributions he made as manager will ulti- Task Force was another area in which Dove mately leave him remembered as an integral seemed to be exceptionally dedicated. piece of a rural government working to “I think he did a great job with that,” address larger issues.

Francis said of the 2016 effort to assess housA grateful Dove resigned unexpectedly ing affordability that resulted in a series of Oct. 3, saying only that it was time; since the recommendations to be carried out by a naspublic received notice of his resignation Oct. cent advisory board.

4, Haywood County commissioners have Dove’s training as an attorney was also been tight-lipped as to why, but not as to valuable to the commission, Kirkpatrick what Dove — a sharp, thorough public ser- added. vant who earned a reputation for professional Conveying the old Health and Human and personal integrity — leaves behind.

Services Building to Mountain Projects was Dove spent years in the county’s another area in which Kirkpatrick said Dove Department of Social Services — first as an was instrumental. attorney, and later as its director of four years — and became interim county manager following the departure of Marty Stamey on Jan. 1, 2014.

Stamey announced his resignation Oct. 23, 2013, and had served in the post since then-manager David Cotton announced his resignation Nov. 4, 2010, effective the next day.

Dove was in turn promoted to county manager May 5, 2014; thenchairman Mark Swanger said at the time that Dove was “always the smartest person in the room” and called him intelligent, an excellent Haywood County Manager Ira Dove (left) shares a communicator, a good listener and a word with Waynesville aldermen Jon Feichter, (left good leader with good common sense. to right) LeRoy Roberson, Gary Caldwell and Julia Current Board Chairman Kirk Boyd Freeman during Folkmoot 2017 as former Rep. Kirkpatrick — who was also, coincidentally, chairman during Cotton’s Joe Sam Queen looks on. Cory Vaillancourt photo departure — said that Dove was an integral part of the team.

“He dealt with us with respect,” said Patsy “There are lots of department heads, five Davis, Mountain Projects’ executive director commissioners and a chairman,” Kirkpatrick who also co-chaired of the 2016 housing task said. “I view things that as a county, we work force. “He valued our contribution to the together to get things done.” community and it was always a pleasure to Kirkpatrick stressed that he wasn’t taking work with Ira.” away from Dove’s effectiveness as a facilitator, Assistant County Manager Stoney Blevins but instead didn’t like to ascribe personal will remain assistant county manager for credit to any one individual for any specific now. initiative, including himself.

Kirkpatrick said that the county was operBut as the one charged with implement- ating normally in Dove’s absence, and that it ing county policy — akin to the CEO of a $75 would address the issue of finding a tempomillion company with hundreds of employ- rary or permanent replacement for Dove — ees, expansive facilities and untold amounts who takes 17 years of Haywood County expeof equipment — Dove’s contributions won’t rience with him — at its next meeting on be forgotten.

Monday, Oct. 16.

“He’s been very helpful in that respect,” Dove, Davis explained, served on the Kirkpatrick said, mentioning the recent reor- board of Mountain Projects and had worked ganization of the county’s EMS services as with the group often when he was with the something that will likely pay dividends.

DSS; Davis hopes whoever replaces him fol“He took the time and reevaluated it, and lows in that same tradition. over time I think that will show to be benefi“I’d like to have somebody that realizes cial,” he said. the value of human services, and what nonFormer longtime county employee David profits and human services contribute to the Francis agreed with Kirkpatrick’s sentiment citizens of the county,” she said. “Someone and added another of his own. who wants to continue the partnerships we’ve “One of the first things that jumps out at developed over the last two decades. United, me is the Francis Farm Landfill,” Francis said we’re all stronger.”

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Spate of county resignations raises questions S

among the most tightly guarded, several off-record sources were willing to speak on the resignations to dispel what they say are wild conspiracies born of a sheer urgency by the general public to always want to proscribe a villain.

Burris’ reason is rumored to be personal in nature, and Stewart’s is likewise rumored to be educational in nature, although she declined to comment when reached Oct. 8.

In the case of Francis, he publicly announced that it was simply time to move on, while commissioners said he’d be missed.

Ray didn’t give a reason in Dove’s contract states that he her statement to The Smoky Mountain News, but an email must give “at least thirty (30) days’ from Ray to Haywood County notice of his intention” to terminate Democratic Party Chair Myrna Campbell confirmed his own employment or face that Ray would be taking a similar position for the forfeiture of pay for any remaining Eastern Band of Cherokee vacation days, as well as LGERS Indians.

Ray’s replacement will be payments and 401k payments. As decided by Superior Court Judge Brad Letts. of press time, the county couldn’t Little is known of say if it had received any such 30Woodrow’s or Dove’s reasons for resigning, but in Dove’s day notice from Dove. case, implications that any wrongdoing occurred are dead wrong, according to Kirkpatrick.

Several Asheville news outlets have “I can understood why people would reported that longtime Buncombe County want to make a connection between this Manager Wanda Greene is the subject of a and Buncombe County, but there’s not,” he federal investigation; since then, the U.S. said.

Attorney’s Office has confirmed that fact, Francis concurred, calling such but hasn’t said why. Greene announced her supposition unfair, uncalled for and just retirement May 30. plain ludicrous.

Her son, a 14-year county employee, “Ira Dove is one of the most ethical peoresigned the day the federal probe was ple I have ever met,” said Francis. revealed, and her sister was reassigned to a As an example, Francis said that Dove lower-paying job with the county. once received a nominal gift from a ven“It’s not connected,” Kirkpatrick said of dor that does business with the county; the recent resignations in Haywood County Dove immediately asked Francis to recomand the investigation in Buncombe. ”I mend a worthy cause to which he could would know if it was, and it’s just not.” donate it.

A deeper look into the departures of “We’ll get through this,” Kirkpatrick Francis, Burris, Stewart and Ray seems to said, “and we’re still grateful for all the support Kirkpatrick’s assertion; although employees we currently have.” employee personnel information is usually could remain on “vacation” with the county until all paid vacation has been exhausted; Francis won’t technically be gone until November.

Dove’s abrupt and unanticipated resignation — the implications of which suggest he may have left money on the table — coupled with his brand new contract and the other recent county resignations have led some to question what, if anything, this all has to do with what’s going on in Buncombe County government at the moment.

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October 11-17, 2017

retiring at the end of the month.

Then, of course, there’s former Haywood County Manager Ira Dove.

Not much is known of Dove’s reasoning, but it’s perhaps the manner in which he resigned that has Haywood tongues wagging.

The county sent out Dove’s resignation letter the morning of Oct. 4 and surprisingly revealed Dove’s last day had been Oct. 3.

“With a heart full of thanks for those who gave their full measure of commitment to public service, I recognize the time has come for me to move onto the next chapter of my career,” Dove said in his letter.

Dove didn’t return a call for comment, and commissioners including Kirkpatrick have repeatedly deferred to Dove’s written statement, offering praise for his service, but little in the way of insight into his resignation.

His most recent salary — from a contract with the county dated June 19, 2017 — was $144,099 per year. He was also given a $600 monthly car allowance and had his cell phone bill, his professional certifications, his bar association dues and his continuing legal education credits paid for by the county.

As with other qualified county employees, Dove was also eligible for sick time, vacation time and county contributions on his behalf to the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS).

He was also eligible for a health plan and a 401k, none of which is unusual for a position such as Dove’s.

Dove’s contract, however, states that he must give “at least thirty (30) days’ notice of his intention” to terminate his own employment or face forfeiture of pay for any remaining vacation days, as well as LGERS payments and 401k payments.

As of press time, the county couldn’t say if it had received any such 30-day notice from Dove, or how much money he stands to lose if he didn’t provide sufficient notice as stipulated in the contract.

It’s also possible that Dove, like Francis,

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER everal well-known Haywood County employees in high-ranking positions have terminated their own employment over the past few months, leading to wild conjecture that the resignations are unusual, related or nefarious in nature.

According to available information, they’re not.

“There have been a number of high-profile resignations within a short amount of time, but they’re not connected,” said Haywood County Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk Kirkpatrick, who called them a “coincidence.”

“I’ve done this almost 16 years — been through, I think, six county managers, and then department heads and employees,” Kirkpatrick said. “Turnover is unfortunate, but not unusual.”

Back in August, County Tax and Solid Waste Administrator David Francis announced that his 20-year career in Haywood County government would come to an end that month.

Days later, Haywood County Facilities and Maintenance Director Dale Burris — who’d been with the county since October 2008 — gave no formal explanation when he resigned from his $77,813 job Sept. 8, according to Haywood County Human Resources Director Kathi McClure.

On that same day, Haywood County Administrator Dona J. Stewart also resigned; she’d been employed since April 2016 in her $74,000 jack-of-all-trades position that saw her co-chair the county’s Affordable Housing Task Force, coordinate the N.C. Guard’s Operation Vigilant Catamount exercise and spearhead the removal of 137 dogs from a property in Canton along with other county personnel and a pack of volunteers.

Library Director Sharon Woodrow resigned in mid-September, and although June L. Ray is not a county employee, as the elected Clerk of the Superior Court since 1981 she has been closely associated with the county for almost four decades; Ray announced late last week that she’d be

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Swain parents want more from recreation center

son’s football team not even having an announcer show up for a recent game, which she said is disappointing for the players and the parents in the stands.

Recreation Department Supervisor Jim Brown said the longstanding announcer at games had retired, but he was open to allowing a volunteer to take over the position.

Brown said it was also difficult to get volunteers to run the concession stands during sporting events. Because volunteers tend to unreliable for concessions, he said the county has to pay employees to ensure someone is there to sell food and drinks.

“I think there’s a disconnect between policy and leadership,” Loftis said. “There’s an assumption we all know all of this. I think it would behoove commissioners and the rec director to create some kind of PSA to clarify these issues.”

Shuler added that any announcements regarding the rec department needed to be better advertised through social media.

Commissioner Danny Burns suggested that administrators create a breakdown of where the recreation money is spent to give to parents and also survey the property for hazards.

WHAT SWAIN LACKS

October 11-17, 2017

Ruth Boyd, (from left) Anna Plantenberg and Ila Sansouci swing on the monkey bars at Swain Recreation Center. Jessi Stone photo

Commissioners looking for feedback from residents

Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR everal parents made it clear during a recent Swain County commissioners meeting they want to have more recreational opportunities for their children.

What started as a discussion about private vendors selling concession items at the rec department during youth sporting events quickly became an airing of grievances regarding the lack of programming for residents at the rec center.

“Why does our rec department have nothing? They do football and basketball,” said parent Emily Shuler. “Jackson County has 15 programs in the rec program for kids, 13 adult activities and Senior Games.”

Shuler said not all kids want to participate in football or baseball but would be interested in things like soccer, volleyball or other sports that are available in other counties.

Besides a lack of programming, parents also complained about the county rec facilities, including the deteriorating outdoor pool and splashpad for kids, aging bathroom facilities and safety hazards near the ball fields and bleachers.

“The bathrooms are disgusting — I’d rather my kid pee in the pool than go into the bathroom,” Shuler said.

Another mom, who is involved with Dizzy Dean’s youth baseball, agreed that the youth 6 in Swain County should have more recre-

S

ational opportunities so that they don’t have to travel to other counties.

“If other counties can provide our youth and our seniors with all these programs, why can’t Swain County?” asked Jackie Corn.

Dizzy Dean’s — similar to Little League — is privately run by parent volunteers but the program uses the county’s facilities and equipment and receives a small monetary contribution from the county.

“Swain County should want our youth to have a better future,” Corn said. “If you don’t build it now you might as well take the interest off that $4 million and build a rehab center and a pregnancy center because that’s where this county is going.”

Corn was referring to the $4 million payment the county recently received as part of the North Shore Road settlement.

Branton Loftis reiterated that the facilities needed some upgrades and a safety hazard near the small ball field needs to be addressed.

“There’s a dead tree that needs to be removed or it’s going to wipe out a whole thing of bleachers,” he said.

Commissioner Kenneth Parton, the only commissioner who still has young children participating in athletics at the rec center, said he agreed that some improvements needed to be made and as a child he remembers there being more options for youth programming in Swain County.

“I know we don’t have a lot of money but we had more when I was a kid,” he said.

“People feel like it’s all going downhill.”

Another mother complained about her

Swain is a large county, but it’s sparsely populated and has a small tax base because the federal government owns a vast majority of the land. So while it’s easy to look over to Jackson County and see all the recreational opportunities available, residents have to take into consideration the county, the town of Sylva and the town of Cashiers all contribute to recreational needs in Jackson while the county government bears most of the burden in Swain. But when looking at what each county spends on recreation programming per person, Swain is still behind compared to Jackson and Macon counties.

“It’s a challenge — it’s always been a challenge to get the programs we need, but we do the best we can,” King said. “The thing about a small community is we have to collaborate with other agencies and other entities to have more programming.”

With limited resources, King said the county’s rec department only steps in to run a program if no other agency is managing it and the residents want it.

“If the school system is operating a program, we don’t want to compete against them for kids — same goes for the extension office,” King said. “We want to foster and collaborate with them to make sure the program is successful.”

The Swain rec department doesn’t even manage the youth baseball league Dizzy Dean’s. A parent organization runs the program and the county provides the facilities and equipment.

Offering more recreation isn’t as simple as many parents would like to think — cost and a lack of participation have always been an issue when it comes to expanding programming.

Swain County’s 2017-18 budget for recreation was about $450,000 and much of that goes to pay salaries and benefits for three employees, facilities upkeep and maintenance, paying referees and purchasing equipment. Parents do pay a fee for their child to play a sport at the rec center, but Brown said a $75 fee to play football doesn’t go very far.

“Some parents ask what does that $75 fee Parents with children involved in youth athletics in Swain County cover for youth football want to see more recreational opportunities. Jessi Stone photo — but really you’re just paying for a chance to Brown said Swain partners with the participate because that doesn’t cover all our expenses,” he said. “But we know we can’t Cullowhee Recreation Center to host the charge a kid $300 — sometimes more — but Senior Games. Partnering with Jackson just equipment is so expensive, so that’s as low as makes sense because the number of participating Swain seniors has decreased in the last we can keep it.”

One helmet can cost $200 and the rec several years.

“We’ve had low participation — a lot of department also supplies the jerseys, pants seniors who used to participate are aging out and mouthpiece.

“We provide everything but cleats and so it just seemed like it worked better to partsocks,” Brown said. “The jersey is theirs to ner with Jackson,” he said.

As far as more programs for adults and eldkeep, but we try to reuse most of the other erly, Brown said the Swain rec department equipment.”

Swain County Manager Kevin King said used to offer different walking and guided hike comparing Swain’s rec center programming programs, but again low participation caused with Jackson County was like comparing those activities to go by the wayside. Brown apples and oranges. Jackson’s population is said the rec department has had discussions triple the size of Swain and Jackson’s tax base with 4-H Club and the extension office about getting those types of trips going again. is also much larger.

JACKSON COUNTY • Population: 42,000 • Property tax rate: 37 cents per $100 of assessed value • Recreation staff (Cullowhee): 8 • County budget: $62.5 million • Recreation budget: $2.1 million (includes Cullowhee and Cashiers rec centers, and funding for the Cashiers and Sylva pools) • Rec spending per capita: $50

Swain County commissioners need feedback from residents before they can apply for a grant to make repairs to the community pool. Jessi Stone photo

FEEDBACK NEEDED

Updating the five-year master plan is also a requirement in order for the county to apply for funding through the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund. Counties applying for funds through PARTF can receive up to $500,000 for recreation needs.

Swain County has its eyes on making muchneeded repairs and improvements to the community pool.

The pool at the rec center was opened in 1978. The county has made piecemeal

— Kevin King, Swain County manager

tion system to operate through a computer system, which Brown said helps to keep a correct balance of chemicals in the pool while cutting down on chemical costs.

“Running the pool can get expensive — it takes a lot,” he said. “Then we have to hire Red Cross trained lifeguards to run it when it’s open.”

If the county does secure the grant — the same one Canton received for its pool rehab project last year — Brown said the county would look at making it more user friendly and easier to maintain. The main thing will be fixing the cracks that are forming underneath the liner to prevent water loss in the pool, but other modifications could include changing the swimming lanes in the deep end and making the shallow entrance into a beach entry.

Brown said those are a couple of suggestions, but the results of the survey and the results of the PARTF grant application would probably determine which direction the county goes.

• Youth athletics: Volleyball Clinics; Volleyball League; Youth Flag Football League; Homeschool PE; Basketball; Tiny Tumblers (gymnastics); Sandlot (t-ball); Little Dribblers; Fitness Bootcamp For Kids; Spring Soccer; Fall Soccer • Adult athletics: Golf; Co-rec volleyball; Adult soccer; Indoor Futsal; Women’s volleyball; Church league volleyball; Sand volleyball; Church league softball; Racquetball; Summer walking program; Adult basketball; Pickleball; Fitness classes; Senior Games; Senior walking program • Outdoor programming: Bellyak adventure; Family campout; Kids fishing days; Youth fishing camp; Nature Discovery; Nature explorer; Wilderness first aid; Canoe trips

HAYWOOD COUNTY • Population: 60,000 • Property tax rate: 58 cents per $100 of assessed value • Recreation staff: 3 • County budget: $79.5 million • Recreation budget: $257,859 • Rec spending per capita: $4.30 (Editor’s note: The town of Waynesville provides a majority of park and rec services in Haywood County. The county contributed $25,000 to the town’s recreation budget)

MACON COUNTY • Population: 34,000 • Property tax rate: 34.9 cents per $100 of assessed value • Recreation staff: 4 • County budget: $49.6 million • Recreation budget: $709,941 for county facilities (Macon County contributed $900,000 to Highlands recreation programming this year for a total of $1.6 million in recreation spending) • Rec spending per capita: $47 • Facilities — Allman Drive: Little League Baseball Field; Senior League Baseball Field; Softball Field; Pool - Outside (seasonal June-August); Large Shelter - with grills; Large Playground; 6 Tennis Courts; 1 Basketball Court-Outside • Facilities — Cullasaja Park: Multiuse Field; Biddy League Softball Field; 1 Shelter-no grills; Walking Trail; 4 Shuffleboard Courts; 2 Horseshoe areas; Swing Set area; Volleyball Court - Outside • Facilities — Cartoogechaye Park: Multiuse Field; Greenway • Facilities — Parker Meadows Complex: 4 Adult League Fields; 4 Youth League Fields; Batting Cages; Fitness Trail; Multi-Use Court/Pavilion; River Access; Parking for all facilities • Programming: Badminton; Table Tennis; Bowling; Tennis; Pickle Ball; Line Dancing; Square Dancing; Social Bridge; Duplicate Bridge; Tai Qi (Thai Chi); Qi Gong; Shuffleboard

SWAIN COUNTY • Population: 15,000 • Property tax rate: 36 cents per $100 of assessed value • Recreation staff: 3 • County budget: $15.6 million • Recreation budget: $450,000 • Rec spending per capita: $30 • Facilities: Outdoor pool; Gym; Baseball/football/soccer fields; Outdoor basketball court; Two playgrounds; Skateboard park; Community meeting room

Smoky Mountain News

POOL REPAIRS

“It’s a challenge — it’s always been a challenge to get the programs we need, but we do the best we can.”

• Programming: Basketball; Adult summer and fall soccer; Indoor winter soccer; Senior Games and trips

October 11-17, 2017

Despite the financial challenges, Swain County officials are open to suggestions for improvements and hope more parents will get involved when it comes to the future direction of recreational services.

“At this point, I’m not sure what other programs people want to see — no one has called to say they want other programs,” Brown said.

Besides youth baseball and football, the rec center also offers swimming lessons in the summer and summer day camps for children. While the county doesn’t run much programming, it does allow the schools to utilize the fields and gym for soccer and volleyball. The Smoky Mountain Roller Girls also utilize the indoor gym twice a week for their practices. Brown said the facilities offered by the county are definitely well utilized throughout the year.

King said the commissioners are getting ready to put out a recreation survey for residents to fill out. The survey results will help the county update its five-year parks and recreation plan.

“We want to be responsive to the citizens so if there’s programming that needs to happen, we want to make sure our citizens get it,” he said.

King added that the county has to get at least 10 percent of the county population to respond to the survey to even be eligible for the PARTF grant.

“We hear you but we need your help to get this accomplished,” Commissioner Ben Bushyhead told parents at the meeting.

improvements to the facilities over the years but getting the PARTF grant would mean a big makeover to keep the pool in good shape for years to come.

“Basically the pool has had no major cosmetic changes since then — we’ve replaced filters, did some plumping work, installed a new gutter system,” Brown said. “It had diving boards at one time but the insurance is so pricy they were taken down.”

The county has also added slides and shelters around the pool and installed a splashpad feature for younger children. Most recently the county spent money installing a new pool liner and upgrading the chlorina-

• Facilities — Cullowhee: 25,000 squarefoot facility; Full-size gym (basketball, volleyball, table tennis and badminton available); Fitness room featuring True/Precor cardiovascular equipment, Nautilus selectorized weight equipment, free weights and personal trainers (trainers optional, additional fee); Men’s and women’s locker rooms; Three multi-purpose meeting rooms with a warming kitchen area; Two 310’ lighted softball fields; Four soccer fields (two are lighted); 1,500 square foot pavilion; 7 picnic shelters in various footages; 2 playgrounds; 1 outdoor basketball court; Park concession stand and restrooms; 10,000 foot running trail; Handicap accessible fishing piers; 18-hole disc golf course

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Comparing recreation in WNC counties

• Programming: Football; Cheerleading; Baseball; Softball; Soccer 7

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Court upholds runoff in Cherokee Supreme Court opinion finds evidence of voting irregularities sufficient

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER lawsuit seeking to overturn a Board of Elections decision to hold an Oct. 10 runoff election for Birdtown Tribal Council failed last week when the Cherokee Supreme Court delivered an opinion upholding the board’s decision.

Candidate Ashley Sessions had filed the suit following a Sept. 21 hearing in which the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Board of Elections decided that the early voting ballots that gave her a five-vote lead over incumbent Albert Rose “cannot be relied upon,” and that a runoff election should be held to determine the true winner.

Initial results of the Sept. 7 General Election had placed Rose as the second-place vote-getter, winning the second Birdtown seat over Sessions with a margin of 12 votes.

But when Sessions asked for a hand count of votes, election workers discovered a large number of early voting ballots that the machine had failed to read on election night.

These votes caused Sessions’ total to increase by 29 and Rose’s to increase by 12 — enough for Sessions’ 12-vote loss to turn into a fivevote win.

However, Rose disputed the legitimacy of the increased vote totals. In a Sept. 14 letter to the Board of Elections, he asserted that election regularities that “unfairly and improperly affected the actual outcome of the election” were to blame for the reversal of the results, and the board held a hearing on the matter Sept. 21. Both Sessions and Rose attended the hearing, along with their attorneys. When the board released its decision one week later, it was to affirm Rose’s assessment that election regularities had made the voting results unreliable and to order a runoff election between Rose and Sessions to determine the winner of the seat. While Rose had not offered evidence to prove the existence or impact of election regularities, the board’s decision said, the board’s own investigation had turned up sufficient evidence to warrant a runoff.

Smoky Mountain News

October 11-17, 2017

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BASIS FOR A RUNOFF

The very next day, Sessions filed an appeal asking the Cherokee Supreme Court to hold an expedited hearing on the issue. She sought an order that the Board of Elections certify the recount results declaring her the winner and cancel the runoff election.

That hearing was held Wednesday, Oct. 4, and lasted for about three hours. Chief Justice Kirk Saunooke had recused himself from the 8 proceedings, leaving Brenda Toineeta

Pipestem as presiding chief justice with Sharon Tracey Barrett and Jerry Waddell serving as associate justices by appointment.

The crux of Sessions’ argument, presented by her attorney Scott Jones, was that the election board’s decision did not include any findings of fact to support its conclusion that the recount results were unreliable.

“The board came to the decision it wanted to come to, but it does not have findings — even in their minutes — to support their conclusion,” Jones told the court.

Mike McConnell, interim attorney general for the tribe who represented the Board of Elections in the case, argued that the board’s decision did indeed contain findings of fact supporting its conclusion. The decision states that, while every candidate in every community picked up some votes when the uncounted early votes were found, the Birdtown candidates picked up disproporAshley Sessions tionately more, a “large discrepancy” that the board cannot explain.

McConnell also pointed to the board’s findings that, while the box containing marked ballots had been locked securely, the box containing unmarked early voting ballots was Albert Rose stored unlocked. In addition, the board discovered that one person who should not have been allowed to vote in Birdtown — a relative of Sessions — voted in the election.

The core finding McConnell pointed to was the finding that, when poll workers ran out of early voting ballots during the last day of early voting, they addressed the issue by relabeling absentee ballots to serve as early voting ballots. Though in most cases the machines recorded these ballots as being cast, they were unable to read the votes marked on them, leading to the discrepancy in vote counts between election night and the recount. In total, 55 absentee ballots were used as early voting ballots in Birdtown, and of the 155 early votes cast in that township the machine recorded only 148 of them as being cast.

“In this case we can show that the actual outcome would have changed, because those 55 absentee ballots that were used as early voting ballots — take those 55 away and that’s almost double the margin of votes that Ms. Sessions gained,” McConnell said. “It’s five times the margin that Mr. Rose gained in the recount.”

Jones disagreed with that assessment.

“Those findings showed nothing more

than that the machine count was inaccurate,” he said. “There is nothing in those findings to show that the hand recount of all the ballots livestreamed for everybody to see was inaccurate. Everybody got to see it, and it was accurate.”

Sessions and Rose were not the only candidates to pick up significant numbers of votes following the recount. The discrepancy discovered in that race led to a hand count of ballots in all townships, and every candidate for Tribal Council picked up some number of votes, though the increases were largest in Birdtown. Boyd Owle, the top vote-getter in Birdtown, had the largest increase with 30 extra votes.

Later in the proceedings, Rose’s attorney Rob Saunooke pointed to tribal law requiring early voting ballots to be “marked and distinctly colored from the absentee and regular voting ballots” as a reason why those substitute early voting ballots should be immediately discredited.

“To try to accommodate this desire to vote (when early voting ballots ran out) they made a split-second decision and crossed out an absentee ballot and tried to make that an

early voting ballot,” Saunooke said. “Well, that violates the law, and if you break the law in the process of the election, how can you certify and verify the result?”

Jones agreed that the law stipulates that early voting and absentee ballots should look different from each other but disagreed with Saunooke’s view that this mistake on the election board’s part should trigger a runoff election.

“If the statute said you use pink ballots and they end up using green because there was a shortage of pink paper, that doesn’t affect the outcome of the election,” he said.

“It just doesn’t affect the outcome, and that’s what matters.”

In his argument, Jones drew heavily from the court’s 2003 opinion in a case regarding the outcome of the Snowbird/Cherokee County Tribal Council election. In that case, the Board of Elections found that at least 100 illegal absentee ballots were counted in the election, prompting it to call a runoff election between three of the four candidates.

However, the Supreme Court ruled that the general finding that some people had voted illegally wasn’t enough

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Election updates online

In a five-page opinion released Friday, Oct. 6, the Supreme Court came down clearly on Rose’s side.

In the court’s view, the board’s investigation found “numerous specific facts about irregularities related to this election.” The findings were enough to show that a recount would not yield an accurate vote count, the court found, and when that’s the case, “the board is required by law to conduct a runoff election.”

The irregularities in this case affected a sufficient number of votes to call the results into question, the court found. The 55 votes cast using substitute early voting ballots would certainly be enough to swing the election, and even the seven ballots that the machine failed to recognize as being cast would have been sufficient to change the five-vote margin between Rose and Sessions following the recount. In that context, the court found, even the single vote of the person found to have illegally registered as a Birdtown voter could have made the difference.

The court also sided with McConnell and Saunooke on the question of the election board’s authority. The reading that Jones proposed, which would give the board the authority to declare a runoff election only if evidence presented in a protest hearing met the burden of proof outlined in the code, would “handcuff the Board of Elections in performing its duties and could require it to disregard information it obtains from its own investigations of irregularities,” the opinion reads.

The Supreme Court decision was the final word on the election issue, making the Oct. 10 runoff a sure thing.

Saunooke applauded the ruling.

“I fully support the decisions of the Cherokee Supreme Court,” he said.

Jones, meanwhile, maintained that Sessions should have been declared the winner outright.

“We are extremely disappointed with the court’s decision. We respect the court’s decision, but we believe it’s wrong,” Jones said Monday, Oct. 9. “Because of the way the system’s set up, tribal members who are able only to vote absentee or early voting will be disenfranchised. They had an opportunity to vote in the General Election but they will not have an opportunity to vote tomorrow.”

McConnell declined to comment on the case.

Sidewalks are coming to Skyland Drive in Sylva along a 0.7-mile section stretching from the Old Asheville Highway to its intersection with Chipper Curve Road.

Sylva’s commissioners voted unanimously Sept. 28 to approve $104,000 as the town’s contribution toward a $519,000 project to be carried out by the N.C. Department of Transportation. When completed, the project will result in sidewalk on both sides of Skyland Drive from the Old Asheville Highway to East Sylva Circle, a distance of about 0.4 miles, with the remaining length toward Chipper Curve Road paved only on the west side of the road.

The endeavor would address what has been a problem area for Sylva, as that piece of road is central to the town and home to a smattering of houses and businesses.

However, with no sidewalks pedestrians can often be found walking in the road.

“I know for safety’s sake this is good,

because so many people walk on the road there,” Mayor Lynda Sossamon said following the board’s vote.

Town Manager Paige Dowling said the DOT would start acquiring right-of-way between April and June of 2018, a process

“I know for safety’s sake this is good, because so many people walk on the road there.”

— Lynda Sossamon, Sylva mayor

that is estimated to take about a year.

Construction will likely begin around April 2019.

Sylva’s $104,000 contribution represents the required 20 percent match toward the total project cost. However, according to the contract the town would be responsible for paying the entirety of any project cost above the estimated $519,000. Of the $104,000, $86,000 will go toward construction, with the remaining dollars funding engineering and right of way costs.

Smoky Mountain News

t k description of the initially uncounted early h votes as “mysteriously appearing.” e “No ballots mysteriously appeared,” Jones f said. “There’s nothing mysterious about this.

There were some ballots that had some hands writing on them and the machines didn’t e count them. When those ballots are taken t and hand counted, you end up with more.” . Further, he said, the ballots that voters s had already marked were securely stored.

While the unmarked early voting ballots were m not locked up, there is no evidence that anyg body tampered with them or submitted extra e votes. , The attorneys also spoke at length about 0 the board’s authority to conduct investigae tions and order runoff elections. While all n agreed that the board can conduct investiga. tions of its own volition, Jones argued that a e runoff election — in a case where candidates are not tied for votes — is an option only when a hearing is conducted on a protest and

SUPREME COURT DECISION

Skyland Drive to get sidewalks

October 11-17, 2017

The Smoky Mountain News went to press just before polls closed Tuesday, preventing runoff results in the race between Albert Rose and Ashley Sessions from being printed here. However, results will be posted online at www.smokymountainnews.com and reported in the Oct. 18 print issue.

The election included only two candidates — Rose and Sessions — rather than all four candidates who ran in September’s General Election. The difference between the other two, first-place Boyd Owle and fourthplace Travis Smith, was 206 votes and well outside the number of disputed ballots.

Owle was sworn into office Oct. 2 along with the other newly elected councilmembers.

The runoff did not include opportunity for absentee or early voting, meaning that tribal members registered in Birdtown who were traveling or live away from the Qualla Boundary could not participate. However, , Birdtown voters who are tribal employees w were granted an hour of administrative u leave Oct. 10 to cast a ballot.

the party making the protest proves, with evidence, that counting the ballots would not give an accurate picture of the voting results.

The board’s decision stated that Rose “did not present any new evidence at the (protest) hearing. In that regard, he did not meet the burden imposed on him” in the Cherokee code. Therefore, Jones argued, the board had no right to order a runoff election.

McConnell and Saunooke, meanwhile, contended that the code gives the election board broad authority to address election irregularities, and that it could decide to order a runoff regardless of whether the evidence for that decision is presented in a protest hearing or found as part of an independent investigation — as long as there is evidence.

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to trigger a runoff election — the Board of Elections would need to have evidence “showing how each named voter failed to meet the requirements to vote absentee in that township.”

“You have to have findings in the decision that support the decision and conclusion, and that’s not there,” Jones said of the current situation. “If I were a brave lawyer I would have stood up here and said that in the first two or three minutes and sat down.”

While election laws have changed since 2003, Jones said, the sections pertinent to the Kephart case have not. However, in its opinion the Supreme Court said that Jones’ reliance on the Kephart decision was “misplaced” and that the “laws and statutory language governing the Board of Elections in 2004 were very different from the facts in this case and the current statutory language.”

Jones also fought against Saunooke’s

@SmokyMtnNews 9

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398-02

MOUNTAIN SOUVENIRS

Smoky Mountain News

October 11-17, 2017

• Canned Possum • Bear Poop • Shot Glasses • Bean Shooters • Postcards • Corn on the Cob Toilet Paper • & Much More!

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Two teens arrested in connection

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Friday 9 - 10 AM: Power Core Yoga w/ Amber • 10:30 - 11:30: Flow + Yin Yoga w/ Kendall • 12 – 12:45: Barre + Balance w/ Jay • 5:30 - 6:30: Funky Friday (variety of styles + teachers) Saturday • 9 - 10: Mixed Level Flow Yoga w/ Michael or Amber • 10:30 - 11:30: Beginner Flow Yoga w/ Maura

GUIDED MEDITATION AND INTRO TO ENERGY WORK with Maura Finn

Saturday, October 21st 1:30-3:30 • $25 We talk about our energy level daily, but what is energy? In this workshop you will learn how to engage with your energy in a more conscious way and explore practical applications, such as how to maintain a consistent energy level throughout the day.

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Candlelight vigil planned Friends of Jacob Ray, the Western Carolina University Student who passed away following a shooting Oct. 6, will hold a candlelight vigil in his honor at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the fountain area of Central Plaza on campus.

Information about funeral arrangements was not available as of press time, but WCU will inform the community once these plans are known.

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Smoky Mountain News

incident happened around midnight on Old Cullowhee Road adjacent to campus. No information has been released as to the exact location of the shooting or the relationship of the victim and defendants to one another.

Agencies involved in the investigation include the Jackson County Sheriff ’s Department, the SBI, N.C. Highway Patrol, the WCU Police Department, CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department and various other agencies in the jurisdictions where suspects went after the incident.

“The investigation is continuing to develop, with many details and investigative leads being pursued,” said WCU Police Chief Ernie Hudson.

WCU is posting new information at www.news-prod.wcu.edu/2017/10/university-police-investigating-late-night-shooting as it becomes available.

Am ount per Serving

October 11-17, 2017

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER late-night shooting near the Western Carolina University campus Friday, Oct. 6, has left a student dead.

Jacob Alexander Ray, 21, a junior computer information systems major from Hendersonville, was taken off life support Monday, Oct. 9, after spending the days since the shooting in serious condition at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

“The entire Western Carolina University community mourns the loss of such a promising young life,” said Chancellor David O. Belcher. “We offer our Aja Makalo deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Jacob Ray during this unimaginably difficult time. Jacob Ray will always be a Catamount.”

University police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to student safety, and two Zavion Southerland people have been arrested in connection with Ray’s death. WCU student Aja Makalo, a 19-year-old from Charlotte, was arrested Oct. 7 in Charlotte and 17-year-old Zavion Southerland, also of Charlotte, was arrested Oct. 8 in Gastonia. Southerland is not affiliated with WCU. Both teens were arrested by the State Bureau of Investigation while Ray was still alive and charged with attempted murder.

With Ray’s passing there is potential for those charges to be upgraded, though this had not occurred as of press time Tuesday.

Makalo is being held on $500,000 bond and Southerland is being held on $1 million bond. While both were arrested in Mecklenburg County, they have been transported to custody in Jackson County.

The investigation is a complex one, involving multiple defendants and jurisdictions, and little information is being released about the events surrounding the shooting.

According to a press release from WCU, the

Monday 9 - 10 AM: Slow Flow Yoga w/ Sara • 10:30 - 11:30: Gentle Yin Yoga w/ Sara• 4:30 - 5:15: Mat Pilates w/ Sarah B. • 5:45 - 6:45: Mixed Level Flow Yoga w/ Candra • 6 - 7: Yoga Basics w/ Amber • 7 - 8: Buti Yoga* w/ Judy

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WCU student dies in shooting

OCTOBER SCHEDULE

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Waynesville’s Sunoco plant on Howell Mill Road was the recipient of an economic incentive plan in 2012.

OFFICE FOR RENT

Cory Vaillancourt photo

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Smoky Mountain News

October 11-17, 2017

Call Ted Prosser 828-201-3423

New policies could define Waynesville economic development for decades

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER fter realizing small but consistent gains in local business development over the past few years, the town of Waynesville has recently undertaken several initiatives designed to strengthen the economic vitality of the town while also guiding that development in a direction acceptable to the community as a whole.

And as those investment dollars roll in — generating property taxes, sales taxes and other economic benefits — keeping those dollars as close to home as possible is just as important as attracting them in the first place.

But defining who gets what, and when, will be the hardest part; working within a narrow window of both statute and sustainability, Mayor Gavin Brown and the Waynesville Board of Aldermen must now craft detailed, nuanced policies that will carry with them economic repercussions far beyond their terms.

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October 13, 14, 19,* 20, 21, 26,* 27 at 7:30 pm October 15, 22, 29 at 2:00 pm Adults $26 Seniors $24 Students $13 *Special $16 tickets for all Adults on Thursdays.

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

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Staying in the game

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.

THE CARROT AND THE STICK Waynesville’s economic development activity can be thought in the context of old business, pressing business and new business.

The old businesses is that of capacity use fees; a recent ruling by the N.C. Supreme Court cast aspersion on the statutory authority of towns to collect fees from developers based on the future costs of system upgrades.

Waynesville hadn’t been charging the fees; maintaining infrastructure of the sort is

costly, and expansion — critical to economic growth — is even more so.

A North Carolina General Assembly bill co-sponsored by Rep. Mike Clampitt, RBryson City, and passed in July bailed out towns like Waynesville, allowing them to charge fees so long as those fees were set by a commissioned study, which town aldermen on Sept. 26 voted unanimously to conduct.

The $8,500 McGill and Associates report, said Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites, would probably pay for itself in a matter of months as new development follows and a previously unrealized revenue stream becomes available for infrastructure upgrades.

The town expects to be charging the fee — usually passed on from the developers to consumers — well in advance of a mid-2018 deadline.

With that old ambiguity out of the way, the pressing business is that of crafting a local preference purchasing policy.

Communities benefit substantially whenever expenditures — whether personal, professional or municipal — remain in that community. The beginning of the “buy local” movement came about as a result of this economic truth, which is even more important for isolated, rural mountain communities like Waynesville.

“It’s tremendously important,” said Haywood Economic Development Council Executive Director Mark Clasby. “I fully support the idea of doing business locally and growing local businesses.”

A few years ago, Clasby helped create the Buy Haywood program, which has been successful in helping local agricultural producers break into the retail grocery market as well as local restaurants; although what the town is trying to do with respect to local purchasing is slightly different, it all speaks to the same goal — keeping local dollars in the local economy.

During the town’s fall planning retreat, held at the Wells Events Center in Waynesville Oct. 6, Hites presented to assembled town aldermen, department heads and staff a small statutory sanctuary that allowed for what he called “a new concept in purchasing” utilized by a dozen-odd North Carolina towns over the past three or four years.

The governing statute over municipal purchasing, GS 143-129, is three-tiered; purchasMark Clasby es from $30,000 to $90,000 require an informal bid process, while purchases above $90,000 require a formal bid process.

On purchases under $30,000, though, statute is silent — not permissive, per se, but silent, meaning there is no requirement that a town get the absolute lowest price on a purchase.

If a town gets too lenient in encouraging or allowing gross overpayment for goods and services, several concerns over the use of taxpayer monies could arise.

However, tightly crafted policy — in this case, favoring local vendors of goods and services under $30,000 — can be created without imposing undue burden on taxpayers while still stimulating the local economy at the same time.

As presented the proposal would require, only on purchases

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tives have been allowed in North Carolina since the mid-1920s.

As with capacity use fees, having a formal economic development incentive policy ensures that investors, developers and town staff know exactly which cards are on the table.

That policy, however, will be twofold.

Of course, certain technical requirements will be delineated — number of employees, average salary, amount of investment and the like.

“The important thing about incentives is that they have to be performance-based,” Clasby said. “You don’t just write a blank check.”

Based on those criteria, the town may choose to rebate a percentage of property taxes already paid by the business back to that business for a pre-determined period of years, thus requiring no budget appropriation.

The board would then approve the incentive package in a closed session, and would further have to conduct a public hearing on the package, and then finally vote to approve it.

“This sets the framework,” Hites said, adding that such a policy doesn’t obligate the town to provide incentives; the process also allows for secrecy to be maintained, as some businesses require.

But who should be in line for such incentives? Henderson County’s policy says which kind of businesses it is willing to subsidize, and by omission which types it is not willing to subsidize.

Hites gave the example of a cheaply made cinder-block “junk mall,” as something most municipalities wouldn’t want, let alone incentivize to locate in town.

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“The important thing about incentives is that they have to be performance-based.

You don’t just write a blank check.”

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— Mark Clasby, Haywood Economic Development Council director

Prevailing economic development wisdom says that medical research is among the most coveted industries to attract, along with its accompanying high-paying jobs and significant infrastructure investments.

Aldermen also suggested that affordable housing or broadband infrastructure investment would be most welcome, and might be included in an incentive plan.

But Mayor Brown said that economic incentives wouldn’t transform the town overnight. When companies look to locate, first and foremost they look for a good workforce, a cheap and steady power supply and convenient transportation.

“I’d agree with that,” Clasby said, adding that competition for new businesses is withering, and that an incentive plan would make his job just a little easier.

“At that stage of development, you’re just trying to stay in the game,” he said.

Smoky Mountain News

under $30,000, qualified firms to submit quotes; if a local firm comes in at 105 percent of a non-local firm’s quote, the town could either accept the 105 percent quote, or ask the local vendor to match the 100 percent price of the non-local competitor.

“Matching,” Hites said, “preserves the idea that the public is getting the lowest possible bid.”

If the local vendor refuses, the town could still choose from either vendor.

Alderman Jon Feichter pointed out that with the $30,000 limit, the most the city would ever overpay for local preference purchases is about $1,500.

Alderman LeRoy Roberson demanded that no sacrifices in the quality of the goods or services be made during such situations, which can only truly occur during apples-toapples product comparisons.

While the theory and practice of such policy is relatively straightforward, the hardest thing the board must do is to define what, exactly, a local vendor is.

The town’s current definition includes all of Haywood County, but it could designate the whole state as local venRob Hites dors if the board so chooses; likewise, all counties west of Haywood — or even some to the east — might gain such accreditation, or, only the corporate limits of the Town of Waynesville.

On an even more granular level, the town will have to decide if a bricks-and-mortar presence of a certain square footage is required, or a minimum number of employees is necessary.

After that issue is decided, what then will become of commissioned salespeople who live within the so-called “local” definition but work for companies headquartered outside of it, perhaps in Asheville or Charlotte?

“That’s part of the complexity of it,” Hites said, noting that the town had just made a purchase from one such vendor — Christmas ornaments that technically originated in Raleigh.

Feichter, an immediate advocate of the proposal, said he’d push for a “strict” definition of what it truly means to be local, asking the board to consider what percentage of the purchase stays in the county and what doesn’t. As an example, he cited Walmart, which employs many and contributes to the local economy greatly, but is based in Arkansas.

Once the details are worked out, the proposed policy should land on the board’s calendar some time in November, hopefully by which time the town’s business incentive policy is in place.

“Over the last two or three months, businesses have come asking for incentives to locate in Waynesville,” Hites said.

Clasby said the last major incentive package he worked on with the town was for Sunoco Plastics in 2012; the town didn’t — and still doesn’t — have a policy, so he looked to Haywood County’s policy as a model at the time.

Providing taxpayer money to specific local businesses is prohibited, but economic incen-

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news

Haywood Dems host fall rally Haywood County Democrats will learn how grassroots energy combined with strong leadership and a statewide strategy are shaping the 2018 General Election when they gather for their 2017 Fall Rally at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Canton Armory, 71 Penland Street.

A keynote address entitled “The Road to National Democratic Recovery Goes Through North Carolina” will be delivered by District 50 Representative Graig Meyer who represents Orange and Durham counties.

Democratic candidates running in the Nov. 7 Municipal Elections will also be recognized to make brief remarks to kickoff early voting, which begins on Thursday, Oct. 19. A buffet of heavy hors d’oeuvres will be prepared by the Southern Porch restaurant and BearWaters Brewery will offer beer and wine selections at a cash bar.

Rally tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased from your precinct chair or at https://secure.actblue.com/donate/fallrally17.

October 11-17, 2017

Haywood Breast Center to host open house The Haywood Breast Center at Haywood Regional Medical Center is hosting a free educational open house event from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Outpatient Care Center – second floor on the Haywood Regional Medical Center campus.

Reservations are not required — bring your mother or daughter and learn about the latest guidelines for breast screening and advances in treatment options for breast cancer.

Apply for open seat on school board

Smoky Mountain News

Following the resignation of Beaverdam school board member Scott Smith, Haywood County School Board Chairman Chuck Francis revealed the procedure by which his replacement will be selected.

Smith, who came in second out of three

candidates in the 2016 election, recently resigned his seat because he moved out of the district he was elected to represent.

Francis stressed that Smith did “an excellent job” and also did the right thing in resigning; statues are silent about any process to remove a board member who no longer resides in the district in which they ran.

The board will soon issue a press release, Francis said, calling for applications from those who live in the Beaverdam District; after an interview process, the assembled board will vote in open session to fill the seat.

Whoever fills the seat won’t be there long; the seat will come up for election in November 2018, and the winner of that election will serve until Smith’s term would have ended — so about two years.

Francis said that although he was eager to replace the seat “because those people [in the Beaverdam district] deserve representation,” he said the board was being deliberate about the process; there won’t be time to fill the vacancy before the board’s November meeting, and action during a busy December is also unlikely.

Free financial classes offered On Track Financial Education & Counseling is presenting a series of free money management classes at the Waynesville Recreation Center- Room B. The next class, “How to Find Extra Income in your Day-to-Day Life,” will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. The series, cosponsored by Haywood Habitat for Humanity and Haywood County Board of Realtors, focuses on money management, finding ways to decrease expenses and increase income, learning all about credit, creating a savings plan, and more. Classes are free and open to the public. Class size is limited and a reservation is required. Register by calling 828.452.7960.

SCC holds fall hiring fair in Franklin A full capacity of 30 employers have committed to participating in Southwestern

Candidate forum coming to Bryson City A Candidates Forum for those running for two Bryson City Board of Aldermen seats will be held Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Swain Arts Center.

A meet and greet will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the forum will start at 6 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by Downtown Merchants Association and Smoky Mountain Times.

Debi White will be the moderator. The public will be able to submit written questions during the event. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Voters must register by Oct. 13 and early voting starts Oct. 19.

Bryson City Chili Cook Off cancelled The Swain County Chamber of Commerce has cancelled the 2017 Chili Cook Off and Car Show, which has been a staple of the Chamber for more than 20 years and is a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

The Chamber Board of Directors made the cancellation decision Thursday, Oct. 5, as they discussed their concerns over the overall lack of participation, existing regulations and rising costs to both the Chamber and volunteer chili cookers.

“We are very sad to see this tradition come to an end and this was a very difficult decision for the Board to make,” said Karen Proctor Wilmot, Swain County Chamber of Commerce executive director. “However, the board felt that without adequate participation, there was no recourse but to cancel the event. The Chamber would like to recognize everyone who has participated in and supported the Chili Cook Off throughout the years; your participation and hard work is most appreciated.”

Community College’s fall hiring fair, which is scheduled for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the college’s Macon Campus in Franklin.

Employers in fields ranging from health sciences, technology, outdoor industry, hospitality, restaurant, military, tourism, communication, government and more will be available to answer questions and accept 261-06

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resumes and applications.

In addition to SCC students, area residents are welcome to attend and meet with the employers. Job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes.

828.339.4212 or m_despeaux@southwesterncc.edu.

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Candidate forums next week in Canton, Maggie Valley

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Phone: 828.452.4251 Fax: 828.452.3585 Email: cory@smokymountainnews.com Twitter: @SmokyMtnNews Facebook: www.facebook.com/smnews Mail: 144 Montgomery St., Waynesville NC 28786

tion of late, or, signal a desire to move in a new direction by electing two of the three challengers.

Hotelier Allen Alsbrooks, construction industry worker Brooke Powell and 2015 mayoral candidate Jasay Ketchum all filed to oppose the incumbents; Alsbrooks and Eveland are unaffiliated, while the rest are Democrats.

In both forums, candidates will give opening statements and then be presented with a series of questions related to their respective towns — what they like and don’t like, and how they plan to continue or change the town’s direction.

Questions will come from SMN editorial staff as well as from the public — submit yours by Oct. 18 via Facebook, Twitter, phone, email, mail or fax.

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Smoky Mountain News

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER o mark the start of early voting, The Smoky Mountain News will host a pair of free candidate forums in the towns of Canton and Maggie Valley.

Both towns have two aldermanic seats up for grabs, but aside from that, the situation couldn’t be more different.

In Canton, retiring Mayor Mike Ray has chosen not to seek re-election; Alderman Zeb Smathers is the only candidate for mayor, meaning that his alderman seat — along with that of Alderwoman Carole Edwards, who also chose not to seek re-election — are both available.

Four candidates have answered the call, and no matter which two win, they’ll both be newcomers to politics, joining a new mayor and a new town manager.

They’ll also bring the average age of the board way, way down; the oldest of the four is 43, the youngest, 33; Ray and Edwards are nearly twice the age of some of them, and Smathers is just 34.

Voters will be able to hear from 34-yearold data architect Carl Cortright, 33-yearold Biltmore marketing employee Kristina Smith and 38-year-old Erwin Middle School music instructor James Markey; as of press time, 43-year-old respiratory therapist Brent Holland hadn’t responded to his invitation.

Cortright and Markey are unaffiliated, while Holland and Smith are Democrats; the free Oct. 19 Canton forum begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Colonial Theater.

All five Maggie Valley candidates have also confirmed their attendance at the free Oct. 18 forum, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Pavilion next door to Maggie Valley Town Hall.

Two alderman seats are available in Maggie Valley this year, but they’ll both be defended by their current occupants.

Voters can decide to return Aldermen Mike Eveland and/or Clayton Davis to their seats as an endorsement of the town’s direc-

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Political forums The Smoky Mountain News is hosting forums in two Haywood County municipalities to provide voters a chance to hear from the candidates: CANTON Thursday, Oct. 19 ¡ Colonial Theater

6:30 p.m. meet and greet ¡ 7 p.m. forum

6:30 p.m. meet and greet ¡ 7 p.m. forum

Smoky Mountain News

MAGGIE VALLEY Wednesday, Oct. 18 ¡ Town Pavilion

Moderated by Cory Vaillancourt, The Smoky Mountain News Readers may submit questions by emailing cory@smokymountainnews or via Facebook, Twitter, phone (828.452.4251) or fax (828.452.3585) 17

news

Developer takes Jackson to court over permit denial South Painter Road developer claims decision was “arbitrary and capricious”

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER enial of a permit to build a 388-bed student housing complex in Cullowhee will land Jackson County in court after Atlanta-based Mallory & Evans Development filed a motion asking for a judge to overturn the decision.

“The decision is the result of errors in law on the part of the Cullowhee Community Planning Council, is unsupported by substantial material and competent evidence, and is otherwise arbitrary and capricious,” states a petition for writ of certiorari filed Aug. 8.

The development in question was proposed to go in along South Painter Road, right across from the Cullowhee Community Gardens and near the intersection with Monteith Gap and Ledbetter roads. Plans called for a gated town home development for Western Carolina University students that would include 97 units located in 12 buildings on the 11.6-acre property.

The proposed development has been the

October 11-17, 2017

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Gary Miller, attorney for Mallory & Evans (seated second from left), criticizes the Cullowhee Community Planning Council’s decision after the body votes to deny the developer a special use permit. Holly Kays photo subject of public criticism throughout the planning process, with many community members worried about the additional stress that the nearly 400 additional residents would place on the windy rural road.

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Traffic safety issues have been a topic of concern in Cullowhee for years as more and more student developments have popped up on roads not constructed to handle such traffic, with the presence of pedestrians and cyclists further complicating the picture.

The issue culminated last year with the death of pedestrian Daniel Brown when a WCU student driving on nearby Ledbetter Road accidentally hit him.

This isn’t the first time Jackson County has heard development plans for the 11.6 acres on South Painter Road. In 2015, the Jackson County Planning Board OK’d a 488-

Community Planning Council. Each approval related to a separate need or requirement, with the Cullowhee Community Planning Council hearing representing the most difficult hurdle for the developer to clear. The first two bodies approved the requests presented to them, but the Cullowhee Community Planning Council denied the company’s request for a permit.

Approving the permit would have required the majority of the six board members present to vote that the development plans met all six of the standards outlined

Mallory & Evans alleges that the Cullowhee Council made its decision without any support from evidence presented. The developer argues that it met all the zoning requirements outlined in the ordinance and presented evidence showing that it met all six criteria to be issued a special use permit. bed development planned by Charlottebased Monarch Ventures, but the company wound up dissolving following a lawsuit between its co-owners. Development plans fell by the wayside, and by the time Mallory & Evans became interested in building there the zoning rules of the new Cullowhee Community Planning Area had gone into effect, placing more restrictions on development than had been the case when Monarch Ventures was in the picture.

In order to begin development, Mallory & Evans had to get permissions from three local government entities: the Jackson County Planning Board, the Jackson County Commissioners and the Cullowhee

in the zoning ordinance. However, the vote fell short of a majority approval in two of the standards: that the use would be “reasonably compatible with significant natural and topographic features” in the area of development and that the use won’t cause traffic hazards or congestion.

A traffic study completed by Waynesville-based J.M. Teague Engineering concluded that the development would not negatively impact the roads, but several councilmembers expressed skepticism about that conclusion. At the N.C. Department of Transportation’s direction, the study included only the intersection of South Painter and

news

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October 11-17, 2017

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Things we want you to know: Offer valid on base-memory model. New consumer or small business (20 lines or less) port-in and a select Postpaid Plan required. 2GB Total Plan and 3GB Shared Connect Plan excluded.

Purchase of device via 0% APR 30-month Retail Installment Contract, credit approval, qualifying Smartphone turn-in (for “On Us” promotional pricing) and Device Protection+ required. A $25 Activation Fee may apply. Tax due at sale. A Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (currently $2.02) applies; this is not a tax or government required charge. Additional fees (including Device Connection Charges), taxes, terms, conditions and coverage areas may apply and vary by plan, service and phone. Offers valid at participating locations only and cannot be combined. See store or uscellular.com for details. Minimum monthly price of Device Protection+ is $8.99 ($9.99 on/after 11/2/2017) per Smartphone. A service fee/deductible per approved claim applies. You may cancel anytime. Property insurance is underwritten by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida and provided under a Master Policy issued to U.S. Cellular. You will be the certificate holder on U.S. Cellular’s Master Policy for loss/theft benefits. Service Contract Obligor is Federal Warranty Service Corporation in all states except CA (Sureway, Inc.) and OK (Assurant Service Protection, Inc.). Limitations and exclusions apply. Ask an associate for more details. Smartphone turn-in: Smartphone must power on and cannot be pin locked. Device must be in fully functional working condition without any liquid damage or broken components, including, but not limited to, a cracked display or housing. Qualifying turn-in devices include: iPhone 6 or better, Samsung Galaxy S® 6 or better or Note 5. Offer with qualifying turn-in: “On Us” iPhone 8: Full price is $699. Customer will receive a $100 U.S. Cellular Promotional Card at the point of sale, balance of $599 comes via a monthly bill credit of $19.97 on a 30-month Retail Installment Contract; 0% APR. Bill credit applied within three bill cycles and ends when balance is paid. Line must remain in good standing. In the event of cancellation of service, customer will be responsible for the entire Retail Installment Contract balance. Available on new line activations. Early upgrade eligibility is forfeited if offer is taken. $100 U.S. Cellular Promotional Card given at point of sale, or mailed with device via direct fulfillment orders. Promotional Card issued by MetaBank,® Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Valid only for purchases at U.S. Cellular stores and uscellular.com. Card must be used by expiration date shown on card. Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. © 2017 U.S. Cellular 1Charging mat sold separately. 2iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus are splash, water, and dust resistant and were tested under controlled laboratory conditions with a rating of IP67 under IEC standard 60529. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage not covered under warranty. 3Display size is measured diagonally.

Smoky Mountain News

Monteith Gap roads, and did not measure impact on the remaining length leading out to Old Cullowhee Road. In addition, councilmembers pointed out, the car counts used for Monteith Gap Road were based on 2014 data compiled before construction of the 500-bed Riverwalk complex.

Regarding the standard about compatibility with natural and topographical features, some councilmembers felt that the idea of grading the site and installing retaining walls would conflict with the word “natural.”

While the proposed development was an emotional topic for many in the Cullowhee community — especially after the 2016 pedestrian death — during the June hearing county staff repeatedly reminded councilmembers that the law requires them to vote based on the evidence presented, not based on gut feeling or emotion.

“Can we talk about what evidence was presented that you’re using to get your opinion?” County Attorney Heather Baker asked at one point during the deliberations, a request repeated in various forms throughout the discussion.

When the vote concluded, reaction from Mallory & Evans was immediate.

“Those standards that were denied, all I heard was, ‘I don’t like it,’” said Gary Miller, the company’s attorney, following the vote. “I didn’t hear any objective criteria that was introduced to support those decisions. So it seems to me that those are arbitrary, capricious, in the class of a lawsuit setting.”

The implication hung unfulfilled for more than a month before Mallory & Evans filed its petition, with the Jackson County Commissioners discussing the matter in closed session Monday, Aug. 28.

Coming out of closed session, commissioners voted unanimously to engage Charlotte-based Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein LLP to represent the county in the dispute. The engagement letter outlines terms of $380 per hour according to metting minutes.

In its complaint, Mallory & Evans alleges that the Cullowhee Council made its decision without any support from evidence presented. The developer argues that it met all the zoning requirements outlined in the ordinance and presented evidence showing that it met all six criteria to be issued a special use permit. The decision to deny, therefore, was “erroneous” and with “no legitimate basis in law or fact,” depriving Mallory & Evans “of its right to due process and equal protection under the laws.

A July 12 record of decision signed by Council Chairman Scott Baker outlines the council’s decision-making process. This document cites the need for retaining walls of up to 20 feet as well as significant grading and asphalt as evidence that the plans wouldn’t be compatible with the site’s topography.

It also states that the developer failed to offer evidence on several points key to determining whether the development would create a traffic hazard — among those points are evidence regarding cyclist and pedestrian safety and impact on the intersection of Monteith Gap and Old Cullowhee roads, where significant construction is underway.

On Oct. 9, the county filed its complete record of the case with the courts. Mallory & Evans is asking the court to consider that record and overturn the council’s decision, as well as order the county to pay the company back for its legal costs. The court could agree to do that. It could also send the case back to the Cullowhee Council to hear anew or decline to act at all.

A court hearing will likely be scheduled for sometime in early 2018.

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news

Bryson Senior Living close to completion New owners welcome back displaced residents

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR hen Bryson Senior Living, an assisted living facility in Swain County, opens in January, a major void in the community will finally be filled.

Swain County has been without any assisted living facility for the elderly since Cornerstone Assisted Living in Bryson City closed in 2015. The closure forced about 30 senior citizens to be displaced — many Swain residents had to be moved to facilities in other counties farther away from their families.

A new company — Affinity Living Group — purchased the Cornerstone property located at 314 Hughes Branch Road, demolished the 65-year-old building last winter and began rebuilding a brand new facility.

With the grand opening a few months away, Bryson Senior Living is now taking reservations for its first residents and hopes those that were displaced in 2015 can return home to be closer to their families.

“We hope all the former Cornerstone residents can move back home with us,” said Nicole Parton, Bryson Senior Living’s executive director. “Once you see what we have planned, I think you will agree it was worth the wait.”

Smoky Mountain News

October 11-17, 2017

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Bryson Senior Living, a new assisted living facility in Swain County, is now accepting applications and plans to be up and running in January.

Donated photo

Bryson Senior Living is situated on a treelined lot in a quiet neighborhood. The new building will be larger than its predecessor, housing 50 residents in private studios and companion suites. The companion rooms are much different than what most people have seen before and place emphasis on privacy and personal space.

In the front of the suite, residents share a foyer/living room and bathroom with a walkin shower while still having their own separate bedrooms in the back divided by sliding barn doors. Rooms can be pre-furnished, or residents can bring their own furniture and décor. The building will also have modern, hitech amenities like an electronic call system, Wi-Fi access, and in-room cable TV and landline telephone service.

As a full-service assisted living community, Bryson Senior Living will cater to senior citizens who need assistance with daily activities like dressing, bathing, medication management and other personal care. The community will offer a dining program with three dietician-approved meals and snacks each day; a full activities program with events like social gatherings, games, outings and more; and regular housekeeping. Rates are all-inclusive, and Medicaid is accepted.

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this project,” said Nicole Parton, a Bryson City resident who is transferring from a sister community in Dillsboro to work at the new facility.

“It has been a long time coming, but it will be a great benefit to the families here for years to come.”

The new facility, which cost about $6 million to complete, is estimated to add about 15 jobs to the community with potential for more in the future.

Parton has set up a temporary office for Bryson Senior Living’s Welcome Center inside the Bryson City Federal Building at 50 Main Street. She is now accepting security deposits to hold rooms for future residents, and if eligible, past residents of Cornerstone will be given first priority.

For more information or to reserve a room, visit the office during business hours Monday through Friday or call Parton at 828.488.0024.

More details are also available online at the community’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/BrysonSeniorLiving.

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Bryson City secures new maintenance property

The town of Bryson City recently acquired 7 acres at Bryson City Walk to use for maintenance and storage. Donated photo

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the town had to negotiate with for an easement to cross the tracks to access the property. A large abandoned metalworking building lies on the site and is shared with the railroad as well.

The town was first eyeing the property back in January, but it appeared the deal was going to fall through without the railroad’s willingness to grant the needed easement. After the town denied GSMR’s

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October 11-17, 2017

— Rick Bryson, Bryson City alderman

request in April to close Fry Street to vehicular traffic during the popular Polar Express event in late November through January, everyone was sure the railroad wouldn’t be willing to grant the town an easement.

However, the two parties continued to negotiate — a couple weeks later the board “in good faith” approved the Fry Street closure for Polar Express with certain conditions and continued to work on the easement issue with the railroad.

The town was wary of wording with the easement agreement that would have only granted the town limited access that could be withdrawn at any time, according to Town Attorney Fred Moody, but a lastminute deal was struck to give the town a permanent easement with unlimited access.

The town has already begun clearing the site for future use.

AT BEARWATERS BREWING

Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR fter months of negotiations, the town of Bryson City has finally closed on a piece of property that will allow the town to properly store vehicles and maintenance equipment.

On Oct. 3, the town became the owner of a 7-acre tract at 601 Bryson City Walk, which was once home to the Powell Lumber Company right along the Tuckasegee River.

The property is now being referred to as Bryson Yard and will serve as much-needed storage space for the town.

Alderman Rick Bryson said the $200,000 price tag on the property was a deal and the town’s healthy fund balance allowed the board of aldermen to make the purchase outright instead of financing it and paying interest.

“The $200,000 price was right, but more importantly, the town needed the property because — in exaggerated terms — it has operated out of a shoebox,” Bryson said.

Historically, the town has owned very little property besides the town hall building on Everett Street and there isn’t much ideal property in town for purchase, which means the town hasn’t had anywhere to park vehicles, stash pipe and building materials, dump street rubble after a repair or take advantage of equipment bargains when they come available.

“There was no room to grow as services to residents expand in the coming decade,” Bryson said. “Now, with this s7acre tract, we have room that will enable us to plan ahead for equipment and material purchases — room that will accommodate our growth for generations to come.”

The property is located between the Tuckasegee River and the tracks of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, which is who

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Smoky Mountain News October 11-17, 2017

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Health

Smoky Mountain News

Swain hospital gets new CT scanner The radiology department of Swain Community Hospital recently launched the use of its new computed tomography (CT) scanner, which provides detailed images of areas inside the body.

The new machine at Swain Community Hospital replaces an original model and represents the latest in imaging technology. Scans are available 24 hours per day by physician order.

“It is somewhat unique to have cutting-edge technology like the new CT scanner at a rural hospital like ours in Bryson City,” said Steve Heatherly, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital. “Aside from the value of its technical capabilities, the installation of the new CT scanner symbolizes our commitment to serving the people of Swain and Graham counties and the surrounding region.

Other imaging modalities at the hospital include a state-of-the-art X-ray system installed, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, and bone densitometry. www.myswaincommunity.com.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Harris Regional Hospital is hosting the annual Tree of Hope reception from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 in the first-floor lobby at Harris Medical Park, 98 Doctors Drive in Sylva, to honor and remember those affected by cancer of any kind. Light refreshments will be served The reception will include a brief program featuring testimonials from breast cancer survivors who have undergone treatment at Harris, as well as members of the breast cancer care team, including radiologist Dr. Frank Bonomo and nurse navigator Carol Van Cleve, RN.

Breast care seminar

Dr. Allison Johnson, medical director of the Haywood Breast Center, will be presenting the Talk with the Doc seminar “Breast Care @ Haywood Regional” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Haywood Regional Medical Center – Café.

Johnson will speak while patrons enjoy a healthy meal. Afterward, she will circulate to visit with guests and answer questions. To attend this complimentary dinner, reservations are required — call toll-free 800.424.DOCS (3627) to RSVP in advance.

Haywood Regional adds OB/Gyn physician

Haywood Regional Medical Center has hired obstetrician Dr. Jenny Van Winkle to join the medical staff.

Van Winkle is board certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology. She received her medical degree from

Haywood Regional Medical Center, at the 2017 Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas.

The filmed discussion was entitled, “VATS Repair of Recurrent Congenital Bochdalek Hernia with Intrathoracic Herniation of the Kidney and Portion of the Pancreas.” Gwan-Nulla and other panelists presented the repair technique and shared tips for the VATS approach with leading thoracic surgeons from around the county. The video has been well received and is currently one of the most popular videos on CTSNet. VATS is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems in organs within the chest such as the lungs.

Haywood Regional hires interventional cardiologist

Mission Health awarded $1.25 million grant

Haywood Regional Medical Center has hired interventional cardiologist Dr. Randall Towne to join the medical staff.

“With Dr. Towne on board, we are expanding the comprehensive heart care services available at our hospital to meet the needs of Western North Carolina so more patients can get care closer to home,” said Rod Harkleroad, CEO of HRMC. Towne has an undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming, graduate degree from the University of Utah, and a medical degree from Mysore University. He completed an internship at the University of Massachusetts and a residency in Internal Medicine at the Hospital of St. Raphael, major affiliate of Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut.

Appointments may be made by calling 828.564.9222.

Mission Health received a $1.25 million grant from The Duke Endowment to integrate behavioral health care together with primary care throughout Western North Carolina.

The need for mental health services in the region has increased dramatically over the past two decades and it affects virtually every area of healthcare. WNC is in urgent need of additional, and fully combined behavioral health services and programs, as evidenced by the fact that the region’s suicide rates are among the highest in the state.

The tools that are necessary for Mission Health to realize this integration include the provision of mental health assessments and brief therapy, as well as collaborative treatment planning in primary and obstetric care settings across the region.

The grant will fund these initiatives and will support the creation of a Mobile Medication Program network to offer patients medication support, education and opportunities for skill building via brief, yet frequent home visits.

A long-running partnership between Western Carolina University and Mission Health System to improve the quality of health care in Western North Carolina reached a milestone recently when the federal government awarded a $1.3 million grant to boost the readiness of students graduating from WCU’s Family Nurse Practitioner Program.

The grant to WCU’s School of Nursing will be spread over two years and enable WCU and Mission to work together to provide enhanced clinical and classroom training for the program’s students and continuing education opportunities for working family nurse practitioners who will act as the students’ teachers and mentors in clinical settings. fnp.wcu.edu or 828.227.7467.

Texas A&M Health Science Center — College of Medicine and completed her residency at The Methodist Hospital — Houston Obstetrics & Gynecology in Houston. Van Winkle is also fluent in Spanish.

Appointments may be made by calling 828.452.5042. Visit HaywoodWomensCare.com.

HRMC surgeon presents at national conference Dr. Daniel Gwan-Nulla of Haywood Regional Medical Center, recently presented his video of a leading edge procedure which he performed at

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ing with a Master of Science from Bethel University after graduating from Western Carolina University. Most recently he has practiced as a surgical physician assistant in Murphy. www.myharrisregional.com or 828.586.5531.

Surgeon to discuss Africa mission work Dr. Daniel Gwan-Nulla of Haywood Regional Medical Center will giving a free presentation about his medical mission work in Africa from 4:15 to 5:3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center classrooms at 75 Leroy George Drive in Clyde.

He will share the joys and challenges of performing and teaching surgery in African mission hospitals. Gwan-Nulla has received national recognition for his videos on cutting edge surgical procedures.

Hospital leaders earn national credential The Certification Board for Professionals in Patient Safety recently recognized Dr. Lee Ann Manthorne, who serves as chief of medical staff for Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, and Steve Heatherly, CEO of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital, each as a Certified Professional in Patient Safety.

Manthorne and Heatherly earned this credential in part by passing a rigorous, evidence-based examination that tests candidates on their competency in patient safety science and application.

Evergreen Foundation WCU, Mission to enhance awards $86,050 The Evergreen Foundation recently awarded FNP training $86,050 in grant funding to four nonprofit agen-

Harris hires new PA Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva has hired certified physician assistant Brian Hass to join Harris Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine located on the second floor of Harris Regional Hospital.

Hass completed his physician assistant train-

cies providing programs and services for individuals with behavioral health, substance abuse and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Southwestern Child Development, Family Resource Center received $20,000 to continue providing case management needed for individuals with substance abuse and behavioral health needs in its winter homeless shelter program in Jackson County. Southwestern Child Development received $37,500 to support its Family Nurse Partnership program, which provides visiting nurses for first time mothers below poverty level in Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.

Community Services of Swain County received $11,550 to provide weekly parent education classes in Graham County for parents with substance use issues.

Mountain Projects, Circles of Hope, received $12,000 to support a coach position for the program in Jackson County and to provide for community training.

Meridian Behavioral Health received $5,000 to upgrade its Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) labs in Haywood County and for partial funding for two staff to attend PCIT training.

Opinion Save your crude posts for other websites, please Smoky Mountain News

Something newspaper editors never say: “I wish that fewer people responded to that piece in last week’s paper.”

Well, thanks to the nature of the online world that we currently live in, I’m going to buck tradition: I wish fewer people responded to that piece in last week’s paper.

A letter to the editor from a Bryson City reader criticizing Donald Trump was printed in last week’s edition of this newspaper, posted on our website, and then a link was posted on our Facebook page. Since we founded The Smoky Mountain News in 1999, we’ve run thousands of letters from readers.

Most are thoughtful and informative, but some are potshots at national political figures on the left or the right.

In those nearly 19 years we’ve been through four presidents and three governors and some tough times from 9/11 to the recent Las Vegas shooting. People get upset at our leaders and, rightfully, they turn to one of their local papers to sound off.

When people criticize national leaders and even those in Raleigh, we give them a bit more leeway than we do when they are talking about our local state delegation and especially leaders at the county or municipal level. When you get down to talking about those people and issues that we actively cover, we know the facts better than anyone and usually know when a letter writer is simply lying rather than stretching the truth.

But, letter writing and using newspapers as forums for discussion have a long and important tradition in this country that wrote press freedoms into its founding document. It used to be anonymity and pseudonyms (think Silence Dogood, the pseudonym used by a young Benjamin Franklin in his first foray in to newspaper writing) were common in all newspapers. By the 1970s, however, nearly all newspapers had done

Tweet shows that Trump is unfit To the Editor: After reading that this is Newspaper Week in the U.S., I happened to see an article about a Twitter “tweet” from someone who seems to advocate murdering journalists. I saw it in an article showing that the man occupying the White House re-tweeted it to his 15 millionplus Twitter followers.

I hope that all professional associations of journalists will address this execrable behavior by Donald Trump as well as his fan who posted it in the first place.

Every day we awaken to moral outrages worse than the day before. When will this national nightmare be ended by impeachment or the 25th Amendment, Section 2, removing that mentally ill person from Washington?

Mary Curry Waynesville

Planned Parenthood kills, not the NRA To the Editor: When a deranged person like Stephen Paddock, the Las Vegas shooter, randomly kills and wounds hundreds of people, the

away with anonymous letters.

The letter in question, which can be found in our online archives or on our Facebook page, was fact-based and opinionated. The writer does not like Donald Trump, and that seems to have been what led to the crazy number of comments.

Look, we’ve run other letters about Trump that I personally think were much more questionable, and we’ve run plenty of letters from readers raking those on the Left — particularly Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama — over the coals. It makes perfect sense that whomever is in office bears the brunt of the criticism from readers.

The posting of last week’s letter to the editor on Facebook has reached Editor more than 10,000 people and garnered about 60 comments as of Monday morning, and once something like that goes viral the numbers just keep going up. Unfortunately, for those of you who put up meaningful comments that added to the dialogue and conversation, too many others chose to go vile and tasteless, harassing other posters or using vulgar words and terms to describe those who perhaps hold a different ideological view.

And therein lies the most basic, hard-to-solve problem with the internet and journalism. We want online readership, but by seeking comment and giving readers a forum to post we lose some control unless we constantly edit — which we can’t do 24 hours a day.

Those of us who make a living in the world of words know

Scott McLeod

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LETTERS immediate reaction in Congress from politicians and pundits is to invoke the National Rifle Association as the problem.

Yes, the NRA is a lobbying group, but it lobbies for our freedom to bear arms …. to protect the 2nd Amendment of our Bill of Rights. Beyond that mission the NRA teaches about types of guns that are legal, promotes gun safety and educates young and old about gun use. Read their magazine America’s 1st Freedom and you will understand the inoffensive scope and flavor of this organization.

There is no valid reason to cite the NRA as the reason we have gun violence in this country. If you revisit the killing incidents in recent years, you will find the shooters are deranged as in Sandy Hook, domestic terrorists, or ideological terrorists such as the radical Islamists in San Bernardino.

So, leftists and Democrats especially jump right out to denounce the NRA when there is a shooting incident. Yet they are in full support of Planned Parenthood, an organization that really does kill. They abort., i.e., kill babies … sell baby parts and condone killing babies even at 20 weeks of a pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood receives over $500 million in federal and state money via Medicaid and Title X funding. You will hear that money is used for women’s preventive health and screening procedures. But, that payment to Planned Parenthood leaves them free to use

that nuance is a skill lost on many who spend too much time in the online world. It’s much faster — and less intellectually taxing — to just attack those who think differently rather than work through their argument to find its weakness.

And too often, as happened in this case, the comments go veer off the rails. Name-calling and worse start showing up in the comments. And so our news editor gets busy having to delete posts and try to bring the conversation back around to something resembling reasonable.

Criticize journalism all you want, but every print media editor I know works very hard to be objective in their news stories, opinionated but respectful in their opinions, and a force for civil, reasoned discourse in their community. I’ve worked alongside several editors of papers in this area and I know they champion similar visions, as do those I don’t know personally.

Criticize, wring your hands, or gnash your teeth about the quality of journalism today, but many of us still value objective news and strong but reasonable opinion pieces. Nothing fake, nothing vulgar and insulting.

The anonymity and distance from one’s foe that the internet provides breeds a false courage and a smug, sometimes savage, sense of intellectual superiority.

We can’t stop people from posting crude comments online, but we will take down those that cross the line. And just for the record, I’d prefer you just don’t “waste our readers” time or my editor’s time by making those posts. There’s plenty of websites looking for click bait of any kind, but we’re not one of them.

(Reach Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

private monies received, approximately $400 million, to fund their abortion clinics.

The NRA, an organization that does not kill but is a support for constitutional freedom, is railed against by members of Congress while Planned Parenthood, an organization that actually does kill, receives strong support from members of Congress.

Go figure.

Carol Adams Glenville

Tax reform plan won’t help middle class To the Editor: Now that the drama over the ACA is done, it’s time to move on to tax reform.

The current economic disparity between the upper economic classes (1 percent) and everyone else is debilitating to the overall economy and the situation has gotten progressively worse over the last 30 years. The benefits from the current economic recovery, such as they are, have mostly gone to those who already had most of the money.

People with great ideas and the energy to implement them must continue to be rewarded. However, most of the current wealth disparity has occurred through our tax code that benefits and protects those who already have lots of money. The current proposals simply

continue the transfer of money from the middle to the top economic class.

Here are a few thoughts on what true tax reform might look like. The first principle is that it should reverse the flow of wealth from large corporations and wealthy individuals to the middle-class households who will spend it.

The top tax rate could be cut to 35 percent since few people in that bracket pay 39.5 percent anyway. However, I would tax capital gains as ordinary income rather than the current flat 15-20 percent. The only potential exception might be capital gains on a primary residence.

I would treat employer provided benefits (like insurance payments) as income. Middleclass tax rates could be adjusted downward to compensate. Employer 401k contributions would be excluded since that is the main retirement savings plan for people who have that benefit.

Reducing corporate taxes has some merit, with the following caveats. Small business taxes should be lower than those for large corporations since small businesses create more jobs. A 25 percent corporate tax is actually no real change since most large companies pay less than that already. However, I would throw out all corporate exemptions and exclusions and debate each one back into the code individually depending on whether it benefits the overall economy rather than a small sector.

Susanna Barbee

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experiment in Kansas proved a disaster. The current proposals are another bad idea that will hurt millions of Americans and fail to regrow the middle class.

John Gladden Franklin

Smoky Mountain Living celebrates the mountain region’s culture, music, art, and special places. We tell our stories for those who are lucky enough to live here and those who want to stay in touch with the place they love.

Smoky Mountain News

The fundamental issue is whether tax changes benefit those in the middle and the overall economy. Tax cuts for the wealthy and large corporations (trickle down) don’t.

The history of trickle down in the U.S. proves that it doesn’t. The recent tax cut

{Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}

October 11-17, 2017

ast night I read Harold and the Purple Crayon to my 5-year-old. He sat wideeyed with an expression of intrigue as we learned about Harold drawing an imaginative world with his crayon.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a crayon or a pen or a pencil and create a world that’s easier or happier? It certainly would. But that’s not the way real life works.

After reading to my child, I checked my phone. I Columnist responded to a couple text messages then jumped on Instagram and Facebook. I casually scrolled through social media, sucking breath out of the evening.

Ten minutes I could have sat with my little boy and talked more about Harold. I could have asked my son, “What type of world would you create if you had a purple crayon?”

But, I missed my chance.

When the thought passed through my mind, I got that familiar mom guilt pang in my gut. There’s an intimate, fleeting span of time after finishing a book with a child where conversation and engagement about the story feel real and organic. It already passed and I missed it.

I picked up the book and looked down at it for a moment before signing my child’s reading log. I put everything in his backpack and hung it on the chair, ready for his little hands to grab it the next morning.

The situation made me frustrated at myself, annoyed at my phone and anxious over the pace of life these days. I recently learned the human attention span has decreased four entire seconds since the age of technology. We have an attention span of eight seconds, which is shorter than that of a goldfish.

The situation also made me realize I’ve become detached from books. It was only a little book, but it had big meaning and made me think. I love how books do that, and I miss feeling that way during and after reading a great book.

When I was very young, I adored the Berenstain Bears. I probably owned every

opinion

If I had a purple crayon…

book in the series. My favorite was The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room. My room was always a mess, so I felt I had a connection with Brother Bear and Sister Bear. I loved how the story unfolded and by the end, everyone worked together to label and organize boxes, build shelving and use a peg board to hang hats and toys. I really wanted a peg board like that in my childhood bedroom.

From third through fifth grade, I read A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett at least six times. I was obsessed with that book. The library had one copy and I remember hiding it on the shelf so no one else could check it out. It was a hardback copy with a plastic, protective book cover peeling off. After reading it each time, I would watch the original film version with Shirley Temple.

My mom worked at a school only miles from our home in downtown Weaverville.

Sometimes I would stay home by myself when I was sick and she couldn’t find a substitute. My mom would run to check on me periodically. On those days, I recall stacking all my Little House on the Prairie books beside my bed and hunkering down, excited to fall into a word with Laura, Mary and the rest of the Ingalls family.

Despite the lure and addiction of technology, it will never compare to a book.

Books are timeless and moving. They inspire and enrich each soul in a different way.

Harold and his purple crayon taught me several lessons the other night. One, I can’t lose any more of those special storytime moments with my boys. Two, I’ve got to reignite my love of books and make reading a priority in my life again. If a young Susanna could do it so well, I think her adult counterpart can follow suit.

Last and perhaps most importantly, I will never be able to draw a perfect picture of my life with a purple crayon. I will never be able to draw a perfect house with a perfect family inside a perfect world.

But then again, what even is “perfect”?

The more I mature and witness, I realize the messy parts and the imperfections are what make life beautiful and mysterious.

If I did have a magic purple crayon, I would not draw a white picket fence or a four-person family or a manicured yard or a dog lounging on the stoop. I would draw smiles and bright eyes and children laughing. I would draw books and boats and airplanes and castles. I would draw villages and dancers and musicians.

I should’ve asked my little boy, but I missed my chance. Instead, I’ll ask you: what type of world would you create if you had a purple crayon?

(Susanna Barbee can be reached at susanna.barbee@gmail.com.)

Subscribe or learn more at smliv.com MAGAZINE

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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

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

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

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

October 11-17, 2017 Smoky Mountain News

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

Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts.

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties, catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

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

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

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

Classic local American comfort foods, craft beers, along with small batch bourbons & whiskey.

Vegetarian options available Closed Sunday & Monday 454 Hazelwood Ave • Waynesville Call 828.452.9191 for reservations

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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.

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 vegeta-

FOOD • FILMS • FUN

Chef’s Demo with Jay Horton Easy Biscuits and Dumplings Tuesday, October 17th at 7pm

Scratch-made Locally Owned

Free demo to everyone!

Limited seating, reservations recommended

828.586.3555 • Downtown Sylva MadBatterFoodFilm.com

bles. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items. Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

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

Lunch menu every day from 12 to 2 p.m.

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.

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 hand-cut 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 WiFi, 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.

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

COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT 3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley.

828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet.

Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.

828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95.

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.

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.

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

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.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.454.0070. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Breakfast bagels and sandwiches, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches for lunch with homemade soups, quiches, and desserts. Wide selection of wine and beer.

Outdoor and indoor dining.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska.

Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano.

Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95.

Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available.

Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts. Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar. Catering special events is one of our specialties.

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.

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.

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Smoky Mountain News

tainly not recognized by the bluegrass community. But, the alternative bluegrass community, we’re their poster child. In bluegrass, there’s that ongoing debate, which we’ve decided we’re not interested in having anymore — “What is bluegrass, and what isn’t?” There’s this certain [thing] in bluegrass, “If it ain’t traditional, it ain’t bluegrass.” It’s always such an interesting thing to me that they’re [all] at the [International Bluegrass Music Association awards last week in Raleigh,] and our name doesn’t get brought up, and yet we’re selling out Red Rocks [Amphitheatre in Colorado].

You’d think they’d embrace us a little bit. The word “bluegrass” is in our name whether we are traditional or not. We’re introducing a lot of people to the genre who maybe never would have before because they didn’t come up in North Carolina. IBMA looks fun. I’d love to go there and pick, and listen to music, and participate. If they’re not interested, in a sense, we’ve got plenty going on [anyways].

Greensky Bluegrass will perform on Oct. 19 at the Salvage Station in Asheville. Dylan Langille/OntheDL

What should I say?

Greensky Bluegrass returns to WNC

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER Why not?

Why not include Greensky Bluegrass in the sacred — sometimes stale and stuffy — pantheon that is bluegrass music? Why not include the Michigan group in the annual celebrations of string and acoustic music, which mainly originated in Western North Carolina and greater Southern Appalachia? Why not consider the quintet a direct descendent (a rebellious one albeit) of the original rebel himself — Bill Monroe?

It’s the same kind of flack, or closed door nature, that groundbreaking acts like Old & In The Way, New Grass Revival and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (to name a few) all faced some 40 years ago, when the “long-haired hippies” were “going to ruin bluegrass music.” And yet, guess what? Who are the pillars of the genre nowadays? Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, John McEuen, and so forth.

The beauty of the bluegrass lies in its limitations. Of which, a band can truly stretch those boundaries, or find new and exciting ways to play within the intricate framework of one of the great musical forms.

Since their inception in the early 2000s, Greensky Bluegrass have opened the door — a

potent portal, if you will — for bluegrass music connecting to the modern world. With a tone that blurs description, and also influence, the acoustic juggernaut is pure fire onstage, a blend of old-time melodic styles and psychedelic rock gameplay. It’s about creating new territory, rather than treading the “same ole, same ole,” something one of their biggest inspirations — The Grateful Dead — pretty much invented.

The Smoky Mountain News recently caught up with Greensky Bluegrass upright bassist Mike Devol. He spoke of the interesting — and ever-evolving space — that the ensemble finds themselves in, what it means to be a string band in today’s market, and why their sound always falls on deaf ears in terms of the bluegrass gatekeepers.

Smoky Mountain News: It definitely seems like [Greensky Bluegrass] have run around in a lot of different circles, or at least are welcomed in a lot of different circles…

Mike Devol: Yeah, I like that about being in Greensky. In different context, we fill a different role. With the [prog-rock Umphrey’s McGee shows in recent years in Asheville], we go there, and for those listeners, and they’re like, “Wait, a bluegrass band is opening up?”

But, then they see [us] and they get why Umphrey’s brought us out. But, when we’re in the more traditional bluegrass environment, we’re like the bad boy kind of rockers. It’s a kind of interesting place to be in. As far as our

“We’re certainly not recognized by the bluegrass community.

But, the alternative bluegrass community, we’re their poster child.”

— Mike Devol

Want to go?

Bluegrass/Americana act Greensky Bluegrass will hit the stage on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Salvage Station in Asheville. Opening act Fruition will start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $23 in advance, $25 day of show. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.salvagestation.com. trajectory, or our “thing,” I think we’ve come to a place where we know who we are, we know what we do, and we’re sort of exploring just what that means as we continue to write and develop new music, and our sound.

SMN: You have bluegrass at the core, but I feel, at the same time, you never want to be pigeonholed by the thing…

MD: Right. And we find we’re kind of not, we’re actually kind of excluded from any sort of a traditional bluegrass theme. Not that we’re shunned in the bluegrass world, but we’re cer-

SMN: Where does your love of bluegrass come from?

MD: All the guys in Greensky, we come to bluegrass from the non-traditional doors — The Grateful Dead. For me, in the last several years, my love for the Dead has really blossomed. I was a Phish kid in college, and I loved how they played traditional bluegrass songs.

From them, all of a sudden, you get into the jam band world, then there’s Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, which is bluegrass, but really jazz. I remember [listening to] Alison Krauss & Union Station, and this is just great music. I love the textures of bluegrass. I’m a classical cellist by education. I was drawn to the way the string instruments create textures without percussion, and without one true rhythmic leader.

For me, that texture was really appealing. From there, I met the dudes in Greensky, who were just dabbling themselves in Michigan at the time. Once I started digging in, I got hold of an upright bass, and went really down into the world of bluegrass. Listening to a lot of traditional bluegrass, historic bluegrass, J.D. Crowe and the New South records, Tony [Rice], Sam [Bush,] all of these bluegrass guys that become my heroes. And when I joined Greensky, they only had a few original songs and were playing a lot of bluegrass. From my first years in Greensky, we were a very bluegrass band, and that’s kind of what we were going for. Then, at one point, we had to decide what and who we were, and we decided it wasn’t us to go for this really traditional bluegrass thing. And then maybe we really didn’t even have the skill set for it. But, we did have a different sound, and more progressive, more rock-n-roll sound, that we were going for. Since then, we stopped deciding what we are and what we weren’t, and gone with who we are and what we know.

Greensky is a type of band that has to be truly ourselves — we have to be us, or it [wouldn’t] be genuine.

Editor’s Note: If you’d like to listen to the entire audio stream of this interview, go to YouTube and search: “Mike Devol Garret K. Woodward”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

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Smoky Mountain News

The 34th annual Church Street Art & Craft Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Three pickup trucks. One Saturday, Oct. 14, in downtown Waynesville. stretch of highway.

Since 2005, I’ve routinely traThe annual “Singing in the Smokies” fall versed a never-ending stretch of festival will be held Oct. 12-14 at Inspiration Interstate 81 from north-central Park in Bryson City.

Pennsylvania into Eastern Gallery 1 will host the opening of an art show Tennessee. Some of the trips featuring the work of Joseph Meigs and Tim were for business, others for Lewis from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, in Sylva. pleasure, with every single trek one of personal reflection amid a Tunes on the Tuck (Bryson City) will host Ol’ wide-spectrum of the beauty — Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) at 7 p.m. physical and spiritual — that is Saturday, Oct. 14. singular to the identity of America.

The annual Apple Harvest Festival will be held June 2005: 20 years old. 1998 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, on Isuzu Hombre. Origin: Jonas, Main Street in downtown Waynesville.

Pennsylvania. Destination: Bonnaroo (Manchester, 81, the long way to Georgia, to see some old Tennessee). Leaving my former girlfriend’s friends of mine from my days out west, who house deep in the Pocono Mountains, I took now resided in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I off on my first real deal road trip by myself, felt good about this girl. That whole drive en route to the musical mecca of my generadown, I kept looking over at her, thinking of tion. Shoulder-length curly hair, tie-dye how I would propose to her that fall. And shirt. The endless farm fields of Pennsylvania eventually gave way to the Blue yet, it wasn’t much longer after I dropped her off at the Savannah airport after a great Ridge Mountains along the spine of western week on the beach, that she got to me before Virginia, onward to the muddy, humid I could get to her. Over and out. chaos of 75,000 music freaks in rural August 2012: 27 years old. 2001 GMC Tennessee. It was reading a copy of Jack Sonoma. Origin: Plattsburgh, New York.

Kerouac’s seminal novel On The Road durDestination: Waynesville, North Carolina. ing that trip when I had the epiphany: “I After another breakup with yet again anothwant to be a writer.” Come hell or high er girlfriend, I decided it was time to pull up water, which remains the motto, the way. the stakes and try my luck elsewhere. After March 2010: 25 years old. 2005 Dodge accepting this gig at The Smoky Mountain Dakota. Origin: Saranac Lake, New York.

News, whatever didn’t fit in my old truck Destination: Tybee Island, Georgia. didn’t make the cut. Rolling down the highBorrowing my dad’s Dakota, I picked up my way, I barely slept due to anxiousness and former girlfriend and hit the road to see my pure inertia in getting to the starting line of folks for Spring Break. We decided to take I-

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October 11-17, 2017

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arts & entertainment

This must be the place

the next chapter. Rainstorms and fast-paced tractor-trailers most of the way.

October 2017: 32 years old. 2005 Dodge Dakota. Origin: Plattsburgh, New York.

Destination: Waynesville, North Carolina.

After my beloved, faithful Sonoma made its final trip into that truck heaven in the sky, it was a familiar haul from my parent’s house back to Waynesville. This time, I was able to acquire my dad’s longtime Dakota. Still smelled the same, with memories of Tybee lingering in the front passenger’s seat, but slowly dissipating with each mile closer back to Western North Carolina, back to my current girlfriend and the life we’re trying to create together.

So, there I was this past weekend, 12 years up and down that same stretch of road.

The radio dial has never changed: NPR, Hannity, Limbaugh. Innumerable generic rock and country stations, probably all owned by the same people, anyhow. Fire and brimstone religious programs the more one pushes into the Bible Belt. If you’re lucky enough to tune into a great station — old country or string music — it usually becomes static the second you cross into a new state.

But, this time down ole I-81, it all felt different. The voices echoing from the stereo seemed more paranoid or angry, or perhaps hopeful that common ground among fellow man could be finally found. The bumper stickers are more aggressive and polarizing than in past memory. The faces I’d pass by seemed bleak or stern and direct, but mostly blank, as if life itself finally stole the last of their zest for tomorrow, the promise of today all too easily lost before they even walked out their front door.

I’d drive by huge signs signaling a Civil War battlefield or museum nearby, the radio voices talking about equality, history, statues, etc. Big banners hung high on barns talking about making this country great again, or stating what was (is) wrong with it, the radio voices emphatically agreeing or vehemently disagreeing with that assessment by John and Jane Q. Public. The entire spectrum of accents and skin colors encountered from New York to North Carolina — from all over the world — and yet all along this one corridor of asphalt and gasoline burned in haste — can’t be late, eh?

After 1,100 miles, seven states and 2.5 days, it felt good to finally sit down in my apartment come Monday evening. My body was at ease, but my mind wasn’t. I kept thinking about getting back in the Dakota and hitting that same stretch of road again, this time to shake hands with all those strangers, getting to know them, their fears and hopes, and truly making sense of what they see, for good or ill. Maybe so, maybe soon enough. Maybe they’ll even read this column. Who knows?

There’s probably one mile (or two) of road in this country for each citizen. I’ve been down hundreds of thousands of those miles, and met tens of thousands of those people, too. And I’m looking forward to the next hundred thousand miles, and also looking forward to crossing paths with you, too.

Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

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On the beat arts & entertainment

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.

Mountain Faith to headline comedy revival

October 11-17, 2017

The musical comedy revival “Smoke on the Mountain” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 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

Mountain Heart at Stecoah fest

Smoky Mountain News

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.

Haywood Community Band goes Americana The Haywood Community Band’s final Maggie Valley concert of the 2017 season begins at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. The evening program will celebrate the history and beauty of the American Midwest.

The event is free and in the open-air Maggie Valley Community Pavilion, adjacent to the Maggie Town Hall, 3422 Socco Road.

The monthly performances are sponsored by the Maggie Valley Civic Association and regularly end with standing ovations.

The band’s season finale will feature musical highlights of the 2017 season at 4 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 29, in the acoustically thrilling sanctuary of Waynesville’s First United Methodist Church at the corner of Haywood Street and Academy Street.

• 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.

3 Doors Down.

3 Doors Down bike ride, performance Acclaimed rock act 3 Doors Down and The Better Life Foundation announce the 14th annual concert to benefit the foundation on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

This marks the second year in a row that 3 Doors Down has held their benefit concert at the Event Center in Cherokee.

The event consists of a motorcycle ride, silent auction, custom-built motorcycle raffle and concert. The Better Life Foundation (TBLF) has raised and donated over $3,000,000 to reputable children’s charities, veteran’s organizations, local municipalities and faith-based groups to achieve its goals of helping communities and children in need.

TBLF concert is sponsored by KILLCLIFF. For more information on The Better Life Foundation, visit www.thebetterlifefoundation.org.

The motorcycle ride will begin at Asheville Harley Davidson, and rendezvous with even more riders at Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley before converging on Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. The ride cost is $30, and includes admission to the Rider Reception and long sleeve ride tee shirt.

In 2016, throngs of fans assembled in the Resort’s Rotunda for the silent auction, to welcome the band and then packed into the Event Center to rock out for the soldout concert.

Tickets for this year’s concert start at $20 and VIP packages start at $249.99.

Select VIP packages may include meet and greet, photo with 3 Doors Down, open bar, Hors Devours, and much more.

For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 800.745.3000.

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On the beat arts & entertainment

New director named for Lake Junaluska Singers Mary Wannamaker Huff.

The Inspirations.

‘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.

Bryson City community jam A community music jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed

Smoky Mountain News

and her friendship with many residents make her an ideal choice for director of the Lake Junaluska Singers.

She is the founding director of the New York City Children’s Chorus and associate director of Music at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church. Her choirs have performed in Carnegie Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, as well for national broadcasts on Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, and CBS Sunday Morning. She also plays the organ for liturgies, accompanies and conducts the Church Choir and Saint Andrew Chorale and manages the church concert series.

The Lake Junaluska Singers, along with Huff and McNeil, will return to Lake Junaluska to perform during the Appalachian Christmas celebration, which will take place from Dec. 7-10. During this event, the Singers will join with regional choristers and orchestra members to perform selections from Handel’s Messiah at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8, in Stuart Auditorium, and they will perform a Christmas concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in Stuart Auditorium.

The Lake Junaluska Singers were formed in 1954, and their legacy includes national and international performances for conferences, dignitaries, and major events. Their music ranges from classical choral and contemporary works to gospel, folk, traditional hymns, and musical theater styles.

To learn more about the Lake Junaluska Singers, visit www.lakejunaluska.com/singers.

October 11-17, 2017

Mary Wannamaker Huff has been named the director of the Lake Junaluska Singers, a choral group that has been a part of Lake Junaluska’s history for more than 60 years.

Huff, who served as the group’s interim director for the 2017 season, has agreed to lead the Singers for three more seasons.

“I am grateful for the kind welcome and support extended to me this past summer as interim director, and I look forward to extending that welcome and support in song to the Lake Junaluska community — near and far — going forward,” said Huff.

During the summer of 2017, Huff served as interim director of the Lake Junaluska Singers along with associate director Kathy Geyer McNeil. McNeil will also return as associate director. The group of 16 singers performed in more than 25 concerts, worship services and events at Lake Junaluska and other local venues.

“Mary has been a blessing to the Lake Junaluska community through her service as interim director, and we look forward to seeing what great things she will bring to future seasons with the Singers through her passion and expertise,” said Jack Ewing, executive director of Lake Junaluska. “The Singers wowed us with excellent performances this summer and I look forward to seeing the Singers’ legacy carried on under Mary’s leadership.”

Huff lives in New York City with her husband, Andrew Henderson, and two sons, but also owns a home at Lake Junaluska. Having grown up coming to Lake Junaluska with her parents, her connection with Lake Junaluska

to join in or you can just stop by and listen.

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

The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — year-round. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.

828.488.3030.

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arts & entertainment

On the beat • Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host Tessia (singer-songwriter) Oct. 13, Bill Vespasian (singer-songwriter) Oct. 14 and Andrew Chastain (singer-songwriter) Oct. 20.

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.

• 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 Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams (piano/guitar) Oct. 13, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Oct. 14 and 21, and Sheila Gordon (piano/vocals) Oct. 20. All shows are free (unless otherwise noted) and begin at 7 p.m.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

ALSO:

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

828.488.8898.

Smoky Mountain News

October 11-17, 2017

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

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Marc Keller (singer-songwriter) 2 p.m. Oct. 14, So What Band Oct. 14 and Ed Kelly (singer-songwriter) Oct. 21. 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.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Oct. 11 and 18, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Oct. 12 and 20. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Shane Davis (singer-songwriter) Oct. 13, The UpBeats Oct. 14, Troy Underwood (singersongwriter) Oct. 20 and The Company Stores (Americana) Oct. 21. 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 Rick Balliot & The Blues Experience Oct. 13 and Happy Abandon (Americana) Oct. 20. All shows are free and at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host The Fumblebuckers (bluegrass/rock) Oct. 13, St. Christopher ft. Shane Davis (punk/country) Oct. 14, Karaoke w/Chris Monteith Oct. 20 and Papa Smurf (surfbilly) Oct. 21. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 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 Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) Oct. 14 and William Ritter & Sarah Ogletree (bluegrass/Americana) Oct. 21 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 Whiskey River Band Oct. 13, Post Hole Diggers w/The Fumblebuckers (bluegrass/rock) Oct. 14, PMA (reggae/rock) Oct. 20 and Benjamin Hatch (singer-songwriter) Oct. 21. 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 Trumpet Recital Oct. 11, saxophonist Alex Sellers Oct. 12 and a Horn Recital Oct. 13 in the Coulter Building. All events are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.wcu.edu.

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On the street arts & entertainment

Symposium draws on tradition, looks to future

T

Some of the contrasts between cultures involves the value placed on knowledge versus wisdom, Belt said. “I believe that is the theme of these symposiums,” he said. “It is to try to understand why things are the way they are. To fix them, to make them better, to put them back onto that road. To put you back on that path of ‘duyuk’ dv’ I’ and to wisdom.”

Natural healing and nurturing, as well as finding societal understanding, were constant topics at the symposium. “But, this is not just about health and environment and science,” said Lisa Lefler, director of Culturally Based Native Health Programs in WCU’s College of Health and Human Sciences. “This is very multi-disciplinary.

This is about what we think about, what we write about, how we are connected in an ever-changing world.”

Onita Bush, an Eastern Band of Cherokee tribal elder and resident of the Snowbird community, gave a captivating presentation on the Cherokees’ traditional use of — and reliance on — plants for medical care. “We didn’t take medicines from a doctor,” she said of growing up in remote Snowbird in Graham County in the 1950s and 1960s. “We didn’t have a doctor. Doctors were far away.

The only medicine we got was from plants.”

She described how certain tree bark could aid digestion, a flowering plant could strengthen platelets and teas made from various herbs could relieve headaches, fevers and other ailments. She explained she is now working with drug and alcohol abuse treatment with native plants.

Onita Bush speaks at the Rooted in the Mountains symposium on the Cherokee use of plants for health and healing.

“I got here by listening to what my parents and elders said. They walked the walk before you and know the path,” Bush said.

She was joined by Jim Veteto, WCU associate professor of anthropology and an ethnobiologist, who discussed the southern Appalachians as a bioregion, its tremendous vegetation diversity and ancient medicinal uses and yet undiscovered uses for native plants.

Other highlights of the symposium included a field trip to Kituwah Mound, near Bryson City, which was led by Brett Riggs, WCU’s Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies.

The symposium had several distinct parallels with WCU’s 2017-18 interdisciplinary campus learning theme of “Cherokee: Community. Culture. Connections.” Faculty and students already are engaged in topics

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and exploring topics related to the learning theme. The goal is to foster campus conversations and connect students with collaborative opportunities for an integrated campus wide experience.

Keynote speaker was Joseph Gone, a University of Michigan professor and expert on American Indian psychology and mental health, whose address was titled “Healing Native Communities through Indigenous Paradigms.” Enrique Gomez, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the university, spoke on healing through cosmological narratives. Gwyneira Isaac with the Smithsonian Institution discussed the value of traditional knowledge, and Mae Claxton, an associate professor of English at WCU who has served on the event planning committee since the symposium’s inception, welcomed attendees.

October 11-17, 2017

he eighth annual Rooted in the Mountains symposium at Western Carolina University brought concepts of Cherokee philosophy and living wellness to campus Sept. 28-29.

The annual symposium is an interdisciplinary forum where ethnography, literature, art, music and Native and Western science converge. This year’s theme was “duyuk’ dv’ I,” which in its simplest definition translates to “the correct way” in Cherokee, but in actuality can mean much more.

As a verb-centered language, in Cherokee the term “duyuk’ dv’ I” can be used in many instances referring to different perspectives, said Tom Belt, WCU’s Cherokee Language Program coordinator, during the event opening.

“It also can mean the straight way, point A to point B, or if I were to tell you Sylva is three miles away as the crow flies, I would say ‘duyuk’ dv’ I,’” Belt said. “But, I could also use it as a way to describe how one should live life. Not about things we don’t have. ‘Duyuk’ dv’ I’ is to do things in life that matter, that are large, with forethought.”

Belt spoke about differences between Cherokee and Native American concepts and Western concepts, including leadership, community and perception of the natural world.

“The concept of conscience of what is true affects the whole world, it affects the world you live in, the world you come from,” he said. “That includes every plant, every stream, everything that we know to be the natural elements of the world and its sustainability.”

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arts & entertainment

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On the street

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Smoky Mountain News

October 11-17, 2017

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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 handcranking ice cream or pressing apple cider, then taste the fruit of your labor. Music, dancing, crafts, and old-fashioned games make this event fun for the whole family.

The festival is free to attend. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• “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, call 828.335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.

• 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.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 14 and 21 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 14 and 21 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. 13 and 20, and noon and 3:30 p.m. Oct. 14-15, 21-22 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. Upon arrival, passengers will be greeted and have a photo opportunity with Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy. 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.

@SmokyMtnNews 34

On the street

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 Canton Area Historical Museum will be your focal point of two important events this month.

• “Fibreville Family and Friends” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12.

Those who lived or were raised in the Fiberville Community are particularly encouraged to come, bringing with them their memories and photos to share. This will be a great opportunity for the public to learn about life in a factory village from a personal perspective. Also, all visitors will have the opportunity to tour the museum learning about Canton’s rich history.

• “Hidden Heritage and Historical Hunt” will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14. This a self-guided tour in which participants are to locate and visit participating businesses whose buildings make up some of Canton’s most important and unique history. Starting at the museum, each participant will be given a town map and clues for each building. All completing the tour along with finding all buildings will be automatically entered in a contest for gift baskets donated by participating businesses. There will also be a scavenger hunt and old fashion slide tour of

Canton within the museum itself designed for those not able to participate in the walking tour. Local specified restaurants will be offering discounts to participants. Local photographic historian Roland Osborne, will be on hand conducting a drawing for photographic reprints of Canton’s past.

arts & entertainment

Canton Museum focus on Fibreville, ‘Hidden Heritage’

Do you like a bonfire, storytelling?

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.

October 11-17, 2017 Smoky Mountain News 35

arts & entertainment

On the wall Interested in corn shuck dolls?

‘The Study of Light in Photography’

Betty Cabe will talk about the tradition of corn shuck dolls, and demonstrate how to transform cornhusk into beautiful crafts, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Rickman Store in Franklin.

This Native American art traces its origins to the indigenous people who domesticated maize in prehistoric times, and that later was adopted and perfected by European settlers and African slaves.

For more information, visit Friends of the Rickman Store on Facebook or call 828.369.5595.

The Sylva Photo Club will present “The Study of Light in Photography: Part 2” by Tony Wu at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, in the Cullowhee Methodist Church on the campus of Western Carolina University.

Wu will do a quick review of what was covered in the September meeting “The Study of Light in Photography, Part 1. Then the program will be followed by Part 2: “The Color of Light,” “The Quality of Light,” and finally “The Application and Control of Light.”

Assisting will be John MacLean, professional photographer and club member from Franklin. Club member Larry Thompson, from Balsam, will also assist in how to control the background in nature photography.

Identification of the different aspects of light will help any photographer improve their final images. This presentation will also show how lighting can be created with very simple, inexpensive tools.

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. 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.

Jewelry workshop in Sylva

October 11-17, 2017

The monthly Creating Community Workshop will make earrings using tin cans at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

This program is free of charge.

Supplies will be provided but the public can bring their own. Local artisan Wayne Wingett of Dogwood Crafters will be leading the workshop. This class is limited to 10 people. For further information and to sign up for the class, call the library at 828.586.2016.

Jackson celebrates NC Art 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: • 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.

• Darren Nicholson, of Balsam Range, will be in concert at the Jackson County Library Community Room at 6 p.m. Oct.

A recent work by Jan Boyer.

26. The Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) will be the opening act. This event is co-sponsored by The Jackson County Arts Council and the Jackson County Library and is free of charge.

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.

Political forums CANTON & MAGGIE VALLEY

Smoky Mountain News

The Smoky Mountain News is hosting forums in two Haywood County municipalities to provide voters a chance to hear from the candidates: MAGGIE VALLEY Wednesday, Oct. 18 · Town Pavilion

CANTON Thursday, Oct. 19 · Colonial Theater

6:30 p.m. meet and greet · 7 p.m. forum

6:30 p.m. meet and greet · 7 p.m. forum

Moderated by Cory Vaillancourt, The Smoky Mountain News Readers may submit questions by emailing cory@smokymountainnews or via Facebook, Twitter, phone (828.452.4251) or fax (828.452.3585) 36

On the wall

Gallery 1 will host the opening of an art show featuring the work of Joseph Meigs and Tim Lewis from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, in Sylva.

Meigs is a watercolorist, photographer and writer. He earned a B.A (1964) in English with minors in chemistry and biology while attending the University of Florida on a basketball scholarship. He received his Ph.D in English there in 1970 and went on to teach literature (Shakespeare, World Literature, and Literary Criticism) and film studies at Western Carolina University until retiring in 2005. He has been a photographer and painter for approximately forty years, currently serving as one of the resident artists for the Jackson County (North Carolina) Visual Arts Association (Gallery 1).

Meigs is the author of the novel Tenure Track (a satire about the hurdles one must jump to receive a favorable decision on tenure, published in 2002), Death Without Dignity (a comic murder mystery, published in 2010), and Artists’ Tales (a collection of short stories, published in 2015).

Photographer Tim Lewis has loved photography since he was a small child growing up in Kansas. His wide range of interests include exploring place and memory and aspects of time and cultural change are reflected in his current work. He a recipient of a Regional Artist Project Grant.

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.

Autumn Leaves Craft Show

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

As a child that, even before first grade, Lewis became fascinated with the natural world and spent hours investigating every aspect of a little creek behind his house. His zoologist mother encouraged overturning rocks, discovering and naming the creatures, learning about their places in that world. www.gallery1sylva.com.

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 through Oct. 28.

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.

Presbyterian Craft Fairs There will be a craft fair held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 and 21 at the Waynesville Presbyterian Church, located at corner of Walnut Street and Main Street.

The church’s Craft Guild, with the help of many talented artisans of the congregation, will be selling handmade items, cakes, pies, breads, preserves and local honey.

Profits from the sales will go to a variety

of local organizations. In past years, money has gone to support REACH, the heating program of Mountain Projects, Pathways Center, homeless student program of Haywood County Schools, Open Door, Black Mountain Children’s Home, and the Good Samaritan Clinic.

Each year, the list of organizations supported changes a little as the needs of our community change. For example, this year money was sent to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program to help rebuild after the hurricanes.

Photographer art reception, display There will an art 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 10 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.

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Smoky Mountain News

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 for a can of Friskies as a donation to the Catman 2 Cat Shelter. Booths still available.

828.349.4324 or www.franklin-chamber.com.

A photograph by Joseph Meigs.

October 11-17, 2017

Cowee ‘Fall Festival’

arts & entertainment

Sylva photo, watercolor showcase

Kids & Family Love The Strand!

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37

October 11-17, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the wall

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.

Native American exhibitions, symposium

Smoky Mountain News

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 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 Indian Removal Act of 1830. The title of the exhibition represents the return of these artists to their ancestral homelands.

The WCU Fine Art Museum received a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host this exhibition and organize a one-day 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 38 events are free and open to the public. The

• The Smoky Mountain Arts Festival will run through Oct. 15 on Fry Street at the train depot in Bryson City. Browse dozens of artisans under the big tent. www.greatsmokies.com.

• The Franklin Uptown Gallery will present an “Art Adventure” from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 15, at 30 East Main Street.

Join in the Halloween fun as Betsey Sloan demonstrates painting gourd witches. This event is a hands-on activity, open to the public at no charge and all materials are included. For additional information, contact the gallery at 828.349.4607 • The next meeting of the Western North Carolina Woodturners’ Club Inc. will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at The Bascom in Highlands. Visitors are always welcome. The club meets in Highlands the second Saturday of every month.

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.

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 number of artists not previously represented in the collection. The WCU Fine Art Museum stewards a collection of more than 1,500 artworks in all media — from painting and printmaking to book arts, sculpture, ceramics, and contemporary craft. www.wcu.edu.

Maggie Valley quilt show 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.

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.

There will also be a display of quilts from the Quilts for Heroes project. View 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. 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.

HCC crafters to attend Southern Highlands Haywood Community College second year professional craft students will participate in the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands Oct. 20-22 at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville.

The college’s student club, Haywood Studios, has participated as an educational member for over 20 years.

In its 70th year, the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands exhibits a variety of craft ranging from contemporary to traditional in works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media and jewelry.

Approximately 24 second-year Professional Crafts students will participate.

Students set up a booth along with 170 other vendors, staff the show and sell the artwork they have been making in the program. This is a valuable opportunity for students to experience real-life marketing and sales.

Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 2021 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $8 at the door.

For more information, call 828.627.4672 or visit creativearts.haywood.edu.

• 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, click on www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• 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.

ALSO:

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (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 stage

Christie murder mystery in Bryson City

the scene of the crime and “go back” 15 years to recount their version of events.

An unusual take on the traditional murder mystery, the action of the play slips seamlessly from past to present, examining the danger of relying on personal testimony warped by time, prejudice and perception. By studying each suspect’s testimony, and the various inconsistencies between them, the drama arrives at a disturbing and terrible truth.

Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students ages 6 to 18. Under age 6 is free. The box office opens one-hour prior to show time.

For more information, call 828.488.8227 or visit www.facebook.com/smctheatre.

A stage production of Agatha Christie’s “Go Back For Murder” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20-21, 27-28 and 30, and at 3 p.m.

Oct. 22 and 29 at the Smoky Mountain Community Theatre in Bryson City.

After receiving a letter from beyond the grave, Carla Crale believes her mother, who died in prison, was wrongly convicted of her father’s murder. In a passionate attempt to clear her name, she persuades those present on the day of her father’s death to return to

ALSO:

Smoky Mountain News

Dramatized for the stage by Joseph Robinette, this play closely follows the classic tale by C.S. Lewis, and faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of the four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia.

This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.

There are four performances for Kids at HART’s production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Saturday, Dec. 9 and 16 and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 17, all at 2 p.m.

Rehearsals are generally scheduled on Thursday and Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, but may also include additional Sunday afternoon rehearsals if needed.

For more information, contact Shelia Sumpter at 828.456.6322 or email srsumpter@charter.net. Visit www.harttheatre.org for more information about Haywood Arts Regional Theatre.

• 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.

Requests for reservations may be left at 828.526.8084 or reserved at www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

October 11-17, 2017

Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville will have open auditions for its Kids at HART program for the upcoming December production of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.”

Auditions will be held in the Fangmeyer Theater at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22. The roles of Aslan the Lion, the White Witch, and Father Christmas will be cast as adults. All other characters will be cast as children and young adults from age 8 and up including: the children Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter; Mr. and Mrs. Beaver; Tumnus; the unicorn and centaur; Fenris Ulf; the dwarf; the elf; the white stag; Aslan’s followers; the Witch’s army and wood nymphs and all other creatures of Narnia.

The play requires a minimum cast of 16 actors, but there are fun parts available for a much larger cast, and in a play like this, it is truly “the more, the merrier.” This is a perfect play for everyone from beginner actors to seasoned thespians. We also need costumers, light and sound operators.

A special Halloween production of “Zombie Prom: The Musical” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 13-14, 19-21, 26-27 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 15, 22, 29 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

The Zombies are coming! The Zombies are coming! Just in time for Halloween HART is staging its most outrageous show of the year, “Zombie Prom the musical.” This rock and roll Off Broadway hit is set in the atomic 1950s at Enrico Fermi High, where the law is laid down by a zany, tyrannical principal.

Pretty senior Toffee has fallen for the class bad boy. Family pressure forces her to end the romance, and he charges off on his motorcycle to the nuclear waste dump. He returns glowing and determined to reclaim Toffee’s heart. He still wants to graduate, but most of all he wants to take Toffee to the prom.

The show is inspired by the atomic horror films of the 1950s that saw giant ants, blobs, and other giant radiated creatures wreaking havoc on urban populations.

With rock n’ roll themed music the show is a suitable romp for the entire family.

In addition to the show, HART is also

throwing a “Zombie Prom” on Saturday, Oct. 28. The new Fangmeyer Theater is being transformed into a 1950’s gym with prom food and beverages, costume prizes and magic. Zombies of all types are welcome, and the event is open to all ages.

HART’s production is being directed

by Mark Jones and features: Karen Covington-Yow, Dominic Aquilino, Clara Burrus, Maximilian Koger, Erin McCarson, Dwight Chiles, Alexa Edelman, Charlie Wilson, Heather Bronson, Kris Saucedo, Jessica Garland, Martine Rose, Kelsey Sewell and Frank Davis. Be sure to make your reservations for dining at Harmons’ Den before the show.

Special discount tickets for the Thursday, Oct. 19 and 26 performances.

For tickets and reservations, call 828.456.6322 or visit www.harttheatre.org.

arts & entertainment

Kids at HART opening auditions

‘Zombie Prom: The Musical’

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

My list of notable books set in WNC his past summer, I reviewed The Leader’s Bookshelf for The Smoky Mountain News.

After seven years of interviewing many of the nation’s top military leaders, Retired Admiral James Stavridis and R. Manning Ancell put together a list, with reviews and other information, of the top 50 books recommended by their military comrades.

They included reviews of other books as well, recommendations so inspired that I headed Writer for the library and my local bookstore to see what I could find of them.

I delight in books of literary compendia.

Sometimes, of course, I quarrel with the selections. Why, I wondered, did The Leader’s Bookshelf not include Shelby Foote’s The Civil War, one of the finest of American histories, or T. E. Lawrence’s The Seven Pillars of Wisdom?

These inventories of favorite books can be controversial. Twenty years ago, the Modern Library issued a list of the top 100 novels of the twentieth century, with authors like Joyce, Fitzgerald, and Faulkner leading the way.

Because so many readers clamored for other titles, Modern Library then allowed for “A Reader’s List” whose results still bring a smile to my face. Three of L. Ron Hubbard’s novels ranked in the top 10, meaning that Scientologists, the religious system founded

by Hubbard, had undoubtedly organized and pushed their man to eminence. Numbers 1 and 2 on the “Reader’s List” were Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, both written by Ayn Rand and both no doubt thrust into those winning spots by the combined efforts of devotees to her philosophy, Objectivism.

Below are seven novels set in Western North Carolina that have appealed to me over the years. As there are many other fine writers from our region — Robert Morgan, Gail Godwin, John Ehle, and more — readers may quarrel with my choices. Good. It’s part of the game.

The books are listed in no particular order.

Thomas Wolfe’s Look Homeward, Angel.

We might as well start with the godfather of Western North Carolina fiction. Here is the coming of age story of Eugene Gant of Asheville in which Wolfe captures the people, places, and spirit of the town in the early twentieth century. Though read less today, partly because we have moved away from so

Jeff Minick

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much description, Wolfe influenced an entire generation of writers, running the gamut from Ray Bradbury to Norman Mailer. I read this novel and others by Wolfe while living in Connecticut, age 24, heart-broken, nearly penniless, and homesick. Eugene, his family, and all the other characters helped me make it through many a dark night.

Wilma Dykeman’s The Tall Woman.

Perhaps best remembered for her history of the French Broad River, Dykeman in this novel tells the story of Lydia Moore McQueen, a young woman whose husband, like many other men from our region, chooses to fight for the North rather than the South. Lydia endures the violence and treacheries of the Civil War and its hardscrabble aftermath, all the while working to protect her family and

improve her community. My wife gave me a signed paperback copy, which I opened, immediately read, and still regard as a minor masterpiece of fiction.

Charles Frazier’s Cold Mountain. Like The Tall Woman, Cold Mountain takes us into the hills and hollows during the Civil War, giving us vivid portraits of the cruelty practiced when neighbor often fought neighbor, when the larger conflict gave free rein to vicious per-

sonal vendettas. Here we find another tough mountain woman Ada, who tries to keep the family farm in operation. Meanwhile, her husband is making his long odyssey from the battlefields to his home. With both The Tall Woman and Cold Mountain, you might consider reading William Trotter’s Bushwhackers, a fine account of the Civil War as it was fought in Western North Carolina.

Lewis Green’s The Silence Of Snakes. To call Lewis Green cantankerous is akin to calling the Grand Canyon a ditch, but the man could write. Set in Hazelwood and Waynesville, The Silence Of Snakes tells the story of a family, a drunken writer who achieves redemption, and a murder. Green brings together incidents from his own childhood and a lifetime of living in Western North Carolina in this fine book.

Fred Chappell’s I Am One Of You Forever.

Set in Haywood County, where Chappell grew up, this novel blends the incredible with the mundane as it tells the story of a boy, Jess, his mother and father, and a small platoon of eccentric relatives. Chappell combines humor and wisdom in his story, and like the poet he is, makes his sentences sing.

Ron Rash’s The Risen. Though I reviewed this book months ago, and have read a great many other books since then, this story continues to haunt me. It’s 1969, and Eugene and his brother, Bill, meet Ligeia, a wild, free-spirited young woman sent to live near Sylva with relatives. She disappears, leaving readers to wonder until the end of the book whether she ran away or met a bad end. Eugene’s battles with the bottle and his past stand in sharp conflict with his brother’s success as a surgeon. A wonderful book about family, human motivation, how we manipulate the past, and how we face the future.

William R. Forstchen’s One Second After.

This chilling look at the devastation wrought on the United States by an electromagnetic pulse caused by a high-altitude nuclear explosion nearly sent me to the grocery store to stock up on everything from canned foods to pain killers. Set in Montreat, the story centers on John Matherson, a former Marine and a professor at Montreat College. Without electricity or supplies—an EMP kills everything electronic, from computers to trucks—the town faces the possibility of extinction.

Matherson and others take charge and lead their neighbors in the fight against starvation, disease, and roaming gangs of cannibals.

Enjoy!

Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. minick0301@gmail.com

City Lights open mic The NetWest program of the North Carolina Writers Network will host an open mic night at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Folks are encouraged to bring their poetry or short pieces to share. Sign-ups begin at 6:45 p.m. for 10-minute reading session. The North Carolina Writers’ Network connects, promotes, and serves the writers of this state. They provide education in the craft and business of writing, opportunities for recognition and critique of literary work, resources for writers at all stages of development, support for and advocacy of the literary heritage of North Carolina, and a community for those who write.

828.586.9499 or www.ncwriters.org.

Folk School ‘Literary Hour’

Bestselling author luncheon in Waynesville

Smoky Mountain News

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.

For tickets to the event, or to purchase/reserve a signed copy of The Last Ballad, call 828.456.6000 or visit www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

October 11-17, 2017

The “Literary Hour” will be held at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 19, in the Keith House at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.

Poets and writers Mary Michelle Keller and Lucy Cole Gratton will be the featured readers.

Keller is a musician, artist and photographer. Her poem, As The Deer, published in the anthology, Echoes Across the Blue Ridge, was inspired by an old hymn by the same name that she plays on the dulcimer.

• Gratton poems include various topics but predominantly center around her concern for the environments and her home in the woods of Lake Apalachia. Her writing has been published in a variety of venues but she writes predominantly for the love of writing, sharing it with family and friends.

The event is free and open to the public.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Stocking the Pigeon Trout stocking a team effort in Haywood

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER t’s a sunny Friday morning on the Pigeon River when the bucket brigade assembles, five-gallon containers in hand. The stock truck has just arrived, making its way up windy U.S. 276 and down the equally squirrely N.C. 215, tanks loaded with fish and water.

A pair of fish culturists from the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission stands atop the truck as a line of bucket-bearers forms leading up to it, and the work begins. Each bucket received a splash of water and a dollop of flipping, fighting trout — rainbow, brown and brook all mixed together in one writhing mass.

There’s a splash zone around the truck as the trout fling sprinkles of water on their way into the buckets, occasionally protesting the transfer successfully enough to fling themselves away from the bucket and onto the ground, where bucket brigade members promptly grab the twisting creatures and replace them in the water-filled buckets, where they can breathe once more.

It’s trout stocking season in Western North Carolina, and the Wildlife Commission truck held 1,425 pounds — 2,400 individual fish — of trout to go in the West Fork Pigeon River upstream of Lake Logan near the Burnett Siding Baptist Church and Cold Mountain Shooting Range. The shipment is one of many that the Wildlife Commission will make over the course of the coming spring and fall to boost success of anglers in these Delayed Harvest waters. Last year, the Wildlife Commission stocked 240,000 pounds of fish in the WNC counties covered by the Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery in Brevard — the area includes all of District 9 from Buncombe and Polk counties west, as well as a few bodies of water in adjoining District 8.

“What this does is it makes the fishing experience so much better,” said Ron Gaddy, a member of the Trout Unlimited Cataloochee Chapter organizing the bucket brigade. “It’s not just about fishing. It’s about our economy.”

Anglers will travel a long way to cast their lines in premier trout waters, and when they do they spend money on fishing supplies, meals out, hotel rooms and a thousand other

I

things. A study released this year found that 149,000 trout anglers fished 1.6 million days in North Carolina during 2014, contributing $383 million to the state’s economy. The western counties contain some of the best trout fishing in the Southeast, and when chances of success go up — as is the case when waters are stocked — so does the attractiveness to out-of-town anglers.

The stretch of the Pigeon River that was stocked last week is designated as a Delayed Harvest waterway, meaning that anglers are allowed to keep their catch only during the summer months from June 1 to Oct. 1. The rest of the year, the river is catch-and-release only in order to keep the waters from being depleted too quickly. However, Gaddy said, he and many other trout anglers would like to see some waters in Haywood County designated as catch-and-release only all year long.

“Other counties have made designated waters catch-and-release year-round,” he said.

“That would provide better fishing through the winter months.”

Jackson, Buncombe, Burke, McDowell, Watauga, Avery, Transylvania, Ashe and Yancey counties all have waters with this designation.

For some of those gathered that Friday, however, the event was about more than improving angler success. It was a chance to see fish up close and to experience the beauty of Haywood County’s mountains firsthand.

That’s what led Ann Upp to bring her three grandchildren and their father out to lend a hand. The stocking, she said, is just an opportunity “for them to understand about the life cycle of fish, and just being out in nature and marveling at God’s creation and just enjoying the beauty out here.”

The kids — Maddy Upp, 9, and twins Molly and Jameson Upp, 7, — certainly seemed to be achieving that goal of enjoyment. The kids dutifully grabbed buckets, just like their adult counterparts, and helped lug them full of splashing fish down to the river, where they tipped them out in the main current and watched the trout swim away.

Ninety-six percent of the fish released that day were about 10 inches, but 4 percent were part of the Wildlife Commission’s big fish program, measuring 14 inches and up — several were as long as 21 inches. The kids got a

By the numbers n n n n

2,400 pounds of fish stocked in the Pigeon River Oct. 6 55 percent rainbow trout, 30 percent brook trout, 15 percent brown trout stocked Oct. 6 96 percent 10-inch fish stocked Oct. 6, with remaining fish 14 inches or more 240,000 pounds stocked by the Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery in 2016 Figures provided by Adam Moticak, hatchery supervisor

chance to help with the release of two of those big fish, the first one of which was so big it got a bucket all to itself. Their dad helped them carry the bucket out on the large stones that rose from the shallower portions of the riverbed and dump the fish out into the free-flowing water. There was a bit of a scuffle when the fish managed to divert itself into a still pool surrounded by rocks, but team Upp corralled it back to the main current once more.

The second fish made its appearance later in the morning, landing in a bucket hefted by their father.

“He’s beautiful!”

Maddy exclaimed as her dad picked the fish up, but when asked whether she wanted to hold it she lifted up her hands and shook her head no.

According to TU Cataloochee President Tom Thomas, this handson stocking method is a more fish-friendly way to get the fish in the river than dumping them all out in one spot. The buckets allow the fish to be distributed throughout the river, increasing their chance of survival once released. And with 32 volunteers, the boost in manpower is a big help to the Wildlife Commission. The Oct. 6 stocking drew a record number of volunteers, more than double the typical number of 15 or so — Thomas attributed the heightened interest to exposure in publications such as The Smoky Mountain News.

Eventually, the stock truck emptied out and there was no more work to be done. But that doesn’t mean everyone turned around and went home.

Many of the 32 people who had come to help had also come to fish.

“It’s exciting, knowing we’re going to go back and fish it,” Jenny Cornwell, 24, of Charlotte, said of participating in the stocking.

She and her friend Megan Helms, also a 24year-old from Charlotte, come to the mountains multiple times each month to fish the

Maddy and Jameson Upp, ages 9 and 7, help release an especially large trout into the Pigeon River.

Holly Kays photos

Jillian Osbourne of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission pulls out a netful of fish to deposit in a waiting bucket.

A volunteer displays a river-ready fish that he picked up after it flung itself out of a bucket.

rivers, and they were excited to get started.

“I really appreciate these guys coming out and helping us,” said Jillian Osbourne, a fish culturist for the Wildlife Commission as the morning wrapped up. “It is fantastic. They do a great job.”

A paddler works his way down the Nantahala River.

Guided hikes along the woodland trails of the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville will be offered at 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays through the end of October, led by trained volunteer guides.

Groups meet at the Baker Exhibit Center Lobby and space is available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Programs are held rain or shine and last 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on group interest, covering 1-2 miles. Topics include plant and tree identification, natural history and cultural history of the arboretum’s land.

Free. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Donations to the N.C. Arboretum Society appreciated, with regular $14 parking fee for non-members. Groups of 10 or more should book a private tour.

outdoors

NOC photo

Tour the arboretum trails

Bonsai enthusiasts come to N.C. arboretum

Paddlers to converge on NOC It will be a busy week at the Nantahala Outdoors Center Oct. 18-22 as the National Paddlesports Conference comes to town followed by the Southeastern Downriver Championship Sunday, Oct. 22.

The National Paddlesports Conference, organized by the American Canoe Association, will offer events for paddlers of all experience levels on whitewater and flatwater. Certifications, educational sessions, family paddling opportunities and various paddling trips will all be offered.

Then on Oct. 22, the Southeast’s oldest whitewater race will give racers of all ages and boat types a chance to prove their mettle. The race will begin at 10 a.m. with awards distributed at noon.

Paddlesports Conference registration is $175, with race registration separate. www.americancanoe.org/page/NPC for the conference and https://paddleguru.com/races/2017Southe asternDownriverChampionship for the race.

A nationally recognized celebration of bonsai trees will be held Oct. 14-15 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville.

Bonsai is the Japanese art of growing The Carolina trees — and sometimes entire miniature Bonsai Expo will landscapes — in containers. Donated photo feature juried displays brought by enthusiasts from across the region, as well as ikebana arrangements — a Japanese style of flower arranging — and a variety of lectures, demonstrations and even bonsai sales and auctions.

Most events are free with the arboretum’s regular $14 parking fee, though some require individual registration and payment. A full schedule is online at www.ncarboretum.org/event/carolina-bonsai-expo-2017.

Zombie Run to race through Cherokee

Inaugural race open to all middle school runners

Experience oldtime camping A return to the kind of camping you’d find in the early 1900s will be on display during Camping in the Old Style, Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Cradle of Forestry in America.

The Acorn Patrol, a small group of classic campers, will demonstrate early camping methods such as starting a fire with flint, steel and friction, and old-style campfire cookery.

Attendees will get to explore the gear of a bygone era, four different styles of period canvas shelters and traditional camp tools. Each Acorn Patrol member has experience in various aspects of woodcraft, history and nature study, welcoming questions from visitors.

The Cradle is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with admission $5 for ages 16 and up and free for youth, with America the Beautiful and Golden Age passports honored. It is located in the Pisgah National Forest along U.S. 276, about 35 miles south of Waynesville.

Lower Heating Costs With A Wood Burning Stove There’s nothing like the feel of the heat you get from a wood stove.

A wood fire is just cozy – the radiant and convective heat from your wood stove warms body & soul!

You will also reduce your dependence on high-priced, non-renewable heating fuels. Whether you buy your wood or collect it yourself, you will notice the savings within the first year.

Grills, Fire Pits, & Outdoor Living Design & Installation

Smoky Mountain News

The inaugural Mud Dabbers Classic, a 2-mile middle school cross-country race open to individuals and teams alike, will be held at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Canton International Sports Complex.

The race is open to all youth in grades six through eight — including those attending public, private, charter and home schools. Invitations have been extended to more than 20 schools in a fourcounty area, but competitors do not have to be part of a team to participate. If in a group of five or more, individuals who would like to compete as a team can do so.

Brad Dodson of Mud Dabbers Pottery in Waynesville is organizing the race, and Mud Dabbers is donating all of the awards. The first seven finishers in male and female categories will receive awards, as well as the top two teams in each category, the top combined team and the person judged to have the craziest socks. Shining Rock Classical Academy will provide post-race drinks and snacks for runners, with hot chocolate and snacks for sale in the stands.

No entry fee. Donations accepted. Register at http://bit.ly/2y0pzaE.

Lopi Cape Cod

October 11-17, 2017

The Zombie Run will return to Cherokee at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, offering runners an obstacle-laden run strewn with “zombies,” who will give chase to steal flags from runners in order to turn them into one of the walking dead.

Sponsored by the Cherokee Historical Association, the run will begin and end at Oconaluftee Island Park and is part of a two-day Halloween bonanza put on by CHA and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Destination Marketing program. Other attractions will include a Cherokee bonfire at 6 p.m.

Oct. 27-28 and the park’s conversion to a haunted island. $25 online registration. www.hauntedcherokee.com.

828-202-8143

CleanSweepFireplace.com

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outdoors

Get the inside scoop on water quality

Fires Creek flows into the Hiawassee River. Donated photo

An exploration of issues and solutions to water quality in Haywood County will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the Gaines Auditorium of the Bethea Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska.

Eric Romaniszyn, executive director of Haywood Waterways Association, will give the presentation. Romaniszyn has worked for Haywood Waterways since 2004 and been its director since 2010. He has 22 years of experience as an aquatic Eric Romaniszyn. ecologist.

Donated photo The program is offered as part of the Tuscola Garden Club’s regular monthly meeting. The club will gather at 9:30 a.m. for social time, with a short business meeting at the presentation’s conclusion.

Teresa Brothers, president, 828.246.0437.

Bird conservation plan to be discussed

Donated photo

Smoky Mountain News

October 11-17, 2017

Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Free. Part of the Franklin Bird Club’s regular meeting. 828.524.5234 or www.franklinbirdclub.com.

Let Me Sell Your House

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I am dedicated to providing you with excellent services beyond your expectations.

My Customers are REAL SATISFIED

“I chose to work with Catherine Proben because I trusted that she had my best interests at heart. She was professional, knowledgeable, and added a personal touch to the entire process. She always was available by phone or text to inform me of the progress of the sale of my home.

I am so impressed with the professionalism, dedication, and innovative ways that she used to sell my home. I highly recommend her & the Waynesville office to all the sellers and buyers in the area.”

- Dr. Sherry Manburg, Waynesville, NC (Seller)

Catherine Proben 74 N. Main St.,Waynesville

828-734-9157

cproben@beverly-hanks.com

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“

Dennis Desmond.

A plan to help prevent declines in North American bird populations will be presented at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, at the Macon County Public Library.

Dennis Desmond, stewardship coordinator for Mainspring Conservation Trust, will present the landbird conservation plan developed by the organization Partners in Flight. The presentation will explain the structure behind PIF’s Species of Continental Concern Watch List — with a focus on the Appalachian Mountain region — as well as strategies for keeping common birds common and helping species at risk.

Desmond will also discuss Mainspring’s own conservation plan, under development in partnership with the University of

Fires Creek conservation project still needs $25,000 A $500,000 pledge has brought Mainspring Conservation Trust within sight of the finish line to conserving 50 acres of private property in Cherokee and Clay counties, but the nonprofit still needs to raise $25,000 to seal the deal before the contract’s expiration in mid-November.

Fred and Alice Stanback, North Carolina’s leading environmental donors, made the donation. The additional $25,000 will pay for transaction and maintenance costs.

The land in question is located along Laurel Creek, a tributary of Fires Creek, and is surrounded by national forest land. Fires Creek is designated as an Outstanding Resource Water.

Mainspring plans to hold the property before eventually transferring it to U.S. Forest Service ownership.

A donation portal is online at www.mainspringconserves.org, with an option to designate gifts for the Fires Creek project. 828.837.6383.

Panthertown seeks input through survey Friends of Panthertown is hoping to learn more about the people who do — or may someday — serve as volunteers through an online survey.

The survey should take less than five minutes and seeks to understand the interests and preferences of those who appreciate the beauty of Panthertown. Volunteers are vital to Friends of Panthertowns’ work, from trail maintenance to fundraising.

The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LQKKPLQ.

Women in the woods A four-week series geared toward women involved in forestland ownership and management will kick off at 9 a.m.

Friday, Oct. 13, in Waynesville and continue with sessions 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and Nov. 17.

Hosted by Haywood County Cooperative Extension, “Women in the Woods” will offer timely topics provided by numerous women in the natural resources profession regarding tax law, educational outreach, land management and conservation easement issues.

It is designed for female landowners in

Haywood and surrounding counties.

Topics include woodland planning; selling timber; wildlife and hunting leases, insects, diseases and education; harvest tax law, present-use tax, cost-share programs; and planning for farm estate and working forest easement. A local mill tour will be arranged based on participant interest.

Programs will be located at the Haywood County Extension office on Raccoon Road in Waynesville and facilitated by James Jeuck, Ph.D., of Haywood Community College. Coffee and pastries donated by the N.C. Tree Farm Program.

Register with Bill Skelton, 828.456.3575.

Get smart about nature outdoors

A pair of upcoming workshops will provide opportunity to learn more about the fall landscape of the Smokies from expert instructors at Alarka Institute in Cowee Valley. n A fall art and phenology workshop offered Saturday, Oct. 21, will give participants a chance to explore nature journalizing through a variety of art genres while also understanding basic phenology — daily record-keeping of environmental phenomena. The day will include a 2-mile hike and lunch. Space limited. $65 or $75 after Oct. 16. n Learn your mosses, hornworts and liverworts with botanical wizard Ed Schwartzman during the Autumn Bryophyte Workshop, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28. Microscopes, materials, a vegetarian lunch and an afternoon happy hour are provided. Space limited. $65 or $75 after Oct. 23.

Alarka Institute and Expeditions is an educational and guide service based in Cowee, North Carolina and owned by Brent and Angela Faye Martin, who have spent more than 20 years leading courses and outings in the Southern Appalachians.

Sign up by contacting alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com or 828.524.7400. www.alarkaexpeditions.com.

October 11-17, 2017 Smoky Mountain News

Lindenwood Lake at the Highlands Biological Station. Charlotte Muir photo

Greet trees by name A crash course in tree identification will be offered during a 1.5-day workshop Oct. 13-14 at Highlands Biological Station.

John Palmer, past president of the International Dendrological Society, will teach the class, presenting basic identification of the most common and iconic Appalachian trees, as well as their historical uses and lore. The course will also identify some new arrivals to the Highlands area and investigate their distribution and potential ecological impacts. $150. Sign up at www.highlandsbiological.org or by calling 828.526.2602.

reclaim your weekend

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visitnc.com/parks

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Chimney Tops Trail reopens

October 11-17, 2017

outdoors

For the first time in nearly a year, the Chimney Tops Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is open to hikers.

The trail was closed off last November when a small fire was discovered on the rugged Chimney Tops pinnacle, and when that fire metastasized into a fiery blaze that swept down through the park and into Gatlinburg, it severely damaged the summit, resulting in long-term trail closure.

The final quarter-mile of trail that once led to the Chimney Tops pinnacles is still closed, due to heavy fire damage resulting in safety concerns.

However, the trail is now open as far as a newly developed observation point that offers views of Mount LeConte and the Chimney Tops pinnacles.

The Road Prong Trail, whose closure had coincided with that of Chimney Tops, is now open as well.

“We are excited to complete the work on the Chimney Tops Trail in time for the fall color season in Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” said Acting Superintendent Clay Jordan. “We understand that many people have a strong emotional tie to the Chimney Tops Trail and its reopening has been a priority for moving forward in our recovery from the fire event.”

The trail project was funded by the

Friends of the Smokies’ Fire Relief Fund, a fund composed of donations made by individuals from all across the country to help rehabilitate areas of the park impacted by the fire. The Chimney Tops Trail also underwent an extensive rehabilitation in 2014 under the Smokies Trails Forever Program.

The fire’s impact is still felt through the continued closure of other trails that were heavily damaged in the fire. These are Bull Head Trail and Sugarland Mountain Trail

Vista from the new Chimney Tops viewing area. NPS photo from the Mt. Collins Shelter to the junction with Huskey Gap Trail.

Past the newly developed observation point on the Chimney Tops Trail, fire has made the soil unstable and caused it to slough off the side of the steep slope due to ongoing erosion. Park staff will monitor the closed section as rain, freeze-thaw cycles and wind events continue changing the landscape. When they determine that the ground has become safe and stabilized for sustainable trail construction, the park will consider rehabilitating this area.

Smoky Mountain News

Experience the Parkway’s yesterday An easy, 1.5-mile hike exploring the Buck Spring Lodge ruins will set off from the Blue Ridge Parkway near the Pisgah Inn at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13.

The group, to be led by Blue Ridge Parkway rangers, will meet at the Buck Spring Gap Overlook at milepost 407.4. Along the way, they’ll learn about the Vanderbilt connection to Mount Pisgah and how they family used this area as a mountain getaway.

Free. Hikers should bring water, sturdy walking shoes and clothing for changeable weather.

828.298.5330, ext. 304.

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

Log on. Plan a getaway.

Let yourself unplug.

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Hike Charlie’s Bunion An 8-mile roundtrip hike to one of the best views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will begin at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17.

This Great Smoky Mountains Association hike will explore the Appalachian Trail as far as Charlies Bunion, a magnificent rock outcrop looking out over ridges upon ridges of mountains. The iconic feature got its name after a group of hikers including Horace Kephart, George Masa and Charlie Conner went out to assess damage from a 1929 cloudburst. Awed by the

sight of the newly exposed rock, the group decided to take a humorous approach to naming and decided that the knobby bluff resembled Charlie’s bunion.

The hike is rated as moderate to strenuous and will likely conclude around 4 p.m.

Hikers should come dressed for changeable weather with sturdy shoes and enough food and water to fuel them for a day. The event is part of GSMA’s Hiking 101 series of excursions designed to enhance knowledge and appreciation of the park’s backcountry. $10 for GSMA members and $35 for nonmembers, with annual membership included.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • The Canton Area Historical Museum will present a “Fibreville Family & Friends” event from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, in Canton.

• “Canton’s Hidden Heritage and Historical Hunt” will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Canton Area Historical Museum.

• The Town of Canton will hold an info session and will seek input on a bicycle and pedestrian plan from 5-9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, at BearWaters Brewing in Canton.

•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 offer an e-commerce and digital marketing series on Thursday, Oct. 12. Sessions include “Business Apps Made Easy,” “Monetize Your Ideas” and “SelfPublishing Made Easy.” Register or get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• College night is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, at Haywood Community College’s auditorium in Clyde. Representatives from more than 50 southeastern universities, colleges and trade schools. 565.4095.

• 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.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will hold a WordPress Intensive Summit for the Small Business Owner on Thursdays from Oct. 19-Nov. 2 in Clyde. “An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Bridging the Digital Divide” is Oct. 19; “using Analytics to Develop your Business Platform is from 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 26; and a “WordPress Summit” is Nov. 2. Led by Boomer Sassman. Register and get more info: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will host a seminar entitled “Your Small Business Taxes” from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 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.

• A kick-off for the “Chamber Mingles Networking Events” series is scheduled for 5-6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. 524.3161.

• A Life @ Western program featuring Garrett Artz, “Riverlink,” is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on Oct. 24 at

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Western Carolina University’s HF Robinson Building Auditorium. For people over 50. life@wcu.edu or 227.3022.

• 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.

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: 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 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.

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.

• A support group for anyone with MS, family & friends meets monthly at 6:45 p.m. on the3rd Tuesday of each month at the conference room of Jackson Co. Library in Sylva. No Fee, sponsored by National MS Society. Local contact: Gordon Gaebel 828-293-2503.

• “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.

• 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.

• Cancer Transitions™ will offer a two-hour, four-week workshop from 9-11 a.m. on Thursdays from Oct. 12Nov. 2 at Angel Center Outpatient Infusion Center, 834 Depot Street in Franklin. Sign up: 523.4262 or rthelen@ccwnc.com.

• The Macon County Cancer Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12, in the cafeteria of Angel Medical Center in Franklin.

• A “Talk with the Doc” presentation on “Breast Care @ Haywood Regional” is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, in the Haywood Regional Medical Center Café in Clyde. Reservations required: 800.424.DOCS (3627).

• Macon County Public Health will hold influenza vaccination clinic 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 program on “Caregiving During the Holidays” will be offered from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16, at the Waynesville Library.

Smoky Mountain News

• RSVPs are being accepted through Oct. 17 for the Health Carolinians of Jackson County’s annual meeting, which is from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26, at the Department of Aging in Webster. 587.8238.

• Dr. Daniel Gwan-Nulla, a thoracic surgeon at Haywood Regional Medical Center, will give a presentation about his medical mission work in Africa from 4:15-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Haywood Regional health and Fitness Center in Clyde. 452.8970 or www.haywoodthoracicvascular.com.

•”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.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

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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 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.

• Pickle ball is offered from 8 a.m.-noon on Mondays through Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

456.2030 or www.waynesvillnc.gov.

SPIRITUAL • Choir Music Weekend is Oct. 20-22 at Lake Junaluska.

For small- and medium-sized church choirs. Learn and perform eight anthems and attend workshops. Lodging and meal packages available. www.lakejunaluska.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 Jackson County Democratic Party holds its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at party headquarters at 500 Mill Street in Sylva.

954.257.5789.

• A Candidates Forum for Bryson City Board of Aldermen seats is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Swain Arts Center in Bryson City. Met and greet at 5:30 p.m. Voters must register by Oct. 13; early voting starts on Oct. 19. Election is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • The “Literary Hour” will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, in the Keith House at the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown.

Poets and writers Mary Michelle Keller and Lucy Cole Gratton will be the featured readers. The event is free and open to the public.

•The “Coffee with the Poet” series gathers at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva the third Thursday of each month and is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Writers Network. 586.9499.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • 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.

wnc calendar

• The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 926.6567.

• Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina – an effort to help area residents commit to a healthier lifestyle, will meet from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

• A Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit class will meet from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 60 and above.

Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Book Club is held at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800 • Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center.

Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Mondays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons 60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases.

Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• Pinochle game is played at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Hearts is played at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

October 11-17, 2017

KIDS & FAMILIES • Kids at HART is holding open auditions for its December production of “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 22, in the Fangmeyer Theater. Performances are in December. srsumpter@charter.net or www.harttheatre.org.

• 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. The older ages meet at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays (Oct. 25, Nov. 15 and Dec. 20). $10 per child. Pre-register: www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

Smoky Mountain News

• Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s winter youth retreats, which start Dec. 29. Register or get more info: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/winteryouth.

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family. The festival is free to attend. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

KIDS FILMS • “Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” is playing 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.

• “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.

HALLOWEEN

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • 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 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

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

• Halloween Flashlight Fun Night will be presented by Maggie Valley Rocks starting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 13 at the Cabbage Rose Front Porch. Pumpkin carving and costume contests, games, raffle and activities.

• A Haunted Island experience will be presented by the Cherokee Historical Association on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 27-28. Open from 6-11 p.m. on Friday and from 6 p.m.-midnight on Saturday. www.hauntedcherokee.com.

• The fourth annual Screamfest is at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25-Nov. 1 in Cherokee. www.hauntedcherokee.com.

FOOD & DRINK

be presented live via satellite at 12:55 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center in Highlands. Pre-opera discussion led by Beverly Wichman at 12:30 p.m. Tickets: highlandspac.org or 526.9047.

• 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.

• “Zombie Prom” the musical will be presented from Oct. 16-29 at HART in Waynesville. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26 and 27; and at 2 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 15-29. Reservations: 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• A 1956 biographical musical starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr will be shown at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 2:13. Widow accepts a job as a live-in governess to the King of Siam’s children. 524.3600.

• 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.

• “Cooking with Brenda,” an educational program, will be offered by Dogwood Crafters Co-Op from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. $25. Featuring Brenda Anders, a frequent guest on WLOS-TV’s “Carolina Kitchen.”

Register by Oct. 12: 586.2248.

• 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.

• The annual Chili Cookoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, on Fry Street. To enter: 488.3681 or chamber@greatsmokies.com.

• Tickets are on sale now for Western Carolina University’s “Sci-Fi Double Feature” featuring H.G. Wells’ “The Time Machine” and Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Performance at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. $15 for general admission; $10 for faculty and staff; $5 for students. Proceeds fund scholarships in participating academic departments. https://www.wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center/ or 227.2479.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • The musical comedy revival “Smoke on the Mountain” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 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. Requests for reservations may be left at 526.8084 or reserved at www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

• Legendary outlaw country singer Willie Nelson will perform at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Harrah’s Cherokee. www.harrahscherokee.com.

• The MET Opera’s production of “Die Zauberflote” will

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.

• 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.

• Coloring Club will be hosted on the second Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Canton Library.

Color pencils and color pages supplied. For ages 8 to 108. 648.2924.

• A “Creating Community Workshop” will be offered at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, in the atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Learn to make earrings using tin cans. 586.2016.

• Beginners Chess Club is held on Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 8-108 invited to participate. 648.2924.

• 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. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Cullowhee Methodist Church.

Led by John MacLean. Sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com or 226.3840.

• Registration is underway for a basket-making workshop featuring local crafter Junetta Pell. Learn how to make a Beauty of Autumn Basket from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 26-27. $25.

586.4009.

• 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 starting Friday, Oct. 13. Other sessions are Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and Nov. 17. Facilitated by Dr. James Jeuck of Haywood Community College. More info or to register: 456.3575.

• Registration is underway for a class with jewelry maker Lawrie Williams. Learn to make a Tree of Life pendant from 12:30-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at the Jackson County Extension Office in Sylva. $10.

586.4009.

• Registration is underway for a holiday card making class that will be offered by Southwestern Community College from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursdays from Oct. 26-Nov. 16, at SCC’s Macon Campus. $55 cost includes materials. Register or get more info: 339.4657 or www.southwesterncc.edu.

• 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.

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

276.6226.

• Appalachian Art Farm will host a free art session from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the Community Table in Sylva. 273.9682 or MyriahStrivelli@gmail.com.

• An Antique, Vintage & Handcrafted Flea Market starts at 8 a.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 3029 Soco Road in Maggie Valley. Bring your own table/tent. Spaces rent for $10 a day or $25 for all three days.

• The Adult Coloring Group will meet at 2 p.m. on Fridays in the Living Room of the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. An afternoon of creativity and camaraderie. Supplies are provided, or bring your own.

Beginners are welcome as well as those who already enjoy this new trend. kmoe@fontanalib.org or 524.3600.

• Haywood County Arts Council is inviting artist members to participate in its annual Artist Member Show.

Download a show contract/inventory sheet from www.haywoodarts.org. Send completed forms to gallery@haywoodarts.org or P.O. Box 306; Waynesville, N.C. 28786.

• The Jackson Rangers Camp 1917 will hold monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Barkers Creek Community Center.

Members are being sought to participate in honor guard graveside events and honor Confederate soldiers. The Confederate Rose, a ladies auxiliary group that supports active members, meets at the same time and location. 736.6222 or jrcamp1917@hotmail.com.

• “Stitch,” the community gathering of those interested in crochet, knit and needlepoint, meet at 2:30 p.m. every first Sunday of the month at the Canton Public Library. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.haywoodlibrary.org.

• The Sew Easy Girls meet from noon-3 p.m. on the first Monday of every month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office’s conference room. Learn how to sew. 586.4009.

• A community art group meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday at the Hudson Library in Highlands.

828.526.3031.

• A writer’s group meets at 1 p.m. every Thursday at Hudson Library in Highlands. 526.3031.

• Free one-on-one technology help is offered every Tuesday and Thursday morning at Hudson Library in Highlands. Call 526.3031 to make an appointment.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The opening of an art show featuring the work of Joseph Meigs and Tim Lewis is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, at Gallery 1 of Sylva. art@gallery1sylva.com or http://gallery1sylva.com.

• The Bryson City Lion meet at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays of each month at the Iron Skillet in Bryson City.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center will host the exhibit “WCU Collects: Recent Acquisitions” through Jan. 26.

227.3591.

• 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.

• Work from Haywood County artists who operate studios in the county will be on display through Oct. 28 at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville.

HaywoodArts.org.

Smoky Mountain News

• The High Country Quilt Guild meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the First Methodist Church in Waynesville. www.highcountryquilters.wordpress.com.

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 6:30 p.m. every other Thursday at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There will also be “Painting at the Porch” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Southern Porch in Canton. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page (search event: Brush N. Brew) or call Robin Smathers at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

October 11-17, 2017

• The WNC Woodturners Club, Inc., meets at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Bascom in Highlands.

• Cribbage is at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the Maggie Valley Inn. 410.440.7652 or 926.3978.

wnc calendar

• The art of corn-shuck doll-making will be offered at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Rickman Store at 259 Cowee Creek Road north of Franklin. Led by Betty Cabe. 369.5595.

• Exhibit “Conversation/What Remains” featuring artists Rachel Meginnes and Kelly O’Briant will be on display through Nov. 19, at Penland Gallery near Spruce Pine. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery.

• 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

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wnc calendar

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.

• 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.

October 11-17, 2017

FILM & SCREEN

Smoky Mountain News

• 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 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.

• A “Tree ID Workshop” will be offered Oct. 13-14 at Highlands Biological Station in Highlands. $150.

526.2602 or www.highlandsbiological.org.

• The KOA Fall Fishing Tournament is Oct. 14 at KOA Campground in Cherokee. 497.1580.

• An opportunity to experience old-time camping is Saturday, Oct. 14, at Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Explore the gear of a bygone era. www.cradleofforestry.com.

• Sons of the American Legion will hold a Turkey Shoot at 9 a.m. on Saturdays from Oct. 14 until April at Legion Drive in Waynesville.

• “Blade Runner 2049” is being shown at The Strand on Main in Waynesville on Oct. Oct 11-13 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 14 at 12:30 p.m., 3:45 p.m., and 7 p.m., Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. and Oct. 16-19 at 7 p.m. See website for tickets and pricing. www.38main.com.

• A celebration of bonsai trees will be held from Oct. 14-15 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Parking fee is $14 for nonmembers. www.ncarboretum.org/event/carolina-bonsai-espo2017.

• “Baby Driver” will be shown on Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. FREE. 586.3555.

• The Macon County Horse Association will have its last show of the season at noon on Sunday, Oct. 15.

Food available at concession stand. 369.3903.

• “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.

• A new romantic drama starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave will be shown at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Movie’s about a tourist in Italy who replies to a 50-year-old letter asking for romantic advice. PG; 1:45. 524.3600.

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• The documentary “Granny D Goes to Washington” will be shown at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. 26 minutes. About a march across the U.S. by political activist Doris Haddock. 524.3600. http://grannyddoc.com.

• “Same Kind of Different as Me” will be showing Oct. 20 at 7 p.m., Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28 at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., Oct. 23-27 at 7 p.m., Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at The Strand on Main in Waynesville. See website for tickets and pricing. www.38main.com.

• “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” will be playing at 7 p.m. on Dec. 14, 7 p.m. and 9:55 p.m. on Dec. 15, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m., 9:55 p.m., on Dec. 16, 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., on Dec. 17, and at 7 p.m. on Dec. 18-21 at the Strand on Main in Waynesville. See website for tickets and pricing. www.38main.com.

• Free movies are shown every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

Madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• Franklin Bird Club will present “Partners in Flight’s 2016 Landbird Conservation Plan” by Dennis Desmond at 7 p.m. on Oct. 16. https://franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• A fall art and phenology workshop offered Saturday, Oct. 21, will give participants a chance to explore nature journalizing through a variety of art genres while also understanding basic phenology — daily record-keeping of environmental phenomena. The day will include a 2-mile hike and lunch. Space limited. $65 or $75 after Oct. 16.

• Cruise the Smokies Fall Rod Run is Oct. 20-21 at Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. 497.2603.

• The National Paddlesports Conference is Oct. 18-22, followed by the Southeastern Downriver Championship on Oct. 22, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. $175 for the conference; race registration is separate.

Conference: www.americancanoe.org/page/NPC. Race: https://paddleguru.com/races/2017SoutheasternDown riverChampionship.

• Learn your mosses, hornworts and liverworts with botanical wizard Ed Schwartzman during the Autumn Bryophyte Workshop, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. Microscopes, materials, a vegetarian lunch and an afternoon happy hour are provided. Space limited. $65 or $75 after Oct. 23.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• The Asheville Ambler’s Waynesville Apple Festival club Walk 5K and 10K is scheduled for Oct. 21 in downtown. Registration is at 9:30 a.m.; walk starts at 10 a.m. New start point this year: Mariner Finance, 472 N. Main Street. Rate 3A with some significant hills; almost entirely pavement. www.ashevilleamblers.com • The inaugural Mud Dabbers Classic, a two-mile middle school cross country race, is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Canton International Sports Complex. Donations accepted. http://bit.ly/2y0pzaE. • 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.

• A Zombie Run will be held by the Cherokee Historical Association at 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 at Island Park in Cherokee. www.hauntedcherokee.com.

FARM AND GARDEN • The Tuscola Garden Club meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Bethea Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska. Eric Romaniszyn, executive director of Haywood Waterways Association, will present a program on “Haywood County Water Quality – Issues and Solutions.” 246.0437.

• Local farmers can stop by the Cooperative Extension Office on Acquoni Road from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every fourth Friday to learn about USDA Farm Service Agency programs in the 2014 Farm Bill. Info: 488.2684, ext. 2 (Wednesday through Friday) or 524.3175, ext. 2 (Monday through Wednesday).

• The Macon County Poultry Club of Franklin meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cooperative Extension Office on Thomas Heights Rd, Open to the public. 369.3916.

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.

• 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 • Guided hikes along the woodland trails of the N.C. Arboretum will be offered at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays in October. Led by trained volunteer guides.

For ages 8-up. $14 parking fee for nonmembers.

• 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.

• Blue Ridge Parkway Rangers will present an easy, 1.5-mile exploration of the Buck Spring Lodge ruins at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 13. Meet at the Buck Spring Overlook parking area at Milepost 407.7. Info: 298.5330, ext. 304.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will hold its annual awards and spaghetti dinner fundraiser at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13, at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. $10 per person; bring a dessert to share and dishes and silverware to use. www.nantahalahikingclub.org.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 4.5-mile, easy-to-moderate hike with little elevation change on Saturday, Oct. 14, to Twin Falls in the Pisgah National Forest. Reservations: 632.7270.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have an eight-mile hike with a 1,100-foot ascent on Oct. 14 at Bent Creek No. 10 Ingles Field Gap. Info and reservations: 243.3630 or rhysko@yahoo.com.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a five-mile hike with an 800-foot ascent on Oct. 15 at Max Patch Loop.

Info and reservations: 275.4500 or glamb46@gmail.com.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 14.5-mile hike with a 3,900-foot ascent on Oct. 15 from Lake James to Table Rock. Info and reservations: 658.1489, 230.1861, lesrlove55@gmail.com or catmlove2@gmail.com.

• The Great Smoky Mountains Association will have an eight-mile roundtrip hike to Charlies Bunion, which has one of the best views in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17. $10 for GSMA members; $35 for new members.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 5.3-mile hike with a 960-foot ascent on Oct. 18 at Slate Rock Creek.

Info and reservations: 685.2897 or suejackfitz@bellsouth.net.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

AUCTION

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

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

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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

Committed to Exceeding Expectations

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Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Residential Broker Associate

(828) 550-2810

mobrig@Beverly-Hanks.com

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Equal Housing Opportunity

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Mountain Home Properties

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty • • • • • •

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Equal Housing Opportunity

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

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

October 11-17, 2017

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

WNC MarketPlace

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REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

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find us at: facebook.com/smnews

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

www.smokymountainnews.com

October 11-17, 2017

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CROSSWORD

GOING FOR A SPIN ACROSS 1 Entertainer Lola 7 Analogize 13 Attacking like a cat 20 Eugene locale 21 Canceled out 22 Civil War song about a maiden 23 Sidewalk material 24 Place with lots of slots 26 Presently 27 Sturdy tree 28 Ponce de — 29 Golf bag items 30 A pilot lowers it during approach 35 Greasy of the gridiron 38 Love, in Livorno 39 Aid in raising heavy weights 45 Grayish color 48 Chi follower 49 Escaped 50 Capital of Kazakhstan 51 Brie and feta seller 54 About 56 — -Z (old Camaro) 57 Freezing 58 Bygone New York stadium 59 Suffix with Siam 60 Biohazard face wear 63 Many seized autos 65 iPod maker 67 See 83-Across 68 Weaponize 69 Place to make earthenware 73 — Aviv-Yafo 76 Reveres

78 Bar legally 79 Chopin composition 81 Custodian 83 With 67-Across, protein source for a hive 84 Conked out 87 Et — (and more) 88 Big outback birds 89 In — (stymied) 91 Simple forklift 93 Motive 96 Put to work 98 “Evolve” singer DiFranco 99 Porkers’ pad 100 Bladers’ wear 102 Barrel along 104 Brit’s buddy 105 Helm locale 110 Morales of “La Bamba” 113 “Der —” (Konrad Adenauer’s nickname) 116 Never, in Berlin 117 Actress — Flynn Boyle 118 Easy-to-travel-with suitcases 123 Two-dimensional 125 Arquette of “Crash” 126 1 followed by 100 zeros 127 Dines at home 128 Swim at a shoal, maybe 129 Stuffed shirts 130 Things that nine answers in this puzzle have DOWN 1 Central 2 Vying venue 3 Bright yellow

4 To-do list 5 Prefix with stick 6 Tiny colonist 7 Occupy 8 Tremble 9 German city 10 Tirana’s nation: Abbr.

11 Tattle 12 Emmy winner Falco 13 “— & Lacey” 14 Follower of “Jean,” often 15 Coach Parseghian 16 Dillydallies 17 “Nasty” Nastase 18 Maui goose 19 Old GM cars 25 Some jazz combos 27 Like a cruel beast: Var. 31 Wee devils 32 Snouts 33 Per item 34 Deep groove 36 Dry — bone 37 Fleur-de- — 40 Least strict 41 Decoy 42 Big spiders 43 Actress Mireille — 44 Big name in big trucks 45 Capital of Ghana 46 Smithy, e.g.

47 Relative of a user’s guide 49 Have a cow 52 Tokyo, to the shoguns 53 Warms (up) 55 Psalm starter 59 Mother on “Family Ties” 61 Late boxing great

62 — gin fizz 64 Primer pooch 66 Forestall 67 Iris center 70 Tijuana gold 71 Part ot TB 72 In the present era 74 Official order 75 Like a sieve 77 Not alike 80 — Mahal 81 Actress Ryan 82 Call in church 83 Crimson Tide, to fans 85 Tick away 86 Bright star in Cygnus 90 — and Hyde 91 Ritzy 92 Level 94 Out — limb 95 Take home 97 Arles article 101 Martial arts actor Steven 102 Sales pitches 103 Distend 106 Metallic bar 107 Ballet, e.g., in Brest 108 Object of a knightly quest 109 Takes home 110 Is off base 111 Momentarily 112 Additionally 114 Yanks (on) 115 Von Furstenberg of fashion 119 Ballpoint fluid 120 LA-to-IL dir.

121 Oozy gunk 122 Past 123 Chapel bench 124 “— -di-dah!”

answers on page 48

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Answers on Page 48

The naturalist’s corner

ines. We heard more kinglets and red-breasted nuthatches at the picnic grounds and caught enough song to record a blue-headed vireo, but not much more.

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

All’s well that ends with an elk had the pleasure of leading a birding trip for Alarka Expeditions on Friday September 29. I had been in the field the previous two weeks and migration seemed to be going strong, so I was expecting a pretty birdy outing. And things started well. We ran into a number of palm warblers almost immediately at our first stop – Kituwah. We also encountered song sparrows, field sparrows, eastern towhee, goldfinches, eastern phoebe and a few of us got brief looks at a magnolia warbler.

Kituwah continued to be productive. We got great views of American kestrel and osprey plus some of us saw Cooper’s hawk and sharp-shinned hawk. There were even a couple of lingering blue grosbeaks — not too blue in their drab winter plumage but good to see nonetheless. Kituwah also provided numerous migrating monarch and gulf fritillary butterflies.

We left Kituwah and made a quick stop at Oconaluftee Visitors Center for a bathroom break and to check the fields for any migrating sparrows. There wasn’t much to

I

see at Oconaluftee – not even a turkey in the acres of open fields. But we weren’t discouraged – we were headed for the Blue Ridge Parkway where visions of flocks of migrating warblers still danced in our heads.

Well they stayed in our heads. We stopped and had lunch and I thought I heard chip notes from a hooded warbler while we dined, but nothing showed up. We stopped at a couple of more overlooks and they were dead as well. It seemed like migration had decided to take a break.

Thankfully when we got to the intersection of Heintooga Road and the Parkway, resident birds cheered us up again. Goldencrowned kinglets were singing and we got outstanding looks at red-breasted nuthatch.

A raven circled above us before leaving on the wind. At Mile High Overlook we caught a couple of broad-winged hawks streaming through the clouds at dizzying speed — but streaming almost due north. I don’t know if they were a nesting pair, not yet ready to pack their bags or perhaps a couple of travelers searching for a thermal.

We stopped at the overlook at the Masonic marker and at the picnic area at the end of Heintooga Road. We still had not encountered one flock of migrating passer-

The tally for the day was somewhere between 40 and 50 species with a fairly good representation of low-elevation and high-elevation species. And we had a least a halfdozen species of butterflies including numerous monarchs, gulf fritillaries and painted ladies. But it was a good 20 species short of what I was expecting for fall migration in the Blue Ridge. I’ve been on enough of these rodeos to know that birds sometimes don’t show. They have their own agenda and fall migration can be hit or miss, but when you have clients and it’s a slow day it

can be a bit disappointing.

Everyone was gracious and in good spirits and we loaded up and headed back to Dillsboro, where we had car-pooled. We hadn’t Bull elk, Blue Ridge Parkway. gotten far when Angela Faye Martin photo I saw a huge sand-colored side of a beast shaking the underbrush.

We stopped to find a large cow elk browsing at the edge of the road. Everyone was clicking pictures when we looked up to see a large bull sauntering down the road. The bull passed by and joined the female and they moseyed on into the woods, with the bull having to duck and twist to maneuver his large rack through the trees.

If everyone wasn’t in good spirits before, they were now and to top it off the bull bugled bye to us as we drove away.

(Don Hendershot is a naturalist and a writer who lives in Haywood County. He can be reached at ddihen1@bellsouth.net)

October 11-17, 2017 Smoky Mountain News 55

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