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Old-time music collection gets Grammy nod Page 20

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Dec. 19-25, 2012 Vol. 14 Iss. 29

Cherokee overbilled millions for casino IT services Page 12

How mountain counties’ economies stack up

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NIKI

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CONTENTS On the Cover The North Carolina Department of Commerce every year ranks the state’s 100 counties into three groups based on the viability of their economies. Find out what counties are the winners and which are still struggling. (Page 6)

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News Sylva recycling program lacks hoped-for participation ......................................4 N.C. Supreme Court upholds ban on sweepstakes machines ........................5 Study hopes to give old Haywood hospital new life ........................................10 Haywood County postpones vote on flag policy until next year ..................11 Eastern Band overbilled for casino IT services ................................................12 Stoplight control to hasten EMS response time ..............................................13 Efforts to keep Macon bridge open to vehicles falls short ............................14 Swain County AM station returns to the airwaves ..........................................15 Former Sylva funeral director arrested in gravestone scam ..........................16

Opinion Two takes in the wake of the Connecticut shooting ........................................17

A&E Historic Appalachian music recordings receive Grammy nod ......................20

Outdoors Two more lakes in WNC placed under fish mercury advisory ......................26

Back Then Winter mushrooms a welcome find ......................................................................39 WAYNESVILLE | 34 Church Street, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585 SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789 I NFO & B ILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 smokymountainnews.com | wncmarketplace.com | wnctravel.com Contents Š 2012 The Smoky Mountain News. All rights reserved.

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To bin or to bag?

Dismal participation in Sylva’s recycling begs the question

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER ince the town of Sylva’s curbside recycling program was reinstated about five years ago, its participation has stagnated, with the vast majority of residents not partaking.

The situation has left the public works director frustrated and town officials wondering what to do next to entice more involvement.

Only about 140 households in Sylva are regularly sorting and setting their recyclables out on the curb on a weekly basis, according to the town public works department. Another 25 or so households participate, but do so less frequently.

Based on the latest population data, that amounts to barely 10 percent of Sylva residents. The remaining 90 percent of residents are just choosing not to participate, surmises Public Works Director Dan Schaeffer.

“There’s no incentive for some people to do it,” Schaeffer said. “It’s a pain to set out four cans instead of two on trash day.”

Therein lies a likely culprit for Sylva’s low participation in curbside recycling.

Residents must sort and place recycling into two plastic bins to get curbside pick-up: one for paper and cardboard and a second for plastic, glass and cans.

Many towns simply have residents place their recycling at the curb in blue-tinted plastic bags — available in any grocery isle — to differentiate it from regular trash.

There’s another catch in Sylva: you have to make a trip down to town hall and buy the bins for $30 a pop before you can start recycling.

Although Schaeffer said the town offers price breaks for those who can’t afford the bins in an attempt to make recycling more accessible, the town has sold only about 180 sets of the bins since it began the curbside recycling program five years ago.

When it launched the new curbside recycling, the town invested in hundreds of the bins — the unsold ones fit languishing at town hall waiting for takers.

“I wish more people would participate,” Schaeffer said. “It really hasn’t grown that much.”

Last year, the solid waste employees collected less than 40 tons of recyclables but more than 620 tons of trash — approximately 80 percent of that trash could have been recycled, Schaeffer said. Schaeffer has gone before the town board and tried public awareness campaigns on the radio, to no avail.

In fact, the latest news out of the town’s recycling program was not that more people 4 were pitching in but that about 15 to 20 of

But the rash of non-compliant recyclers may have brought to light a larger problem plaguing Sylva’s recycling program: the extra step residents must take to participate. And, experience shows many humans do not go out of their way to recycle.

When compared with neighboring Waynesville, where an estimated 65 percent of the town residents recycle curbside, the differences are apparent. Waynesville uses a co-mingle method that allows residents put all their recyclables in a tinted “blue bag” they can buy at any store — no extra bins or sorting required.

Daryl Hannah, who manages Waynesville’s program, said the method seems to be working, if a comparison with

Smoky Mountain News

December 19-25, 2012

S

the few households participating weren’t even recycling correctly.

Residents were mixing material meant to be separated by the two bins. Some were trying to recycle un-recyclable items. And others were placing the recyclables in bags — which is a no-no for Sylva’s program

A BETTER WAY?

“I wish more people would participate. It really hasn’t grown that much.”

— Dan Schaeffer, Public Works Director

although widely used by other towns with curbside recycling — rather than directly in the bins.

Schaeffer chalked this up to the communication barrier between residents and those administering the program. Ultimately, after a series of attempts to correct the behavior of recycling offenders with notes and literature, the public works department stopped picking up from the persistently out-of-line households.

That worked, for the time being, and prompted phone calls from the troublesome recyclers wondering why no one was emptying their bins.

“It’s not rocket science,” Schaeffer said.

“It’s very simple; it was just a matter of getting them to call in.”

participation in Sylva is any indication.

“When we started out [participation] was probably just as low,” Hannah said. “But every year, it increases, and hopefully, it will keep increasing.”

However, while Waynesville’s program has been in place since the mid-1990s, Sylva’s has been started, discontinued, then reinstated and changed during that period.

Sylva previously used a bag system when it contracted with a private company to do its waste collection. Then, curbside recycling in Sylva took a hiatus and didn’t return until the town took over its own solid waste collection and elected leaders brought in the bin system.

Now, Sylva spends about $22,000 per year on equipment, manpower and gas to

run its in-house, curbside recycling pick-up.

The collected recyclables are then delivered to a Jackson County collection station.

Town board member, Barbara Hamilton, said she cuts out the middleman and just began taking her own recyclables to Jackson County’s collection site in Dillsboro — an indicator that perhaps more town residents are actually recycling but doing it outside of the bin program.

Jackson County, as a whole, ranked 25th among other North Carolina counties in 2010-11 in terms of per capita recycling collection, down form 16th place two years earlier.

Swain, Macon and Haywood counties all rank in the top 11, above Jackson County, for recycling collection per capita in the last state report.

Stephen King, Haywood County’s Solid Waste Director, who coordinates with the town of Waynesville for its recycling program, said a successful program will typically stress two factors: education and “easibility.”

“If it’s easy, people will participate,” King said. “But even if it’s easy, it will take an educational component to catch on. We are creatures of habit.”

The most successful recycling programs in the state use 90-gallon bins on wheels, in which all the recyclable items go, King said.

The convenience of it prompts participation.

“There is one bin where people can put everything into,” King said. “It has wheels; it’s kept outside; and that makes it easy for everyone to do.”

However, Sylva Mayor Maurice Moody doesn’t think Sylva’s recycling woes are because of its methodology and points out that it really isn’t that difficult to buy two bins and keep the recyclables separate.

“I don’t think buying your own bins is a deterrent to recycling,” Moody said. “And most people don’t like to separate, but it’s not separating; you just don’t mix to start with.”

He said there are no specific plans in place to promote the town’s program, but he is constantly encouraging more people to take part.

So long sweepstakes

BY CAITLIN BOWLING AND ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITERS The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled last week that state lawmakers indeed have the power to ban video gambling in its various forms, including the latest reincarnation known as video sweepstakes.

Sweepstakes operations, which have multiplied like wildfire across the region in the past two years, have until Jan. 3 to shut down.

State lawmakers have been locked in a game of cat-and-mouse with video gambling operators for years, with various state bans on video gambling challenged in court,

FEES FOR TOWNS Towns and cities in the state are likely looking at the ban as a mixed bag, as many had imposed a license fee on sweepstakes operations.

Waynesville raked in $98,000 in business license fees this year from sweepstakes operators. The money was earmarked to pay for the construction of a skateboard park.

Although Town Manager Marcy Onieal said Waynesville leaders are still committed to funding the skate park, the ruling was a blow to that effort.

“This will be a fairly substantial hole in our budget,” Onieal said.

Sweepstakes owner Leonard Watson, who owns two sweepstakes operations in Waynesville, lamented the fact that he already paid $26,000 to the town as a fee for operating his sweepstakes businesses. He opened his most recent sweepstakes business in Waynesville this past summer, and was worried he would not be getting a refund.

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SWEEPSTAKES PARLORS PREPARE TO SHUT DOWN The court’s decision was bad new to the dozens of business owners who run sweepstakes parlors, or convenience store owners with a machine or two in the corner to bring in extra cash.

Torry Pinter Sr., owner of Vegas in the Valley sweepstakes in Maggie Valley, just opened his doors in mid-October and wasn’t expecting to be closing them so soon. Pinter worried about his five employees, and countless others around the state,

LOSS OF SWEEPSTAKES

December 19-25, 2012

openly flaunted or skirted. State lawmakers returned to the drawing board more than once to close up loopholes, such as the one used by so-called sweepstakes operators.

Throughout the legal challenge over the state’s video sweepstakes ban, lawyers who represented the video gaming companies argued that the ban violated free speech.

But, the state Supreme Court justices struck down that argument, saying that the law deals with conduct, not speech, and that states have used police power to regulate gambling since the nation was created.

For years, law enforcement was stuck in the middle of the prolonged fight between the General Assembly and sweepstakes companies, not knowing whether to shut down the small gambling shops that have cropped up in even the most remote areas of North Carolina or to leave them be while the challenges played out.

“Law enforcement has obviously been placed in the middle of it from day one,” said Waynesville Police Chief Bill Hollingsed. “We are just relieved that a deci-

sion has been made, no matter what that decision was.”

The decision gives law enforcement agencies a definitive “no” regarding the legality of the video sweepstakes machines.

“I am glad we finally got something that’s got some meat on the bone,” said Swain County Sheriff Curtis Cochran.

The N.C. Department of Justice advised law enforcement agencies Tuesday to wait until Jan. 3 before enforcing the ban.

Hollingsed said that any business operating sweepstakes machines in Waynesville on Jan. 3 will be ticketed, and officers could confiscate the equipment.

Waynesville police officers began visiting sweepstakes operators in their town — some 16 currently operating and two readying to open their doors — and handing out packets of information about the court decision.

Hollingsed said that most were not surprised the ban was upheld.

“I think most of them were just kind of waiting in the wings for the decision,” Hollingsed said. However, the ban does not mean sweepstakes companies will not find a loophole, as they have done in the past.

In a letter to police chiefs and sheriffs in the western counties on Tuesday, District Attorney Mike Bonfoey warned that the sweepstakes industry may still have some fight left in it.“In all likelihood additional appeals and court cases will continue. We have not seen the definitive end of this issue,” Bonfoey said.

But Watson said either way he would follow the lead of law enforcement and shut his business down, or re-tool them as restaurants, bars or dance halls. Even if it meant he would lose a lot of the money he invested in the gambling businesses.

“We’re going to just stand by and abide by the law,” Watson said. “If they want me to close today, the door will be locked.”

news

Supreme Court upholds state’s authority to regulate gambling

going without work just after Christmas as a result of the court’s decision.

“A lot of employed people will be losing their jobs in North Carolina,” Pinter said.

“This is tough times right now.”

He also pointed out what he perceived as the inherent hypocrisy of targeting sweepstakes businesses but allowing the nearby Harrah’s Cherokee casino to remain open and lottery tickets to be sold at gas stations.

“People are going to gamble regardless,” Pinter said. “We’re just trying to make a living just like everyone else.”

Many sweepstakes operators will be left holding the bag — losing out big time on the gamble they made when starting their gaming parlors in the first place, especially those who chose to enter into the business only recently.

Leonard Watson, who owns four gambling parlors in Swain and Jackson counties, as well as two in Waynesville, will be laying off about 15 employees when his sweepstakes close in January. Given the loss of jobs and wages should the industry shut down, Watson didn’t believe the Supreme Court would actually uphold the ban — and therefore was willing to put money into starting up sweepstakes businesses despite the uncertainty of the ban and pending lawsuit looming in the background.

“I thought they would go ahead and regulate it and tax it,” Watson said. “I didn’t think it would stand. I didn’t think the Supreme Court would overrule this thing, nobody did.”

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Stuck in a rut or on the way up at last?

Economic indicators show WNC’s pump is primed but still waiting to flow

Smoky Mountain News

December 19-25, 2012

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER More doom and gloom or a light at the end of the tunnel?

For five years, the nation has waited eagerly for economic forecasters to tell us what we want to hear — that home sales are rebounding, wages are finally rising, and job growth at long last is outpacing layoffs. Will 2013 bring those things at last?

We’re often reminded of the bright side: things haven’t gotten worse. “Here’s to an economy stuck in neutral!” isn’t a toast you’ll hear at many New Year’s Eve parties though.

We asked some economists in Western North Carolina to give us their assessment of 2013, along with what economic indicators they typically pay attention to and how the region fits into the bigger national picture.

“Overall, it is continuing to be a very busy year,” said Scott T. Hamilton, president & CEO of AdvantageWest, a regional economic development agency that is part of the state Department of Commerce. “Empirically, we are seeing the numbers changing and jobs being created in various sectors.”

But, his assessment came with the standard caveat.

“It is not happening at the rate anybody would like to see happening,” Hamilton said.

If Tom Tveidt, a research economist and owner of SYNEVA Economics in Waynesville, has one rule of thumb, it’s that all economies are local.

“Economics are really a local phenomenon.

The national political arena has tried to spin it that it is a national thing and that they are pulling the levers. But when you look at it, these are all little economies of their own,” Tveidt said.

And one of the biggest factors in how well your local economy is doing can be how rural or urban you are.

“That’s economics 101. Cities always have better economies, higher wages and always do better than rural areas do. Always,” Tveidt said.

That’s one reason the rosier job growth posted in the greater Asheville metro area isn’t being felt in the more rural, western counties.

“You are seeing unemployment coming down faster in some areas than others,” Hamilton admitted. “When you look at the counties around the Asheville area, they have some of the lowest unemployment and the more rural areas like Graham still have very high unemployment.”

While not exactly urban, Haywood County has certainly piggy-backed on the economic 6 rebound emanating from Asheville.

Haywood’s economic indicators look better than its more rural neighbors to the west — enough so that it is now among the top 20 counties in the state economically.

All the counties but one in those coveted “top 20” are clustered around the state’s urban centers: the counties around Asheville, around Charlotte, around Raleigh and around Wilmington.

Haywood is now officially classified in those same ranks by the

ernment and institutional jobs — thanks to a university, community college and regional government agencies with their headquarters in Jackson.

But Haywood has a healthier mix of tourism, retail, professional and construction. It also has another ace in the hole: manufacturing. Haywood has historically had a strong manufacturing base. While it lost a few thousand factory jobs 10 to 15 years ago, those that survived the mass exodus of American industry have since held steady — and are now growing.

Haywood has seen existing manufacturing industries bring more than 100 new jobs online.

“Manufacturing is having a comeback,” said Hamilton.

Haywood has also seen more retail growth with the development of a major new shopping center and big-name retailers putting down roots there, from Best Buy to Michael’s craft store.

Meanwhile, Jackson County has lost some of the government and institutional jobs that were so integral to its employment base.

Top employment sectors in 2011, by number of jobs HAYWOOD Total private industry ........................12,163 Total government.................................1,284 Retail ....................................................2,707 Manufacturing......................................2,183 Accommodations/food industry ............2,000 Health care ...........................................1,654 Construction and real estate...................938 Professional and technical services, including finance and insurance ............908 Arts, entertainment, recreation ...............303

JACKSON

Total private industry ..........................7,642 Total government.................................2,900 Educational services ............................2,007 Accommodations/food industry ............1,795 j Health care and social assistance .......1,752 Retail ....................................................1,459 Construction and real estate...................696 Arts, entertainment, recreation ...............387 Manufacturing.........................................290 —

MACON

N.C. Department of Commerce. Around 25 percent of the workforce in Haywood County commutes out of the county, many of which to Asheville, according to some estimates.

“We are connected,” Tveidt said. “It is all about an urban core, and people drive in to work, and then we bring our money back home to our nice little rural community. We have obviously benefited from that.”

Tveidt, in fact, was one of those people, commuting daily from Haywood County into Asheville, until recently when he began running his economic analysis firm from a home office.

Therein lies another economic trend to watch — professionals and entrepreneurs who are creating their own jobs, forging their own way in mountain communities in exchange for the lifestyle the region offers. While the manufacturing sector has lost more than 40,000 jobs in the 23-county WNC region during the past 10 years, small business has gained jobs.

“Entrepreneurial development — people starting their own businesses — has picked up some of those,” Hamilton said.

Recession-driven budget cuts led Western Carolina University to cut 90 full time positions during a two-year period from 2009 to 2011, although some were added back this year. More than 30 jobs were lost due to state budget cuts at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching, a statewide teacher training center located in Jackson County near the WCU campus.

Jackson’s average median income is lower

S EE I NDICATORS, PAGE 8

Total private industry ..........................8,085 Total government.................................1,636 Retail ....................................................1,714 Health care and social assistance .......1,386 Accommodations/food industry ............1,225 Professional and technical services, including finance and insurance ............987 Construction and real estate...................884 Educational services................................840 Manufacturing.........................................674 Arts, entertainment, recreation ...............354

J

SWAIN Total private industry ..........................2,610 Total government.................................2,289 Accommodations/food industry ...............967 Retail .......................................................662 Manufacturing.........................................327 Arts, entertainment, recreation ...............341 Educational services................................322

By the numbers .........................................................HAYWOOD .......JACKSON ..........MACON ............SWAIN Population............................................59,484 ...............40,848...............34,469...............14,088 Labor force ..........................................28,846 ...............21,508...............16,026................6,908 Median household income, 2011.......$35,000 .............$37,593.............$36,173.............$32,600 Percent population below poverty level .........................12.3%................20.4% ...............16.9% ...............22.4%

DIVERSITY HAS ITS BENEFITS

Housing units .......................................25,563 ...............16,446...............14,591................5,672

Another factor in Haywood’s dropping unemployment compared to its neighbors is a more diversified economy.

Before the recession, Macon County’s employment growth had been concentrated in the construction and real estate industries, while Swain was dependent on tourism. And Jackson was reliant on a huge number of gov-

Percent of housing occupied by year-round residents .................63.3%................42.2%.................27% ..................46%

J

Median value of owner occupied housing ..............$158,000 ...........$163,000...........$167,800...........$114,000 Self-employed workers........................2,620 .................1,256.................1,585...................622

Total retail sales, including food j and drink, in 2010...........................$591M................$418M ...............$321M..............$108.2M

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER oey Del Bosque scrolled through his appointment book for the week; time slot after time slot was filled, with just enough room to breathe.

Belle On Main, a salon and massage parlor along South Main Street in Waynesville, opened in May and quickly started picking up business.

“It seems like we have really hit our stride,” Del Bosque said, adding that the business averages almost one walk-in customer a day. “We have been really well received.”

Del Bosque seems to have launched his new salon and massage parlor at the right time — just as Haywood County’s economy appears to be bouncing back from the recession. Haywood County was just ranked among the top 20 counties in the state economically, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce — positive reinforcement for how the county’s economy is faring.

But, similar to county and tourism leaders who were worried about Haywood County’s financial future, Del Bosque was not always so sure enough revenue would come rolling in.

Del Bosque recalled washing the dishes in his

J

T

A county’s unemployment rate is one of four components that the state Department of Commerce uses to categorize the economic health — or distress — of its 100 counties.

Counties are grouped into three tiers: the top 20, the middle 40 and the bottom 40. Other factors considered are population growth, median household income and property val-

S EE HAYWOOD, PAGE 8

are stuck squarely in the double digits. Jackson has had its share of economic woes, however, though its not as bad off as its smaller, more rural neighbors to the west.

Layoffs in the public sector — which has typically been a strong workforce in Jackson — have taken their toll, especially at Western Carolina University, which cut nearly 100 jobs during a two-year period, as well as at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching, which lost another 60 in recession-induced state budget cuts.

However, the county’s unemployment rate was below 8 percent in October this year, down nearly a whole percentage point from the same month last year.

October, a strong tourism month in the mountains, typically sees some of the lowest unemployment rates out of the year. By contrast, Jackson started off 2012 with more than 11 percent unemployment.

Ryan Sherby, interim director of the Southwestern Planning and Economic Development Commission, works with the seven westernmost counties in the state to coordinate regional initiatives, many of them economically driven. He was taken aback when the rankings were first released.

“Jackson County has had a very positive growth rate in the state,” said Sherby. “We have some factors in our favor that shows we were doing well so this poverty rate comes as kind of a surprise.”

He said poverty needs to be taken seriously, but the rankings may be misleading and form a false impression about the county.

Belle On Main owner Joey Del Bosque opened the salon and massage parlor in May and already plans to add a third employee to his payroll. Caitlin Bowling photo

Layoffs in the public sector — which has typically been strong workforce in Jackson — have taken their toll, especially at Western Carolina University, which cut nearly 100 jobs during a two-year period, as well as at the N.C. Center for the Advancement of Teaching, which lost another 60 in recession-induced state budget cuts.

“Perception is reality,” Sherby said. “We don’t want people to think we are bunch of poor people living in the country when it seems people are doing well.”

Last year, Jackson County ranked in the middle tier, alongside Macon and Haywood counties. This year, Macon County held its place in the middle, and Haywood County was promoted to the best tier.

In spite of having a lower unemployment rate and higher median household income than Macon County, Jackson County now ranks lower.

And even anecdotal economic indicators were bucking the trend of Jackson County’s declassification. Merrily Teasley, owner of Balsam Mountain Inn and a member of the county tourism authority board, said she watches the economy choo-choo past her business everyday.

“Everyday, I count the train cars,” Teasley said of the Norfolk Southern freight rail line that goes in front of the Inn. “And there’s definitely more than last year. It’s a crazy way to count the economy, but hey.”

She added her own business is up compared to last fall as well.

THE COLLEGE STUDENT FACTOR The recent round of tier classifications has county leaders questioning the methodology, and more importantly, how the poverty rate is calculated.

Many are pointing the finger at college students who could be artificially inflating the number of county residents living in poverty.

Students working a part-time job, or no job at all, seem to be living below the poverty rate, when in fact they are supporting themselves on student loans or their parents’ goodwill while focusing on their studies.

When asked about the poverty rates, Jackson County leaders — from the county’s Chamber of Commerce director to local business owners to government officials — surmised that students might be to blame.

Smoky Mountain News

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER he economic situation seemed to be looking up in Jackson County: unemployment was on a steady decline; the real estate market was rebounding; and tourists were finding more expendable income to travel.

That is why local leaders were left scratching their heads when Jackson County was labeled among the most economically distressed counties in the state in the recent rankings by the N.C. Department of Commerce.

The reason: the countywide poverty rate, which had long teetered on the brink of 19 percent, had finally jumped above the 20 percent mark. For counties with a population of less then 50,000 residents, a poverty rate of that magnitude is an automatic qualifier for the bottom of the economic barrel in the state’s rankings.

The state ranks counties into three tiers: the top 20, middle 40 and bottom 40 economically.

Jackson recently moved from the middle ranking to the lowest tier.

Despite scoring well in most of the other economic factors that determine the rankings, for Jackson County, the poverty rate meant it joined the likes of Swain, Graham and Cherokee counties, whose unemployment rates

MOVING ON UP

December 19-25, 2012

College kids gum up Jackson County’s economic stats

kitchen one night and suddenly panicking.

“What am I thinking? Double mortgage?

Double taxes?” Del Bosque said, replaying his doubts.

But, now just six months after opening his doors, Del Bosque is hiring a new employee.

“It has paid off, and I am thrilled,” Del Bosque said.

When he started out, he only employed one other person. When she left, Del Bosque kept the business running by himself, but after the New Year, he will not only replace his departed employee but add another.

“By adding more people to the team, I can service more people,” Del Bosque said. “We don’t have to turn anyone away.”

While a single new employee is no big deal on the surface, that sort of growth in a small business is nothing to scoff at. New jobs, no matter where they come from, are a key symbol of economic prosperity. Haywood County saw a net gain of 218 new jobs between January 2010 and January 2012.

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Haywood County economy outpaces its peers

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I NDICATORS, CONTINUED FROM 6 than Haywood’s, possibly due to the glut in the workforce caused by college students willing to work for cheap, particularly in the service sector.

“They certainly compete for those jobs,” said Dr. Robert Mulligan, an economics professor at WCU. “It probably contributes to the wage being lower than if we didn’t have a university here.”

That said, students also bring money and commerce to Jackson County that wouldn’t be here if not for the university.

Another silent population in WNC’s economic landscape that’s hard to measure in empirical data is the second-home owners.

“They are almost invisible,” Tveidt said.

Invisible in the statistics, that is, but not invisible to real life, on-the-ground economies.

During their stints in the mountains, secondhome owners spend money on everything from haircuts to health care, from auto mechanics to art galleries.

There’s another indicator Tveidt ranks

HAYWOOD, CONTINUED FROM 7

Smoky Mountain News

December 19-25, 2012

ues per capita.

Every year, the Department of Commerce crunches the numbers and dishes out “tier rankings.”

For the last several years, Haywood County has hovered just inside the middle Tier II ranking, performing well, just not well enough to be deemed among the 20 in Tier III. Some economic leaders in the county were actually shocked to find out Haywood County had moved up in the rankings.

“I didn’t think we were a Tier III county,” said County Manager Marty Stamey. “We barely made Tier III.” The state Department of Commerce sent a letter to Stamey explaining the reason for their new, more prosperous ranking. Although the county saw a decline in its per capita property values, “this negative impact could not offset the significant jump in population growth,” the letter read.

Haywood County moved from the 59th most populous county to 38th in the state.

“There is a reason that they are moving there. It could mean jobs. It could economic development,” said Tim Crowley, assistant secretary for communications and external affairs at the N.C. Department of Commerce.

CeCe Hipps, executive director of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, has seen anecdotal proof of the county’s population growth potential.

The chamber distributes pre-made packets of information to people who express an interest in moving to Haywood County, and as of late, Hipps said the chamber has had more inquiries about residency.

When she first started, the chamber mailed or handed out 30 to 40 packets a month.

During the recession, it dipped to about 10 a month, she said. But, just in a matter of days this month, the chamber gave out seven moving packets, indicating the population could be on the move upward.

“This is a dramatic increase,” Hipps said.

8 “And, their timeframe is quick.”

high in his line-up: education.

It’s not a direct measure of economic health, but its correlation is so strong that it is almost a predicator of job growth and wages.

“Education,” Tveidt said. “If you are looking at where you are going to move a company, you look at the educational attainment of the work force.”

Unemployment rates are the crowning, singular indicator of economic vitality, according to Mulligan.

But other factors, such as property values, are all part of the picture, he said. Indeed property values are one of the four measures used by the N.C. Department of Commerce in its economic rankings for counties.

“Property values would indicate that people are earning more, and the demand for housing was going up robustly in those areas,” Mulligan said.

Unlike Tveidt, Mulligan believes the nature of the recovery in WNC will hinge on the national outlook.

“It is going to recover pretty much in line with the state and nation,” Mulligan said.

Annual unemployment rate average 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0%

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Where we gained, where we lost Haywood County had a net gain of 218 new jobs from 2010 to 2012. The actual number of new jobs created was much higher, but was offset by job losses.

• Gains came from four leading sectors, with data for the first quarter of 2010 and the first quarter of 2012. Manufacturing was up 387 jobs, administrative servies up 130 jobs, restaurants and lodging up 99 jobs, and retail up 50.

• Three sectors led job losses. Construction continued to lose over the past two years and was down 147 jobs, professional and technical services down 138 jobs and the local school system losing 38 jobs. *Data taken from “Haywood County Economic Outlook Report” prepared by SYNEVA Economics and commissioned by Old Town Bank.

Rather than saying they want to move to Haywood County in a few years, more visitors are telling chamber workers that they hope to relocate within a year.

The number of existing home sales has indeed been rising. The second quarter of 2012 not only saw a spike in existing home sales — 177 sales in a three-month perdiod — it hit an all time high for any single quarter since 2008, according to Haywood County real estate data.

In addition to a rise in population, Haywood County also has the 15th lowest unemployment in the state, according to the Department of Commerce.

GOOD NEWS, BAD NEWS For Haywood County, a Tier III ranking is both a blessing and a curse.

“It’s like bittersweet news,” Stamey said.

“It’s good that your economic factors are in the top 20 in the state. … [But] It hurts us.”

County leaders were happy with the Tier II position because it showed Haywood County had a good economy but also gave them benefits Tier III counties don’t receive.

“Two was a good place for us,” Hipps said.

“I think our comfort level is at two.”

Mark Clasby, executive director of the Economic Development Commission, said from an economic development standpoint, he would prefer a high Tier II ranking.

The rankings affect how much a county gets

Haywood Jackson Macon Swain Buncombe

in state tax credits for business that create new jobs.

“It’s kind of good news-bad news in a way,” Clasby said. “When I am trying to compete on attracting new jobs, it gives me a little bit less to work with.”

As a Tier II county, Haywood secured $175,000 in state tax credits for Sonoco Plastics, which is adding 35 jobs during its $11.7 million expansion. That equals $5,000 per new job created.

Had Haywood County been classified as a Tier III county at the time, incentives would have only amounted to $750 per job — far less than what it obtained as a Tier II. “Going to $750 from $5,000, to me, is a big deal,” Clasby said.

Although being categorized as a Tier III county can almost seem like a punishment, the goal of the tier system is to give counties experiencing more hardship than others a leg up when it comes to attracting businesses, which is why Tier I and II counties can offer better tax credits.

“The reason generally for something like this is to make sure that less prosperous counties are economically competitive,” Crowley said.

On the plus side for a higher ranking, businesses could be drawn to a county because of its Tier III status, which denotes a healthy economy, meaning those counties do not need as much help.

However, Haywood County is different from most of the other Tier III counties, which

2012 YTD

are counties that include or surround major urban hubs like Charlotte or Raleigh. Although its sits just down the highway from Asheville, Haywood County is still fairly rural, and for that reason, it does not have as many economic incentives to offer by comparison, Clasby said.

“They have more resources that they can throw into the mix than we can,” he said of other truly urban areas.

Another downside of a Tier III ranking is a decline in the number of grants the county is eligible for — particularly health department grants.

Haywood County Health Director Carmine Rocco noted that the county has already missed out on two grants that would have benefited the county — one to increase access to primary care and another for diabetes. Both grants were only offered to Tier I and II counties.

“We were basically, by our designation, excluded,” Rocco said. “It’s a concern when you are either eliminated or the likelihood of being funded is reduced because of the tier you are placed in.”

Rocco said he thinks the county is put at a disadvantage because of its tier ranking and because it is sometimes classified as an urban county given its proximity to Asheville.

“It’s a challenge for county governments to be funded fairly,” Rocco said.

County Manager Stamey worried that the county may not receive as much money from the Golden Leaf Foundation or N.C. Rural Center — or that its share of matching funds to land grants will now be higher because of its Tier III status.

“It is going to make it harder to be eligible for those grants,” Stamey said.

Despite concerns from county leaders that its ranking will affect how much money it receives in grants, the Golden Leaf Foundation, a nonprofit that awards funding to formerly tobacco-dependent, rural communities, said that it will continue to working with Haywood County as it always has as long as it keeps submitting quality grant proposals.

“We are very active in the county, and we will continue to be so,” said Dan Gerlach, president of the Golden Leaf Foundation.

JACKSON, CONTINUED FROM 7

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Smoky Mountain News

It turns out their musings are on target.

Of the 7,000 Jackson County residents living below the poverty level, 1,500 are enrolled in graduate or undergraduate degree programs, according to U.S. Census data used by the Department of Commerce to determine the rankings.

With those college students included, the Jackson’s poverty rate appears to be almost 20 percent. Subtract them from the equation, however, and its poverty rate is only 15.7 percent — and Jackson would have its old tier II ranking back.

Case in point, WCU senior Lindsay Chewning lives off campus and makes less than $10,000 per year working part-time at Black Rock outfitters in Sylva, which for her is “enough to get by” on along with student loans. But after she graduates with a degree in recreational therapy, she expects make about $40,000 per year — well above the poverty threshold.

Across Sylva’s Main Street at In Your Ear Music Emporium, WCU senior Katie Knoop expects an even bigger paycheck when she graduates with her major in computer science and minors in mathematics and physics. But, making $8 per hour working the cash register, along with help on the side from her parents, is getting her through college.

Trudy Renwick, chief of the poverty statistics branch of the U.S. Census Bureau, said the college-student phenomenon is common. She cited an example from her neck of the woods in Tompkins County, New York, which is dominated by Ivy League Cornell University.

After being dinged for high but disingenuous poverty levels due to its large college population, she said the county’s planning department there requests a special tabulation for university and non-university demographics from the Census Bureau.

“Lots of students do end up being classified in poverty,” Renwick said.

But, Renwick also pointed out that there are students who do live in poverty; so excluding them entirely may not be perfectly accurate either.

The recent boom in off-campus housing construction is partly to blame for pushing the county down to the bottom tier. While students living on campus aren’t counted in the stats, those off campus are — and growth in off-campus housing to accommodate the burgeoning student population at WCU means more of them are now being factored into the county’s poverty rate than ever before.

Students aside, Jackson should still be concerned about poverty levels of its general population, Jackson County Manager Chuck Wooten said. One northern region of the county, near Cherokee and far from WCU, has a poverty rate of about 25 percent — a rate that may not be inflated by students.

“Those are our people living in poverty,” Wooten said. “It’s distressing really.”

There could be an upside to Jackson’s new “economically-distressed” ranking. Jackson County will now be eligible for more public assistance and grants reserved for the bottom 40 counties. But, lifting residents out of poverty is no simple feat.

“I’m trying to figure out how to attack that,” Wooten said. “I think it’s a bigger issue than

ly optimistic about the property market outlook. She said she has noticed that real estate seems to be selling higher in Jackson County than neighboring counties, including Haywood. But, the market was still far from booming.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” Nations said.

She speculated that because Jackson County has traditionally been a secondary vacation home market, a stronger real estate market would have to come on the tails of eco-

sions made in the past that kept us from growing when we should have been growing.”

Cody pointed to stringent mountainside building regulations put in place five years ago AKING ACTION SETTING as hurting construction, although supporters of the regulations say the recession, not the regTHE STAGE ulations, are what hurt construction.

Nonetheless, newly elected commissioners Poverty rates aside, the county’s other four have instructed the planning board to rework economic factors — property values, populathose regulations. Cody said he would like to tion growth, median household income and see them a little less stringent. unemployment rate — were good enough to Commercial development in the county has keep it in the middle tier and make it look comalso been choked by lack of water and sewer services from the Tuckasegee Water and Sewer Authority, which had maxed out the capacity of its system, Cody said.

“It was kind of the perfect storm,” he said.

Yet, he saw promise.

The county has assembled a new, countywide T o u r i s m Development Authority and is looking to reform its economic development committee. New construction permits have been up in Jackson County, higher than its neighbors, during the past years and the College students like Lindsay Chewning, attending college and working part-time in Jackson County, may be pulling up legalization of alcohol sales counthe county’s poverty rate. Andrew Kasper photo tywide has given some business nomic improvements in places like Atlanta and owners another product to push. petitive next to its neighbors.

“All of those things will bear fruit down the “Jackson would probably have stayed simi- Florida first.

Yet, Nations wasn’t looking to change road a ways,” he said. “If economy keeps turnlar to where it was last year if it hadn’t had the automatic qualifier,” said Tim Crowley, a careers anytime soon and believes Jackson ing around, you’ll see some positive results.”

For the time being, Jackson County can look spokesman with the N.C. Department of Counties has intrinsic value that will keep propfor some immediate boosts as a result of its new Commerce. “They’re enough in the middle they erty values high.

“A lot of Realtors are getting out of it, but distressed tier classification. Larger tax incenwould not have moved a tier.”

Jackson County actually ranked in the top I’m going to be staying in real estate,” Nations tives are available for companies and job mak20 among counties for population growth and said. “We have several good anchors to bring ers who move to tier one counties. On the grant in the top five for assessed property value per people here — it’s a beautiful place to live, and side, Jackson is now eligible for social welfare and health grants it either couldn’t get, or got capita — possible indicators that the real estate that’s never going to change.”

But Jackson County Commissioner Doug less of, before. market in Jackson County is fairing better than Cody said local government could be doing Jackson County’s Department Social other places.

Of course, measuring property values on a more to facilitate a faster recovery, especially in Services has already been contacted about the new grant opportunities. And Paula Carden, per capita basis is also rife with pitfalls as an the area of real estate and job growth.

Regardless of the skewed poverty rate, Cody the county’s Health Department director has economic indicator. In a resort haven like Jackson County, expensive second homes bol- said Jackson County has not done enough to looked into the new funding streams available ster average property values, but the out-of- stay competitive attracting businesses. The from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust state homeowners aren’t part of the “per capi- county’s economic development commission Fund, one of the largest in North Carolina that ta” denominator in the equation. It appears has been defunct for several years. It is one of targets poorer populations found in tier one average residents own far more expensive the few counties in the region with no econom- counties.

But even Carden, whose department may homes than they actually do, simply because ic development authority and no economic second-home owners don’t get factored into development director — something the cur- benefit, was surprised at the new classification. rent board of commissioners hope to change.

“I was not expecting it,” she said. “We seem the formula.

“You’ve got to be a player before you can to be doing pretty well — the community as a Still, Robin Nations, a real estate broker with Jackson County Real Estate, was cautious- compete,” Cody said. “We’ve had some deci- whole.”

9 commissioners will be able to confront with ‘Let’s adopt a resolution to eliminate poverty.’”

Old hospital building needs a new lease on life, but takers are few

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HAYWOOD PEDIATRIC & ADOLESCENT MEDICINE GROUP, P.A.

welcomes Dr. Tyler Vereen as she joins Dr. Stephen Wall, Dr. Steven Hammel, Dr. Karin McLelland, Dr. Trew Stansky, Dr. Sarah Evers, Anne Sarzynski, CPNP and Lillian Norris, CPNP.

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“It’s such a privilege to join the Haywood County Community and to help meet the pediatric needs of our families. I look forward to learning from the children here as much as becoming a contributing member of this beautiful community.”

Dr. Vereen graduated from Clemson with her B.S. in Biochemistry and earned her medical degree from University of South Carolina, School of Medicine in Columbia. She completed her Pediatric Residency at Palmetto Health Richland in Columbia.

December 19-25, 2012

Dr. Vereen is board-certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics.

She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

To contact Dr. Vereen and Haywood Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Group, P.A., please call 452-2211.

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BY CAITLIN BOWLING period will include a tour of the building and STAFF WRITER an analysis of similar projects from other hat to do with a hulking, four-story, communities as well as an evaluation of its run-down, decades-old, now-empty redevelopment potential, both public and former hospital in Waynesville? private, financing options and possible pubA feasibility study commissioned jointly lic-private partnerships. The school plans to

by Haywood County, the town of begin work in January.

Waynesville and the Haywood Advancement “It sounds like a pretty neat program,” Foundation hopes to answer that question, Clasby said, calling it “a great opportunity” and once and for all find a purpose for the for the county, town and Haywood old hospital building.

Advancement Foundation to work together.

The three entities will commission the The UNC team will be comprised of facUNC School of Government to evaluate and ulty and graduate students who are part of recommend various redevelopment options the Development Finance Initiative, which for the old hospital. The old hospital moved out three decades ago, but it was repurposed as an office building to house the county’s Department of Social Services. Plagued by high maintenance costs, however, the county bailed on the cramped decrepit quarters and moved its social services department to a new site last year.

The county, town and non-profit economic development arm, Haywood Advancement Foundation, will toss in The county budgets about $50,000 a $4,000 each to help year for maintenance and heating of fund the study — a price worth paying, the old hospital, which is a big part of according to Haywood County Manager Marty the reason why the county wants to put Stamey. the building to use.

“We are spending a lot more than $4,000 a year to have that thing sit,” Stamey said. was created to help with such local governThe county budgets about $50,000 a year ment projects. The Development Finance for maintenance and heating of the old hosInitiative will also contribute $6,000 in pripital — the thermostat is kept very low just vate funding for the study. to keep pipes from freezing — which is a big Possible takers for the building have fallpart of the reason why the county wants to en through over the past year. put the building to use.

One attractive option was to renovate the “Empty buildings are obviously not probuilding for low-income senior housing; the ductive,” said Mark Clasby, executive direcplan even got as far as being drawn up. tor of the Haywood County Economic Championed by Mountain Projects, a local Development Commission and the Haywood nonprofit social services agency, the plan fell Advancement Foundation. through when it failed to qualify for lowPlus, if the county can find a private com- income housing tax credits, which were a pany to buy the building, it would benefit lynchpin of the project’s financial feasibility. from additional tax revenue.

Then, there was talk of the regional menConstructed in the 1920s, the building is tal health agency Smoky Mountain Center designated a historic landmark, with certain moving in. But, that never gained traction, tax credits available for people looking to preventing the county from offloading the reuse the building. vacant structure.

Tax credits and other financing options Haywood County began advertising the will be part of the School of Government’s sale of the old hospital earlier this year and is assessment. The two- to three-month study asking $1.25 million.

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December 19-25, 2012 Smoky Mountain News

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER he Haywood County Board of Commissioners have postponed voting on a controversial flag display policy until after the New Year, but that did not keep Confederate flag supporters from protesting outside the county courthouse Monday.

If passed, the proposed policy would allow the display of any “official government flag” but would ban the Confederate Battle Flag from county property. It would also limit the size and times that flags or other displays could be posted.

Mark Swanger, chairman of the county board, said the commissioners did not address the policy at its Monday meeting because they needed more time to research the matter. The earliest that the board of commissioners could vote on the display policy is at its Jan. 7 meeting.

Even though the county announced that the topic would not be broached Monday, a couple of Confederate flag supporters did not miss the opportunity to address the board. Like other speakers at other meetings before them, they contended that the flag is a symbol of Southern heritage, not racism.

“This flag has nothing to do with slavery,” said Ronnie Parker. Parker then complained that the county displays flags of other countries that still practice slavery and terrorism during Folkmoot, the county’s two-week international dance and music festival in July.

Kirk Lyons, chief trial counsel with the Southern Legal Resource Center, also took a moment to correct what he deemed misconceptions by county leaders.

“Nobody in our office threatened you with a lawsuit,” Lyons said. “Is there a possibility of a lawsuit? Well, keep the policy the way it is, and you will find out.”

Lyons added that a lawsuit would be a last resort, and referred to himself as “your pesky neighbor,” simply offering his opinions on the proposed policy.

Monday’s comments are just another page in the months-long battle between proponents and opponents of the Confederate flag. The controversy’s roots go all the way back to August when residents complained that small Confederate flags being placed in the ground around the base of the Confederate Memorial on the lawn of the historic courthouse were offensive.

That prompted commissioners to temporarily ban the flags pending passage of a formal policy. The policy being considered would ban the controversial Confederate Battle flag and allow only “official government flags,” including those of those of other countries.

That clause was aimed at preserving the tradition of decorating the courthouse with international flags during the Folkmoot festival, but has also been used as a loophole by Confederate flag supporters, who took to flying the state flag of Mississippi, which has a small version of the Stars and Bars in one corner of it.

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Confederate flag flap in holding pattern in Haywood

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SCC Upward Bound Program gets $1.25 million grant

December 19-25, 2012

Southwestern Community College has been awarded a $1.25 million grant for its Upward Bound Program from the U.S. Department of Education.

Upward Bound serves middle, high school and college students, providing intensive and nurturing academic services during the school year, the summer months and after high school graduation.

Services include tutoring, mentoring, college visits, college entrance exam preparation, service learning opportunities, financial literacy workshops, cultural, social and self-enrichment activities and a “Bridge” program to help students transition to college. All activities, including transportation and meals, are provided at no cost to the students or parents.

Research has shown that Upward Bound program graduates are seven times as likely to attend college and graduate from college as those who do not participate.

Southwestern Community College has successfully hosted the Upward Bound program since 1999.

828.339.4281 or akesgen@southwesterncc.edu.

Billing error for casino IT services translates into $4.1 million refund for tribe

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER he Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was accidentally overbilled $2.7 million for IT service over several years by the company that manages Harrah’s Casino.

The tribe contracts with Caesars Entertainment to manage casino operations. A billing error resulted in the tribe paying $2.7 million more than it was supposed to for IT services provided as part of the casino management contract.

“The overcharges were the result of inadvertent accounting and budgetary timing issues for the years 2002-2011,” according to John Houser, chairman of the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise board.

Caesars will reimburse the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians $4.1 million — an amount that includes 10 percent compounded interest.

The error was discovered after the TCGE requested Caesars to take another look at its Information Technology service charges during the annual budget process, according to a report from Houser.

The analysis showed that Caesars had “historically overcharged” the casino in Cherokee for IT services from 2002 until 2011, the report stated. The Cherokee casi-

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no is one of three other Harrah’s casinos ing the overcharges to ensure the calculatnationwide that paid more than the going ed amounts are correct and properly recrate for IT services. onciled.”

The $4 million the tribe receives from Hicks also wants to assure tribal memCaesars will be divvied up under the same bers that Harrah’s casino was only overformula that applies to all other casino charged on IT services, not in other areas profits. Half will go to tribal coffers for trib- such as marketing, audit or legal services, al operations, and the other half will be dis- which Caesars Entertainment also provides. tributed among the enrolled members of the The error was discovered after the Eastern Band. The additional money will be Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise tacked onto enrolled memrequested Caesars to take another bers’ June per capita check — coming out to less than look at its Information Technology $200 per tribal member on service charges during the annual top of their regular distribution. This year, tribal budget process, according to a members received slightly more than $7,000 each report from John Houser. from casino profits.

“Tribal leadership wants to ensure that our Tribal members The tribe has hired an outside consultunderstand we are committed to make ant to review Caesars’ analysis of the past every effort to resolve this and any other problems with its IT services billing to necessary accounting adjustments,” said ensure that the reimbursement amount is Michell Hicks, principal chief of the correct. Until that assessment is complete, Eastern Band, in a written statement. the money will be kept in an interest bear“Leadership has also called for an outside ing account, and the tribe will not pay for party to review the procedure for calculatany IT services.

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Built On Your Land

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER ver wanted a magic button you could press to make the stoplight turn green?

Macon County Emergency Medical Services will soon hold that power for one stoplight at an intersection near its ambulance garage in Franklin.

The EMS station has gotten approval from state highway officials to control the stoplight beside Holly Springs Plaza to give ambulances quicker, safer passage through the intersection.

Implementation should be complete in the coming month. Once in place, the button will allow emergency responders leaving the EMS to trip a switch that will control the traffic light before hopping in the ambulances.

If the light is red, the switch will make it turn green more rapidly; and if the light is already green, the switch will hold the go light to give the medical personnel a chance to speed onto U.S. 441 and toward the source of the emergency.

While the feature may sound like something out of the remake of the movie “The Italian Job,” in which thieves take over control of traffic lights in Los Angeles to get away with stolen goods, the

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real-life button could be used to shave precious seconds off a wait at the red light.

On average, the stoplight stays red between 30 seconds and a minute. But, the delay can be even longer if one of the county’s medical responders leave from the station to find a long line of cars between them and the light.

Although an extra minute or two might not seem like a lot of time to a Sunday grocery shopper at the neighboring Ingles, or a worker on lunch break at the nearby Kentucky Fried Chicken, that extra time is a source of concern for medical staff or the person having a heart attack who is waiting for them to arrive.

“It seems like a long time when you’re sitting there,” said David Key, EMS director for the county. “In the course of an ambulance transport, a minute and a half can make a difference.”

Macon County EMS has three stations, one in Nantahala, one in Highlands and the third base serving Franklin at the shopping center along U.S. 441. The Franklin station alone runs about 5,000 calls per year; about half of those involve an ambulance passing through the stoplight; and about 1,000 of those calls are timesensitive emergencies.

But, until recently, Key and his EMS staff has

“DOT was hesitant,” said Key. “They were very cautious about setting a precedent.”

And maybe for good reason. If not properly researched and designed, stoplight control switches can increase the number of accidents and cause undue delay, said District 14 Deputy Traffic Engineer Roger Ayers.

“We didn’t really feel it would really benefit them,” said Ayers.

Thus, the project was approved but without any funding assistance from the state.

Overall, such devices are rare. Ayers said only five or six stoplight-controlling switches exist in the 10 westernmost counties in North Carolina. One of them controls the intersection on the four-lane highway in front of the fire station in Clyde.

Another has been in place in Brevard for 20 or so years.

If used properly the switches shouldn’t pose a problem and can be effective time-savers for emergency responders, Ayers said. But, it comes at a cost.

The switch in Franklin could hold up traffic on U.S. 441, a major thoroughfare between Georgia and North Carolina, for two to three minutes, if a line of vehicles in front of the ambulance must clear through the extended green light, Ayers said.

During the high tourism season, those delays could be extended.

“In the summertime, with a lot of traffic, it could be even worse,” he said.

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Franklin ambulance garage to hold green-go power over nearby stoplight

been waiting at a red light of their own. Despite seeking approval for the light-controlling switch beginning two years ago, the N.C. Department of Transportation just now gave them the green.

And it wasn’t a cheap endeavor: the planning, design and approval cost the county about $17,000 — which is more than the $12,000 the county will have to fork over to install the emergency apparatus.

At the most recent county commissioner meeting, newly elected Commissioner Paul Higdon looked outwardly upset when he was informed the planning process cost more than the installation will. Yet, commissioners moved ahead to approve funds for the new device.

“To get DOT approval, you have quite a few things to do,” said County Manager Jack Horton in reference to the two-year process.

And during the course of those two years, the Walmart located near the EMS station, which was also to blame for a large amount of the emergency-delaying traffic, moved to a new location, taking some of the other stores in the shopping plaza with it. Now, traffic is slow, almost non-existent, said Key. But he anticipates the day when new businesses move into the vacant store fronts left in the wake of Walmart’s move and the traffic picks up again. He also understands why it took so long to get approval.

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Compromise forged to save metal truss bridge

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER acon County residents hoping to save an old metal truss bridge spanning the Little Tennessee River scored a small win, but the victory is bittersweet.

The one-lane McCoy Bridge that has become a rallying cry for one mountain community’s rural character will be spared the wrecking ball but will be demoted to foot and bike traffic only. A bigger, wider bridge will be built over the river for vehicle traffic.

County commissioners last week officially signed onto the compromise that has been percolating between the county and the N.C. Department of Transportation for more than a year.

In a saga that has lasted more than a decade, a group of local residents pushed to keep the bridge. The bridge was deemed “functionally obsolete” by the N.C. DOT, which originally proposed to tear it down and replace it.

After years of community meetings, public comment, a myriad of studies, and back and forth between residents and the DOT, a compromise was born that keeps the bridge in place to serve pedestrians and cyclists, while constructing a new bridge further downstream.

The deal hinged on support of the

December 19-25, 2012

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Macon County commissioners, however.

The DOT wanted to divest itself of longterm liability and upkeep on the old truss

McCoy Bridge over the Little Tennessee River in Macon County will be closed to traffic and a new one built. It is used by only a small number of homes.

bridge — which meant someone else, namely Macon County, would have to take it on.

Commissioners last week voted 4 to 1 to assume responsibility for the bridge in the long-term. Under the agreement, the DOT will maintain the metal bridge for eight years after the new one is completed — paying for required bridge inspections every

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At least two county commissioners were hesitant to enter into the contract with the DOT, however. County Commissioner Paul Higdon voted against the agreement because he was afraid of mounting repair and maintenance costs for the “deteriorating” bridge once the county took it over.

And, as a stipulation of the agreement, if the county doesn’t keep current with its upkeep, DOT will dismantle the bridge at a cost of $126,000 and bill it to the county.

Commissioner Ron Haven was also hesitant to go along with the plan, citing unknown costs, but relented at the final vote because of what the bridge meant to the community.

Doug Woodward, a retired engineer who has helped lead the community’s charge to keep the bridge, said the compromise wasn’t what he had been hoping for. He wanted to see the metal bridge remain as the primary bridge for traffic.

“The new bridge would serve very little purpose,” said Woodward. “It essentially goes nowhere.”

Those living on the other side of the Little Tennessee River from N.C. 28 have only a few options to get across. For those that rely on the McCoy bridge as the nearest, most convenient crossing, the next closest bridge is a few miles — about 10 minutes on rural roads — in either direction.

Those two bridges handle the majority of traffic to communities on the rural enclaves on the other side of the Little Tennessee,

while the McCoy bridge is used only by a comparative handful of local traffic.

Woodward said the bridge is one of only 30 or so metal bridges left in the state, and he would rather see it restored and widened rather than a new vehicle bridge built that could cost millions of dollars.

He said new bridge construction could disturb nearby archeological sites and harm the river’s habitat. Furthermore, he believes it isn’t necessary.

“When you get a very large organization, it tends to need to generate jobs to keep itself going,” Woodward said of the DOT. “Bridges are one way they can justify more work.”

But for Brian Burch, a construction engineer with DOT, the old bridge just isn’t safe enough to sustain heavy loads anymore. The DOT has classified the structure as a fracture critical bridge with a maximum load weight of three tons — just above the weight of standard car and well below that of larger vehicles such fire trucks and school buses.

Also, the old construction style of the bridge means there is no fail-safe if certain parts of the structure break.

“It doesn’t meet current standards,” Burch said. “It’s a single-lane bridge; also, it has certain structural members where if they fail the bridge would not be safe.”

Burch said the bridge was built in 1960 and is not on the state’s historic structures list, but some residents contend it is far older and does have historic significance.

DOT originally wanted to tear it down, because as Burch put it, “If there’s another bridge that is adequate, why keep the metal bridge?”

But amidst the public outcry, the department agreed to a deal with commissioners in which the agency will pay for the bridge inspections, at about $8,000 a pop every two years, for nearly a decade.

But that clock doesn’t start ticking until after the new one is constructed. Burch estimates completion could be as far ahead as 2018. In the meantime, vehicles will continue to use the steel truss bridge.

County Manager Jack Horton believed that if only used for foot and bicycle traffic, the bridge’s integrity will not be an issue, and it may even act as a draw for visitors.

Horton said the county is looking at placing a parking area nearby so people will have easier access to use the bridge once it is offlimits to vehicles.

“Because it’s just going to be bicycle and foot traffic, I think it will last a long time,” Horton said. “This was the only way we had to keep the bridge and preserve it.”

Swain gets grants for hands-on learning

Affairs of the Heart

————————————————————————————— 120 N. Main St. • Waynesville, NC • 828.452.0526

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two years and alterations to close it off to vehicles — before handing it over to the county.

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Swain County schools has received grants totaling $3,200 for the “Learning Links” program, which provides teachers with money to develop “hands-on” activities that are designed to make required coursework fun and relevant for students.

The goal is to increase students’ enthusiasm for learning and staying in school until they graduate.

The grants are administered through the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER wo years after being saved from imminent death in the nick of time, WBHN began broadcasting regularly in Bryson City last week.

Lloyd Brown, pastor of Spruce Grove Baptist Church, bought the Swain County radio station in 2010 and has been slowly working to revive the AM frequency.

“It’s coming along. It’s going to take a while to build back up again,” said J.B. Jacobs, the station’s general manager.

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Tune in To listen, tune your radio dial to 1590 AM, and tell the station what music and programming you want to hear by calling 828.488.2682.

Ken Wilson Ford Welcomes

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The station will play Christmas music throughout the holiday season and also has several Swain County churches hosting programming on Sundays. The station also broadcasts the weather twice an hour and pulls new from the North Carolina news network.

However, WBHN has cued up gospel, bluegrass and country music to play after the Christmas season ends. And, the station is looking to reintroduce some of its old programs, such as The Trading Post, a type of call-in flea market, and Pet Patrol, which connects pet owners to pet buyers and allows families to spread the word about lost pets.

“We are going back trying to put on some of the local programs,” Jacobs said.

To keep the on-air light glowing, WBHN must offer shows and music that Swain County residents enjoy — in hopes that listeners will translate into advertising to give the station a source of operating income.

“We need to cater to the local people and put on what they like,” Jacobs said.

It costs about $2,000 a month to keep the nonprofit station on the air. The same churches that transmit on Sunday are helping support WBHN but more is needed if the station hopes to survive.

Otherwise, it could once again face the threat of going dark. In 2009, the radio station suspended its operations for financial reasons. If a station goes dark for more than 365 days, the license to broadcast on that frequency is revoked by the Federal Communications Commission.

At the time, two competing groups began scrambling to save WBHN and get it back on the air before the FCC revoked its broadcasting license. With only days left to spare, Brown succeeded in purchasing the station.

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Bryson City radio station fine tunes programming for local AM airwaves

98 N O RT H M A I N ST R EET DOWNTOWN WAYN ESVI LLE • NC 828.456.1940 W W W.T WIGSA N DLEAVES.COM 15

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Business notes

GED Instructor Ernest Lee with a student.

HCC photo

Smoky Mountain News

December 19-25, 2012

Haywood Community College’s Adult Education Department celebrated GED Instructor Ernest Lee as an example of outstanding determination and success for his work with Haywood Vocational Opportunities during National Disability Employment Awareness month.

After working for more than 20 years at the local paper mill, Lee was forced to give up his hard-earned career after a severe car accident. The accident left him with a lifelong disabling condition, which in turn led to a battle with depression and low self-esteem.

Lee sought the services of the N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation who referred him to Haywood Vocational Opportunities, where he worked with employment specialists, and ultimately became a valuable employee for HCC as a GED instructor. Lee first began at HCC as a volunteer tutor.

••• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort has a new policy for minors, prompted by the increasing number of performances and concerts at its event center on the casino campus.

Minors are not allowed on the gaming floor, but can attend events and eat at restaurants in areas of the casino not connected to the gaming floor itself.

A ticketed adult must accompany all minors under the age of 16 while in these areas, however. Minors 16 to 20 years of age with concert tickets can attend the show without adult supervision, but must be dropped-off and picked up by an adult prior to and immediately following the show.

Dropping off minors in the parking lot, at main doors or other locations is not permitted. Entry to and exit from the Event Center may only occur at the main entry doors next to the box office.

••• The MedWest-Harris & Swain Foundation is selling Curly the Bear stuffed animals, which are two-foot-tall stuffed teddy bears, for $20. The sales raise money for the New Generations Family Birthing Center at Harris Regional Hospital.

828.631.8924. www.medwesthealth.org.

••• Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation awarded Haywood Spay/Neuter with a $1,500 grant to help with its TrapNeuter-Return project for free-roaming feral 16 cats. 828.452.1329.

International design firm Cuningham Group Architecture recently accepted HOSPY Awards, which recognize extraordinary achievement in architecture, design, and development, for “Best Buffet” and “Best Theatrical Experience” for Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee. This marks the third and fourth HOSPY Awards for the $633 million expansion and renovation project.

••• The Franklin Lion’s Club donated money to the Macon County Care Network and Habitat for Humanity on behalf of Harvey Gibbs and Jim Dzurus, owners of Ruby Cinemas. The club and movie theater provide movies twice a week throughout the summer for kids and their families as well as summer camp participants at no charge. 828.369.8285.

••• The family of the late Janice Hooper Holt, Western Carolina University executive director of teacher recruitment, advising and career support, is creating a scholarship in her memory.

Holt, of Webster, died unexpectedly at the age of 58. She was instrumental in developing the university’s programs to support beginning and career teachers and maintain partnerships with regional schools.

To donate, go to wcu.edu/27669.asp.

Select the College of Education and Allied Professions from the “area of giving” dropdown box and note in the comments box that the gift is for the Holt scholarship.

•••

Bobby Raines

Connie Haire

Bobby Raines and Connie Haire recently joined the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area board Raines, a tribal member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, currently works as the Program Director for the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. Haire served for 25 years at Southwestern Community College and most recently as vice president of development at the Macon campus.

••• Drs. Edward K. Isbey, III and Robert E. Wiggins, Jr. of Asheville Eye Associates were named 2012 American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award Recipients for their contributions made to the academy, its scientific and educational programs and to ophthalmology.

••• Janet W. Millsaps will start her new job as director of Service Innovation and Performance Management at WestCare on Jan. 1. In her newly created role, Millsaps will focus on the customer experience at the Sylva and Swain hospitals, working with employees to ensure patients, visitors, families, physicians and co-workers receive world-class service built on exceptional quality, efficiency and cost.

Arrest comes down in case of missing headstones in Sylva An ongoing investigation into gravestones purchased from Moody’s Funeral Home in Sylva but never delivered to the buyers has resulted in charges against the former funeral home director.

Reginald Moody, Jr., was charged with five counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and turned himself in for arrest at the Sylva Police Department Monday. He was held at the Jackson County Detention Center on a $10,000 secure bond.

The victims reportedly paid Moody for grave markers, valuing between $200 and $2,500, but never received the head stones. At least one victim has been waiting more than two years, reported the Sylva Police Department.

Five victims, living in Jackson and Swain counties as well as Georgia, were reportedly involved in the case. But Sylva Police Department Detective Daniel Peoples, who arrested Moody, said more victims may be identified, and more charges may be forthcoming.

Moody Funeral Home has been the subject of a court-ordered financial probe for several years, stemming from a civil suit over caskets that were delivered and never paid for. The court

Habitat for Humanity returns to Jackson The Macon County affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is now Habitat for Humanity Macon/Jackson after approving a request from HFH International to help re-start the Jackson branch of the organization.

“A high priority is the re-opening of the Habitat Re-Sale store in Jackson County and we hope to have that accomplished by late spring,” said Rick Westerman, executive director of the combined organization.

828.524.5273.

Haywood appoints new tourism board members, all from Maggie The Haywood County Board of Commissioners appointed the following five people to the county’s 12-member tourism board.

• Ben Glover, owner of Maggie Mountain Vacations, was reappointed.

• Lyndon Lowe, owner of Cabins and RV’s at Twinbrook Resort in Maggie Valley, was reappointed.

• James Carver, owner of Maggie Valley Restaurant, was reappointed.

• Rob Edwards, owner of A Holiday Motel, was designated Maggie Valley’s new representative to the board.

• Beth Brown, who owns three vacation rental homes and has a photography business based in Maggie Valley, was newly appointed.

All five will serve three-year terms, except

appointed a financial auditor to scour the funeral home’s books in search of missing and hidden assets.

Court documents reveal a tangled web of shell corporations, limited liability corporations, sole proprietorships and intermingled personal and business bank accounts that succeeded in staying one step ahead of those Moody owed money to.

During the course of the court-appointed probe, more than 30 complaints came in against Moody Funeral Home in Sylva for failing to deliver on grave markers that were paid for but never delivered.

That civil probe apparently led to a criminal case against Moody.

Peoples said investigators used evidence of bank records and checks as its evidence in the charges against Moody. Peoples said another separate incident allegedly involving Moody is under investigation.

Moody Funeral Home closed last December after years of being dogged in court by collectors — for the gravestones as well as other unpaid bills. Moody resigned, and the funeral home has lost its state license.

Brown who will serve out the remaining two years of a prematurely vacated seat.

Survey seeks public input on N.C. 107 Southwestern Rural Planning Organization (RPO), in collaboration with the town of Sylva, Jackson County and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, is conducting a study of N.C. 107.

The study includes N.C. 107 from the U.S. 23’s business route to N.C. 116. The purpose of the study is to develop recommendations on how to improvement the road and gather feedback on the public’s perception of the corridor.

The survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/s/NC107CorridorStudy or picked up in the Jackson County Public Library and Sylva Town Hall. www.regiona.org.

Waynesville Rec offers holiday day camp A holiday day camp for children in kindergarten through fifth grades will be held from Dec. 26-Jan. 1 at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

The camp — which will last from 7:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. each day and will include games, movies, swimming and field trips — costs $15 per day for members of the rec center and $20 for non-members. Campers should bring a swimsuit, lunch, tennis shoes, a towel and snacks.

Pre-registration requested at recprograms@townofwaynesville.org or 828.456.2030.

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Make gun, ammo buyers pay to solve problem

Investment in mental health might provide some answers

GARY PEEBLES G UEST COLUMNIST n an entirely predictable way, the Connecticut shootings have touched off another round in the debate about gun control in America. Both sides have valid points. The left is correct; guns are exceptionally efficient killing machines that seem to carry a mystique about them, after all you don’t read stories of 20 children being bludgeoned the death by a baseball-bat wielding loner. And the right is correct; prohibiting something, in this case guns, can only go so far in eradicating it from our landscape — look at how poorly prohibitions on alcohol and drugs have worked.

The distinctly American issue at the core of the gun-control debate is gunrelated violence. I understand Canadians have similar rates of gun ownership, yet they have a significantly lower rate of gun violence. What’s wrong with us? The gun control debate, especially wrapped, as it is, in our hyper-partisanship, will get us nowhere. It’s time to move beyond that and address the question of why Americans have a stronger tendency to use guns against each other, and how can we change that.

It isn’t enough for the left to say we should ban guns, rather they should say let us address why someone is moved to pick up a gun and use it for violence in the first place. It isn’t enough for the right to say guns don’t kill people, people kill people. They need to say people are using guns to injure and kill innocent people, as gun owners and advocates, how can we ensure guns are not used this way?

A hundred years ago, wetland habitat in the United States was disappearing, to the detriment of wildlife that used these lands, including ducks, geese, and swans.

The solution was the duck stamp. Every year, waterfowl hunters must purchase a duck stamp along with their state hunting license. The proceeds from the purchase of those duck stamps goes to protect wetlands across America.

BY BOB SCOTT G UEST COLUMNIST fter the killing of 26 children and adults by a young man using a semi-automatic gun best used for combat, the knee-jerk reactions have begun.

Politicians on the Democrat side of the aisle are calling for assault weapon bans. Some Republicans are saying we need more guns.

Others are claiming that if we arm more people, they will stop a shooter. If more people carry guns, there will be less crime. Schools should have armed guards. All of these solutions are inconclusive. However, 19 mass killings in the past five years have produced no reasonable answer to this terrible national problem.

Stronger gun control will probably have no effect as there are more than 300 million guns in our society. It would be impossible to round up these guns or even attempt to register them.

Mass killers are different from serial killers.

Serial killers kill an individual and then kill again after a cooling off period. Mass killers kill as many people as they can in one incident and sometime kill themselves when law enforcement arrives.

There is no profile of a mass killer. There are patterns to mass killings. There are similarities mass killers share. Usually they are young white men, who are angry loners suffering mental disorders. Those close to them often know they very disturbed but usually feel helpless to do anything.

What triggers these acts? Is it violent video games? The mindset spread by the National Rifle Association that none of us should go out of our houses without being armed? Violent movies/TV? Permissive parents? Society?

We really do not know. We often do not see these violent acts coming. After the perpetrator kills himself or is killed by law enforcement officers, we can only look for clues in the young man’s background or at the crime scene. All too often the clues are there, but we had overlooked them until it was too late.

As a former deputy sheriff responsible for issuing concealed handgun permits, I can tell you that in North Carolina, the process is brief. The gun training and background check to receive a permit is cursory at best. Thorough background

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Hunters support it because it protects habitat, thus boosting the numbers of their prey. Similarly the PittmanRobertson Act places an excise tax on hunting equipment, the proceeds going to support wildlife conservation. The Dingell Johnson Act places a similar excise tax on fishing gear, with the proceeds going to advance fishing opportunities and protect aquatic habitat. These programs are widely considered tremendously successful by the very people who willingly pay these increased costs.

Let us apply the lessons of these conservation programs to gun violence in America. Let us move beyond the gun control debate and instead focus on identifying why someone picks up a gun to use it against an innocent person and address those reasons. Let us place a nationwide tax on the sale of firearms and ammunition. Proceeds from this tax would be managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who would dole them out through a competitive grant process to do two things: 1) identify why we have this proclivity to use guns in acts of violence, and 2) fund efforts to address those causes and otherwise decrease gun violence.

These monies could be used for mental health research that may be able to provide a means of identifying mass killers before they kill; they may be able to advance engineering that would make a weapon inoperable by anyone except its legitimate owner; they may simply be used to mount an effective gun safety campaign to prevent accidental shootings.

Such an approach would move the debate away from the gun and to the person wielding the gun. It engages gun manufacturers, the gun-rights lobby, and gun owners in the search for a solution to this problem. It puts us on the road to solving the problem of gun violence in America.

(Gary Peebles can be reached at garyepeeples@gmail.com.)

Help protect local nonprofits from fiscal cliff fallout To the Editor: As the executive director of Cherokee Preservation Foundation for the past 10 years, I’ve seen the tremendous value that a wide range of wonderful nonprofits contribute to our region. Unfortunately, the federal “fiscal cliff ” poses a serious threat to Western North Carolina’s nonprofit sector and the communities and people who depend on them — in part

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because of the effect on every citizen’s personal tax choices. If Congress doesn’t act before Dec. 31, more than $54 billion will arbitrarily be cut from federal programs. Demand for nonprofits’ services would continue to rise while federal funding would decrease — and this on top of declines in funding from individuals, foundations, corporations, and state and local governments.

The proposed cap on itemized deductions would essentially eliminate tax incentives for individuals to give to charitable nonprofits. Most people will deduct first the state/local taxes they’ve paid, and then their mortgage

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checks are non-existent. To do a thorough background check would put hundreds of officers out on the streets talking to neighbors, family members, and employers about a person seeking a permit. In addition, officers would have to check with private and public providers in the mental health fields. Therein lays another obstacle. The privacy laws that are out there could preclude anyone giving a true, objective opinion on a permit applicant’s mental stability.

Like so many of us, I lost sleep over what happened at Newtown, Conn. I am a proponent of controlling military assault type weapons and ammunition magazines that allow a gun to be fired over and over without reloading. I am also against the public being able to buy ammunition that explodes/expands in a person’s body leaving horrible wounds. That’s not sporting/target shooting ammunition. That’s ammunition meant to kill and maim. But any person can buy and shoot this stuff.

I believe politicians and the nation should wake up to the immediate need to look at our mental health system and the deficiencies in treatment of the mentally ill. There was a day when people such as these killers were put into state mental hospitals. They were taken out of society because they were a danger to society.

But, as we’ve seen in North Carolina, the cutbacks to mental health facilities is appalling.

Medicating and strict supervision of the dangerous mentally ill is not protecting society.

Jails, prisons, outpatient clinics, tranquilizers and emergency rooms are no substitute for institutions that deal with the most dangerous in our society. All of the mass killers in the past five years were living and functioning in society.

Is it cruel to suggest we once again begin looking at taking the dangerous mentally ill off the streets? Is it not time to ask our legislators to look at the problems mental illness causes in society?

Is it in society’s best interest to continue cutting mental health funds?

Bob Scott is a resident of Franklin. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a law enforcement instructor and has degrees in criminal justice. He served as executive officer of the Western Carolina University Police Department until his retirement. Reach him at SCOOPSCOTT@aol.com.)

interest. With a cap on itemized deductions, it’s unlikely each of us would have any room left to deduct charitable contributions. The charitable tax deduction is a unique aspect of Americans’ ability to support the causes they care about. Gutting it would pull the rug out from under those very organizations and causes that keep our communities glued together.

Please join me in contacting our elected leaders and asking them not to throw our communities off the fiscal cliff.

Susan Jenkins Waynesville

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ITALIAN

MEDITERRANEAN

STEAKS • PIZZA CHICKEN • SEAFOOD SANDWICHES ———————————— OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK 1863 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.454.5002 HWY. 19/23 EXIT 98

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 ANTHONY WAYNE’S 37 Church St, Waynesville. 828.456.6789.

Open for lunch Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; open for dinner Thursday-Saturday 5 to 9 p.m.; and Sunday brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Exceptional, new-American cuisine, offering several gluten free items.

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Friday Dec. 21st • 8pm End of the World as We Know It Live music by Local and dj Cross & Bones starts at midnight

Saturday Dec. 22nd • 4pm New World Age Birthday Party Tues.- Fri. 11a-9p & Sat. 12 noon - ‘til

628 E. Main Street • Sylva

December 19-25, 2012

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ARTISAN BREADS & PASTRIES

STOLLEN: TRADITIONAL GERMAN HOLIDAY BREAD This year’s rolls: Wheat, French, Yeast, Potato Rose.

Also: French & Wheat Baguettes

BLUE RIDGE BBQ COMPANY 180 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.452.7524. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Blue Ridge BBQ is a family owned and operated restaurant.

The BBQ is slow hardwood smoked, marinated in its own juices, and seasoned with mountain recipes. All menu items made from scratch daily. Featuring homemade cornbread salad, fresh collard greens, or cornbread and milk at your request. Old-fashioned homemade banana pudding and fruit cobbler of the season. Catering, take-out, eat-in. blueridgebbq@gmail.com.

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

Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 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.

BOGART’S 35 East Main St., Sylva. 828.586.6532.

Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Serving classic American food and drink in a casual environment. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Children’s menu available.

Call for catering quotes. Private room available for large parties. Accepts MC/Visa, Discover and American Express.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m.

Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

Lunch: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a. m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy fresh local products, created daily. Join us in our beautiful patio garden. We are your local neighborhood host for special events: business party’s, luncheons, weddings, showers and more. Private parties & catering are available 7 days a week by reservation only.

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Join us for cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting) and family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Social hour starts at 6 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m.

Our bountiful family-style meals include prime rib, baked ham, and herb-baked chicken; cookouts feature steaks, ribs, chicken and pork chops, to name a few. Every dinner is complemented with an assortment of seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts, and we offer a fine selection of wine and beer. Breakfast is also served daily from 8 to 9:30 a.m., and lunch from 12 to 2 p.m.

Please call for reservations.

CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210.

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored.

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste

the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more.

Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

COPPER LEAF CAFÉ & COFFEE 3232 Dellwood Rd., Waynesville.

828.926.4486. Open Monday thru Saturday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Enjoy the atmosphere and charm of the Copper Leaf Café’s signature sandwiches and salads featuring Boar’s Head meats & cheeses. Home-made soups served daily as well as “made from scratch” desserts. Full service Espresso Bar and a unique selection of gifts. Located next to High Country Furniture and Design.

CORK AND BEAN 16 Everett St., Bryson City. 828.488.1934.

Open Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy organic, fair-trade, gourmet espresso and coffees, a select, eclectic list of wines, and locally prepared treats to go with every thing. Come by early and enjoy a breakfast crepe with a latte, grab a grilled chicken pesto crepe for lunch, or wind down with a nice glass of red wine. Visit us on Facebook!

CORNERSTONE CAFÉ 1092 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

828.452.4252. Open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fresh meats purchased daily, great homemade breakfast, burgers made to order.

Comfortable and friendly atmosphere, with curb service available. Make lunch easy and call ahead for to go orders.

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

828.926.1820 Open Daily 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed Tuesday. 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.

FRANKIE’S ITALIAN TRATTORIA 1037 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley.

828.926.6216 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com

Smoky Mountain News

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Hand-cut, All Natural Steaks Fresh Fish • Salads & Nightly Specials

tasteTHEmountains FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. Come for the restaurant’s 4 @ 4 when you can choose a center and three sides at special prices. Offered WedFri. from 4 to 6. frogsleappublichouse.org.

GUADALUPE CAFÉ 606 W. Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.9877.

Open 7 days a week at 5 p.m. Located in the historic Hooper’s Drugstore, Guadalupe Café is a chef-owned and operated restaurant serving Caribbean inspired fare complimented by a quirky selection of wines and microbrews. Supporting local farmers of organic produce, livestock, hand-crafted cheese, and using sustainably harvested seafood.

J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817.

Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. 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.

MAD BATTER BAKERY & CAFÉ Located on the WCU Campus in Cullowhee.

828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices.

Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet. Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

MAGGIE VALLEY CLUB 1819 Country Club Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. Fine and casual fireside dining in welcoming atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

NEWFOUND LODGE RESTAURANT 1303 Tsali Blvd, Cherokee (Located on 441 North at entrance to GSMNP).

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Opend for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, dine indoor, outside on the patio or at the bar.

Reservations appreciated.

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 828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

SOUL INFUSION TEA HOUSE & BISTRO 628 E. Main St. (between Sylva Tire & UPS). 828.586.1717. Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday noon -until.

Scrumptious, natural, fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts. 60+ teas served hot or cold, black, chai, herbal.

Seasonal and rotating draft beers, good selection of wine. Home-Grown Music Network Venue with live music most weekends. Pet friendly and kid ready.

TAP ROOM SPORTS BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville 828.456.5988. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads and hearty appetizers along with a full bar menu in our casual, smoke-free neighborhood grill.

THE TIKI HOUSE SEAFOOD & OYSTER BAR 2723 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.944.0445. Fresh seafood made to order.

Oysters raw, steamed, or fried. Hand-cut steaks. Live music, cocktails, pet-friendly patio dining with a nice fountain. Friday patio music starts at 7 p.m. and Saturday night after dinner. Live bands and a dance floor.

THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day. Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

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Smoky Mountain News

MOONSHINE GRILL 2550 Soco Road, Maggie Valley loacted in the Smoky Falls Lodge. 828.926.7440.

Open Wednesday through Saturday, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Cooking up mouth-watering, woodfired Angus steaks, prime rib and scrumptious fresh seafood dishes. The wood-fired grill gives amazing flavor to every meal that comes off of it. Enjoy creative dishes made using moonshine. Stop by and simmer for a while and soak up the atmosphere. The best kept secret in Maggie Valley. themoonshinegrill.com

OLD STONE INN 109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane.

828.456.3333. Classic fireside dining in an historic mountain lodge with cozy, intimate bar. Dinner served nightly except Sunday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Signature dinner choices include our 8oz. filet of beef in a brandied peppercorn sauce and a garlic and herb crusted lamb rack. Carefully selected fine wines and beers plus full bar available.

Open year round. Call for reservations.

Happy Holidays!

December 19-25, 2012

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

Established in 1946 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Family style dining for adults and children.

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70 Soco Road • Maggie Valley Reservations: 828.926.0201

19

20

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

brought back about the people and the music.”

But, the biggest surprise was yet to come.

Earlier this month, the collection was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category “Best Historical Album.” Other contenders in the category are Sir Paul McCartney and The Beach Boys. Ironically, the late Woody Guthrie, whose immense impact on Americana and folk music ripples throughout the entire music industry, is also a nominee.

“It was about the most shocked I’ve ever been in my life,” Kemp chuckled.

Joseph S. Hall (left) records one of Steve Woody’s hunting stories in Cataloochee in the late 1930s.

Hired by the National Park Service, Hall’s recordings from the Great Smokies were an effort to preserve the unique heritage of the region.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY

Great Smokies music revived, receives Grammy nomination

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER He went east to discover the final frontier.

In 1937, Californian Joseph S. Hall was a 30-year-old graduate student. Hired by the National Park Service for a summer job, Hall was commissioned to seek out and capture the essence of the unique people, places and things amid the high peaks and hollers of the Southern Appalachian Smokies.

With notepad in-hand, he jumped into a pickup truck and headed into the isolated landscape, coming out with innumerable pages of stories told in a unique dialect — one that evolved partly out of the Scotch-Irish and German ancestory of mountain settlers, and partly, it seemed, from the mountains themselves.

“He loved his work, and the mountain people loved him,” said Steve Kemp, interpretive products and service director for the Great Smoky Mountains Association. “He spent months in the work camps, at people’s houses, in the fields, at church and funerals. He immersed himself in the culture.”

But, it wasn’t enough.

These people he interviewed had a variety of distinct accents and created beautiful

music, things that ink and paper couldn’t do justice to. He knew he had to come back, and did in 1939. Gathering up his primitive recording equipment (which included phono-

It was the height of the Great Depression and Southern Appalachia was particularly hit hard. With the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, scores of deeply rooted families were displaced from their farms and homesteads to make way for the half-million-acre national park.

graph cylinders), Hall set out again for the Great Smoky Mountains, this time to be a fly on the wall, simply letting the music play and speak for itself.

Since then, those recordings have ended up at the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian Institute and in the archives at the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Recently, the GSMA decided to compile the material and release it as an album for public consumption. Kemp, one of the co-producers of Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music, was overwhelmed by the response to the record.

“I’ve been working on projects like this for over 25 years,” he said. “But, I’ve never been one where people wrote long letters about how thrilled they were, hearing their grandfather play guitar and how many memories it

As the record unfolds, one immediately hears the crackle and snap of history coming alive through the speakers. You hear voices and musical instruments — sounds uncovered and dusted off after several decades lying dormant. They are faces and names long gone from everyday life, but here and now, a reawakening occurs.

Your thoughts begin to drift. Those abandoned barns and quiet fields you wander by each day start to peak your interest in what was, and how it translates to today. The ground below your feet exposes its many rich and sacred layers, each footstep moving across the depths of history in your own backyard.

“People of the Smokies, even today, are very musical,” Kemp said. “It’s a family tradition and very common

F

Vic Peterson (left) at age 16. Along with being a soldier and musician, he enjoyed a long career as a barber in Bryson City. “Aunt” Myrtle Conner of Gatlinburg (above) was an expert weaver, as well as an accomplished singer.

Joseph S. Hall leaves the Hannah home in Cove Creek after recording the Hannah Brothers (in the background).

— Steve Kemp, interpretive products and service director for the Great Smoky Mountains Association

Bryson Farm Supply & Natural Food Store

arts & entertainment

“He loved his work, and the mountain people loved him. He spent months in the work camps, at people’s houses, in the fields, at church and funerals. He immersed himself in the culture.”

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Smoky Mountain News

their farms and homesteads to make way for the half-million-acre national park.

“They realized the culture was going to change forever,” Kemp said. “And, they wanted to preserve some of it before it was too late.”

A few years later, along came the construction of Fontana Dam by the Tennessee Valley Authority, which again shuffled around families trying to find footing in their homeland.

Since then, plenty has been said and written about that isolated Southern culture, for good or ill. Regardless of historical or opinionated implications, Hall wanted to paint an honest and accurate portrait of the region, one that showed the world how intricate and finely tuned the heritage actually was. “[Hall] always insisted that none of these materials would be used to belittle mountain people or cast them in a negative light,” Kemp said.

“These recordings also undo a lot of [misconceptions] about mountain music. There was blues music, modern-for-the-day country music, old ballads and influences from the British Isles.”

Though he went back to California, Hall never forgot the remarkable people and lifelong friendships he forged, many of which he nurtured and kept in touch with until his death in 1992, at age 85. He cherished his time in Southern Appalachia, a place where, with this Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music is available for purlatest record, he will forever be linked chase from the Great Smoky Mountains Association. to, with the beauty, grandeur and The album is $14.95, with proceeds going to the lore of the Great Smokies. benefit of the park. You can find the record at “This is the history of the land, www.smokiesinformation.org or at the Oconaluftee the people and the music,” Kemp Visitor Center at the entrance to the park outside said.

Cherokee. It will soon be available on iTunes.

December 19-25, 2012

to play music, to get together and just play.

There is nowhere more true to that in the Great Smokies.”

But, the recordings are bittersweet, something even Hall knew while out on assignment. Much of the thought behind obtaining these words, sounds and images was in preparation for the controversial government actions soon to forever change the landscape.

It was the height of the Great Depression and Southern Appalachia was particularly hit hard. With the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, scores of deeply rooted families were displaced from

JAME Y JOHNSON S AT UR D AY, F E B R U A R Y 2 , 2013

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arts & entertainment

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Steep Canyon Rangers

Pavel Wlosok, associate professor of jazz studies in the Western Carolina University School of Music, is releasing a jazz record of original compositions recorded live at a club in Asheville.

Wlosok recorded the eight tracks on “Jubilee Suite” at The Grey Eagle, a listening

Bookstore COFFEE WITH THE POET features poet & cellist,

WCU professor releases live-recorded jazz album

Carol Bjorlie

Thurs., Dec. 20th at 10:30 a.m.

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Nationally acclaimed bluegrass sensation Steep Canyon Rangers from Asheville has racked up yet another accolade — and their second Grammy nomination.

The album Nobody Knows You has been nominated for “Bluegrass Album of the Year” at the 55th annual Grammy Awards.

Released this past spring from Rounder Records, it is the seventh album from the group. Met with critical and commercial acclaim, the album is fueled by deft musicianship, original songwriting, distinctive vocals and creative arrangements that eschew all formulas. This nomination marks the second for the group, who were nominated in the same category at last year’s Grammy ceremony for Rare Bird Alert, their collaborative effort with comedy icon Steve Martin.

The group first formed during their college days at UNC-Chapel Hill. Ten years later, the band has only deepened their commitment to roots music performing with fierce instrumental prowess but also providing deeply moving songwriting and harmonies, infusing traditional bluegrass with contemporary themes and arrangements.

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Los Angeles on Feb. 10. www.SteepCanyon.com.

Bryson City community jam still going strong

Smoky Mountain News

A community music jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer — anything unplugged — are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in, or you can just stop by and listen.

The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of Grampa’s Music in Bryson City. Normally, Larry starts by calling out a tune and its key signature, and the group plays it together. Then, everyone in the circle gets a chance to choose a song for the group to play together.

The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned during the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month, year round.

828.488.3030.

Legal Services for a Strong Mountain Community Nathan Earwood • David D. Moore

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Steep Canyon Rangers receive Bluegrass Grammy nomination

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Choir to perform Christmas story in Canton Dec. 23 The choir of Rockwood United Methodist Church will present a cantata titled “Silent Night, Holy Night” at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, in Canton.

Written by Russell Mauldin and Sue C. Smith, this performance celebrates the miraculous story of Jesus’ birth and is built

room in Asheville’s River Arts District, with well-respected, longtime jazz musicians John Riley (drums) and Mike McGuirk (acoustic bass).

Wlosok posted a successful appeal for crowd funding for the project at www.kickstarter.com to offset some of the production costs. He has been at WCU since 2002 and is the founder and organizer of the university’s annual Jazz Fest.

The album was released Friday, Dec. 14, at the Czech Center in New York. www.pavelwlosok.com.

around one of most beloved and cherished Christmas carols of all time. The cantata will be followed by a time of refreshments and fellowship. The event is free and open to the public.

828.648.6870.

KC and The Sunshine Band hits Harrah’s Cherokee Keeping disco alive, legendary group KC and The Sunshine Band will be hitting the stage with their wild, funky music at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 29, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center.

A native of Miami, Fla., KC’s music is a blend of funk, rhythm and blues, and disco.

KC and The The group’s most well Sunshine Band known songs include the hits “That’s the Way (I Like It)”, “(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty,” “I’m Your Boogie Man” and “Get Down Tonight,” among others. www.ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000.

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There will be a winter solstice party at from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at City Lights CafĂŠ in Sylva.

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the End of the World as we know it, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel fineâ&#x20AC;? event will feature polka from The Itinerant Locals (a polka duo hailing from Arkansas), beer brat paninis, draught flights and seasonal brews from the nearby Heinzelmannchen Brewery. www.polkayoureyeout.com or www.citylightscafe.com.

WNC Television will broadcast the Waynesville Christmas Parade held on Monday, Dec. 3, several times during the coming week.

The parade will be aired on Charter cable channel 16. The schedule is 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 21, 22, 24 and 25. It will also be shown from noon to 1 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 23.

It will also be available for viewing online at www.wnctelevision.com for the next several weeks.

Magnetic Bracelets

For just a little green you can get a lot of

Smoky Mountain News

Waynesville Christmas parade to be televised

Tween Jewelry

December 19-25, 2012

Theatre, performing arts classes to be held in Cherokee

Got talent? For those interested in learning about acting, singing and the theatre world, a series of classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting Jan. 8 at the Unto these Hills Mountainside Performing Arts School in Cherokee.

The classes are free. The line-up includes: â&#x20AC;˘ Acting for ages 8 and up from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. â&#x20AC;˘ Musical theatre for ages 5 and up from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. â&#x20AC;˘ A Community Theatre class for ages 16 and up will be held both nights from 7 to 8 p.m.

Contact the Cherokee Historical Association at 828.497.2111.

arts & entertainment

Diamond & Gold Exchange

CHRISTMAS BLING

Affairs of the Heart

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 120 N. Main St. â&#x20AC;˘ Waynesville, NC â&#x20AC;˘ 828.452.0526

72080

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arts & entertainment

Want to learn contra dancing?

Bluegrass punk bands coming to WNC

December 19-25, 2012

Rickett Pass, a high-energy bluegrasspunk-folk-indy band, will be performing with Bonham and the Bastards (pictured) at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at the No Name Sports Pub in Sylva and at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Water’n Hole in Waynesville.

Rickett Pass, with a gravely hybrid of bluegrass, punk and rockabilly, originally hails from Detroit. The bassist for the ensemble, Zack Shedd is also part of Hank III, which is a renowned outlaw honky-tonk/punk act fronted by Hank Williams III, the grandson of the legendary country singer.

Hailing from Murphy, Bonham and the Bastards are a local favorite on the punk/bluegrass scene.

Both events are ages 21 and up. The Sylva show is free, but there will be a $3 cover charge in Waynesville. www.nonamesportspub.com or www.waynesvillewaternhole.com.

There will be a contra dance class offered from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, at The Gateway Club in Waynesville.

John Combs will be calling to the music of “Out of the Woodwork,” with dances being done to live music. Contra dancing is a form of English country dancing and uses many of the same figures as square dancing. Dances will be taught and walked through before dancing. No partner required.

No previous experience with contra dancing is necessary. Cost is $5 per person. www.dancewnc.com.

Harpist with holiday flare to perform in Waynesville Harpist/vocalist Betina Morgan will perform holiday songs and show-tunes at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

The event is part of the “Friday Night Live Music Series.” Situated inside The Classic Wineseller is Angelino’s Ristorante, which begins serving dinner at 5:30 p.m.

The event free and open to the public. www.classicwineseller.com or 828.452.6000.

New Year’s Eve

Celebration Monday, Dec. 31st - 8 p.m. - 1 a.m.

With live music by 45 Cherry. $25 per person includes champagne toast, complimentary party favors, live NYE ball drop & midnight breakfast.

A specialty dinner menu will be available.

Smoky Mountain News

Space is limited to reserve your spot by calling

926-4831 Our restaurant will be open & serving dinner.

visit maggievalleyclub.com for full menu and hours of operation

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Ring in the new year with us!

Martin’s CD explores somber themes without being dark

BY DEAN WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER ngela Faye Martin’s Anniversary, the follow-up CD to her Mark Linkous produced Pictures From Home, opens appropriately with the line “My heart is broken today/I’ve got some dreams that just won’t go away.” Martin resides with her husband Brent in a little old country house crowded with books and outsider art in the deep woods of Macon County near Franklin.

For the last two years, she has worked at terrapin speed on her third album in the shadows of the passing of two mentors, Vic Chesnutt and Mark Linkous.

I won’t lie. It will be difficult to be objective in this review. I first met Angela Faye Martin in 2008 during her search for the reclusive Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse) because she was looking for a producer for the follow-up to her stark debut One Dark Vine. Mark had (in Bat Cave fashion) rented a warehouse across from my record store in Andrews to set up Static King Studios. While the Linkous-produced Pictures From Home expanded Martin beyond her shivery vocal style best suited for quiet coffee houses, Anniversary is her strongest statement to date.

The song that lured me on first listen was “Honey,” a fuzzy murder ballad one would suspect was reincarnated from a dusty Appalachian songbook for a Quentin Tarantino film. Martin, who has an affection for manual typewriters, provides the typed lyrics on her website. The hopeful sounding song “Grace” sprang from the little red children’s suitcases full of gear that she had in common with Chuck Cleaver of Wussy at a gig that they shared with Knoxville’s Tim Lee 3.

Martin says “Landslide,” a song which she has played live since the promotion of her second record, “was written regarding the treatment of the mountains by the state DOT. I have an interest in how coyotes integrate into our ecosystems in the absence of wolves, which we’ve extirpated from the mountains.” “Ravens at Night” was inspired by the film “Ghostbird” about the ivory-billed woodpecker and the culture surrounding it. “I don’t sew, except buttons, but sewing machines show up in my work occasionally. Much of the ivory-bill’s habitat was destroyed by the Singer Company to make sewing machine tables.”

Ravens and other feathered creatures seem to be a natural element of this songwriter’s world. She has covered Patti Smith’s “Ravens”

A

in live shows, and her work has a mysterious quality that makes the listener recall the work of Edgar Allan Poe. Anyone who knows her well enough has discovered that she’s just a Georgia girl who gives names to her pet chickens and is not beyond thickening her Southern accent to get out of a traffic ticket.

“Lovesong for Paris” features polished instrumentation that recalls both Nick Drake and Isobel Campbell, until the chorus takes a sonic turn that’s obviously Linkous inspired. Martin simply explains “It’s a person wishing they had a gig in Paris.” The track definitely succeeds in shifting the mood from the charming Appalachian darkness that haunts much of the album.

Another heavily produced song is “Baker’s Wife,” a song that Martin says she wrote “back in my 12-string days.”

The most heart-wrenching moment is the bluntly autobiographical “Swifts & Swallows,” which recounts memories of her musical collaboration with Mark Linkous. “We kicked the campfire/We walked the mountain down/We got the call/You took your guns to town .... Things are not to ever be the same/Since the branches spelled your name/Across the sky.”

Oddly, Linkous’ presence can be felt as strongly on Anniversary as on the Linkousproduced Pictures From Home. Anniversary was recorded in Richmond, Va., with assistance from Mark’s brother Matt and was produced

by Alan Weatherhead.

“Which Fork” is the album’s parting shot.

Martin describes the pedal-steel ballad as “a country dirge for Vic Chesnutt. I wrote it in the weeks between Vic and Mark’s passing. The main verse that actually addresses Vic was taken out of the final mix. It makes the song a bit more universal that way, but when I play it live, I will put him back in there.”

Despite the dark themes covered on the album, perhaps the greatest wonder is that overall it doesn’t feel like a dark record, an attribute to Angela’s song craft and the unique qualities of her guitar playing. The artwork decorating the cover

by Irene Hardwicke Olivieri titled “My Little Tranquilizers” helps make Angela Faye Martin’s Anniversary a nice purchase in CD or limited release vinyl.

Anniversary is available at City Lights Books and In Your Ear Music in Sylva. Also available at Dean’s Music in Andrews. For more information: www.angelafaye.com

Books

Smoky Mountain News

Re-discovering a child’s outlook and a sense of humor lthough its publisher marketed Robert Munsch’s Love You Forever as a children’s book, this touching story of a mother’s love for her boy and the subsequent love and care of the boy for his mother in her old age soon became an enormous hit among adults. When the book was at the height of its popularity, you could see grown-ups in libraries and bookstores weeping as they read the book. Parents who read the book to their children at bedtime often became so choked up with tears Writer that they couldn’t finish the story.

Meanwhile, of course, the listening preschooler didn’t quite get the point of the book. In my own household, my sons would ask questions like “Why is the man climbing into his mother’s house on a ladder?”

William Joyce’s The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (ISBN 978-1-44245702-7, $17.99) will undoubtedly produce this same sentimental reaction among bibliophiles everywhere. The story begins when writer and reader Morris Lessmore — say those two names aloud a few times for the word-play — has his books, writing, and house devastated by a storm. After a period of wandering, Morris finds an enormous old house filled with books, a place where Morris can hear “the faint chatter of a thousand different stories, as if each book was whispering an invitation to adventure.” It is in this house where “Morris’s life among the books began.”

During the day, Morris reads the books,

Jeff Minick

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dusts them, repairs them. At night, he writes in his own book of “his joys and sorrows, of all that he knew and everything that he hoped for.” The years pass, and Morris grows old.

Finally, the day comes when he must say goodbye to his books and writing. He flies away, changing “back to the way he’d been that long ago day when they’d all first met.” In the final pages of the story, a girl visits the house, where Morris’s book entices her inside to become another lover of books.

Joyce’s story and the hauntingly beautiful illustrations by Joe Bluhm make this paean to literature a must-have for the home library of every book-lover. Rarely has any tale, whether intended for children or adults, described what it means to love books as well and as beautifully as The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. The power of this love will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.

criticism, and Church history. The stories of the saints are vividly told, though the authors maintain a shy skepticism about some of the more far-fetched miracles.

The most stunning part of this gorgeous book, however, is the artwork. The gilded haloes surrounding the heads of the saints on the book’s cover; the many reproductions both by the great masters and lesser-known artists; the numerous smaller inserts of paintings, medallions, and statues; the six hundred works of art presented in this book will dazzle those who open its pages.

Although the majority of the five hundred saints depicted here are associated with the Catholic Church, The Book of Saints also

••• Another fine gift for the Christmas season is The Book of Saints: A Day-By-Day Illustrated Encyclopedia (978-1-61628-451-0, $27.95). Stuffed with information about the saints, ranging from explanations of reliquaries to the process by which a human being is declared a saint in heaven, The Book of Saints is a treasure chest of Christian doctrine, art

includes many men and women who were not Catholic, among them Martin Luther King Jr., Quaker George Fox, Anglican Florence Nightingale, Methodist John Wesley, and others.

For the devout and the culturally curious, The Book of Saints is a grand resource.

••• In these somewhat grim times, when, for so many people, politics have become a religion and heretic a designation for those who disagree with them, Between Heaven and

25

Mirth: Why Joy, Humor, and Laughter Are at the Heart of the Spiritual Life (ISBN 978-0-06202425-1, $14.99) by James Martin, SJ, offers a resting place of laughter and wisdom.

At first glance, a compendium of jokes and pithy adages on the value of joy by different writers, readers who explore the book will find here a call to live a life filled with delight, joy, and gratitude. At the heart of the book, in the chapter titled “I’m Not Funny and My Life Stinks,” Martin takes readers through the

challenges of living a joyful life by means of questions and responses. He points out that while we cannot be joyful all the time — “sadness,” he writes, “is the natural response to pain, suffering, and tragedy” — we can nonetheless seek joy when these three conditions are absent. He offers counsel here to those who seem to live under a perpetual cloud, to those who contend that the environment in which they live — a difficult family life, a harsh workplace — condemns them to depression and sadness, to those who feel they are incapable of experiencing joy.

The jokes are good (don’t miss the one about the nuns and the baseball game), the tone light, the topic important. If the holidays have you down, if you’re afflicted by S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder) or by S.O.D. (Santa’s outta dough), if you need reminding, as Chesterton once said, that angels can fly because they take themselves lightly and that you could grow a pair of wings yourself, then pick up a copy of Between Heaven and Mirth.

26

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

WNC lakes join list with mercury warning for fish

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Two more lakes in the region are now under a fish consumption advisory due to mercury contamination.

Unsafe levels of mercury have been detected in fish species in Nantahala Lake in Macon County and Lake Chatuge in Clay County, leading to a consumption advisory on certain species.

The exact source of the mercury cannot be definitively pinpointed, but generally, coal plants and coal-fired boilers are the single largest source of man-made mercury pollution in the U.S. Mercury is released into the atmosphere by coal-fired plants and then settles back to earth, contaminating soil and water.

Mercury increases in concentration with each step

up the food chain, a process called “bioaccumulation” that is particularly acute in fish species. Mercury is absorbed by smaller microorganisms, which are in turn eaten by small fish, which are in turn eaten by larger fish. While smaller fish may have only trace amounts of mercury, a big fish that dines regularly on those smaller fish can end up with much higher levels of the toxin.

Large predator fish such as walleye and bass can have mercury levels one million times higher that of the surrounding water, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

Nantahala and Chatuge join two other lakes with fish consumption advisories already in place in WNC: Lake Fontana and Santeetlah Lake.

But sometimes, the absence of a particular lake — or particular fish species — from the advisory list comes down to whether that lake or fish species has been sam-

pled.

Some lakes, such as Lake Glenville in Jackson County, simply haven’t been sampled recently. Mercury may be present, but biologists simply haven’t gotten around to sampling it yet. Some species may not have been sampled either.

But likewise, some species and lakes in the region have been sampled and have mercury limits below the consumption advisory threshold.

Hiwassee Lake in Cherokee County was tested, for example, but was not high enough to trigger a consumption advisory, according to David Yow, warm water

fisheries research coordinator for the mountain region with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

“In general, mercury is present in most fish, but there is a full range of mercury levels,” Yow said. “Those with higher mercury, you have to make a point of having fewer meals of those fish.”

Even though two lakes could be just 30 miles away from each other as the crow

flies, one could have unsafe levels of mercury in fish and another might not. Or, within the same lake, walleye could have mercury levels that dictate limited consumption while perch doesn’t.

“The way that fish are bioaccumulating mercury, each water body is going to be different,” said Dr. Ken Rudo, a epidemiologist with the N.C. Division of Public Health.

Rudo is one of two epidemiologists with the state that make the final call on when to issue an advisory.

Analyzing fish for toxins and deciding whether there could be health risks from eating them is a three-step process involving three state agencies. Fish are caught by biologists with the N.C. Wildlife Commission, usually in conjunction with other routine monitoring.

Tissue samples of the various fish species are then sent to the Division of Environment and Natural Resources for analysis. Those numbers are in turn sent to epidemiologists at the Division of Public Health to determine what, if any, advisory is needed.

The news isn’t great for fishermen who regularly trawl the lakes for their supper.

“From talking to folks on the other two reservoirs (Fontana and Santeetlah) where the advisories have been there for a while, some have reduced their intake,” Yow said.

But, he doesn’t think it will have a major impact on the popularity of lake fishing in the mountains or be a deterrent for the sport.

Some fishermen practice catch-and-release anyway, or just like the excuse to get outside on the water. For those who do make meals of their catch, they simply must cut back to once a week or avoid it altogether in the case of children and nursing or pregnant women.

Mercury can adversely affect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, especially in unborn babies and young children. Prenatal mercury exposure can affect the way children think, learn and problem solve later in life. Adverse health effects also can occur in adults at much higher doses.

Every year, 300,000 infants are born at risk for developmental defects because of their mother’s exposure to toxic mercury

Advisories on mountain lakes Due to contamination, women who are pregnant, nursing or are of childbearing age and children under 15 should not eat: ■ Walleye and largemouth bass from Fontana Lake.

■ Walleye and largemouth bass from Santeelah Lake.

■ Smallmouth bass, walleye, yellow perch and largemouth bass on Nantahala Lake.

■ White bass and large mouth bass from Lake Chatuge.

Other adults should limit their consumption to six ounces of the fish species listed on these lakes per week.

The mercury contamination does not present a health risk for people engaging in other recreational activities such as wading, swimming, boating or handling fish.

pollution, according to the Sierra Club.

Mercury pollution isn’t good for wildlife either. Mercury levels in fish can cause difficulty in schooling and decreased spawning success, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

Roughly half of U.S. lakes and reservoirs have mercury amounts exceeding safe levels and nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Almost two-thirds of the nation’s coalfired plants lack the needed modern pollution controls to keep toxic air pollution, like mercury, out of our air and water.

That is slated to change in coming years, however.

In December 2011, the Environmental Protection Agency finalized new air pollution standards that will result in the firstever national limits on the amount of mercury spewing from the nation’s coalfired power plants.

The new pollution limits on power plants will cut mercury emissions by 91 percent, while also cutting acid gas, arsenic, lead and nickel emissions.

Environmental, conservation and wildlife groups had been fighting for the powerplant mercury emission standards for more than two decades.

“At long last, these prudent and overdue limits on unchecked mercury and toxic air pollution will ensure our fish will be safe to eat, and our children can breathe easier,” Larry Schweiger, the president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, said in a statement.

“In general, mercury is present in most fish, but there is a full range of mercury levels. Those with higher mercury, you have to make a point of having fewer meals of those fish.”

— David Yow, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Reintroduce rudolph!

(You may need your children to help you read this)

December 19-25, 2012

Project to engage farmers in biofuel industry

Smoky Mountain News

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great wilderness of about a halfmillion square acres. It has been the mission of the Park to preserve the thousands of species of plants and animals that live there and, where and when possible, reintroduce species that used to occur there but are now gone.

When it comes to animals, the Park has had successes and failures. The effort a few years back to reintroduce red wolves in the Park had to be abandoned. But other efforts like the river otter and elk have been great successes.

I believe the success with the elk paves the way for one of the most ambitious and exciting reintroduction efforts imaginable. I think we all should press the Park and our Congressional representatives to reintroduce rudolph. Rudolph is the common name for the flying red-nosed reindeer, Rangifer rudolphicus.

It can be a little confusing because Rudolph is also the proper name for one special flying red-nosed reindeer that spends his winters at the North Pole and helps Santa navigate all inclement weather conditions on Christmas Eve in order to successfully distribute his payload of Christmas joy before daylight Christmas Day. The way it works is – only the dominant alpha male rudolph’s nose will turn red and glow. When dominancy is determined through a ritual of antler jousting, racing and high jumping, all the reindeer gather and proclaim the winner “Rudolph,” and his nose begins to glow.

Reindeer, like elk, are large “cervids.”

Cervids are basically deer — like Bambi — and rudolphs are unique cervids that evolved to fly. Elk reintroduction in the Park has been successful, and the next logical step would be reindeer — in particular, rudolphs. It is widely known that reindeer inhabited parts of Tennessee and likely the mountains of Western North Carolina back in the Pleistocene.

Recent research from GIRLS (Global

Institute for Reindeer Locale Studies) has determined that the species of reindeer that inhabited this area was Rangifer rudolphicus. And more importantly, they determined that areas in the Park like Mount LeConte and Clingmans Dome would be ideal rudolph habitat.

Redda Bibi and Wunorse Openslae are the elves in charge of Santa’s reindeer at the North Pole. They have read the GIRLS research and are 100 percent supportive.

“The Smokies would surely be a quel (Elvish for good) place for rudolph reintroduction,” said Bibi.

“Yeah,” said Openslae, “Redda and I have been to both Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte. We go there to get the materials for the magic reindeer dust so the rudolphs can fly. The dust is a mixture of plant materials and minerals that occur naturally in the Smokies.”

The GIRLS, the elves and Santa have spent years trying to cope with the problem of world population growth.

“Our magic is powerful,” said Bibi, “but as the population grows, it becomes more and more difficult to reach each and every little girl and boy on Christmas Eve.” “We believe a solution would be to have reindeer outposts at strategic places around the world,” said Openslae. “Fresh rudolphs with fresh reindeer dust would make the blink of an eye even blinkier,” he said with a wink.

And they all agree, the Smokies would be the place to start. There is scientific evidence that points to prior reindeer habitation. The success of the elk reintroduction and the fact that the makings of reindeer dust are present make it the perfect spot for the first reindeer outpost.

The elves say it would be easy to start a captive breeding program. “Rudolph already has a thing for Vixen,” Bibi said.

“Besides, we already have a reindeer nursery where we care for babies,” Openslae said. “And we believe that a magical place like the Smokies, where reindeer dust grows naturally, would only make the rudolphs faster and stronger!”

(Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist. He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.)

outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

A $130,000 grant from The Biofuels Center of North Carolina is providing seed money aimed at developing the clean energy industry in Western North Carolina. The Field to Fryer to Fuel project, led

by AdvantageWest, will pilot a new business model for the production of biodiesel from locally grown feed stocks. The goal is to reduce the region’s dependence on imported fuels. The project has also received $64,000 in federal economic development funds.

For the pilot program, 60 acres of canola have been planted at Biltmore Estate — one of several project partners — that will be pressed into food-grade oil for area restaurants. The used fryer oil will then be converted to biofuel for motor vehicles and home heating.

27

outdoors

Historic Appalachian Trail shelter gets a lift

Ski Area welcomes back Women on Wednesdays For women who learn better with female instructors and all-female classmates, Women on Wednesdays, or WOW, is a six-session program at Cataloochee Ski Area starting Jan. 9.

The program is for women skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. Each session starts at 10 a.m., with a two-hour clinic. The day of the clinic, participants can practice on the slopes until 4:30 p.m.

The all-inclusive cost is $175, which includes lift tickets and ski or snowboard rentals. The cost is $125 if you have your own equipment. If you have your own equipment and season pass, it’s $65.

Women participants can also put their children ages four to 12 into the youth ski lessons, Cat Trackers, occurring at the same time for a reduced rate. Cat Trackers is offered from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. A special price for the Cat Trackers morning session during the WOW program is $150 for the five weeks.

Enrollment deadline is Jan. 2.

Smoky Mountain News

December 19-25, 2012

Night walk to waterfall celebrates solstice

28

The Nantahala Hiking Club recently renovated an 80-year-old Appalachian Trail shelter about a mile north of Burningtown Gap in Macon County.

The club spent more than 500 manhours working on the shelter that was originally built in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In total, the work lasted three months and cost the club $1,200 in materials.

The shelter had been slowly rotting into the ground, before the hiking club jacked the shelter up, replaced the bottom row of chestnut logs and the wooden floor, installed five concrete foundation piers and revamped the structure’s walls.

In order for the work to be completed, parts of the shelter had to be raised three feet off the ground. The shelter reconstruction project was quite different from the normal trail maintenance tasks of clearing fallen trees and fixing eroded trail beds. The necessary skills of jacking, cribbing, log replacement, chinking, and dry stacking rocks came from the diversity of professions that make up the club’s maintenance crew.

The NHC maintains about 10 shelters on nearly 60 miles of the AT and more than 30 miles of side trails. The shelter renovation

An Appalachian Trail shelter was newly renovated near north of Burningtown Gap thanks to the Nantahala Hiking Club. Donated photo was done in consultation with the U.S. Forest Services and the Appalachian Trail

Conservancy. www.nantahalahikingclub.org.

Franklin Young Professionals awarded for trash pick-up

To celebrate the winter solstice — the longest night of the year — the Environmental and Conservation Organization is holding its annual nighttime walk from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, to Hooker Falls in DuPont State Forest. The walk will leave from the Hooker Falls parking lot on DuPont/Staton Road in DuPont State Forest.

The route will follow along an old roadway to the base of Hooker Falls. In the dark of night participants will imitate moonlight by shining flashlights upon the falls in silence to celebrate the return of the sun to the northern hemisphere.

Those interested should bring a thermos of warm liquid for a post-hike toast in the parking lot and a flashlight. Free, but RSVP is requested.

828.692.0385 or www.eco-wnc.org.

The Franklin Young Professionals were recently awarded a plaque for their participation in the N.C. Big Sweep river cleanup this fall.

The N.C. Big Sweep is an annual effort that plans and coordinates the statewide litter pick-up from creeks, rivers, lakes and the coastline to create awareness and to encourage good environmental stewardship of watersheds. This past year, the Franklin’s Big Sweep focused on several waterways, including the Little Tennessee and Cullasaja rivers and Cartoogecheye Creek.

The effort brought out more than 20 volunteers that removed more than a metric ton of trash from the waterways. The Franklin Young Professionals is a group of young professionals that do community outreach, volunteering, and participation in local events. fyp28734@gmail.com.

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The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation has once again launched a year-end fundraising campaign called the 469 Challenge.

Inspired by the miles on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the 469 Challenge is an effort to bring in one donation for every mile during the last two months of the year. In 2011, the Foundation raised 452 donations towards the 469 Challenge. As of Dec. 5, the Foundation had raised 233 donations towards the 2012 Challenge.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation is the primary fundraiser for the Parkway.

Since its founding in 1997, it has provided more than $3.4 million to fund Parkway projects. In 2012, the Foundation funded projects at popular spots including Graveyard Fields near Waynesville. The Foundation also funds year-round initiatives like Parks as Classrooms, allowing rangers visit schools in Parkway communities to connect students with nature and the cultural heritage of the region.

With more than 16 million visitors a year, the Parkway is the most visited feature of the National Park Service, more so than Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon combined. Yet there is no entrance fees and declining federal budgets are forcing the Parkway to rely more on donations. www.brpfoundation.org.

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g gy Medical Assisting 1IHMGEP 3J½GI %HQMRMWXVEXMSR 1IHMGEP 3J½GI %HQMRMWXVEXMSR )PIGXVSRMG ,IEPXL 6IGSVHW Natural Resources Specialist* 2IX[SVOMRK 8IGLRSPSK] 2IX[SVOMRK 8IGLRSPSK] '-7'3 ''2% 4VITEVEXMSR Nursing General Education-Pre-nursing General Education-Pre-Professional Crafts Professional Crafts-Claay Professional Crafts-Fiber 4VSJIWWMSREP 'VEJXW .I[IPV ] Professional Crafts Crafts-W Wood o School Age Education* Therapeutic Massage Welding e Teechnology * These programs are Avvailable on-line

Act now. Call 627-4500 today!

Spring Semester begins January 7.

Final Registration a.m.–6:30 p.m.

January 3,, 9 a.m January 4,, 9 a.m a.m.–3:30 p.m. www.haywood.edu

Smoky Mountain News

Christmas trees decorated to highlight the cultural heritage of four Western North Carolina communities are on display at the National Park Service’s Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Milepost 384 in Asheville.

Trees from the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville, along with trees from Bryson City, Mount Airy and Western North Carolina’s wine country in the Yadkin Valley, feature many handmade decorations that help tell the stories of these unique places. A fifth tree is decorated with commemorative and souvenir ornaments representing the National Park Service and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The holiday tree exhibit, a joint effort between the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the National Park Service and Eastern National, the entity that runs official Parkway gift stores, is on display through Jan. 7. Visitors to the center can learn about local heritage and find a variety of gifts for Parkway enthusiasts, including ornaments on the tree exhibits. Proceeds benefit the park system.

B Op

December 19-25, 2012

Cultural Christmas trees on display

Sm

outdoors

Foundation makes year-end push for one donation per mile

Education Changes Everything.

Yo our life. Our World. o An Equal Opportunity Institution.

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WNC Calendar

Smoky Mountain News

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Free 90-minute computer class on editing digital images online, 5:45 p.m. Wednesday Dec. 19, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • The Stecoah Valley Center will be open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed during the holidays, Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, 2013. The After school and Jam programs will be open daily 3 to 6 p.m. and will follow the Graham County School schedule. Stecoah Valley Center Gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, through Dec. 21 and will be closed Dec. 22 through Feb. 28. Reopens March 1.

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • Sylva Community Blood Drive, 1:30 to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, Jackson Senior Center, 100 County Services Park, Sylva. 800.Red Cross or www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor code Sylva to schedule your appointment or for more information.

• American Red Cross MedWest Harris Blood Drive. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, 68 Hospital Drive, Sylva. Call Melissa Southers, 586.6131 to schedule an appointment.

Haywood • Walmart Clyde Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 3, 135 Town Center Loop, Waynesville.

456.4828.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

FAMILY ACTIVITIES Literary (children) • Movie Night, 6:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 20, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Call library for movie title.

586.2016.

• Anime Club, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. 488.3030.

• Library Closed: Monday Dec. 24 through Wednesday Dec. 26.

Food & Drink • The Classic Wineseller presents harpist Betina Morgan, Friday, Dec. 21. 20 Church St, downtown Waynesville. 452.6000, classsicwineseller.com or info@classicwineseller.com.

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS & LOCAL GOVERNMENT • The Jackson County Patriots will take a winter break from its usual meeting schedule, beginning in December and reconvening in March. The Patriots, a non-affiliated grassroots group of more than 100 Jackson Countians, fosters small Constitutional government, fiscal accountability and personal responsibility, has been active since mid-2010. Ginny Jahrmarkt at Box547@aol.com or Bill Adams at UBSRUB@aol.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS HEALTH MATTERS

Haywood

• Free Lunch and Learn session with orthopedic surgeon Lawrence Supik and Robin Pope, Ph.D., PA-C, noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, MedWest-Harris board room, second floor on the MedWest Harris campus, Sylva.

Advance reservations required. Lunch will be served.

631.8893 to reserve a spot.

• Grief and Beyond, a grief support group, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursdays, room 210, Long’s Chapel UMC, Waynesville. Facilitated by Jan Peterson, M.S. 550.3638 or Long’s Chapel UMC, 456.3993, ext. 17, Tim McConnell.

• Flu shots, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Home Care service building on the Haywood MedWest campus. No appointment necessary. The Home Care building is located directly behind MedWest-Haywood. $20. Home Care will accept traditional Medicare and will file the insurance for the beneficiary. Vaccines available for everyone over 18 years of age. 452.8292.

• Harris Monthly Grief Support Group, 3 to 4 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month, Chaplain’s Conference Room, MedWest-Harris in Sylva. 586.7979.

RECREATION & FITNESS • Holiday Camp, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, Waynesville Recreation Center, $15 per day per camper for members of the Waynesville Recreation Center or $20 for non-members. Weekly rate is $75 for members or $95 for non-members. Pre-registration is requested. 456.2030 or email recprograms@townofwaynesville.org.

• Hoop Fitness, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Family Resource Center, Webster. Hoops provided; all ages welcome. 586.2845 to register. $3 children, $5 adults. www.hooping.org.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Pulmonary/Lung Club, 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 2, Senior Resource Center of Haywood County, 81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville. People with COPD and other chronic lung/breathing illnesses are invited to meet monthly to discuss ways to improve breathing. 452.2370.

Jackson

Macon • Angel Medical Center Hospice offers three bereavement support groups for people who have lost loved ones. Two Women’s Support Groups both meet on the third Wednesday of each month at the Sunset Restaurant on Highway 28 at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

A Men’s Support Group meets the first Monday of each month also at the same location at 11:30 a.m.

369.4417.

Swain • Grief Support Group meets from 7 to 8 p.m. each Monday night at the Cherokee United Methodist Church on Soco Road. 497.4182.

A&E FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS • Winter Solstice & Beer Party, Friday, Dec. 21, City Lights Café, Sylva. Polka with The Itinerant Locals. “It’s the End of the World As We Know It - But We’ll Feel

Fine,” beer brat paninis, draught flights, seasonal brews and more.

• Free performance classes, 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, from Tuesday, Jan. 8 through April, Unto these Hills Mountainside Performing Arts School, 564 Tsali Blvd. Tuesday class focuses on acting for ages 8 and up, Thursday class will be Musical Theatre for ages 5 and up. Community Theatre sessions, 7 to 8 p.m. for ages 16 and up. Marina Hunley-Graham, 497.2111, ext.

216, Linda Squirrel, ext. 202 or Philenia Walkingstick, ext. 204

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Coffee with the Poet with Carol Bjorlie, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 20, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. Bjorlie will play the cello and read from her new collection, Behind the Cello. Coffee with the Poet series meets every third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m.

586.9499.

HOLIDAY GIVING • Maggie Valley Police Department is accepting Toys for Tots through Dec. 21. To donate, call 926.0867.

HOLIDAY EVENTS • Friday Night Live Music Series, harpist/vocalist Betina Morgan will perform holiday songs and show-tunes, 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, The Classic Wineseller/Angelino’s Restorante, 20 Church St., Waynesville. Free. www.classicwineseller.com or 452.6000.

• Cider and Cookies 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, Market Square, Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

Christmas Cantata at Rockwood United Methodist Church • Silent Night, Holy Night Cantata, 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, Rockwood United Methodist Church, 288 Crabtree Mountain Road (Thickety Community), Canton. 648.6870.

• Waynesville Contra Christmas Dance and Potluck, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, Gateway Club ballroom, 37 Church St., Waynesville. Music by Out of the Woodwork.

After the dance, potluck will be held at Pam and Wiley Garrett’s house, 2009 Plott Creek Road, Waynesville.

• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents the Polar Express, through Dec. 29, Bryson City. Tickets start at $39 for adults, $26 children ages 2-12. Children under two ride free. 872.4681. www.gsmr.com.

• New Year’s Eve Dance, 8 p.m. to midnight, Monday, Dec. 31, Angie’s Dance. 115 Glance St., Clyde. Hosted

by Haywood Dancers. Music by Steve Whiddon Band. $15, special holiday refreshments are free.

Limited seating. For reservations, call Shirley at 734.8063 or 648.6135, or email at sadean@charter.net.

• New Year’s Eve celebration, Monday, Dec. 31, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 7:45 p.m. reception at Bryson City Depot; 9 p.m. train departs. Three-course buffet-style dinner, party favors, champagne toast and music by Alias Smith & Jones. Adults 21 and over only.

Dinner train tickets are $135 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Advanced reservations and 72-hour cancellation notice required. Call for dress code. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• New Year’s Eve Party, Dec. 31, Maggie Valley Club. $25, includes live music by local favorites 45 Cherry, champagne toast, complimentary breakfast, live ball drop and party favors. 926.4831.

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks, 8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, Acquoni Expo Center, 1501 Acquoni Road, Cherokee.

Cherokee Welcome Center, 438.1601

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

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • The Classic Wineseller presents harpist Betina Morgan, Friday, Dec. 21, 20 Church St., downtown Waynesville. 452.6000, classsicwineseller.com or info@classicwineseller.com.

• Rickett Pass with Bonham and the Bastards, 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 21, at the No Name Sports Pub, Sylva and at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Water’n Hole, Waynesville. Must be 21 years of age or older. Sylva show is free; $3 cover charge in Waynesville. www.nonamesportspub.com or www.waynesvillewaternhole.com.

• KC and The Sunshine Band, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, Cherokee. Tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000. www.heykcsb.com.

• Styx, 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center, 777 Casino Drive Cherokee. www.ticketmaster.com.

• Season tickets on sale for “An Appalachian Evening” Concert Series at historic Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center. Performances for the 2013 season will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, June 29 through Aug. 31.

General seating $120 adults, $40 students (K-12); season reserved seats are $50 rows A through E and $25 all others. www.StecoahValleyCenter.com or call 479.3364.

• The hour-long radio show Stories of Mountain Folk airs at 9 a.m. every Saturday on its home station, WRGC Jackson County Radio, 540 AM on the dial, broadcasting out of Sylva. Stories of Mountain Folk is an ongoing allsound oral history program produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia (CSA), a western North Carolina not-forprofit, for local radio and online distribution.

• Tickets are now on sale for a 60-minute radio show of Tarzan of the Apes, performed before a live audience at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. $10. Proceeds to fund scholarships in participating academic departments. Advance tickets suggested and can be purchased at the box office, 227.2479 or online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

Don Connelly, 227.3851 or dconnelly@wcu.edu.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • Free Make & Take Class, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 22, The Art Room, 45 East Main St., Franklin. Come make a card. Ages 15 and up. Dianne 349.3777.

• Art sale, It’s a Small, Small Work 2012, through Saturday, Dec. 29, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Art sale of artwork 12 inches or smaller by more than 80 artists from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area in North Carolina. Most artwork priced between $20 and $80. None over $300.

Encaustic works, painting, printmaking, drawing, ceramics, mixed media, collage, fiber, sculpture, woodworking, metal, jewelry, photography, and more. www.haywoodarts.org and on Facebook. 452.0593.

fourth are mostly Old Time; fifth Thursday anything goes. All acoustic instruments are welcome.

Newcomers welcome. Contact besscrider@gmail.com or aviancm@gmail.com.

• Live music on the patio from 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday at the Tiki House Seafood & Oyster Bar in Maggie Valley. Karaoke continues from 10 p.m. to close. Saturdays feature live bands and a dance floor from 9:30 p.m. to close, and Dave plays saxophone on the patio Sunday afternoons.

Swain County

• Free classic holiday movie starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, Marianna Black Library, Bryson City. Features classic song “White Christmas.” Free popcorn and refreshments. 488.3030.

• Free movie, 2 to 4:30 p.m. second Tuesday of the month, Haywood County Public Library, Waynesville.

Movie, popcorn and interesting conversation. Kathy, 356.2507.

• Movies at Jackson County Library, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Thursdays. Free. 586.2016.

• Movies at the Cashiers Library. The library shows movies on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 3 p.m. The movies and popcorn are free, but donations are appreciated. For titles and times, visit www.fontanalib.org/cashiers.

• Movies at the Macon County Library. New movies, documentaries and foreign films every Monday at 3:30, Wednesday at 4:30 and again at 7 p.m., and Classic Matinees at Fridays at 2 p.m. The movies and popcorn are free, but donations are welcome. 524.3600.

• Community music jam, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, auditorium, Marianna Black Library, downtown Bryson City. Holiday favorites. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer—anything unplugged—is invited to join. Singers welcome.

488.3030.

• Waynesville Contra Christmas Dance and Potluck, 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, Gateway Club ballroom, 37 Church St., Waynesville. $5, John Combs calling to music by Out of the Woodwork. After the dance, potluck will be held at Pam and Wiley Garrett’s house, 2009 Plott Creek Road, Waynesville. www.dancewnc.com.

MUSIC JAMS Haywood County

Outdoors

• Community music jam from 6 to 7 p.m. each first and third Thursday of the month at the Bryson City library in downtown Bryson City. 488.3030.

• Music in the Mountains from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every Saturday in downtown Bryson City.

Jackson County • Old Timey Bluegrass Jams are held at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Spring Street Cafe in Sylva.

• Music Jam at 2 p.m. Saturdays at the historic Rickman General Store in Macon County, located in the Cowed Community on Cowed Creek Road just off N.C. 28. 369.5595.

MUSIC MAKERS • Signature Brew Coffee Company holds Sylva Open Jam nights on the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Shop provides the instruments, you provide the talent. Chris Coopers’ Fusion band hosts.

• A new signing choir begins rehearsals from 3:30 to 4 p.m. Sign language used in connection with song.

Open to all willing to learn. 476.4231.

• Golden Aires singing group meets at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Golden Age Senior Center in Sylva. Secular and religious music. Performances given at area nursing homes. Singers need not be seniors to join. goldenagecenter1@verizon.net.

• Haywood Community Band meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday at Grace Episcopal Church. 452.7530.

OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS • Nighttime Winter Solstice Stroll, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, Hooker Falls, Dupont State Forest. Meet in parking lot. Bring flashlights and thermos of warm drink. Event will be cancelled in case of inclement weather. To register, call the Environmental and Conservation Organization, 692.0385, or visit www.ecownc.org. For directions to Hooker Falls parking lot, visit www.dupontforest.com.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS • Ski and Snowboard Lessons, register at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Lessons are 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jan. 13, 27 and Feb. 3, 10, and 24 at Cataloochee Ski Resort, Waynesville. Ages 8 and up. Lift ticket valid from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. $170, includes lift, ski or snowboard rental and lesson; $135, includes lift and lesson; $85, season pass holder with your own equipment. 293.3053.

• WMI - Wilderness First Responder, Jan. 5-13, 2013 in Asheville. This nine-day comprehensive wilderness medical course is the national standard for outdoor trip leaders. Landmark Learning 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org.

• Karaoke is held at 7 p.m. every other Friday at the American Legion Post 47 in Waynesville. Open to all members and their guests. 456.8691.

• WMI Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) Jan. 7-Feb.1, 2013 in Asheville. This 30-day course provides certification in NC EMT-basic, National EMT- Basic and Wilderness EMT.

• Karaoke is held from 8:30 to12:30 p.m. every Friday at the Tap Room at the Waynesville Inn. 800.627.6250.

Landmark Learning, 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.org

• Men Macon Music, canella singing, meets at 5:30

• Franklin Green Drinks hosted by Macon County

Wrap your water pipes Insulating the pipes will keep them warmer, minimizing the amount of water you have to run down the drain before you get hot water out of the tap and in some extreme cases prevent them from bursting. See Haywood Builders Supply for all of your insulation needs

This GREEN LIVING TIP brought to you by Haywood Builders Supply …WE BUILD GREEN!!

100 Charles St. • Waynesville • 828-456-6051 Employee Owned

• The Nikwasi Dulcimer Players meet every Thursday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Franklin. All are welcome.

524.1040 or 524.2294

71749

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Run In 2013 5k Run and Walk, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1, Jackson County. Pre-register by Dec. 20. $20 race day registration, $25 at 9:30 a.m. Register at www.imathlete.com or stop by the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Long sleeved TECHNICAL t-shirt guaranteed to first 100 registered participants.

• 3rd annual Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5K, Saturday, April 6, Western Carolina University. Online registration now available at imathlete.com.

Registration fees are $40 for the half marathon and $20 for the 5K through Thursday, Feb. 28. Fees increase to $60 Friday, March 1 for the half marathon and $25 for the 5-K. Online registration will close Tuesday, April 2, but race day registration will be available at $80 for the half marathon and $30 for the 5-K. Facebook fans also can “like” the WCU Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5-K for race updates, course changes and information. http://halfmarathon.wcu.edu.

ONGOING CLUBS • The Cherokee Riders, a new cycling club in Cherokee, seeks members for weekly group rides. Hugh Lambert 554.6810 or hughlamb@nc-cherokee.com.

• The Cherokee Runners meets each month on the 1st and 15th of the month (if the first falls on Sunday, the group meets on the 2nd), at the Age Link Conference Room. Anyone, no matter the fitness level, is welcome to join. Group runs are being held each Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. starting at the Flame. www.cherokeerunners.com.

• Mountain Wild, the local chapter of the N.C. Wildlife Federation works to preserve and increase wildlife and wildlife habitat of the region. Free programs and guest speakers held periodically at the WNC Nature Center in Asheville. Call 338.0035.

• Free Fly Fishing Classes are offered at River’s Edge Outfitters in Cherokee every week. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Classes will be approximately an hour and half long. For more information contact Rivers Edge Outfitters at 497.9300.

• The Jackson-Swain Master Gardeners’ Association meets at 9:30 a.m. every second Wednesday at the Jackson Community Services Building on Scotts Creek Road in Sylva. Mike Glover at 736.2768 or lmgofish@gmail.com.

• The WNC chapter of the Sierra Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at the Unitarian Church, 1 Edwin Place in Asheville. The meetings start with a half hour social gathering at 7 p.m.

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Smoky Mountain News

GREEN LIVING

• Music Jam every Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Frog Level Brewery on Commerce St.in Waynesville.

First and third Thursday are mostly Celtic; second and

• The Franklin Early Music Group meets every Monday at 9 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. 369.5192

Chapter of WNC Alliance, third Tuesday of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rathskeller in downtown Franklin. Green Drinks is a time for local folks to get together and socialize and talk about environmental or social justice issues.

December 19-25, 2012

• New Year’s Eve Dance, 8 p.m. to midnight, Monday, Dec. 31, Angie’s Dance. 115 Glance St., Clyde. Hosted

by Haywood Dancers. Music by Steve Whiddon Band. $15, special holiday refreshments are free. Limited seating. For reservations, call Shirley at 734.8063 or 648.6135, or email at sadean@charter.net.

• Pick and Play Dulcimer Group of Sylva meets at 1:30 p.m. on the first, third and fifth Saturday of every month in the fellowship hall of St. John’s Episcopal Church. 293.0074

• Old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. the third Saturday of the month at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on U.S. 441 outside Cherokee. 452.1068

DANCE • Ballroom Dance, 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, Angie’s Dance, 115 Glance St. Clyde. Hosted by Haywood Dancers. $10, free refreshments. No smoking, no alcohol. Smart dress.

• Mountain Dulcimer Players Club meets from 2 to 4 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month at the Bryson City United Methodist Church. Knowledge of music not required, tablature method used. 488.6697.

newsdesk crafts

FILM & SCREEN

p.m. every Monday in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 26 Church St., Franklin. Visitors welcome.

524.9692.

wnc calendar

• The Jackson County Arts Council is accepting applications for art program grants for the fiscal year 20122013. Applications are due by Jan. 20, 2013 for review at the February Arts Council Board meeting.

Application is available online at www.JacksonCountyArts.org. Applications may be mailed to Jackson County Arts Council at 310 Keener St., Sylva, N.C. The grants will be distributed with availability of funding. Jackson County Arts Council, 507.9820 or Sylvia Smythe at 507.9531.

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PRIME REAL ESTATE

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Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ARTS AND CRAFTS

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 — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

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■ $12 — 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.

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■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

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-- JOB LISTINGS -REP-RETAIL SALES

JOB# 159560

INCREASE SALES THROUGH MARKETING. STRONG PRESENTATION, CUSTOMER SERVICE, SALES CLOSING SKILLS. NEED SOMEONE WHO CAN CLOSE SALES, BEAT QUOTAS, AND RACK UP COMMISSIONS. 1-2 YRS SALES EXP IN A COMMISSION ENVIRONMENT REQ. EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS REQ. ADMINISTRATOR OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES DIVISION JOB# 159377 THIS POSITION WILL SERVE AS THE OPERATIONAL OVERHEAD CONCERNING DAILY ACTIVITIES. THESE INCLUDE: OVERSEEING OPERATING STAFF, ESTABLISHING AND ENFORCING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, COORDINATION AND PARTICIPATION IN THE HIRING PROCESS AND SERVE AS A LIAISON BETWEEN OPERATING CREWS AND THE RESCUE SQUAD BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

COO

JOB# 159139

JOB# 158971

20’x20’

160

ATR

If interested go to your local Employment Security Office or call 828.456.6061

LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

71746

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

ONE MONTH

FREE

Puzzles can be found on page 37.

These are only the answers.

smokymountainnews.com

92

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs

Great Smokies Storage $

Offering:

CNA'S NEEDED FOR HOME HEALTH CARE. NEW CNA GRADUATES ENCOURAGED TO APPLY, BUT MUST BE LISTED ON THE NC NURSE AIDE 1 REGISTRY.

71745

10’x20’

R

NURSE AIDE 1

SC OV ER E

JOB# 158986

IMMEDIATE NEED FOR 7-10 INSTALLERS IN THE AREA. LOOKING FOR EXP, BUT ARE WILLING TO TRAIN. MUST HAVE A GOOD DMV REPORT AND A VALID NCDL. MUST BE ABLE TO PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK AND DRUG SCREENING.

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

December 19-25, 2012

CABLE INSTALLER

INC.

PE

CLASS A LINEMAN IS A SKILLED POSITION IN THE CONSTRUCTION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR OF ELECTRICAL OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS. MUST BE CAPABLE OF LEADING CREW MEMBERS IN THE ABSENCE OF THE FOREMAN.

DI

CLASS A LINEMAN-OVERHEAD

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, R

CAROLINA DEVELOPMENT And Construction is a fast growing and expanding company in Western North Carolina and is seeking an office manager/sales representative. The job will consist of basic accounting, data entry, drafting letters and other documents, research, sales and customer service. Our company is very diverse in the products and services that we provide to WNC and attribute a lot of our success to that diversity so our employees have to be adaptive to new projects and tasks.

Our company consists of four main branches. Grading and Excavating, Trucking/hauling, ready mixed concrete/ aggregate materials, concrete paving/ concrete finishing.

This person needs to have a good work ethic and independent initiative. The entry level Pay Rate is $8.00 per hour, but the profit sharing in the company will be the real opportunity. This position is expected to evolve into a management position as the company continues to grow. To inquire about this opportunity call 828.736.1812.

$

WNC MarketPlace

THE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY OFFICE OFFERS ADDITIONAL JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE TO ANY PERSONS RECEIVING FOOD & NUTRITION BENEFITS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS (FORMALLY ESC) AT 828.456.6061, EXT. 201 OR 203 TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.*

MAKE $$$$$.....

Start You Home-Based Healthy Coffee Business Today! Get Details Now At: www.CupOfFreedom.com Then www.JodyGauthier.OreganoGold.com 1.337.849.8083 SAPA

WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

33

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT BEAUFORT COUNTY COMMUNITY College, Washington, NC is seeking a Dean of Administrative Services.

Deadline for applications is January 11, 2013 at 4 p.m. For information about the position and application requirements visit http://www.beaufortccc.edu/gneral/joboppor.htm.

EEO/AAE COMPANY DRIVERS: $2500 Sign-On Bonus! Super Service is hiring solo and team drivers.

Excellent hometime options. CDL-A required. Students with CDL-A welcome. Call 888.441.9358 or apply online at: www.superservicellc.com

www.smokymountainnews.com

December 19-25, 2012

DRIVER $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months and 12 months. Choose your hometime. $0.03 Quarterly Bonus. Requires 3 months recent experience. 800.414.9569. www.driveknight.com

34

EMPLOYMENT DRIVER Tango Transport now hiring Regional OTR Team. Top Pay. Plenty of Miles. Great Home Time. Family Medical/Dental. 401k. Paid Vacations. Call 877.826.4605 or www.drivefortango.com DRIVERS Class-A Flatbed. Home Every Weekend! Up to 37c/mi. Both ways. Full Benefits. Requires 1 year OTR Flatbed Experience. 800.572.5489 x227. SunBelt Transport, Jacksonville, FL. DRIVERS REGIONAL FLATBED Home Every Weekend, 40-45 CPM. Class A CDL Required. Flatbed Load Training Available. 1st Seat Sign On Bonus. 1.800.992.7863, ext.150. www.mcelroytrucklines. com GYPSUM EXPRESS Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers. Road & Regional Positions. Call Melissa, 866.317.6556, x6 or apply at www.gypsumexpress.com

Columbia - Says 'If I look somewhat bored, it's because I am! I'm tired of spending time in a cage!' This young tabby girl can't wait to get out to play and explore the world.

Lucy - A stunning 7 month old female Redbone Coonhound. She has a healthy, sleek coat and very expressive eyes. She is a lovebug and just wants you to pet her and play with her. It is hard to be around Miss Lucy without smiling.

EMPLOYMENT DRIVERS: CDL-A Star of the Road. Tuition reimbursement up to $5000. New Student Pay & Lease Program. Up to $5000 Sign On Bonus!

877.521.5775. www.usatruck.jobs DRIVERS: TEAMS. $2,400 Sign-On Bonus. CDL-A 1yr experience. Excellent Pay/Benefit/ Home-Time. Dedicated for Andersonville. No-Touch. Apply: Carter-Express.com 877.628.6806 FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Associate Degree Nursing Instructor, Job #12-67. Deadline: Jan 3.

Media Production Specialist, Job #12-66. Deadline: Jan 3.

An FTCC application, cover letter, resume, and copies of college transcripts, must be received in the Human Resources Office by 4 p.m. on the closing date to be considered. For further information and application, please visit our website. Human Resources Office, Fayetteville Technical Community College, PO Box 35236, Fayetteville, NC 28303. Phone: 910.678.8378. Fax: 910.678.0029.

Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

MEDICAL CAREERS BEGIN HERE Train ONLINE for Allied Health and Medical Management. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified.

SCHEV authorized. Call 1.877.206.7665 www.CenturaOnline.com SAPA MONEY FOR SCHOOLNavy 4 year NROTC scholarships for rising seniors. Or HS grads get money for college & great career.

Paid training with benefits.

Restrictions may apply. FT active duty or PT reserves. Go to www.navy.com for more info.

EMPLOYMENT HEAD START CENTER DIRECTORHaywood County - Must have an AA in Early Childhood Education (BS preferred), Admin Level I or II, 2 yrs. of supervisory experience, good judgement/problem solving skills and have the ability to work with diverse populations. Employee will supervise the daily operation of 1 Center/ 8 staff. Flexible work schedule, hours of operation 7:30 5:30pm. This is a full time 10 month position with benefits that includes health, dental and vision insurance, 13 paid holidays, retirement, short term/ long term disability and life insurance.

Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, Inc., 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786 or 25 Schulman St., Sylva, NC 28779. Pre-employment drug testing required.

TANKER & FLATBED COMPANY. Drivers/Independent Contractors!

Immediate Placement Available.

Best opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today.

800.277.0212 or www.primeinc.com WANTED: LIFE AGENTS. Potential to Earn $500 a Day. Great Agent Benefits. Commissions Paid Daily. Liberal Underwriting. Leads, Leads, Leads. Life Insurance, License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020.

NOW HIRING! National Companies need workers immediately to assemble products at home. Electronics, CD stands, hair barrettes & many more. Easy work, no selling, any hours. $500/week potential. Info 1.985.646.1700 DEPT NC - 4152 (Not valid in Louisiana) SAPA

EMPLOYMENT TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED Best Pay and Home Time! Apply Online Today over 750 Companies!

One Application, Hundreds of Offers! www.HammerLaneJobs.com.

SAPA

FINANCIAL $$$ ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates. Apply Now By Phone! 1.800.568.8321. wwwlawcapital.com Not Valid in CO or NC. SAPA BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA

LAWN AND GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com MANTIS DELUXE TILLER. NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE.OneYear Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book!

888.485.3923 SAPA

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

BUY GOLD & SILVER COINS 1 percent over dealer cost. For a limited time, Park Avenue Numismatics is selling Silver and Gold American Eagle Coins at 1 percent over dealer cost. 1.888.470.6389 GOLD AND SILVER Can Protect Your Hard Earned Dollars. Learn how by calling Freedom Gold Group for your free educational guide. 888.478.6991

FURNITURE REMAINING FURNITURE LUMBER Sale! Walnut, Butternut, Cherry, Ash & Curly Maple Slabs $4,000 Call for more info 828.627.2342 COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LUMBER CHESTNUT LUMBER Some 6 feet sections, Some 17 ft. boards $800. Call for more info 828.627.2342

Prevent Unwanted Litters And Improve The Health Of Your Pet Low-Cost spay and neuter services Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 145 Wall Street

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT EVER CONSIDER A Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888.418.0117.

SAPA

Pet Adoption MILA - A two year old Elkhound

weighs only five pounds. He is a little shy. He deserves a great home with no small children. He has special pricing. Call 828.631.2676.

KIMBA - A 3-4 year old Sloughi/Shepherd mix. She is tan with beautiful brown eyes.

She is housebroken and friendly.

Kimba needs lots of exercise.

828.226.6209.

ROXANE - A young, playful Aussie mix. She weighs 20 lbs., is good with other pets, and is working on house training.

Roxane is white and gold with one blue eye. 877.ARF.JCNC. RASCAL - A cute terrier/corgi mix who is 3 years old. He weighs just 16 pounds. He is neutered, housebroken, and current on all his shots. He plays well with other dogs, but he is frightened of people. His not a lapdog, nor does he like to be on a leash. He is a good porch dog; he'll sit there all day and bark to let you know if someone is coming. He doesn't run off once he is used to being at his new home. Call 226.4783.

mix. She weighs 27 lbs., and is blackish colored. She needs work on puppy behavior. Call 1.877.ARF.JCNC. CLARA - A 2-3 yr old "Whatizit?"

She weighs 68 lbs., is friendly, and shaggy. Call 877.273.5262.

BRINDLE (F) AND TEDDY (M) Are 11-week-old Lab/Shepherd mix pups. They are cute, friendly, neutered, and ready to go.

Brindle is black with slight brindle markings. Her brother, Teddy, is black and tan. Call 828.293.5629 or contact their foster home at jean@a-r-f.org.

WRIGGLEY - A male, two-yearold, Boxer/Shepherd mix. His owner is joining the Navy and has to find a home for this friendly, handsome dog.

Wriggley is housebroken, neutered, and micro-chipped. He gets along with adults, kids, and cats. He is not a barker. Call 706.248.6328

VISIT ARF ON SATURDAYS 1-3 To register for January 14th

dog – brown & white. I am 5 years old and I absolutely love to cuddle. I also have an interesting half-and-half, yin/yang color pattern on my

face! $125 adoption fee, Animal Compassion Network 258.4820 animalcompassionnetwork.org.

NORMAN - Domestic Shorthair cat – black. I am about 4 years old and I’m a very sweet and gentle soul. I like to be petted, and would make a great family cat. $100 adoption fee, Animal Compassion Network 258.4820 animalcompassionnetwork.org.

NEED A NEW HOME for your pet? Animal Compassion Network provides a re-homing service that includes neutering, microchipping, and food – all FREE to you! You'll bring your pet to our adoption events and we'll find them a loving new home! For details, contact us at 828.258.4820.

ANIMAL COMPASSION NETWORK Pet Adoption Events - Every Saturday from 11a.m. to 3p.m. at Pet Harmony, Animal Compassion Network's new pet store for rescued pets. Dozens of ACN dogs, puppies, kittens and cats will be ready to find their permanent homes. The store also offers quality pet supplies where all proceeds save more homeless animals. Come see us at 803 Fairview St. (behind Province 620 off Hendersonville Rd), visit www.animalcompassionnetwork.org, or call 828.274.DOGS.

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE

Ann knows real estate!

Ann Eavenson CRS, GRI, E-PRO

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction.

Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract.

Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

506-0542 CELL 71758

101 South Main St. Waynesville

MainStreet Realty

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

(828) 452-2227 mainstreetrealty.net

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 9 am - 4 pm & Thurs. 9 am - 3 pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone # 1-828-586-3346 TDD # 1-800-725-2962

facebook.com/smnews

Equal Housing Opportunity

SMN 71332

WE SAVE YOU MONEY

TUPELO’S

Mountain Realty

Ron Breese

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

Broker/Owner

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

71317

71338

Great Smokies Storage 92

$

20’x20’

160

$

INDOOR & OUTDOOR

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

FURNITURE

2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

10’x20’

Pro/file

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778

smokymountainnews.com

PETAL - Jack Russell Terrier Mix

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

2.819 ACRE TRACT Building Lot in great location.

Build your second home log cabin here. Large 2-story building.

Was a Hobby Shop. $81,000. Call 828.627.2342

December 19-25, 2012

dog – black. I am 3 years old and spent much of my life tied to a chain in someone's back yard, but despite this, I am a wonderful, well adjusted dog!

I’m energetic and enjoy playing with toys and other dogs. I’m well behaved and low-key, and usually prefer a scratch or pat on the head to a snuggle or belly rub. I get along well with kids and am indifferent to cats. $125 adoption fee, Animal Compassion Network 258.4820 animalcompassionnetwork.org.

GEORGIA INVSTMNT. PROPERTIES Single family rehabbed homes in Macon near I-75! Leased & cashflowing w/manager available.

Starting @ $16,000. Buy & create future wealth! ONLY 60 remaining!

Call Owner 1.404.550.6900.

SAPA

low-cost spay/neuter trip. Call 1.877.ARF.JCNC for more information. Limited number, so register early and don't get left out

ARF (HUMANE SOCIETY OF JACKSON COUNTY) Holds rescued pet adoptions Saturdays from 1:00 - 3:00 (weather permitting) at 50 Railroad Avenue in Sylva. Animals are spayed/neutered and current on shots. Most cats $60, most dogs $70.

Preview available pets at www.a-r-f.org, or call foster home.

CALLIE - Labrador Retriever Mix

GEORGIA LAND SALE! Great investment! Relax & enjoy country lifestyle! Beautifully developed 1 Acre - 20Acre homesites.

Augusta Area. Beautiful weather.

Low taxes/Low down. Financing from $195/month. Call Owner 1.706.364.4200. SAPA

LOTS FOR SALE

WNC MarketPlace

BEN - A male, Chihuahua who

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

35

WNC MarketPlace

MEDICAL

Haywood County Real Estate Agents Beverly Hanks & Associates — beverly-hanks.com • • • • • • •

Michelle McElroy — beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig — beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey — beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither — esither@beverly-hanks.com Jerry Smith — beverly-hanks.com Billie Green — bgreen@beverly-hanks.com Pam Braun — pambraun@beverly-hanks.com

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA Sufferers with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 877.763.9842.

Haywood Properties — haywood-properties.com • Steve Cox — haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Chris Forga — forgarentalproperties.com

CANADA DRUG CENTER Is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 877.644.3199 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

SAPA

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com

December 19-25, 2012

• Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

Main Street Realty — mainstreetrealty.net McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com Realty World Heritage Realty — realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter — realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/1701

www.smokymountainnews.com

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Connie Dennis — remax-maggievalleync.com Mark Stevens — remax-waynesvillenc.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Bonnie Probst — bonniep@remax-waynesvillenc.com

DIABETES/CHOLESTEROL/WEIGHT Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save $15 off your first bottle! 877.815.6293.

SAPA

MEDICAL VIAGRA 100MG & CIALIS 20MG! 40 pills + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement, Discreet Shipping. Save $500! Buy The Blue Pill! Now 1.800.491.8751 SAPA

HEALTH/BEAUTY RUNNING WATERS THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE & BODYWORK Relieve stress, Increase Circulation, Remove Headaches and Back & Neck pain, Increase Energy and Feeling of Well Being. Intro offer $45. Migun Bed, Deep Tissue. Call for appointment 828.226.0413.

2590B U.S. Hwy 19 S. Bryson City.

FOR SALE BLACK FOREST German Wall Clock, $75. For more info call 828.497.2515.

CARIO CABINET 10 Shelves, 5 in Glass. Picture Available, $200. Call for info 828.497.2515 CHAMPION SUPPLY Janitorial supplies. Professional cleaning products, vacuums, janitorial paper products, swimming pool chemicals, environmentally friendly chemicals, indoor & outdoor light bulbs, odor elimination products, equipment repair including household vacuums. Free delivery across WNC. www.championsupply.com 800.222.0581, 828.225.1075.

RED ENVELOPE Give great. Find the perfect holiday gift that tells a story. Shop early and save an additional 20 percent.

Visit www.redenvelope.com/Celebrate or call 888.715.3042.

FEELING OLDER? Men lose the ability to produce testosterone as they age. Call 888.414.0692 for a FREE trial of Progene- All Natural Testosterone Supplement.

SAPA

WRAP UP YOUR Holiday Shopping with 100 percent guaranteed, delivered–to- the-door Omaha Steaks! SAVE 68 percent PLUS 2 FREE GIFTS - 26 Gourmet Favorites ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1. 888.689.3245 use code 45102ALM or go to: www.OmahaSteaks.com/hgc85 SAPA

MEDICAL ALERT FOR SENIORS 24/7 monitoring. FREE Equipment.

FREE Shipping. Nationwide Service. $29.95/Month CALL Medical Guardian Today 866.413.0771

I BUY ANY JUNK CAR. $300 Flat Rate. FREE Pick Up. 800.576.2499

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR DIABETIC TEST STRIPS Check us out online! All Major Brands Bought Dtsbuyer.com 1.866.446.3009 SAPA PAYING TOP $ FOR Comic Books. Looking for collections between 1940-1965. Golden & Silver Ages. Call Rick at 800.344.9103. www.webuytreasure.com WANTED DIABETES TEST STRIPS Any Kind/Brand. Up to $24.00/ box.

Shipping Paid. Hablamos Espanol.

1.800.267.9895 or go to: www.SellDiabeticstrips.com SAPA

PERSONAL A UNIQUE ADOPTIONS, Let Us Help! Personalized adoption plans. Financial assistance, housing, relocation and more. Giving the gift of life? You deserve the best. Call us first!

1.888.637.8200. 24 hour HOTLINE. SAPA ADOPTION? PREGNANT? We can help you! Housing, Relocation, Financial & Medical Assistance available. You Choose Adoptive family. Forever Blessed Adoptions. Call 24/7. 1.800.568.4594 (Void in IL, IN) SAPA ARE YOU PREGNANT? A married couple (in our 30’s) seeks to adopt. Stay-at-home mom. Financial security. Expenses paid. Call Ann & Michael 1.800.505.8452 SAPA ARE YOU PREGNANT? A childless married couple (in our 30’s) seeks to adopt. Will be hands-on mom/devoted dad.

Financial security. Expenses paid. Nicole & Frank.

1.888.969.6134 PREGNANT? Considering Adoption? Call Us First! Living Expenses, Housing, Medical and continued support afterwards. Choose Adoptive Family of Your Choice. Call 24/7. ADOPT CONNECT 1.866.743.9212.

SAPA STAY AT HOME Wife and loving, dedicated, hard working father want to Adopt and become Mommy and Daddy! Fully Confidential and Allowable Expenses paid. Rachel & James.

1.888.616.6497 SAPA

PERSONAL YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Career.

FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494.

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE From home. Medical, Business, Criminal Justice, Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 888.899.6918. www.CenturaOnline.com AVIATION CAREERS Train in advance structures and become certified to work on aircraft. Financial aid for those who qualify. Call aviation institute of maintenance 1.888.212.5856 SAPA EARN YOUR H.S. DIPLOMA At home in a few short weeks. Work at your own pace. First Coast Academy. Nationally accredited.

Call for free brochure.

1.800.658.1180, extension 82. www.fcahighschool.org SAPA

ENTERTAINMENT * REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! * Get a 4-Room All Digital Satellite system installed for FREE and programming starting at $19.99/mo.

FREE HD/DVR upgrade for new callers, SO CALL NOW. 1.800.725.1835.

SAPA

71756

MOUNTAIN REALTY

Mieko Thomson

Commitment, consistency, results.

Thomson

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

ROKER/R /REALTOR EALTOR®® BBROKER

71298

CALL NOW TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 36

ATTENTION DIABETICS With Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking!

Call 888.284.9573.

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA Sufferers with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery!

Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 888.470.8261.

SAPA

ERA Sunburst Realty — sunburstrealty.com

• • • • • • • • •

ATTENTION DIABETICS With Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking!

Call 877.517.4633.

SAPA

828.452.4251 OR ads@smokymountainnews.com

Cell (828) 226-2298 Cell

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com www.ncsmokies.com

Carolyn Lauter Broker/ABR

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

1986 SOCO ROAD, HWY 19 • MAGGIE VALLEY, NC 28751

828.734.4822 Cell • www.carolynlauter.com carolyn.lauter@realtyworldheritage.com

71316

ENTERTAINMENT

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus sh.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back . Guarantee. Call Today!

1.888.659.4896 SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM 86 East Main St., Franklin, 828.584.7472. www.scottishtartans.org. Matthew A.C. Newsome, GTS, FSA, SCOT., Curator & General Manager, Ronan B. MacGregor, Business Assistant.

STEEL BUILDINGS STEEL BUILDINGS Save Thousands on Cancelled orders. VERY Low Monthly payments.

5 Remaining. Must Go. 16x24, 20x26, 25x30, 30x40, 40x50. Call Now 757.301.8885.

SERVICES

DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL 888.827.8038.

HIGHSPEED INTERNET Everywhere By Satellite! Speeds up to 12mbps! (200x faster than dialup.) Starting at $49.95/mo. Call Now & Go Fast! 1.888.714.6155 HOLIDAY SPECIAL House Cleaning, Meal Preparation & One Hour Massage Therapy for $150. Licensed and Insured. Gift Certificates Available! Call Now 828.734.2161 LOCAL PHONE SERVICE With long distance starting @ $19.99/mo. Taxes not included. No contract or credit check. Service states may vary. Call today: 1.888.216.1037 SAPA MOTO-FAB METAL WORKS Let us fabricate a unique, high quality piece of metal art for your home, business, farm or ranch.

Choose from thousands of stock images or work with us to create an original piece. All artwork and signage is cut on a new state-ofthe-art CNC plasma machine.

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CROSSWORD

77 Rust away 79 “... goes, - go!”

80 Under penalty GETTING EFF-ENDED 82 Korea’s continent ACROSS 83 Crease to create two 1 Disjoined 9 Spanish rice dishes equal sides 87 “If only - known” 16 Little newts 91 Germinate again 20 Spoken test 93 “Boy!” 21 Shekel earner 94 Topped cracker 22 Boatloads 23 “If I Were a Rich Man” 96 Tiny bit 97 Surpluses musical 100 Coq au vin maker, 25 Dirt-dishing Barrett often 26 Appraises 103 Ecol. monitor 27 Here, to Jean-Luc 105 “Bang!”

28 Medical school subj.

107 Property confiscations 29 Unkosher 108 Not be ailing 30 San Francisco tourist 115 Sitar music area 34 Field of flight technolo- 116 Purvey 117 It’s not gross gy 118 South Pacific island 40 King, in Nice 41 U.S. immigrants’ subj. 124 “Have - a deal for you!”

42 Treat for the 125 Be beaten by prodigal son 129 Nixing mark 45 Gentlemen: Abbr.

130 Quaint batting game 49 Booker T. & the 131 See 33-Down 52 Luau hellos 132 Canine lines 53 Tiny charged thing 133 Some apples and 55 Online gabbing site potatoes 57 France’s Coty 134 “Definitely, count me 58 Do some written legal in!” summarizing DOWN 62 “Laura” director 1 Big couch Preminger 2 Discord deity 63 Back-country 3 Hippies’ digs 66 George’s lyric-writing 4 Alan of films brother 5 Have faith in, with “on” 67 Country-pop singer 6 Tree fellers Eddie 7 La Brea gunk 69 Polar laborer 8 Funny Philips 72 Government bailouts, 9 Toss e.g.

10 More pale 76 “Phooey!”

SUPER CROSSWORD

11 Sonnet preposition 12 Wyoming city 13 Singer Lewis 14 Take out (borrow cash) 15 Puts through a strainer 16 Rare - (some elements) 17 Wallpaper design, often 18 Printer ink 19 Walking stick 24 “- for Noose” (Grafton novel) 30 TV regulator 31 “... - joy forever” 32 CD- - (PC insert) 33 With 131-Across, U.S. Military Academy students 34 Way, way off 35 - of tears 36 Take - faith 37 Alternate 38 Classy org.?

39 Airport requests 43 - Abner 44 Adversary 46 - -fi movie 47 County lawman 48 Nadal of tennis 50 Mobster John 51 Struck, biblically 54 Getting exactly right 56 Burgle 58 Die down 59 - de la Cité 60 “It’s chilly!”

61 Actress Charlotte 64 ET craft 65 Coyote’s kin 68 Art teacher’s deg.

69 Digital greeting 70 “- turn” (dreaded game instruction) 71 Game using a flying disc

73 Lightning 74 Jackie’s #2 75 Cyber-guffaw 78 Blame 81 Cringe 84 P.O. item 85 Playboy nickname 86 - Lingus 88 “Ver-r-ry funny” 89 Adopt- (animal shelter program) 90 Dicts. are full of them 92 Nonfictional 94 Ovid’s 300 95 Spa sigh 98 Hunks 99 Trinity part 101 Slim fish 102 Rubber check abbr.

104 China items 106 Assailed 108 Artist Kahlo 109 Raring to go 110 “Hell - Heroes” (1962 film) 111 Reeves of “The Matrix” 112 French feminine plural pronoun 113 Small paving stones 114 Ending for ordinals 118 Part of a dog 119 A.D. part 120 Sharp Aquos, e.g.

121 “Ah, yes” 122 Legal wrong 123 “Assuming that’s true ...”

126 Hole in one 127 Prefix with dermis or glottis 128 Brick holder

answers on page 33

Answers on Page 33

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Smoky Mountain News December 19-25, 2012

Winter mushrooms a welcome find

M

George Ellison

ost people who hunt mushrooms do so in late summer and fall when an array of choice edibles are abundant or in spring when morels are in season.

It’s easy to forget — or maybe never even know — that there are a couple of tasty “winter mushrooms” which appear during warm spells from late fall until early spring.

These winter mushrooms may not be quite so exquisite tasting as morels, milks, wishies, or a few other prime-season species, but when found in the dead of winter they’re especially Columnist welcome. Hunting for them on a bright wintry day is exciting, providing, an excuse — if you need one — to get out the door.

The “velvet foot” mushroom (Flammulina velutipes) is also known by many as the “winter mushroom” since it will survive freezing and continue to produce spores after thawing out. It has a viscid yellowish-orange to orange-brown cap that accounts for the genus name; that is, “flamma,” means “a flame.” The species tag “velutipes” means “velvet stalk” in reference to the stem, which in maturity is dark brown or black in color, being covered with a vel-

BACK THEN vety pubescence.

It’s common throughout Western North Carolina, appearing as a wound parasite in tufts or clusters on or near stumps, logs, roots, and living trunks of slippery elm, willow, poplar, and perhaps other trees. The deadly “autumn skullcap” (Galerina autumnalis), which fruits on wood in October and November, has a brown stalk but usually displays a ring, has brown spores, and a stalk interior that’s brown whereas velvet foot never has a ring and white spores.

To prepare velvet foot, dry or remove the viscid skin covering the, cap and discard the fibrous stalks. A form cultivated and sold in markets as “enotake” or “snow-puff mushroom” looks very different from the wild species as it has almost no cap and a long pure white stem resembling a bean sprout.

The “oyster mushroom” (Pleurotis ostreatus) is very common throughout WNC, appearing singly or in shelving masses on stumps, logs, and living trunks of a variety of deciduous trees, especially poplar and walnut. It may be observed year around, being very white in warm months and more brownish-white in winter.

The genus name refers to the “pleurotoid” habit of the fruiting body; that is, it has a cap that may entirely lack a stalk or a stalk that’s noticeably off-center. The species

Mushroom books Mushroom identification books have proliferated in recent years. The following are recommended by George and Elizabeth Ellison: • Gary H. Lincoff, The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mushrooms (Knopf, 1981) separates the excellent color photographs from the excellent textual entries.

Nevertheless, if you’re going to have just one field guide, this is the one.

• Alexander H. Smith and Nancy Smith Weber, The Mushroom Hunter’s Field Guide (University of Michigan Press, 3rd edition, 1980) was written by one of America’s foremost mushroom experts and his daughter, also a mycologist at the University of Michigan.

Published in a handy 5.5-by-11-inch format, the book provides a checklist of 22 “Edible Mushrooms for Beginners.”

• Nancy Smith Weber and Alexander H.

tag “ostreatus” refers to this mushroom’s oyster-like fragrance and flavor. There are no poisonous look-alikes for this species that I know about, but still check a field guide every time you harvest something for the table. It does harbor beetles in the deep gill slits. These are easily removed by immersing the cap in water or by tapping the top of the cap and dislodging them. The portion of the cap attached to the tree (and

Smith, A Field Guide to Southern Mushrooms (University of Michigan Press, 1985) is by the same father-daughter team (with author credits reversed) in the same format, with an expanded 28-entry list of “Edible Species Recommended for Beginners.” The SmithWeber books are obviously intended as companion volumes. If you’re going to buy just one of the Smith-Weber’s, make it the 1980 model, but consider purchasing both to use as companion volumes since there is a overlap of northern and southern species in WNC. • David Aurora, Mushrooms Demystified: A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi (Ten Speed Press, 1986) is a 959-page softcover tome containing a wealth of information largely focused upon California’s varied fungi population. But Aurora — a non-academic mycologist — presents a wealth of technical and anecdotal information on species found in WNC.

the stalk, if present) is tough and should be severed from the fleshy outer part of the cap.

An “oyster log” dragged home will supply successive crops of this tasty species.

They are cultivated commercially in some areas. When breaded and fried, the oyster mushroom does resemble its namesake seafood. Both species can be made into soups or prepared as casseroles.

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