Smoky Mountain News | December 1, 2021 by Smoky Mountain News

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Western North Carolina’s Source for Weekly News, Entertainment, Arts, and Outdoor Information

December 1-7, 2021 Vol. 23 Iss. 27

Former deputy sues DA over Giglio Order Page 12 Duke LifePoint hospitals implement vaccine mandate Page 17

CONTENTS On the Cover: Even though the holiday shopping season has evolved since the COVID-19 Pandemic hit and has presented some challenges for retailers, small businesses in Western North Carolina are reporting another record sales year. (Page 14) Shoppers packed downtown Waynesville on Black Friday to support local businesses. Jessi Stone photo

News Former deputy sues DA over Giglio Order ..............................................................12 Macon officer investigated on rape allegations ......................................................13 Wallstreet Books seeks new home ............................................................................15 Duke LifePoint hospitals implement vaccine mandate ..........................................17 Macon County Schools offers staff retention bonuses ........................................18 Libertarian candidate offers voters a third way ........................................................20 State budget funds all WCU requests ......................................................................22 State budget funds may cover Allen Street repairs ..............................................23 Health News ......................................................................................................................25

Opinion Disgraceful redistricting commonplace in N.C. ......................................................26 A unique kind of holiday ..................................................................................................27

A&E Christmastime in Appalachia ........................................................................................28 In the shadows of the sun ..............................................................................................37

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

December 1-7, 2021

Archeology students dig into Cherokee history ......................................................38

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Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Jessica Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessica.m@smokymountainnews.com Susanna Shetley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Sophia Burleigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sophia.b@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jessi Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessi@smokymountainnews.com Holly Kays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@smokymountainnews.com Hannah McLeod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hannah@smokymountainnews.com Cory Vaillancourt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cory@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Singletary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Shetley (writing)

CONTACT WAYNESVILLE | 144 Montgomery, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585 SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789 INFO & BILLING | P.O. Box 629, Waynesville, NC 28786 Copyright 2021 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ Advertising copyright 2021 by The Smoky Mountain News.™ All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The Smoky Mountain News is available for free in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and parts of Buncombe counties. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1, payable at the Smoky Mountain News office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of The Smoky Mountain News, take more than one copy of each issue.

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December 1-7, 2021

HOLIDAY GUIDE

SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

Helping the place you call home

The past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way Americans prepare for everything — from the summer travel season to the back-to-school season and even the fall sports season — and small businesses are feeling the strain. But even in a pandemic, consumers want to shop small year-round. For small businesses looking to adapt, consistent engagement is key. Consumers enjoy shopping local for a variety of reasons. Supporting small businesses allows them to drive job creation and economic vitality with every purchase. Additionally, consumers can find the most unique goods and personal items by looking beyond the big box. Particularly in a pandemic, shopping small often means supporting causes that matter. For small businesses, these consumer behaviors and preferences are important to understand. By understanding why consumers want to shop small, small business owners can tailor their messaging and instore experience to draw customers in, no matter the season or circumstances caused by the pandemic.

SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Customers know that supporting small businesses means supporting their community. Particularly in a pandemic, Americans are rooted to their communities. Their neighborhoods, downtown districts and local parks have never been more important. Whether it is a holiday parade or a summer farmers market, small businesses are behind some of the most treasured local traditions. Plus, they create jobs and generate local tax revenue all year long. To connect with customers, highlight the local impact your small business has on the community. It might feel uncomfortable to toot your own horn, but it is also a valuable way to show customers you care.

FINDING A PERSONAL TOUCH Walking into a small business feels pleasant. It turns an otherwise unexceptional errand into a fun adventure. These days, it is trendy to be “in the know” on all the great local spots and secrets. Customers love hunting their communities for the new shops and restaurants that they can recommend to their friends and family. At these local shops, customers know they can find unique items, local recipes and new hobbies. And if they don’t know what they’re looking for, they can always ask an expert who works there. When engaging with your customers,

make sure to keep it personal. A friendly greeting as they walk in the door or an openended question on social media are great ways to build relationships with your customers.

GIVING BACK In addition to keeping money in the local economy and creating local jobs, small businesses are known for their altruistic nature. When a Little League team needs jerseys or a local park needs cleaning, small businesses are always there to help. Big boxes and national chains tend to give back during specific times of the year — think, pink merchandise during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and hosting the Salvation Army during the holidays. But small businesses are more in tune with the needs of their local community. When a local church catches fire and needs rebuilding or a local food bank runs low during a particularly busy summer, small businesses are quick to respond. This means that small businesses can give back in meaningful ways all year long, even when it is not seasonal. Customers appreciate what your small business does for local causes. How has your team been giving back during this year’s pandemic? Share your stories on social media and e-newsletters to spread the word about local causes and remind customers you care.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY No matter what drives them, customers want to shop small all year long. That is why it is important to maintain consistent engagement in-store, online and through other channels. Even in a pandemic, when customers might be hesitant to venture out, keeping up your communication with them will foster a relationship that brings them back when it is safe. For more ideas and tips about communicating with customers, visit independentwestand.org. Bill Brunelle is co-founder of Independent We Stand, a cause-marketing campaign sponsored by STIHL, Do it Best Corp., PPG Paints and Nationwide Marketing Group, which is dedicated to educating communities about the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting locally owned businesses. Independent We Stand inspires small business owners across the country to celebrate their locally owned status and help consumers understand the importance of supporting them. For more information, visit independentwestand.org.

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SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS HOLIDAY GUIDE

December 1-7, 2021

HOLIDAY GUIDE

SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

Toast to good health with traditional wassail The practice of wassailing is a time-honored tradition that has spanned centuries. When wassailing, people go door-to-door, singing and offering a sip of drink from something called a wassail bowl. Most do it to spread holiday cheer and wish good health on their neighbors. The word “wassail” is derived from the AngloSaxon phrase “waes hael,” which loosely translates to “good health” or “be whole.” Wassailing remains popular in some communities, though caroling has overtaken it as a way to spread cheer through singing. Wassail drink was originally made from mulled ale, curdled cream, roasted apples, eggs, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and sugar, according to the holiday customs and traditions resource WhyChristmas. Most wassails are now mulled ciders, which are popular in late fall — notably around Thanksgiving. Wassail was traditionally enjoyed on Twelfth Night (Jan. 5 or 6), but it can be used to toast to good health and merriment at any time during the holiday season. There are many versions of wassail beverages, including this “Traditional Wassail,” courtesy of “The Farmer’s Almanac.”

Involving the kids with holiday baking The holiday season is steeped in tradition. Many holiday traditions are centered around food, with much of the focus on all of the decadent treats and desserts taking center stage at many family gatherings. Many parents hope to involve their children in as many family holiday traditions as they can. Holiday baking is one kid-

ing if they have their own equipment, and such gear also can make it easier for them to lend a hand. A spatula made for youngsters can make it easier for kids to move cookies from a baking sheet to a platter, while colorful measuring cups and their own whisk can excite youngsters about baking.

friendly tradition, and parents can make it even more so by taking a few simple steps before they get started. • Purchase kid-friendly baking equipment — Bakers rely on lots of tools to make cookies, cakes and other delicacies. That equipment is even available in kids’ sizes. Kids may be more excited about bak-

• Plan ahead — Seasoned bakers know that it’s imperative to have the right supplies, including ingredients, on hand before beginning a baking session. That’s even more necessary when baking with kids, who might not be as patient as moms and dads hope if a baking session has to be paused to run to the store for a missing

Traditional Wassail Serves 8 to 12 • 5 to 6 large baking apples, peeled and cored (such as Baldwin, Gravenstein, McIntosh, or Stayman Winesap) • 1 cup sugar • 2 quarts beer or ale • 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half, or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon • 1 teaspoon ground ginger • Zest of 1 lemon • 1 1/2 cups sherry or sweet red wine Preheat oven to 400 F. Cut the apples into thick slices, and arrange in layers in a covered casserole dish, sprinkling a few teaspoons of sugar over each layer. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. (The apples will get puffy and soft.) While the apples bake, combine the beer, spices, lemon zest, and remaining sugar in a large saucepan. Heat slowly, bringing just to a simmer. (Don’t let the mixture boil.) When it is hot, add the sherry and keep heating until the mixture reaches a simmer again, still not boiling. Place the hot baked apples in a punch bowl, and pour the hot wassail over them. Serve hot.

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ingredient or to dig out some tools from the back of the pantry. Plan ahead by setting everything out and assembling all the necessary ingredients the night before you plan to bake. • Delegate wisely — Young kids may want to do everything mom and dad do, but baking is a delicate science that requires careful attention to detail and a strict adherence to recipes. So it’s important that parents delegate wisely when involving children in holiday baking. Whisking, stirring and topping off cookies with frosting and sprinkles are fun, kid-friendly tasks. • Add some fun foods to the menu — If you plan to bake holiday cookies, purchase kid-friendly holiday cookie cutters before your baking session so youngsters have as much fun as possible. Kids may have more fun if they get to make Santa Claus, Frosty or Rudolph cookies. • Make a mess — Don’t be afraid to get a little messy when baking with children. Moms and dads may love a clean kitchen, but kids tend to have more fun in the kitchen when things get a little messy. Douse each other with a little flour and make a joke of things if some ingredients find their way onto the counter or the floor instead of into your mixing bowl. Parents can make the holiday baking that much more fun by letting their kids pitch in this year.

Time to give in to your sweet tooth

HOLIDAY GUIDE

offering to an already abundant mix. So this year I have been playing around with my own cookie recipes. Not pumpkin, sugar, walnut or chocolate chip — but mint and dark chocolate. I am guilty of craving a piece of chocolate every night, and I almost always give in to that craving without a fight. Hence, I decided to make these small, rich, dark chocolate, thin mint cookies. They are not as heavy and filling as other holiday cookies, so they serve as the perfect slice of holiday goodness for otherwise “average” December days. Each of which can, and should, be celebrated in little ways. There is no need to wait for specific days or events to start your holiday celebration, especially not this year. My mother, grandmother and aunts have all shown me that celebration is important. Even the small instances. It is this attitude that brings zeal, energy, excitement and compassion to everyday life. Ingredients for the cookies: 2 C. flour ½ C. cocoa powder ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking powder 1 C. butter 1 large egg ¾ C. sugar 1tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. peppermint extract

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For the coating: 2 x 4 oz. package baking chocolate (I use one 56% cacao and one sweet German’s 48% cacao) 1 tsp. vegetable oil 1 tsp. peppermint extract 1 tsp. vanilla extract Directions: • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees • In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder • In a separate bowl, beat together butter and sugar until creamy. Add in egg, vanilla extract and peppermint extract until well combined • Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, bits at a time until well combined. The dough should be thick • Chill the dough until hard • Roll dough out to ½ or ¼ inch sheets and cut into desired shape • Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes. *Don’t walk away from the kitchen during this step! The cookies may take less time depending on cookie thickness and oven temp. These cook very fast! • Let cookies cool completely before coating • For the coating, melt baking chocolate, extracts and oil in a saucepan, over low heat, until well combined. Dip cooled cookies into chocolate mixture with a fork.

December 1-7, 2021

BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER It’s cookie season. And with all that this year has thrown at us, I am so glad we have finally arrived here. If you’re like me, and have inherited a culture of decadent eating from the women in your family, you may not be too keen on waiting for Christmas to roll around before you start making plates of holiday cookies. My mother, aunts and grandmother are nothing if not experts in the art of celebration. There really doesn’t even need to be an occasion. Or rather, they will make an occasion out of the seemingly mundane. Me and all my cousins have benefitted from growing up surrounded by this gusto for life. Every year, as soon as the weather gets cold or the first day of fall comes around, whichever happens first, mom (Loretta) makes pounds of pumpkin cookie dough and stores it in the fridge for fresh, warm pumpkin cookies throughout the season. As late November approaches, we switch back to the familiar world of chocolate chip cookies. After all, there will be pumpkin or sweet potato pie with the Thanksgiving meal. This year Loretta blew us all out of the water with the simple addition of espresso chocolate chips to her chocolate chip cookies. My favorite breakfast is a chocolate chip cookie and black coffee, but throw in some espresso chocolate chips? Wow. As December opens its doors, so do the floodgates of holiday goodies. Just this weekend, celebrating Thanksgiving with our family, Loretta was already prepared with jars of homemade Irish Cream for everyone. Soon, too, there will be the famed sugar cookies, a recipe from Loretta’s great aunt Ginny. She was the sister of my grandfather’s brother-in-law. So she came to us through marriage and I’m ever so grateful she did. Her sugar cookies are crisp yet chewy, thin and not overly sweet. I’m not sure if a sugar cookie can be refined, but if one exists, it is Great Aunt Ginny’s. Every year we spend time cutting them out into different shapes and adding decorative sprinkles, a task that hasn’t lost its appeal as we grow older. My sister’s favorite holiday cookie has always been walnut balls. These are saved for closer to actual Christmas Eve. More decadent than sweet, the dough is filled with chopped walnuts and butter, and once rolled in powdered sugar they are simply irresistible. But if I know anything as a cook and a member of a big family, I know that those recipes should be reserved for Loretta — for all of us to make when the family is together. Hers will always turn out better, and there is no need to add my sub-par

Mike McKinney comes from a family of woodworkers

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SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

He grew up around a father and grandfather that had woodshops, but he didn’t turn to woodworking until a little later in life. Now, after 49 years in banking, he spends 30 to 35 hours a week in his own wood shop in Maggie Valley. Mike specializes in turning an array of items from local and reclaimed wood. Each

piece he makes is numbered and documented in a journal. He uses woods like maple, cherry, and walnut, utilizing the natural edges of the wood in many of his designs. Mike’s work includes natural edge bowls, salad bowls, lidded bowls, urns, ornaments, bottle stoppers, and tops. Functional pieces are finished with food

safe finishes. Some of Mike’s works are textured, carved, or embellished in a variety of ways. He especially enjoys creating items with special meaning for customers, whether it’s a bowl turned with wood from a childhood home or a gift turned out of hand-selected wood. Visitors to Mike McKinney’s studio can see his workspace and work process from drying burl wood to turning and finishing. Mike is happy to give demonstrations, and the process is a sight to see. Turning wood on the lathe can throw shavings across a room. Mike enjoys hosting visitors to his shop and sharing the finer details of his craft. His showroom features many of his finished pieces on display and available for purchase. Open by appointment, Mike McKinney’s studio is one stop on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, a new online site that promotes craft, craft artists, and cultural tourism in 25 western North Carolina counties. The website — BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com — links traditional and contemporary craftsmen, galleries, and arts organizations with broader markets to increase income, enhance cultural tourism, and improve local

economies. A project of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the Craft Trails has received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Cherokee

Mike McKinney.

Preservation Foundation, and the Jackson County Arts Council. (To learn more about Mike McKinney’s studio, visit: www.blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/mike-mckinney.)

December 1-7, 2021

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Bryson City Potter Susan Coe craft artists and cultural tourism in 25 western North Carolina counties. The website — BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com — links traditional and contemporary craftsmen, galleries, and arts organizations with broader

HOLIDAY GUIDE December 1-7, 2021

Susan Coe was born in England, grew up in Alabama, and now lives just outside of Bryson City. There was one spot left in the pottery class she decided to take at Southwest Community College (SWCC). Soon thereafter, pottery consumed her. Today, Susan has a home studio where she produces her colorful, functional pottery. Each piece of work Susan creates is thrown and then decorated using sgraffito and mishima techniques. Sgraffito is a technique where a design is carved into a layer of color on the piece using a tiny loop tool and stylus. Mishima design is inscribed and then the lines filled in with color. Susan’s designs often carry over from the side to the bottom of the piece so that the work functions as art, even when it’s upside-down in the dishwasher. Her designs are inspired by nature, and Susan’s vibrant use of color stand out from the more traditional browns Susan Coe. and earth tones one often sees on pottery. Visitors can see Susan demonstrate how she throws and decorates her pieces. They can also find a large selection of pieces available for purchase including mugs, dinnerware, tea sets, serving pieces, vases, covered jars, tiles and knitting bowls. Susan now teaches pottery at SWCC and offers private lessons. Open by appointment, Susan Coe Pottery is one stop on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, a new online site that promotes craft,

markets to increase income, enhance cultural tourism, and improve local economies. A project of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the Craft Trails has received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Cherokee Preservation Foundation and the Jackson County Arts Council. (To learn more about Susan Coe Pottery, visit: blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/susan-coepottery.)

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December 1-7, 2021

HOLIDAY GUIDE

SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

Largest Gift Shop in the Valley Eclectic Finds & Unique Gifts Home Accents • Jewelry Clothing • Garden Shop Christmas Shop

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Gallery Zella opened in Bryson City in March of 2016. Zella Jackson Hannum and Brian Hannum retired from their respective careers to devote their time to Gallery Zella and the work of nurturing the arts and artists in the region. Zella has decades of experience running galleries, consulting art entrepreneurs, and writing about the art market. Brian retired from a career as a systems engineer in the defense Zella and Brian Hannum. industry and is a poet, a fine art photographer and a musician. Gallery Zella is located in an historic bank building that has been an iconic architectural feature of Bryson City for over a century. The gallery displays a unique collection of five locally known painters, three fine art photographers, four artisan jewelry

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HAZELWOOD Old Timey Christmas Parade

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2,000 square feet of gallery space. Twelvefoot-high ceilings and large front windows define a space that’s covered top to bottom with fine art and crafts. Visitors to Gallery Zella will find a large selection of handmade items including etched wooden bookmarks, turned &

burned vases and plates, art cards, jewelry, and homemade jellies and salsas that are farm-to-gallery fresh. Everything in the gallery is created by the artists and artisans. The gallery’s Meet the Artist receptions feature live music, demonstrations, opportunities to meet up to six artists, promotional pricing, and refreshments. Gallery Zella also annually produces the Smoky Mountain Arts Festival Columbus Day Weekend under a big tent for art and craft shopping “rain or shine.” Also available are classes including paint-and-sip sessions. Open Wednesday through Saturday in December , Gallery Zella is one stop on the Blue Ridge Craft Trails, a new online site that promotes craft, craft artists, and cultural tourism in 25 western North Carolina counties. The website — BlueRidgeCraftTrails.com — links traditional and contemporary craftsmen, galleries, and arts organizations with broader markets to increase income, enhance cultural tourism, and improve local economies. A project of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, the Craft Trails has received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, and the Jackson County Arts Council. (To learn more about Gallery Zella, visit: blueridgeheritage.com/destinations/galleryzella.)

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Come celebrate the season with a special weekend of carriage rides, a candlelight service, live music, decorations along the Lake and more.

6PM - 8PM Christmas Movie, “Miracle on 34th Street,” Lambuth Inn (Free)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 3PM Christmas Story Reading, “The Night Before Christmas,” Library in Harrell Center (Free) 4PM - 8PM Horse and Carriage Rides. (Must reserve and pay online at lakejunaluska.com/holidays)

HOLIDAY GUIDE

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17

SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS

DECEMBER 17 - 19

4PM - 8PM Cookies and Cider, Lambuth Inn and Terrace Hotel lobbies (Free) 5PM - 8PM Photos with Santa, Library in Harrell Center ($10 Suggested Donation) 5PM - 6:30PM Harp & Violin Music, Terrace Hotel lobby (Free) 6:30PM - 8PM Piano Music, Lambuth Inn lobby (Free)

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December 1-7, 2021

3PM Christmas Candlelight Service, Memorial Chapel (Free)

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Former deputy sues DA over Giglio Order BY J ESSI STONE N EWS EDITOR ormer Western North Carolina law enforcement officer Eric Giles is suing District Attorney Ashley Welch and Assistant DA John Hindsman Jr. for issuing him a Giglio Order in 2018. Simply put, a Giglio Order means a law enforcement officer has lost credibility to the point the DA’s office will no longer use his testimony in court. An officer not allowed to give testimony in court against the people he or she arrests makes them ineffective for patrol duties. Since being issued the Giglio Order, Giles was demoted to bailiff duties and then transferred to the jail to work as a detention officer. He resigned a few weeks after being transferred to the jail and is not able to find employment as a certified law enforcement officer in the district. “Plaintiff Giles can no longer obtain employment as a certified law enforcement officer in North Carolina as a result of the ‘Giglio letters’ issued by the Defendants,” the complaint stated. According to the letter Welch issued, Giles had misrepresented his duties as a law enforcement officer on multiple occasions and the DA’s office has a constitutional obligation to disclose any information that could be used to impeach the testimony of a prosecution witness, including instances of untruthfulness and potential bias. “In compliance with our procedures, prosecutors in our office recently reviewed materials and information in our possession regarding substantial violations,” the letter stated. “Unfortunately, in a review of these materials and information, the findings of the committee revealed that on more than one occasion you misrepresented your duties as a law enforcement officer in your employment with both the Clay and Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office in public forums.” Giles filed a civil action lawsuit Aug. 27, 2021, in Clay County Superior Court claiming the DA and ADA violated his federal constitutional rights to due process, equal protection and freedom of speech while acting under color of state law. He then filed a lawsuit in September in federal court against Welch and Hindsman individually and in their official capacity. Prior to Aug. 28, 2021 — when Giles received the Giglio Order from Welch’s office — he was employed by the Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office and had previous experience working with sheriff ’s departments in Macon, Graham and Clay counties as well. During 2018, Giles signed up to run for sheriff in Macon County as a Democratic candidate against Republican incumbent Robert Holland. In March, Giles was invited to a candidate forum hosted by Macon County News and The Smoky Mountain News. During his time to speak, Giles stated he worked at four different agencies and had been a member of the drug task force in Cherokee County. However, the complaint states that Giles mis12 spoke and was actually a member of the drug

Smoky Mountain News

December 1-7, 2021

task force in Graham County — not Cherokee. The complaint goes on to say that MCN reporter Brittney Lofthouse — who helped moderate the forum — accused Giles on social media May 9 of lying about being on the Cherokee drug task force and being a victim advocate when he was employed by Clay County Sheriff ’s Office. Giles claims he posted on Lofthouse’s original post on Facebook trying to correct what he’d said at the candidate forum. He also shared a letter from fellow law enforcement officer Rocky Sampson verifying that Giles had been a victim witness coordinator for Clay County. “Therefore Brittany (sic) Burns Lofthouse circulated untruthful rumors about Plaintiff Giles having affairs with young women when he worked in Graham County and in Clay County,” the lawsuit states. Welch said at the time that there were other reasons why the Giglio was issued for Giles, but she couldn’t elaborate on specifics since Giglio Orders are not public record. Giles made the letter public by sharing it with the media. It was assumed Welch also knew about the allegations that Giles had been inappropriately involved with a female student while he worked for Graham County. Giles told SMN in 2018 that he resigned from his deputy position with Graham County Sheriff on good terms, but a 2014 memo to Graham County commissioners states that the county denied Giles’

The complaint alleges that Hindsman and Welch acted “maliciously” in issuing the order to Giles, knowing the order could cost him the election and his employment. request for unemployment benefits because of “behavior unbecoming of an officer.” SMN spoke to the female student in question at the time. She had since graduated and said nothing inappropriate had happened with Giles. No official charges were made against Giles. Giles’ lawsuit also points fingers at Lofthouse, claiming she had several conflicts of interest, including being married to a Macon County Sheriff ’s deputy who worked for his opponent — Sheriff Robert Holland — and the fact that she went to work for the DA’s office under Ashley Welch. “The Defendant Welch is a Republican and was a vocal supporter of Robbie Holland as a candidate for Sheriff of Macon County during the 2018 election,” the complaint reads. “The Defendant Welch was a financial contributor to the campaign of Robbie Holland …” According to candidate contribution records, Welch did donate $1,000 to Holland’s campaign for re-election.

Eric Giles speaks at a candidate forum in 2018 when he ran for Macon County sheriff. File photo

The defendants claimed it was their duty to send the letter based on the decision in Giglio v. United States, but the plaintiff claims the reasons for sending the letter were not reasonably related to the defendants’ function as prosecutors. The complaint states that the letter had “adverse affect” (sic) on Giles’ campaign for sheriff. Holland won re-election in the fall 2018. “The Defendants gave the Plaintiff no meaningful opportunity to be heard or to present evidence on his behalf prior to sending the ‘Palmer Giglio letter’ to the Plaintiff ’s employer,” the complaint reads. After receiving the letter, Giles was informed that Cherokee County Sheriff ’s Office would be conducting its own investigation of the allegations outlined in the Giglio letter and he would be suspended with pay pending the results. Giles was later told that the DA’s office failed to provide any evidence against him. Therefore, the investigation could find no wrongdoing on Giles’ part and placed him back on patrol duty the next day. In February 2019, Giles came upon an automobile accident in Murphy while on duty, smelled alcohol on the breath of the driver and called Officer Brandon Morgan with the Murphy Police Department to tell him about the situation. Morgan arrived on the scene to assess the situation and arrested the driver, who had a blood alcohol level of 0.13, well beyond the legal limit. Morgan took the driver to the magistrate judge on duty — Cliff Owl — but after reviewing the information, Owl told Morgan he would not find probable cause to issue a warrant on the driver because Giles was involved. Owl said he had been told not to

accept any charges involving Giles due to the Giglio Order. Several months later, Giles was involuntarily transferred from patrol duty to bailiff duty at the Cherokee County Courthouse. Several months after that, Giles was told by Sgt. Jake Chapman that he could either transfer to the detention center to work as a jailer or he would be terminated per instructions from Sheriff Derrick Palmer. Giles chose to transfer to work at the jail as a detention officer as a “direct and proximate result of both the ‘Palmer Giglio letter’ and the DA’s refusal to allow Giles to be involved in charging anyone with a crime. Several weeks later, Giles resigned his position with Cherokee County. According to the complaint, Welch’s office had previously issued oral Giglio Order directives to sheriffs in the district indicating her office would not use testimony from particular deputies due to alleged bad conduct from those deputies. However, it also claims Welch’s office routinely used those deputies as witnesses in court without disclosing the alleged bad conduct to the defense attorneys on the case. The complaint alleges that Hindsman and Welch acted “maliciously” in issuing the order to Giles, knowing the order could cost him the election and his employment. Giles is asking that the order be rescinded and that he be awarded $25,000 for loss of income and emotional distress. Giles is being represented by Murphy lawyer Zeyland G. McKinney Jr., while Welch and Hindsman are being represented by Kathryn H. Shields, special deputy attorney general with the N.C. Department of Justice.

“While this was an employee of the Macon County Sheriff ’s Office in good standings at the time the alleged crime was committed, he was not on duty,” Holland said. “We recognize that we cannot control what our employees do when they are not working but anytime an allegation is made against one of our employees, we take it serious and will investigate any and all allegations. Wherever the facts lead us we will do the right thing in the end, even if it means arresting one of our own.” Holland added that investigators are aware of comments being made on social media pertaining to this case but as of this moment had not been contacted by any witnesses or any other potential victims as speculated on social media. “As with any case we would encourage anyone with information to contact us and we would follow up with that information. Mr. Sanchez is now a former employee and unfortunately there are laws that prohibit me from sharing any information we might have related to any complaints about him while employed,” Holland said. “However, in fairness to him and the staff at the MCSO as well as our citizens, I will say I have not had any complaints made against Mr. Sanchez that accuses him of any illegal behavior or it would have been addressed.” The investigations will remain ongoing and no further information will be provided until it is deemed appropriate.

Drake Software hires interim CEO

of software solutions to insurance agents and brokers. Earlier in his career, he was also the CEO of Thomson Tax/Accounting Group.

HCC Foundation 2022 Calendar available The Haywood Community College Foundation 2022 calendar is available for purchase. Showcasing photos from community members and HCC faculty and staff, proceeds from sales will support the HCC Cares/Lavender Fund for student emergencies. Typical emergency funding may include transportation needs, childcare, heating and utility assistance, housing and food assistance. The calendar highlights the campus in its full glory during each season and would make perfect holiday gifts. Calendars may be purchased by stopping by the Buckeye Building on the college campus. The cost of the calendar to purchase in person is $10 plus tax. Campus is closed Dec. 23 through Jan. 3 but is otherwise open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Calendars can also be purchased online by visiting haywood.edu/foundation/donate-to-thefoundation. The cost to purchase online is $13 per calendar, which includes tax and shipping. For more information, visit haywood.edu/foundation/hcc-calendar or call 828.627.4679.

written by Ingles Dietitian Leah McGrath DONATING TO FOOD BANKS If you’re considering donating food items to your local food pantry, food bank or a shelter that provides emergency food supplies; start with a call to that organization or a check of their website or Facebook page for what food or other items they most need and can accept. Generally, shelf-stable items are the easiest for them to accept, store and distribute. Please check before donating fresh or frozen products to make sure the facility is able to receive and store these items. While canned and packaged shelf-stable food items should work for most; think about how you can donate foods that will help families make a meal. Some items you might not have thought about donating: • Shelf stable (UHT milk in tetra paks), canned or dried milk can be used with dried cereal, oatmeal, cream of wheat or to make macaroni and cheese or soups • Dried spices, herbs and seasoning blends to give more flavor to meats, proteins, beans and grains • Instant coffee and tea bags • Boxed cake, biscuit, roll or bread mixes that can be made with just adding oil or water • Oil, sugar and flour for cooking and recipe use • Dish detergent and cleaning supplies • Can opener, storage bags, utensils

Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN

Smoky Mountain News

With strong financial results, underpinned by industry leading client satisfaction, Drake Software based in Franklin is moving forward with plans to increase investment across all areas of the business, including product development, sales and marketing, and customer support. This is the first of many planned investments that will be overseen by interim Chief Executive Officer Euan Menzies. “I am enthusiastic about the strong foundation, the passionate and dedicated team, and the many opportunities to grow and strengthen the company,” said Menzies. “By investing in our people and in product development, we will ensure Drake continues to delight customers while also providing future innovation. We currently expect to add at least 100 full-time positions over the next six months.” Previously the chairman of the board, Menzies takes over the CEO role most recently held by Jamie Stiles, who, after many years of dedicated service, is stepping down as Drake’s CEO. To ensure a smooth transition, Stiles will remain as a member of the board. Menzies has more than 20 years of executive experience with other successful business-tobusiness software and information companies. Most notably, Menzies served for more than 10 years as the CEO of Vertafore, a leading provider

Ingles Nutrition Notes

December 1-7, 2021

n the evening of Monday, Nov. 15, the Special Victims Unit of the Macon County Sheriff ’s Office initiated an investigation after receiving a complaint of a sexual assault involving a Macon County employee. Sheriff Robbie Holland was notified of the allegation and immediately contacted Capt. Dani Burrows of the Criminal Investigations Unit and requested that she and one of her detectives from SVU to initiate an investigation into the incident. Holland also contacted District Attorney Ashley Welch and the supervisor for the State Bureau of Investigations who agreed to assist in the investigation. On Nov. 19, Holland met with the detention officer who was the Kevin Sanchez involved suspect in the investigation — Kevin Sanchez. Following a brief conversation, Holland terminated the person’s employment effective immediately. He then advised Sanchez that he was being charged with second degree forcible rape. An SBI agent served the arrest warrants, and Holland made arrangements with another detention center to house Sanchez while he attempted to make the $400,000 bond that was set.

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Macon officer investigated on rape allegations

Ingles Market Corporate Dietitian

@InglesDietitian Leah McGrath - Dietitian 800.334.4936 Ingles Markets… caring about your health

news December 1-7, 2021

No sleep until January Retailers rejoice over bustling holiday season

Customers line up at the counter of Sassafras, a new store in Downtown Waynesville (left), on Black Friday. Jessi Stone photo Betty W. Gates (right), owner of B & B Gifts in Sylva. Donated photo

Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS EDITOR he holiday shopping season tends to be a stressful time for shoppers as well as retailers with large crowds, long lines, mounting tension and explosive tempers as everyone is in a rush to get everything on their list. But the energy that settled in around the small town shopping areas in Western North Carolina last weekend felt different. It was calmer, less crowded, more joyful and filled with more gratitude for the important things. “Everyone was just so friendly when they came through the doors, but we do work in a happy place,” said Joyce Massie with Green Hill Gallery on Main Street in Waynesville. “We’re looking forward to the ‘Night Before Christmas’ when we all stay open later and the rest of the holiday season.” In its Holiday Outlook report released in September, KPMG predicted strong seasonal sales despite supply chain disruptions, rising costs and the continuing spread of COVID variants. Retailers also reported they expect to see sales grow by 7% compared to historical growth (which tends to be 3-4%). The National Retail Federation predicts that 2021 holiday sales will grow between 8.5 14 and 10.5 percent from 2020, with overall sales

between $843.4 billion and $859 billion. Online shopping is also expected to increase between 11 and 15 percent for a total of $218.3 billion to $226.2 billion. Local businesses throughout the region back up those predictions by reporting record sales years. Despite the exhaustive shopping weekend, Patricia Miller and her sister Roseann were found in good spirits Monday morning behind the counter at Affairs of the Heart in downtown Waynesville. They were chatting with a regular customer who visits from Florida every year. “Oh man, I laugh so hard every time I come in here,” the man said, referencing all the humorous gift items available from socks, greeting cards, T-shirts and so much more. Miller said her business had a great weekend with Friday and Saturday being equally busy when typically Small Business Saturday is usually the busiest day. “We had the most awesome weekend. Friday and Saturday were both busy and we were definitely up from last year’s sales,” Miller said. Massie agreed that last year’s holiday shopping season went surprisingly well considering the pandemic, but already this year’s numbers are surpassing 2020. “We had a couple of banner days this

weekend that together probably equaled the Church Street Festival crowds,” she said. “We did good during 2020 and we’ve done well this year too.” Jim Davis, co-owner of The Jeweler’s Workbench, said he is also seeing record numbers and expects to have another record sales year. “I’ve been here for eight years and this has been our best year ever,” he said. Susanne Blumer, proprietor of Sassafras on Main, is celebrating her first holiday shopping season in Waynesville. She’s owned a similar store in Black Mountain for four years and decided this year to expand when the former Cedar Hill Gallery building became available. The Waynesville location is now twice the size of the Black Mountain store with two levels of great gift ideas from kids toys, puzzles, books, games, art supplies and more. “We’ve had a fantastic season since we first opened in October,” she said. “I was expecting big things and it has exceeded all my expectations.”

ADJUSTING TO CHANGES The COVID-19 Pandemic has continued to impact the economy, forcing business owners to rethink their approach to the big

holiday shopping days like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. With the pandemic at its height last year, a majority of retailers decided to close on Thanksgiving Day and extended their Black Friday deals for several days to give customers more space and time to shop safely. For the first time, many small businesses had to quickly pivot to offer online commerce and curbside/pick up services to stay in business. This year, COVID cases have stabilized, vaccines are widely available and restrictions on businesses have lifted. Business owners are still mindful of safety precautions like masks and hand sanitizer, but now are faced with other challenges as the pandemic drags on — mostly with supply chain issues and shipping delays. The shortages have caused delays for vendors, retailers and consumers. While the cost of silver and gold had been higher before the pandemic, Davis said that was something they’d already gotten used to, but this year the Jeweler’s Workbench has found it difficult to get small parts, like watch batteries. “We’ve had some trouble getting things and it’s taking longer to get and send items, but I think it’s starting to get better,” he said.

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T Greg and Bonnie Owens sit on Miss Virginia, in front of the window of Wallstreet Books.

The next chapter Wallstreet Books seeks new home BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER iss Virginia stretches unassumingly in the lamplit window of Wallstreet Books. While she used to host bridge once a week at her house in Bethel, she now hosts readers and wanderers in the front window of the used bookstore nestled behind Main Street. She provides comfort and support to all those who step foot in the crowded, creaky old store. This is her home now and has been for a while. But Miss Virginia’s life of ease at Wallstreet Books is no longer assured.

The Wallstreet Books logo was inspired by the ornate curves of Miss Virginia.

locals and tourists will be able to find them — and maintain the spirit of Wallstreet Books exactly as it has been loved and appreciated for the last 27 years. When Greg told one customer of the impending move and the search for a new space, Greg said the man was visibly shaken. “‘I bought a book the other day and I read it’ he said, ‘I know it sounds cliche, but it changed my life. That’s what books do. What if something happens and the community doesn’t have this bookstore?’” Greg recounted. The Owens are doing everything they can to avoid that possibility, to find a new home and transplant as much of the current Wallstreet Books there as possible. If they can find the right place, Miss Virginia will move with them. She will once again adorn some future window, lit with the warmth of holiday decorations. And she will once again comfort readers and wanderers as they peruse Wallstreet Books. “Hopefully when you walk in the new store, you’ll see Miss Virginia by the window,” said Greg. 15

Smoky Mountain News

t’s a chilly, late November night when Greg and Bonnie Owen nestle into Miss Virginia, the Victorian couch adorning the street-facing window of their shop, to talk about what’s at stake. Miss Virginia’s bright green curves and cushions envelop the Owens. Darkness is already creeping around outside though customers, drawn in from the cold by the promise of discovery and holiday decorations, still file in and out of the bellclad front door. A mother and young child stop by to pick out a book — a reward for being so good all day. An upstairs neighbor pops in on his way home for the evening, the mailman drops in as much for conversation as for the stack of packages ready to be mailed out. Two teenage girls peruse the shelves with a familiar awe before leaving empty-handed.

Wallstreet Books has stood at 181 Wall Street for over 27 years — a Main Street staple for locals and tourists alike. A destination of convoluted shelves filled with unique treasures not found among the manicured cases that hold crisp new copies in big-box stores. Greg and Bonnie deal with a much broader array of requests from people. Someone hunting down their grandmother’s recipe in piles of old church cookbooks, another in search of all red books to decorate their shelves, a mom scouring for books that will pique the interest of the child she is trying to teach how to read. “We meet people in all their different seasons of life and what they’re doing,” said Bonnie. “You get to hear everybody’s story and you get to advise them on what you think they should read and just be a part of their everyday lives, and that’s really neat.” Now, that’s all up in the air. The building that is home to Wallstreet Books is changing hands and the new owners have plans of their own. Plans that don’t include a used bookstore. There was never a conversation, just the news that they would have to vacate sooner than later. Bonnie and Greg didn’t mask their anxiety about the situation that evening. Without a new location nailed down, and a request from the building’s new owner to be out by March 1, they are hanging in an uncomfortable limbo with 50,000 books in tow. “We estimate 45,000 to 50,000 books in here. That’s a lot of books. And we have at

ext steps may be uncertain for Wallstreet Books, but Bonnie, Greg and the rest of the shop’s community are sure of their goal. Relocate somewhere downtown — where foot traffic abounds and both

December 1-7, 2021

he Owens’ have owned and operated Wallstreet Books for seven years now. As avid readers they were both regular customers when Richard Roup and Joyce Elam owned the shop. Greg is a language arts teacher, always searching for books for the classroom that can be afforded on a teacher’s salary. He used to tell Roup that if he ever wanted to retire to keep him in mind. “About two years later, they said ‘hey, we want to retire, and you should buy the store,” said Greg. “So we bought it and just sort of learned as we went.” On Bonnie’s first day running the shop, Roup handed her the shoebox from which he made change in the cash-only establishment and a Rolodex he had used to keep up with trade credit. That first day, Sept. 15, 2015, the Owens sold one book. The customer had some trade credit and so they made a grand total of $1.29. “It was kind of traumatic, like ‘wow, $1.29, I don’t know if this is gonna work or not,’” said Greg. They’re making more than that these days, but they still have the Rolodex and the handwritten ledgers of trade credit customers built long before Greg and Bonnie bought the store. The used book business may not seem like a lucrative endeavor, but Wallstreet Books and famous used bookstores around the world have two important things going for them — a profoundly loyal community and an adventurous, destination appeal that goes beyond the need for one’s next read. “It’s definitely had a following over the years. In fact, even now we have families that come in and say, ‘I’m bringing my kids because I came as a child to the bookstore.’ And so it’s become a destination really, for families, two and three times a year when they come up to the mountains,” said Bonnie. “Sometimes this is the first place they stop off, or they’ll leave, and we’ll say see you next year. And so it’s just become tradition for a lot of families to be here.” The Coronavirus Pandemic, devastating for countless people and businesses, was a small bump in the road. If anything, helpful to the used book business. Wallstreet Books did have to close down completely for a few weeks in March and April of 2020. But after a slow reopening, June through December of 2020 was the store’s best year on record, even

with the weeks of no business. Much of Haywood County saw a similar trend. As domestic tourism boomed, the county had its highest-grossing occupancy tax year on record. Now, despite the availability of vaccines and boosters, the pandemic rages on and many businesses are struggling with supply chain shortages. Fortunately, this is something Wallstreet Books doesn’t have to deal with. “We aren’t waiting for shipments of new books to come in from anywhere. So really, if you’re concerned about your gift giving and buying gifts, this is the perfect place,” said Bonnie. The only supply chain issue Wallstreet Books has run into is a shortage of the paper bags the store uses when people purchase books. However, there is never a shortage of the recycled grocery bags employees have been using instead, and these days many customers come with their own reusable tote bags in hand.

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least a hundred bookcases. That’s a lot. When you pack up, one of those boxes might hold 25 or 30 books. So that’s like 2,000 plus boxes, you know?” said Greg. People who work nearby and other members of the community have already offered to help move some of those 2,000-plus boxes of books when the time comes. A sign of support Bonnie and Greg are very grateful for. “We’d like to relocate within the downtown area if we could, just because that’s the personality of the bookstore,” said Bonnie. Regardless of where they end up, it will be the support of the community they have created that will sustain them. “Just like our books, everything about this place is a story, you know? And so this is just going to be the next chapter of our story,” said Bonnie.

“And I think people started shopping earlier this year because they know about the supply chain issues going on, so they’ve been understanding.” Even with these setbacks, retailers are hopeful their online sales will continue to grow to new heights. The survey found that retailers predict ecommerce sales will surpass 2020 levels and grow by 35%. Online sales have also benefited from retailers expanding to offer curbside pickup and/or delivery services. Green Hill Gallery, which used to be Blue Owl Gallery before it moved to the other side of Main Street, carries a majority of items that are produced within a three-hour radius of Waynesville. That means suppliers are local and it’s easier to get new items on the shelves. However, even local artists have had challenges with getting certain materials. Massie said the store sells a lot of local pottery and landscape pictures of Western North Carolina. Artists have had a hard time getting enough clay to make their products. Local artist Doug Cavanah has had a hard time getting the aluminum he uses for his popular panoramic photos sold at the gallery because the cost increased. Many artists have absorbed the additional material cost to keep their prices the same. On a positive note, everything in Green Hill was made in the U.S. if not directly in WNC. Massie said that’s given her business and others a leg-up this holiday season as more people want to spend their money locally on locally made products.

“There are so many more people wanting to shop local and refusing to buy anything overseas right now,” she said. “And 99 percent of what we offer is local.” Retailers also went into the holiday shopping season during a major labor shortage. Not being able to hire enough help for the holidays has forced some small businesses to reduce their operating hours. Many local businesses operate the store with only one or two other employees. The labor shortage has forced some retailers and more restaurants to limit their hours to ensure they aren’t overworking their small staff. “Yeah, if it gets any busier we’ll have to hire another person,” Massie said. Blumer said she felt fortunate to be able to staff Sassafras during the shortage and employs 12 people in a mix of full-time and part-time positions.

FEELING GRATEFUL Local retailers are feeling extremely grateful for their success during such a challenging time. They were grateful more people chose to shop local this season instead of shopping only online or at the larger retailers. “We’re blessed to be where we are, not all towns have been so lucky,” said Miller. With this gratitude also comes a little bit of foreboding joy — that feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. “You just worry about how long it will last,” Miller said. “Is this the new normal or will it go back to the way it was? Is this sustainable growth?”

Robin Blu in Hazelwood and Waynesville help promote Small Business Season to support local retailers. Donated photo These are hard questions to answer right now. Coming out of 2020, tourism predictions said our small mountain towns probably shouldn’t expect the same tourist influx once people could travel abroad once again, but that’s not what anyone has experienced this year. For now, retailers are appreciative of locals and tourists alike who keep them going all year long. “We’re still so dependent on our seasonal events to bring people in, but we also want to

pull more locals in so they know going to Asheville or Amazon are not their only options,” Massie said. “I really think Waynesville is on the cusp of really becoming a destination. I just expect it to get better and better,” Blumer said. “We’re just thankful to be part of it.” A customer leaving Affairs of the Heart wished Miller and Roseann well until next time. “I hope y’all get some rest after your busy weekend,” he said. “We can sleep in January,” Miller said.

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December 1-7, 2021

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BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER arris Regional Hospital, Swain Community Hospital and Haywood Regional Medical Center, all owned by Duke LifePoint, will require the COVID19 vaccine for all employees. The new mandate is in compliance with a set of two guidelines released by the White House Nov. 4. One is that employers with 100 or more employees will ensure employees are vaccinated or are tested regularly. The other is that healthcare workers at facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid are fully vaccinated. “Haywood Regional Medical Center fully supports the federal vaccine requirement, as we know that the COVID-19 vaccine is our best defense against this virus and getting vaccinated supports our mis-

a covered facility that receives federal funding from Medicare or Medicaid. It also includes individuals who provide treatment or other services for the facility under contract or other arrangements. Employees are required to have received either the single-dose vaccine or the first dose in a two-dose series by Dec. 6. Those opting for the two-dose vaccines must have received the second dose by Jan. 4. According to the new rules in place, employees will not have the option to choose testing over getting vaccinated or providing an appropriately documented medical or religious exemption. Those not in compliance with the deadlines will be placed on unpaid administrative leave and non-compliance will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. There may be rare instances of excep-

• • • •

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Duke LifePoint hospitals WAYNESVILLE TIRE, INC. implement vaccine mandate • Tires Brakes Alignment Road Service Tractor Tires Authorized Motor Fleet Management Maintenance

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December 1-7, 2021

“As we know that the COVID-19 vaccine is our best defense against this virus and getting vaccinated supports our mission of Making Communities Healthier.” — HRMC spokesperson Lindsey Solomon

tions for staff members who have a medical condition or religious reason not to get vaccinated. However, those employees are required to submit appropriate exemption documentation to the human resources department. According to hospital administration, the majority of staff members are already vaccinated. According to information from the White House, vaccination requirements have increased vaccination rates by more than 20 percentage points — to over 90 percent — across a wide range of businesses and organizations.

Smoky Mountain News

sion of Making Communities Healthier,” said HRMC spokesperson Lindsey Solomon. “We are committed to fulfilling all of our regulatory and compliance obligations and are working diligently to ensure our team is compliant by the January 4, 2022 deadline.” According to the guidelines, the rule applies to more than 17 million workers at approximately 76,000 health care facilities, including hospitals and long-term care facilities. The rule applies to employees regardless of whether their positions are clinical or non-clinical and includes employees, students, trainees and volunteers who work at

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Macon County Schools offers staff retention bonuses BY HANNAH MCLEOD STAFF WRITER ast week the Macon County School Board approved the use of ESSER funds to give recurring $1,500 bonuses to all full-time employees and $750 to all part-time employees for the coming three years. The first payment will be given out on the December payroll. “I hope that serves as a gesture of our appreciation to every single one of our staff,” said School Board Chairman Jim Breedlove. “Every single one is essential to the operation of this system. I hope that’s what this conveys to them, our appreciation for them.” The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund provided federal money to State Learning Agencies in order to provide Local Education Agencies with emergency relief funds to address the impact that COVID-19 has had and continues to have on elementary and secondary schools across the nation. In May, Macon County Schools and Open Way Learning conducted a survey to determine what teachers, parents and students wanted to prioritize in the school system. The top five priorities were hands-on, experiential, outdoor learning; more art, music and extracurriculars; more and enhanced science and STEM; less testing; and more fun and engagement. Many of these priorities are addressed in the allocation of ESSER funds in Macon County.

Smoky Mountain News

December 1-7, 2021

“As we were looking down the barrel of COVID and trying to prepare our teachers and pivot so quickly, the PD [professional development] that we were able to put together just for remote learning was very impactful, it was very significant and it was very cost effective. So we have resources within the county so far, just with our capacity that we can really do high quality PD,” said Associate Superintendent Josh Lynch. Macon County Schools allocated $500,000 for staff development, which will improve STEM education and address mental health needs. “The mental health needs were areas that were top priorities throughout each of those subgroups, and we have been able to fill six of those throughout the district utilizing the ESSER funds. That could not have come at a more poignant time not only for our students, but also for our teachers as well. I feel like we are being really good stewards of the funding and will continue to do so,” said Lynch. Those six mental health professional positions are part of the $1.7 million in ESSER funds used for additional staffing needs. In

addition to the mental health positions, MCS has also hired an art teacher, a music teacher, two STEM teachers, one teacher’s assistant, one English language learner teacher, one English language learner assistant, one EC teacher, one EC teacher assistant, three nurses and provided half the salary for the principal of a virtual academy. Other than the $4.5 million being used for staff retention, the largest chunk of ESSER funds, $3.75 million, will go toward the sixclassroom addition at East Franklin Elementary School. The amount is a projection for costs, based on the six-classroom addition at South Macon Elementary which,

according to Superintendent Dr. Chris Baldwin, cost almost $3 million. At the Nov. 22 meeting, the board approved a motion directing Baldwin to begin the Request for Quote process for the expansion at East Franklin Elementary School. The school system will use $2,130,355 to address learning loss, required by the state as part of receiving ESSER funds. Another $750,000 will be used to fix the HVAC system at Iotla Valley; $1.5 million will be used for technology needs within the schools. “One of the major impacts of COVID-19, one of the things that we’re most concerned about is early childhood literacy,” said Baldwin. “The new State Superintendent Catherine Truitt has emphasized that very thing, and the state is now putting a lot of money towards early childhood literacy, particularly with regard to what’s called ‘The Science of Reading,’ so that’s sort of shifting some of our need away from that literacy component and now the state is going to be using a lot of their ESSER money to address that need so we can shift some of our money to other areas.”

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Libertarian candidate offers voters a third way in NC-14 BY CORY VAILLANCOURT POLITICS E DITOR ibertarian David Coatney entered the race for North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District long before Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-Henderson) announced his intention to run in the newly-penned 13th District on Nov. 11. A lot has changed since then, but not Coatney’s desire to give voters a third option — outside of the typical American two-party dynamic. “I want to present people with another choice. I believe we can’t continue to sit on the sidelines, doing the same thing we’ve always done and expect it will magically get better,” he said. “At the end of the day, until we stop seeing each other as Democrats or Republicans, we can never be part of the solution because when you represent a team you no longer represent the people.” Founded in the early 1970s, the Libertarian Party is probably the most longstanding third party in American politics and recently gained its first member of Congress back in 2019, when Michigan Republican Justin Amash changed his party affiliation. Amash didn’t run for re-election in 2020. More than 350 Libertarians still hold office across the United States. North Carolina’s State Board of Elections reports that as of Nov. 27, more than 47,000 people had registered as Libertarians, compared to 2.5 million Democrats, 2.5 million unaffiliated and 2.1 million Republicans. Coatney holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a master’s degree in multimedia communications. He started a video production company, which evolved into a full-service advertising agency but now focuses on web design and search engine optimization. A native of Arkansas, he’s only been in the area for about a year, after a previous stint living in Western North Carolina. “We spent 10 years on the road traveling across all 50 states,” Coatney said. “We’ve lived in a half dozen different states and this was the one area that always felt like home. We knew when we were going to settle down and finally plant roots, this was where we were going to come back to.” The field in the NC-14 race has shuffled significantly since Cawthorn’s move, but Coatney remains the only Libertarian so far. Five Republicans (with the recent announcement of Henderson Republican Sen. Chuck Edwards) and six Democrats have also committed.

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The Smoky Mountain News: Unfortunately for Libertarians, rather than being able to go out there with that brand

name of Republican or Democrat where people know what they’re going to get, you all have to spend a good amount of time explaining what the party believes, right out of the gate. Tell me what your party stands for in 30 seconds. David Coatney: We support the rights and freedoms of all individuals, whether you personally agree with them or not. We’re often described as fiscally conservative and socially liberal, but our platforms are really consistent. We believe prohibition doesn’t work. For example, whether that’s drug policy, whether it’s gun rights, any number of issues, as a general rule of thumb, we support your right to live your life in the manner of your choosing and nobody else’s. That isn’t the government’s job and it’s nobody else’s job to dictate to you. SMN: So recreational cannabis should be legal. DC: Correct. SMN: Same-sex marriage legal. DC: Correct. SMN: One of the things I’ve watched during the pandemic is the Libertarian Party’s stance against mask mandates and vaccination mandates. DC: Let me start here. I’ve been vaccinated. I keep a mask on me. I’m happy to encourage these things, but I believe in encouraging them through education and not legislation. Ultimately infringing upon someone’s bodily autonomy sets a very dangerous precedent for the rights and liberties of individuals. I also believe that these are conversations you should be having with your doctor, not some politician. Educating people about vaccines is great, but when you say you’re going to use coercion or force to make people do something, it sets a very dangerous precedent. I mean, that’s what they do in dictatorships. SMN: What other social issues that we debate in the two-party system make you say, “Hey, we don’t think the government belongs here.” DC: Obviously you have LGBTQ rights, you have the abortion issue, other issues over bodily autonomy. Right now, with [mask and vaccine] mandates, we support your bodily autonomy in all situations, and whether that sides with the Democrats or the Republicans is completely irrelevant to us. It goes back to the false dichotomy of the two-party system as well, because when you look at the issues on the surface, what does the corporate tax rate have to do with

David Coatney is thus far the only Libertarian in the NC-14 race. Donated photo same-sex marriage? Absolutely nothing. There is this fallacy in this idea out there that if you sit in the middle, you inherently compromise your values and it’s not true at all. We understand that you can support same-sex marriage and also support a lower tax on business. We’re not so much fiscally conservative and socially liberal as much as we are fiscally and socially Libertarian. We support liberty for all individuals. SMN: So what does the phrase “common sense gun reform” mean to a Libertarian? Strengthening red flag laws, for example. DC: The lines drawn for red flag laws are blurry and gray and can be used to justify seizing guns for any number of reasons, which would be unconstitutional. We do not support red flag laws. We believe the best thing you can do to protect innocent, peaceful people is to not disarm innocent, peaceful people.

SMN: Similar issue, rural broadband. The free market has not provided the solution and some would argue that’s when governments should step in and act. DC: That’s something we’re looking into. I’m not an expert on this issue, so I wouldn’t want to jump to conclusions too hastily without doing more research into that particular issue but I think that if the private sector hasn’t been able to create the solution up until this point, the government’s not going to come in and be able to magically fix it either. I believe, given enough time, the private sector will innovate to meet those demands. SMN: But, how long can we wait? We’ve had multiple reports of families sitting in parking lots at McDonald’s so the kids can do their homework. Ideally, yeah, it’d be great if there was no government interference in that market, but right now people are suffering. How

“There is this fallacy in this idea out there that if you sit in the middle, you inherently compromise your values and it’s not true at all. We understand that you can support same-sex marriage and also support a lower tax on business. We’re not so much fiscally conservative and socially liberal as much as we are fiscally and socially Libertarian. We support liberty for all individuals.” schools tend to have children with higher test scores, FedEx and UPS consistently operate in the black — the most economically viable and innovative ideas and energy come from the private sector and are usually blocked by politicians that know little to nothing about that industry.

SMN: When you look at the Constitution strictly, a lot of the spending that our government engages in is not directly called for in the Constitution. If you’re elected or if Libertarians can gain a sizeable voice in Congress, what is the plan for tamping

SMN: One of the tropes that Libertarians get torpedoed with all the time is that when we’re talking about bodily autonomy and we talk about say recreational marijuana, then why not recreational crack cocaine? Should there be a limit? What’s to say that your kid smokes weed and they’re a good kid and it’s not a problem, but then they go down the street and buy a bag of legal heroin? DC: I support decriminalizing all drugs in a way that’s very similar to the Portugal model. Portugal decriminalized all drugs. They had a drug crisis in their country and it seemed like a really radical concept — except it worked within a decade. Their drug overdose rate fell 90% because they started treating them like a patient, and not a criminal. They set up a commission for the dissuasion of drug addiction, which functions basically the same as an arbitration committee. You have a psychiatrist and attorney and a social worker whose job then is to oversee each individual case, treat them more like a patient and they can then recommend admittance to a drug rehabilitation facility. They’ve seen tremendous success with that. When we look at what we’re doing by increasing incarceration and arrest, there’s an arrest coming every 23 seconds. And yet, despite all the efforts that we’re putting into the war on drugs, consumption has increased, not decreased. Drugs have won the war on drugs, so I think it’s time we try something different. If you decriminalize all drugs, you destroy the revenue streams for organized crime that have an incentive to recruit more members as a result. There’ll be less people out on the streets pushing this stuff. I believe you would actually see a decrease in consumption, not an increase.

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SMN: In some ways, Libertarian philosophy is fairly close to conservative, Republican philosophy. Looking at the types of people who are going to vote for you in this race, if you weren’t there, they’d probably vote Republican. How do you reconcile with the assumption that Libertarians sometimes help Democrats get elected? DC: I don’t know that that’s necessarily the case. I think the evidence has shown that the Libertarians’ largest demographic in terms of support comes from independents who are disaffected by the two-party system to begin with, and other Libertarians. Do we pull some votes from Democrats and Republicans? Yes, absolutely. I think we have positions that align equally with both parties.

SMN: The U.S. Department of Education is one of those not explicitly authorized in the Constitution and usually education is a state or county’s single biggest expense. What’s the Libertarian position there? DC: We believe education should be localized. I believe in local control. That’s not something that should be decided by a federal department. I also support the right of parents to choose their children’s education, whether they want to homeschool or take their children to a neighboring district, because it aligns more with a particular objective that they feel benefits their family.

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— David Coatney

down spending that’s not explicitly authorized in the Constitution? DC: You have to tackle that one issue at a time. I don’t support throwing a bunch of items into one bill that’s labeled as something completely different that has nothing to do with that topic, which is what many of our politicians are doing right now. As a fiscal conservative, I support reducing our spending, getting our national debt a little bit more under control. Our national debtto-GDP ratio has grown exponentially in recent years. We’re going to have to look at each particular issue and fight that battle one at a time to get our spending more in control.

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do you justify letting the private sector handle it? Because they haven’t handled it. DC: I haven’t seen any evidence to this point where the government would be able to provide a quicker solution to that problem. It’s unfortunate, but if I could see a practical solution to solving that within a reasonable timeframe, I would absolutely be willing to consider that as a viable alternative. When I look at the history of the private sector, outperforming government in almost every facet of society — private

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State budget funds all WCU requests BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER estern Carolina University leaders are celebrating passage of a state budget bill that funds every item on the university’s legislative agenda, including raises for faculty and staff and $35.5 million to renovate Moore Building, the oldest building on WCU’s campus. “Western Carolina University is well served and very grateful for this budget, which allows us to address critical infrastructure needs and to fairly compensate our faculty and staff who have done tremendous work throughout the enormously challenging circumstances of the past 18 months,” said Chancellor Kelli Brown. In a July campus tour with University of North Carolina System President Peter Hans, university leaders dubbed Moore Building “the new steam plant,” meaning that its needs represented a large but vital budget ask and they expected to be making noise about that request until the funding finally came through. In the case of the steam plant, the university had to lobby for years before the legislature approved a budget in 2018 funding the first half of the $33 million replacement effort. That project is now underway, with the new plant expected to open next November. Meanwhile, the new state budget includes enough funding to cover the total estimated cost of renovating Moore, first built in 1924. It

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originally served as a women’s dormitory, then as a campus dining hall, and it most recently housed the university’s health and human sciences program. It’s been vacant since that program moved to the new Health and Human Sciences Building on Little Savannah Road in 2012. After the renovation, Moore will host classrooms, offices and academic programs including the Criminal Justice Department and the English Department, said Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Mike Byers. The $35.5 million estimate includes “contingencies for moderate inflation and unexpected circumstances,” he said. There is not yet a definitive schedule for the project, but typically undertakings of that scale require a year to design and 18-24 months to construct, which would put the opening for the renovated Moore Building in the second half of 2024. Moore Building is the largest WCU infrastructure project funded in the budget, but not the only one. The budget includes $12 million for projects across campus, including HVAC upgrades and window replacements in Killian Building, roof replacements at the Reid, Facilities Management and H.F. Robinson buildings, campus-wide upgrades to the fire alarm system and egress lighting, structural repairs to the Highlands Biological Station and more. It also provides $3 million in recurring funding to support operations and maintenance at the recently completed Apodaca Science Building.

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Additionally, the new budget funds university needs related to staffing and revenue. “We are thankful for the value this budget places on the university,” said Byers. “North Carolina has a history of investing in higher education, and this budget takes great strides in fully funding enrollment growth and taking a big bite out of our backlog of maintenance needs.” All university employees will receive a 5% raise spread across the two-year time span the budget addresses, a much-needed boost that university leaders hope will assist with recruiting and retaining qualified people — an increasingly difficult task as salaries have stagnated amid a rising cost of living. An initial 2.5% raise will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022, with an additional 2.5% on July 1. Faculty and staff will also receive back pay for these raises covering the six months from July 1 to Dec. 31, with all permanent, fulltime employees receiving additional bonuses as well. Faculty and staff making $75,000 or less will receive $1,500, and those making more than $75,000 will get $1,000. On the revenue side, the budget includes two provisions vital to WCU’s financial future. The UNC System will receive $70 million in recurring funding to support enrollment growth, with WCU’s portion of that pot determined based on a funding formula to be created as an addition to the university’s base budget.

The budget also includes full, recurring funding for the N.C. Promise Tuition Program, which allows North Carolina residents to enroll in undergraduate programs at participating universities for just $500 in tuition per semester — plus any applicable fees. Non-residents pay $2,500 per semester under the program. N.C. Promise is funded at $66 million for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and $82.5 million for fiscal year 2022-23 — up from $51 million in the 2018 budget — with funds going to WCU, Elizabeth City State University and UNC Pembroke. The higher figure in the 2022-23 fiscal year is mainly due to the budget bill adding Fayetteville State University to the program, starting in the next fiscal year. The funding will allow university leaders to breathe a sigh of relief after holding it for years since the program launched in 2018 — the same year that the state legislature last passed a full budget. As the N.C. Promise program matured, so did its funding requirements. The new budget provides recurring funding to meet those needs for the future. The budget is “a remarkable start on a new era in which we will lift up our faculty and staff, broaden our educational reach, revamp our campus facilities and make education more affordable to more North Carolinians,” said Hans. “All our budget priorities — and more — were met with this historic legislation.”

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A photo from October 2020 shows the bulge that earth movement from the uphill slope failure has created at the entrance to Bryson Park. NCGS photo

State budget funds might cover Allen Street repairs

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$250,000 apiece from contingency funds controlled by the N.C. House, N.C. Senate and N.C. Secretary of Transportation to help foot the bill, but Dowling has not yet received a response to those requests. It’s unclear, said Dowling, whether the town can use the $3 million appropriated for playground repairs to help fix Allen Street or if the legislature will have to pass a technical correction to its budget bill so that money can be used for both of the related projects. The Bryson Park aspect, said Dowling, would include repairing the slope failure with drains and soil nails, grading and paving the entrance and parking area, repairing the restrooms and replacing the existing playground equipment, which has been in use for more than 15 years. A separate line item in the budget provides the town $250,000 for a public restroom, an amenity the board has desired to add for years spanning multiple terms and changes in membership. That money should cover the cost of constructing the bathroom, said Dowling, but the location is still in question. The board has discussed building the bathroom at the former depot site, which would allow access for both downtown customers and visitors to Bridge Park. However, that property is owned by the railroad, so placing the restroom there would require a lease agreement. Board members have also suggested placing it at Bridge Park or on Spring Street. “Sylva has needed a public restroom for a long time, so we would hope to get this started soon,” said Dowling. “Every year, the town board adds a public restroom to our budget ‘wants’ list. Every year, there is never enough money to fund this. Having a public restroom in Sylva’s downtown will be an asset for businesses, citizens and tourists.”

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BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ore than $3 million in the recently enacted state budget will help Sylva reopen Bryson Park, install long-discussed public bathrooms downtown and possibly assist with the expensive repairs the town faces on Allen Street. “We are very grateful to Senator Corbin and Representative Clampitt for their help during this budget process,” said Town Manager Paige Dowling. “Appropriations in this budget fund needs the Town of Sylva has had for a very long time.” The budget includes $3 million for a line item titled “Town of Sylva Playground Equipment,” a sum equal to more than 60% of the town’s total budget for the year. However, Dowling is still seeking clarification on how that money can be used. The playground in question is Bryson Park, a small city park located along Chipper Curve Road at the base of a steep slope. That slope has failed, pushing mud, rocks and water into the park; causing pavement at the entrance and parking lot to buckle; and possibly resulting in water damage to the restrooms located on the slope side of the park. The park has been closed for more than a year, first because of the pandemic and then because of the slope failure. “As everything has opened up, it is our wish to repair and reopen Bryson Park,” Dowling said. “It is used by the minority community in which it is located, and also by the rest of Sylva.” But before the town can start fixing Bryson Park, it has to repair Allen Street, which runs along the failed slope above the park. A section of that road has been closed since April 2020, and an estimate delivered in August predicted it would cost $2 million to fix — a sum well outside the town’s financial reach. In June, the town requested

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New tele-health services Haywood Regional Medical Center is now offering teleNeurology and telepsychiatry services in partnership with SOC Telemed. The partnership enables HRMC to access time-sensitive neurological and acute psychiatric expertise whenever and wherever it is needed. “Our new emergency teleNeurology program will cover neurological emergencies throughout the hospital, including acute stroke. While stroke may be the most familiar reason for emergency teleNeurology, this technology allows for experienced neurologists to support hospital efforts with rapid response, real-time engagement on a variety of neurologic issues, both urgent and nonMichaela Curry, RN, (left) and Lisa urgent,” said Susan Mahoney, CNO at HRMC. “Likewise, our Kilby, CAN/Unit Secretary at new emergency telePsychiatry Haywood Regional Medical Center. service provides experienced specialists for all psychiatric diagnoses, from those psychiatry patients presenting in the emergency department to new and emerging psychiatric care needs anywhere in the hospital.”

The New Generations Birthing Center at Harris Regional Hospital will host the annual Santa Event from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Harris Medical Park, 98 Doctors Drive, Sylva. Join Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital at the Drive-Thru Christmas celebration with seasonal goodies, food, gifts and photos with Santa. For everyone’s safety and per CDC guidelines, masks will be required at the Drive-Thru Christmas celebration. In addition, an optional free COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be available onsite for both adults and children. The COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be separate from the Drive-Thru Christmas celebration.

shared her appreciation for one specific painting. The adoration of the painting prompted swift action from the Harris Regional Cancer Center staff. The care team reached out to the artist of the painting, and as a result, the WCU art student offered to gift the painting to the cancer patient. The Harris Regional Cancer Center staff and the art student worked together to surprise the cancer patient with a phenomenal piece of artwork. The patient was incredibly surprised and moved by the kind gesture. Days after receiving the painting, and being overcome with emotion, the patient was informed that she is officially cancer-free. If you are a smoker or a former smoker, and between the ages of 50 and 80, you may qualify or be eligible for a lung cancer screening exam. Take our lung cancer risk assessment at myharrisregional.com/lung.

WCU artist gifts artwork to cancer patient

Wound practitioner now at Harris

The Harris Regional Cancer Center proudly partners with the Western Carolina University School of Art and Design to display beautiful student artwork. While visiting the Cancer Center, patients often admire the alluring nature of each carefully crafted image. For some patients, the artwork elicits joy and wonder in a time of hardship. A patient of the Cancer Center was diagnosed with lung cancer and frequently visited for radiation treatment. While receiving treatment, she

Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently welcomed board-certified Wound Practitioner Deborah Howard to Harris Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center. Howard will serve Jackson, Swain, Graham, and Macon counties and the surrounding region. She specializes in acute and chronic wound management, including the integration with local providers in nutrition, diabetes, and vascular care. Howard completed her nursing degree at

Santa to visit Harris Regional Hospital

Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. Since then, she has held multiple leadership roles and traveled around the world to hone certain aspects of her craft. Most recently, Howard acted as the medical director and lead provider for Tennessee and Mississippi for Wound Care Providers of America. Harris Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center is located at 37 Medical Park Loop, Suite 100, Sylva. For more information, visit the call 828.586.7910 or visit healogics.com/find-wound-care-center.

HRMC welcomes spine care doctor Haywood Regional Medical Center recently welcomed Dr. Brian Haycook to its staff. Haycook will be offering spine care to patients throughout Haywood County and beyond. His specialties include treatment of spinal disorders, minimally invasive spine surgery for lumbar fusion and disc herniations, cervical disc replacement surgery, fractures of the spine, sacroiliac joint fusion surgery, and adult reconstructive surgery. Haycook joins HRMC from an orthopedic practice in St. Augustine, Florida. Previously, he received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Miami School of Medicine in Miami. He also completed an orthopedic residency within the Greenville Hospital System in Greenville, South Carolina, and a spine surgery fellowship at OrthoIndy in Indianapolis, Indiana. Haycook is now seeing patients at Mountain Spine Care. Appointments may be made by calling 828.452.8378.

Health care with record-low premiums Pisgah Legal Service’s Health Justice program can help people in Western North Carolina sign up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance, and access new savings. The HealthCare.gov Marketplace’s Open Enrollment Period is now, when people throughout WNC, and the country, can sign up for quality, affordable health insurance for 2022, but they must act before the Jan. 15 deadline. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, people are seeing significantly reduced monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs. During the Special Open Enrollment Period that just ended in August of this year, 2.8 million people took advantage of these new savings with more than half of them finding plans for $10 or less/month. Trained navigators are ready to help local people for free who would like help reviewing the plans and signing up. Make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call 828.210.3404.

Messina joins HRMC Haywood Regional Medical Center recently welcomed Dr. Elena Messina to its staff. Messina will be offering family medicine care to patients throughout Haywood County and beyond. Her specialties include annual, school and

sports physicals, hypertension, chronic and acute illnesses, immunizations and vaccines, minor conditions and injuries, diabetes, well woman care and mental health. Messina recently completed a residency through Shenandoah Valley Family Medicine Program at Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia. Messina is now seeing patients at Waynesville Family Practice. Appointments may be made by calling 828.456.3511.

Harris, Swain hospitals hires new NP Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital recently welcomed Leah Seiger, a nurse practitioner, to Harris Pulmonary and Sleep Center where she will provide pulmonary services to patients from Jackson, Swain, Macon, and Graham counties and the surrounding region. Seiger specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic and acute conditions of the respiratory tract, as well as sleep-disordered breathing. Seiger holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Texas A & M University. She is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) and a nurse practitioner certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. Most recently, Seiger cared for patients as a nurse practitioner at South Texas Pulmonary and Critical Care Associates, following service at a diabetes and cardiovascular clinic in Rockport, Texas. Seiger takes a holistic approach to caring for her patients. “I pursued a career in nursing due to my desire to enable vulnerable populations to receive access to quality healthcare,” Seiger said. “I am passionate about nursing because of the rewarding experiences it offers and the opportunities to learn something new every day.” Appointments can be made by calling 828.586.7994 or by visiting myharrisregional.com/schedule.

Pankonin joins Haywood Regional Haywood Regional Medical Center recently welcomed Dr. Mark Pankonin to its staff. Pankonin will be offering services in gastroenterology to patients throughout Haywood County and beyond. His specialties include endoscopy procedures, ulcerative colitis, chronic heartburn, Crohn’s disease, colonoscopy procedures, and liver and digestive diseases. Pankonin comes to us from Covenant Hospital in Saginaw, Michigan. He trained as a Jackson Gastroenterology Fellow at the University of Miami and completed his internship at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta. Previously, he earned his MD/Ph.D. from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. He is now seeing patients at his office at Mountain Medical Associates. Appointments may be made by calling 828.452.0331.

Opinion Disgraceful redistricting commonplace in N.C. 26

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BY GARY ST. ARNAULD G UEST COLUMNIST North Carolina’s General Assembly has a long and not so honorable history of creating legislative maps that have been consistently struck down by federal and N.C. courts. This year, maps for N.C. congressional districts, state Senate districts and state House districts were drawn again as they are every 10 years due to U.S. Census data, or when the courts order new maps. Indeed, N.C. has drawn more litigation over this issue than any other state over the past 10 years. One would think that the Republican legislators who control the map making process would have been embarrassed by their past behavior and the millions of taxpayer dollars they have spent defending their work only to have the courts declare that their maps are illegal. One would think — if they didn’t already know that the Republicans in the General Assembly are either very slow learners and/or they just don’t care about fairness. Or as is said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” After months of work and public hearings, the General Assembly passed maps for Congress, state Senate and state House. The maps passed along strictly party lines — not one Republican voted against the maps and not one Democrat voted for the maps. And Gov. Cooper cannot veto these maps because only N.J. and N.C. do not allow the governor to veto redistricting maps. How convenient! As one of the commenters said during the recent redistricting hearing at Western Carolina University, “Let’s call this what it is. Political corruption, pure and simple.” And that was before the maps were drawn. The only way to challenge these maps is through the courts. Already, the NAACP, Common Cause and several voters have filed suits, challenging the legality of the maps. And noted Democratic election attorney Marc Elias and former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder are filing suits. Elias won lawsuits challenging prior N.C. redistricting plans in both fed-

Thankful we passed infrastructure bill To the Editor: In the spirit of Thanksgiving and the coming holidays, I’m writing to express my gratitude to Senators Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and Richard Burr, R-N.C., and all the Democratic lawmakers for voting in favor of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act President Joe Biden signed into law on November 15 . The following is a partial list of how North Carolina can benefit from the legislation over the next five years: • About $457 million is expected for bridge replacement and repairs • About $910 million to improve public transportation • At least $100 million to expand broadband across the state • More than $1 billion to improve water infrastructure and eliminate lead service lines and pipes According to a 2020 Federal Highway Administration Report, 1,460 bridges and over 3,116 miles of highway in N.C. are in poor condition.

eral and local courts. Following the passing of the 2021 maps, he said that “N.C. Republicans are persistent and shameless,” and he intends to beat them again. Why are these suits needed? N.C. is as close to being a 50/50 (Democratic/Republican) state as any state in the country. In the 2020 elections, Democratic congressional candidates received more than 50% of the votes while winning only three of 13 N.C. congressional seats. The maps which just passed don’t even pretend to be fair, giving Republicans a 10-4 or an 11-3 advantage in the 2022 Congressional races. The maps for state Senate and state House are just as skewed, giving Republicans a likely veto-proof majority in the General Assembly again following the 2022 election. And the new maps clearly make our Black, Latino and Native American representatives underdogs for reelection. How convenient! Many election experts have weighed in on our new maps. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project evaluates election maps across the country and has given the N.C. General Assembly an “F” for their maps. They simulated a million possible maps for N.C. and only the outliers showed anything close to the maps which we ended up with. Our General Assembly really had to work hard to come up with maps as unfair as these. North Carolina will be adding another congressperson due to our population growth over the past decade. Here in WNC, we have been in District 11. In 2022 we will be in District 14, which will include Watauga County (Boone) and move three counties — McDowell, Rutherford and Polk — to District 13. President Biden carried Watauga County in 2020. However, Virginia Fox has been the congressperson from that area since 2004. So, I’ll bet you think that Ms. Fox will have to run for reelection in the 2022 primary against our own Madison Cawthorn. Well, of course, you’d be wrong because our General Assembly carved out Ms. Fox’s home precinct in Watauga County and placed it in the new District 11. Watauga County is the only county in the state where a teeny,

LETTERS It’s estimated that North Carolinians who use public transit spend an additional 59.9% of their time commuting and non-White households are 3.4 times more likely to commute using public transportation. For these reasons, investments must be made in buses, commuter rail and other modes of transit that cut emissions and improve economic opportunity for residents who must depend on public transit. At least 424,000 North Carolina residents who lack internet access could receive it and more than 30% of state residents will be eligible for a benefit to help low-income families gain access. A total of 19 Republican senators and 13 Republican House members voted for the bill. Following his vote, Sen. Tillis stated, “The bipartisan infrastructure bill is a big win for all North Carolinians, funding infrastructure projects and creating good-paying jobs without raising taxes. I worked hard to ensure this package improves North Carolina’s roads, highways and bridges , as well as major funding for clean water. I’m proud we could get this important legislation signed into law.” After signing the bill, President Biden said,

tiny slice was moved to favor an incumbent congressperson. Again, how convenient! This makes Madison Cawthorn’s race more competitive. So, what has he done? He jumped ship and will now run in the newly created District 13 as he feels he has a better chance of winning there than in our district. So, before he has completed even half of his first term, he is writing off most of the present District 11 and focusing his time on running in his new district. To paraphrase the old Irish Ballad “Maddie, we hardly knew ye.” But we’re used to that. After all, former Congressman Mark Meadows left District 11 without representation for 10 months when he left his job to become White House Chief of Staff. So, where do we go from here? Well, it’s up to the courts. At least two possibilities: We will have to run the 2022 elections with these new maps because there is not enough time to redraw them before the end of the candidate filing period of December 6-17 and our March 8 primary election. If new maps are mandated by the courts, those maps will be drawn after the 2022 election. The court(s) will order N.C. to move the candidate filing period and the March primary to allow time for new maps to be drawn. The N.C. primary elections have often been in May, so that is a possible solution. But this would have to happen very fast. It’s hard to believe that this is where we have landed. This type of thing is going on in many states controlled by both Democrats and Republicans. It is a major reason that we can’t have competitive elections, and look what we end up with. With all the talk about secure elections, this is the situation which should be getting the most attention. When we allow partisan hacks to make all the rules, this is what we get. Is it any wonder why so many people have lost interest in politics and why our political bodies have such low approval ratings? Our democracy is at stake if we don’t get this fixed soon. Gary St. Arnauld lives in Franklin. jgsainta@dnet.ne

“I ran for president because the only way to move this country forward, in my view, is through compromise and consensus.” We should all thank him for delivering on his promise to work earnestly with Congress to find common ground. Myrna Campbell Waynesville

You can’t un-develop land To the Editor: I grew up in what used to be a small town in New Jersey. Everything was peaceful and had plenty of open land with farms spread out amongst Cape Cod housing developments, population around 10,000. It was beautiful land considered rural until the 1960s when certain kind of politicians who thought progress meant more homes (bigger of course) to bring more people, which in turn needed more schools and stores. We had a mayor in 1968 who said he wanted our town to have every kind of store and restaurant so anyone who came here would not leave here empty-handed. In the 1970s we grew again with condos,

townhouses and apartments, which hold more people per square foot. All of this growth went unchecked and created more traffic, which needed expanded roads than the one highway that went through the center of town. My small town now has a population bigger than all of Haywood County. I moved here because it is so beautiful that I feel like I am living back 50 years ago with peace and quiet. This is a lesson for you, Waynesville, when you let so-called housing developments go unchecked, like the Palisades in Plott Creek, the Bi-Lo site, the Frog Level project, the 115-home subdivision off Raccoon Road, and now the Haven on Howell Mill Road. All of the developments are out of the lowincome price range. You will become a bedroom community where those complexes are filled with people who live here but work elsewhere. If the Waynesville Planning Board doesn’t get smart and stop being outfoxed by these developers, this county will be changed from a beautiful rural county with four quaint towns to a traffic nightmare needing more schools and expanding roads and infrastructure. Cataloochee Resort tried to take over Jonathan Valley and we got them to back out. I saw this movie before and it

A unique kind of holiday

won’t end pretty for you either. The Waynesville Planning Board needs a lesson in saturation. Don’t think all this open land is here for these developers to build and

ruin. When all the open, beautiful land is gone, you can’t get it back. Michele Strubeck Johnathan Creek

Susanna Shetley

Smoky Mountain News

researching for a novel and running a Turkey Trot in Calabash, we mostly wanted to create new memories on the years we don’t have our kids. Divorce is hard on everyone. Our kids are happy no matter which parent they’re with, but for us parents, it’s hard to sit at home on a holiday and not have a gaggle of kids running around. Our time at the beach was wonderful and refreshing. We cooked elaborate meals made with fresh, local fish. We even made a small Thanksgiving feast for just the two of us and capped it off with a good bottle of red wine, dark chocolate and multiple rounds of gin rummy. In the mornings we enjoyed coffee on the balcony and walked miles and miles on the beach, even journeying over to nearby Bird Island to find the Kindred Spirit mailbox. If you’ve never heard of this mailbox, it’s featured in the Nicholas Sparks novel “Every Breath,” but its actual story is even more intriguing. A man named Frank Nesmith and his former girlfriend, Claudia Sailor, created the Kindred Spirit mailbox 35 years ago with the hope that people would leave notes, thoughts and letters in journals inside the mailbox. On Saturday, we woke up to watch the sunrise then headed to Sunset Beach to walk the 1.5 miles along the sand to the special spot where the mailbox is located, wanting to get there early to avoid a crowd. We sat in the quiet for a while, writing our own notes in the journals and reading those of others. People wrote of joy, sorrow, triumphs, guilt, dreams achieved and dreams lost. There were hundreds of passages merely from the month of November. The “keepers of the mailbox” check on the site every few days to switch out the notebooks. Surprisingly, we were the only two people at the mailbox when we visited, which made our experience even more special. This was my first non-summer beach trip in decades and the first time I’d been to the beach around Thanksgiving. Matthew and I agreed it’s something we want to do again. Although traditions are meaningful and comforting, new experiences are also important and memorable. The holidays can be merry and bright, but they can also be full of anguish for those missing people they love. Whether it’s happiness or sadness, this time of year tends to magnify all emotions. As we enter into the crux of the Christmas season, keep the folks with empty chairs in your minds and hearts. What’s a joyful time for some can be hard for others. (Susanna Shetley is a writer, editor and digital media specialist for The Smoky Mountain News, Smoky Mountain Living and Mountain South Media. susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com)

December 1-7, 2021

very year of our girlhood, my sister and I woke up early on Thanksgiving Day, sat at the kitchen barstools in our pajamas and helped my mom break up cornbread and biscuits so we could make my great grandmother’s dressing recipe. Throughout the day, the house would fill with smells of turkey, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. Sometime midmorning, my grandparents would drive up from Travelers Rest, S.C., to join in on the festivities. Columnist That evening we would eat leftovers, watch football and nap, and the following day, venture to the satellite Christmas tree farm hosted by the local Optimist Club to purchase our tree for the season. We’d spend the weekend decorating our house, watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music, ready to transition from one holiday to the next. When I became a mom, I envisioned a similar Thanksgiving experience for my own children and for a while, that’s what happened. Fast forward several years when my mom passed away and I went through a divorce. My life was shaken up pretty badly and along with that, all of the traditions we’d initiated. Though I was struggling mightily with my own emotions and adjusting to a custody arrangement, I was more concerned about my two little boys. I wanted them to grow up and look back on their boyhood holidays like I do my own. It was stressful thinking about only being with them every other Thanksgiving, but during those early days of grief and change, someone gave me some helpful advice. She told me that when we get older, we don’t look back on specific dates. Whether it’s on Thanksgiving Day or the weekend before or after, kids will remember the experience, not the numbers on a calendar. With that in mind, we began hosting a full-blown spread the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, when the kids are with their other parent on the actual date. This year, I was standing in the kitchen with my boyfriend’s mom and aunt breaking up cornbread and biscuits while everyone else was either watching football or working on other dishes. And even though it wasn’t November 25, it felt like Thanksgiving. Further, my boyfriend, Matthew, and I decided to do something unique this year. We left for Ocean Isle Beach Wednesday night and returned the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Despite having legitimate reasons to travel to Ocean Isle, such as

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Smoky Mountain News

Christmas in Appalachia

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD ARTS & E NTERTAINMENT E DITOR

As the temperature drops in Western North Carolina, the fun only heats up. The holiday season here is filled with events and activities aimed to celebrate the best way we know how — with friends, family and visitors alike. Families can partake in wagon rides, craft sales and art demonstrations, all the while enjoying authentic mountain music, clogging and parades through several downtowns. These are just some of the innumerable activities to be had. Within every date, time and place found amid this section, the communities around the region once again open their arms to share in the winter festivities. It’s a winter wonderland out there. It’s yours for the taking — so reach out and enjoy all Southern Appalachia has to offer.

Dillsboro’s ‘Lights & Luminaries’ The annual “Lights & Luminaries” will return from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3-4 and 10-11 in the streets of downtown Dillsboro Experience the magic as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song. Over 2,500 luminaries light your way to shops and studios. Each night, shops will stay open way into the night providing free refreshments, musicians and singers performing in individual

Sylva Christmas Parade. (photo: Nick Breedlove)

Holidays hit Sylva The Main Street Sylva Association (MSSA) will be hosting holiday festivities this year in its picturesque downtown. The Jackson County Arts market will be running from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the holidays. The official holiday festivities will kick off with the Tree Lighting at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, with special music from the

shops. The sound of hooves will echo through the night with old-fashioned horse and buggy rides (tips much appreciated). Children can share their wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Santa’s Workshop in Dillsboro’s Town Hall. With retail shops offering a variety of quality arts and crafts, unique gifts, clothing, gourmet foods and wine, and specialty Christmas items, the festival also provides a unique holiday shopping experience. Entertainment the first weekend includes Twelfth Fret (Americana) from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, and singer-songwriter Anna Victoria from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4.

kids of Wonderworks Learning and Arts Center. Families can also take selfies with the Christmas Bear beside the tree. The Sylva Christmas Parade will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. This year’s theme is “Downhome Christmas,” and the Grand Marshals are “Frontline Healthcare Workers.” Anyone interested in participating can access the parade application and information at townofsylva.org. The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Parks & Recreation will host a Holiday Fireworks Display at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, which will be visible from downtown Sylva. Folks can arrive early to hear a live concert on the porch of the Jackson County Chamber and Visitor Center at 6:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. The Main Street Sylva Association is a nonprofit with the mission to spur economic development in the town of Sylva. For more information, go to mainstreetsylva.org or contact Main Street Economic Development Director Bernadette Peters at mainstreet@townofsylva.org or 828.586.2719.

‘A Christmas Carol’ The Calliope Stage Company and Destination Theatre will present Tony Brown’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Dec. 9-11, 3 p.m. Dec. 11 and 2

For the second weekend, award-winning dulcimer player Mathew Dickerson will perform Dec. 10-11. Free parking and shuttle transportation will be available at Monteith Park each night of the festival. Sing along with carolers. Take the children to see Santa Claus at Dillsboro’s Town Hall. Have some hot chocolate or hot cider. All the restaurants will be open late. For more information, call the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 800.962.1911 or click on mountainlovers.com. To learn more about new happenings, go to facebook.com/dillsboronc.

p.m. and 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at 567 Mill Street in Sylva. “A Christmas Carol” is a co-production between Calliope Stage Company in Sylva and Destination Theatre out of Atlanta, Georgia. Adapted for the stage by Atlanta-based writer Tony Brown, the production will feature two performers with additional devising by Cory Phelps, Ashlee Wasmund and Dustin Whitehead. This intimate holiday experience will tour to Sylva, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Columbia, South Carolina, as part of a limited three-city tour in December. The collaborative project is one that is meant to spark Christmas cheer, while blurring the barriers between audience and actors and is sure to be an unforgettable festive experience for all ages. Calliope Stage Company is a professional nonprofit theater company established in Jackson County in January 2021. This is their third public production since founding and second partnership with Destination Theatre, a nonprofit professional touring children’s theatre company, also established in 2021. The Sylva performances will feature festive treat bundles from White Moon and Jame that include a treat and hot beverage. Only 40 tickets per performance are scheduled, with limited VIP seating available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit calliopestage.com.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Won’t somebody tell me what I’m doing here? Won’t somebody tell me where I’m going?

HOT PICKS The annual Balsam Range “Art of Music Festival” will take place Dec. 2-4 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.

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Rock/blues outfit Sanctum Sully will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, downstairs at The Gem taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville.

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Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Aimlessly Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3.

Book Your Holiday Party Space Now !

The annual “Lights & Luminaries” will return from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 3-4 and 10-11 in the streets of downtown Dillsboro First United Methodist Church (Franklin) will host the Brasstown Ringers (Appalachian/holiday) at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10.

Lately, I’ve been reaching for my guitar more and more. It sits on the old couch, the old wooden chair and old wooden desk nearby. I grab it, tune it, locate a guitar pick, and start strumming. I don’t have any particular song in mind. I just let my fin-

December 1-7, 2021

inishing up my scrambled eggs and black cherry yogurt, I washed the dishes in the small sink. Dried off my hands and took another sip of my coffee. Mosey over to my ragged desk in my humble abode, in front of a dusty window with a slight view of Russ Avenue in downtown Waynesville. It’s Monday afternoon, about five minutes past one. The music of Minnesota troubadour Charlie Parr echoes throughout the one-bedroom apartment. Words and tones sinking into my heart and soul, melodies that conjure such deep and distance visions of people, places and things long gone from my daily existence. And yet, not forgotten — purposely and precisely remembered. Parr’s “HoBo” now swirls around my current position sitting on an old wooden chair (picked up at the thrift store around the corner) at the old wooden desk (picked up from a friend who left town years ago). A sense of self and of time meanders throughout the back of your mind, up and down your spine and into your stomach: “Life is made up of long hours/That last about as long as you can breathe/And if you close your eyes and just let it roll on/You’ll wake up and find you’ve missed out on everything.” Thanksgiving is now four days in the rearview mirror. December will be here by the time this newspaper hits the streets come Wednesday morning. The office holiday party is less than two weeks away (I have yet to purchase my “Secret Santa” gift). Soon, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, onward into a fresh calendar to be tacked up on the kitchen wall. Honestly, I’m trying to not get ahead of myself. But, it can be hard to not do so. The whirlwind of everything this time of year. People to see. Places to be. Things to do. And for what? Memories. Photos cherished for generations to come. Conversations sparked. Laughter ensues. Foggy windows on a frozen night in the mountains of Southern Appalachia. Put another log on the fire, eh? Gifts under the tree or handed out by happenstance that, perhaps, may change the entire trajectory of your life or the life of someone you felt deserved a unique present because you do aim to pay attention and observe the likes and dislikes of the person in question — the simple notion that one item can shift everything and anything within your perspective at a given juncture.

choices, we lost touch for a long, long time. This is a person I’d literally spent every single day with from seventh grade through high school graduation, talked to every week I was away from home for college in Connecticut or my first newspaper gig in Idaho. During the shutdown last year, we reconnected and have buried the proverbial hatchet. I bit the bullet and put aside my pride to rekindle a friendship set in stone that had gathered too must dust to my liking. With plans to trek back to the North Country for Christmas already in the works, I’m looking forward to sitting down at our favorite neighborhood bar, the Monopole — sharing some drinks and some tall tales of our travels since we last crossed paths. I thought of him the other day after I finished a trail run in Jackson County. In celebration of the jog and the moment, I popped open a Moosehead Lager (pictured). Though a delicious, refreshing ale, in general, I normally buy it when I’m missing home, the taste of it immediately transports me back to Upstate New York. Taking a big pull from the green bottle, I gazed down the old logging road from where I just emerged, the ridges of the mountains in the distance darkening with the falling late afternoon sun. I sighed, not out of frustration, but out of the heaviness of not only the past year or two, but also of life itself — the good, the bad and the ugly (but mostly the good). Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.

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This must be the place

gertips and whatever emotion I’m feeling spill down the fretboard. I pluck the strings and stare out the window onto the hustle and bustle of Russ Avenue. Cars and trucks to destinations unknown. I wonder about the figures in each vehicle shooting by my field-of-vision. Are they happy? Why so sad? Who are they missing? Who are they excited to see soon? Do I know them? Do they know me? Do we really even know each other, truth be told? As always, the mind wanders and ponders, usually about nothing and everything. Like clockwork, this time of year my thoughts head 1,100 miles away from this old wooden chair and this old wooden desk, to my native North Country. I wonder how my mother is doing today, thinking about what to make for dinner or what old friend to meet for a margarita ‘round 5 o’clock? Where’s my father, at the local diner or chopping wood to keep the farmhouse stove going? I think of my little sister. She’s pregnant with her third child. We found out on Thanksgiving that it’ll be a boy, the first male to be born in our family in the last 10 births. I’m already thinking about all the things I want to teach him and tell him. I think of my brother-in-law, and how proud of the father he’s become, this guy I’ve known since pre-school, a good, trusted friend ever since. And I think of my old best friend, too. Due to some heated conflict between the two of us years ago about some of his life

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arts & entertainment

On the holidays

‘Seasons of Light’ holiday celebration

Lake Junaluska Christmas Come celebrate the holiday season with a special weekend of carriage rides, a candlelight service, live music, decorations and more at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.

Smoky Mountain News

December 1-7, 2021

Friday, Dec. 17 • Shop at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds, Harrell Center (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) • Shop at Christmas Memories, Lambuth Inn (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) • Shop at Golf Pro Shop, Golf Course (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) • Christmas Movie Showing of Miracle on 34th Street in the Lambuth International Room at Lambuth Inn (6 to 8 p.m.). Free. Saturday, Dec. 18 • Shop at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds, Harrell Center (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) • Shop at the Christmas Memories, Lambuth Inn (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) • Shop at Golf Pro Shop, Golf Course (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) • Christmas story reading of “The Night Before Christmas” at the library inside the Harrell Center (3 p.m.). Free. • Horse & Carriage Rides (4 to 8 p.m.). A 30-minute lakeside carriage ride from the front of Harrell Center to York Dining Commons and back. Please make your carriage ride reservation online. Cost is $30 adults, $15 youth 12-17 years old and $10 children 4-11 years old. Children under 4 are free. • Cookies and Cider in Lambuth Inn and Terrace Hotel lobbies (4 to 8 p.m.). Free. • Photos with Santa, Library inside the Harrell Center (5 to 8 p.m.). Suggested donation of $10. • Music by Karin Lyle (harpist) and Rosanne Cavender (violinist) Terrace Hotel Lobby (5 to 6:30 p.m.). Free. • Music by Hilda Ryan (pianist), Lambuth Inn Lobby (6:30 to 8 p.m.). Free. Sunday, Dec. 19 • Shop at Junaluska Gifts & Grounds, Harrell Center (10 to 5 p.m.) • Shop at Christmas Memories, Lambuth Inn (10 to 5 p.m.) • Shop at Golf Pro Shop, Golf Course (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) • Christmas Candlelight Service in Memorial Chapel (3 p.m.). Free. For more information, click on 30 lakejunaluska.com.

Reservations are now being made for this year’s “Seasons of Light Multicultural Holiday Celebration” at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center (PCMDC) in Waynesville. The community will have four opportunities to experience this family-friendly celebration featuring food, music, and customs from holidays around the world. At this family-friendly event, guests visit areas dedicated to Advent, Diwali, Hanukkah, Fiesta de la Griteria, Las Posadas, Winter Solstice, and Kwanzaa. Hosts for each holiday share traditional foods as hors d’oeuvres (for the Saturday viewings) and information about music, games, history and customs. • Opening Night: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday,

Dec. 4. Heavy hors d-oeuvres (packaged to go), music, customs from holidays around the world. Admission is $20 for ages 18 and older, $7 for students ages 13 to 17, and $5 for children 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are free. Reservations are required. • Weekday Drop In: noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. Guests will be able to enjoy the distinctly decorated rooms and learn more about the traditional holiday celebrations, but food will not be served. Admission is a donation of $10 is suggested for attendance at the drop-in. Reservations are not required. • Weeknight Presentation: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9. Hot drinks, a dessert bar, music, customs from holidays around the world. Admission is $12 for ages 18 and older,

$7 for students ages 6 to 17, and free for children 5 and under. Reservations are required. • Encore Presentation: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Heavy hors d-oeuvres (packaged to go), music, customs from holidays around the world. Admission is $20 for ages 18 and older, $7 for students ages 13 to 17, and $5 for children 6 to 12. Children 5 and under are free. Reservations are required. These events will be structured to include PCMDC COVID protocols, and masks will be required inside during the event to help ensure the health and safety of our community and families attending. “We love to host this event because we get to highlight and celebrate the diversity of our community and our world in a way that is festive, fun and brings us together,” said Lin Forney, executive director of the Pigeon Center. Proceeds support the Pigeon Center, which offers affordable afterschool and summer enrichment programs for students, programs for seniors, emergency food boxes, historical preservation initiatives, community dinners and other programs and services. To attend Seasons of Light, make your reservation by calling 828.452.7232. The event will be held at PCMDC located at 450 Pigeon Street in Waynesville in the historic Pigeon Street School building, which served Black elementary school students before desegregation. For more information, visit pcmdc.org, email pigeoncommunityd@bellsouth.net or call 828.452.7232.

WCU to present ‘Nutcracker’ The Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville, which will be returning with a stage production of the “Nutcracker” at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Showtime will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, and 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. This magically festive, full-length “Nutcracker” production features professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville’s celebrated company. In this classic ballet, Clara’s holiday dream comes to life, sneaking downstairs at midnight with her beloved new Nutcracker doll. Swept up in a fantasy toy-soldier battle, she saves her Nutcracker from the Mouse King. She is then whisked away to enchanted lands of snow and sweets, dancing the night away with a colorful host of captivating characters. To learn more and/or purchase tickets, click on arts.wcu.edu/nutcracker.

‘Tinsel Trail & Appalachian Christmas’ The 41st season of The Shelton House will continue with the “Tinsel Trail & Appalachian Christmas” celebration, which will be held Dec. 5 to Jan. 1 at the historic home in Waynesville. Aside from Candlelight Christmas tours of The Shelton House decorated for the holidays, the opening of the “Tinsel Trail” will be Sunday, Dec. 5. The evening also includes a visit from Santa Claus from 5 to 7 p.m. Hot chocolate and treats will be offered, too. Holiday tunes will be played from the front porch for folks gathering

on the lawn to sing-along. Decorate your business, organization, church or family Christmas Tree for the “Tinsel Train” on the grounds of The Shelton House. How will this work? The Shelton House will purchase trees, which will then be sold for a sponsorship fee of $250. The Shelton House will set up the trees with bases, provide basic lighting and a sign for each sponsor. Each organization can decorate its tree in whatever fashion they choose. Groups are also welcome to share a sponsorship and/or decorating the tree. The sponsorship is tax deductible. For more information on a “Tinsel Trail” tree sponsorship, call 828.452.1551 or email

dannehl@sheltonhouse.org. The Shelton House is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday through Saturday for tours and/or visits to the Gift Shop. House Tours are held on the hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the Gift Shop open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Special events and tours are offered throughout the season. Group tours can be arranged year-round by calling 828.452.1551 or contacting them at info@sheltonhouse.org. The Shelton House is always looking for volunteers to help with events, tours, the gift shop, archiving, computer work, and much more. If you’re interested in helping out, call 828.452.1551, email info@sheltonhouse.org or stop by during open hours.

On the holidays

The Sock Hops will hit the stage with the “Doo-Wop & Deck The Halls” holiday concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. An oldies group known for singing beautiful multiple-harmonies of memorable songs from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, the performance will also include many hits: “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “At The Hop,” “Sherry” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” Tickets are $18 each, with priority seating available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, click on smokymountainarts.com or call 866.273.4615.

BRYSON CITY • The 46th annual Bryson City Christmas Parade will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, on Everett Street in downtown Bryson City. Floats, marching bands, fire trucks, Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more. 828.488.3681 or greatsmokies.com.

• “Christmas Cookie Walk” will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at 76 Main Street in Bryson City. Presented by the United Methodist Women’s Group. Proceeds benefit its outreach efforts. 828.488.8970.

• “Holiday Market” with local artisans will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Dec. 18 at 117 Island Street in Bryson City. Outdoor event. Leashed pets are welcome. 828.488.7857 or greatsmokies.com. • A special holiday concert with the Glory String Players will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. The Glory String Players is a small Appalachian string ensemble that loves giving back to its community. And during the holidays, it seems like a perfect time to give back to it. The

• Cashiers Christmas Parade will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Cashiers Crossroads. The theme is “Santa’s Favorite Christmas Characters.” Live broadcast at live.thehighsouth.com. Hosted by Cashiers Cares, the Post Parade Party will be held at the Village Green’s Commons Hall. There, youngsters will have an opportunity to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy refreshments and receive individual treat bags. Sponsored by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce. cashiers411.com.

DILLSBORO

• Sylva Christmas Tree Lighting will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, in front of the Historic Jackson County Courthouse on West Main Street. discoverjacksonnc.com.

WAYNESVILLE • Waynesville Christmas Parade will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, on Main Street. Parade starts at First Presbyterian Church and proceeds down Main Street to Bogart’s Restaurant. downtownwaynesville.com.

• The inaugural drive-thru “Christmas Light Show” will be held Dec. 1 through Jan. 2 at the Smoky Mountain Event Center (formerly the Haywood County Fairgrounds). Tickets for the nightly show are available online at 38main.com, with only 100 cars per onehour time slot. This helps reduce wait time and traffic congestion for a more enjoyable experience. “The Strand of Lights Drive-Thru Christmas and Beyond Light Show has been created in partnership with a professional light-installation company that specializes in large-scale, outdoor light shows.” said Lorraine Conard, co-owner of The Strand at 38 Main. Admission is $20 per vehicle. The drive-thru winds around the Smoky Mountain Event Center campus for nearly one mile. Play your favorite carols (and sing-along) as the route takes you past numerous 2D displays, mixed with lighted buildings and holiday experiences throughout.

• Innovation Station will host a holiday celebration and market at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. Free and open to the public. innovationbrewing.com.

FRANKLIN • “Cowee Christmas” will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Historic Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin. Holiday music, activities, and much more. For a schedule of events, click on coweeschool.org. • Beloved singer-songwriter David Phelps will host a special Christmas performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Phelps has performed inspiring Christian music all over the world for the greater part of two decades. He is a vocalist, songwriter, and vocal arranger who is also known for singing tenor in the Gaither Vocal Band. In 2009, Phelps joined the Gaither Vocal Band and has been featured

Smoky Mountain News

• “Christmas Hayrides Through The Lights” will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays until Dec. 18 at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. Ride is 20 minutes. Admission is $12 per person, which includes a holiday beverage. Tickets available at darnellfarms.com.

CASHIERS

• Sylva Christmas Parade will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, on Main Street. discoverjacksonnc.com.

• “All Through The Town” holiday celebration will run Dec. 1-31 in downtown Waynesville. Participating local businesses, restaurants, galleries and breweries will take extra care in decorating for the holidays, staying open later for shopping, and much more. downtownwaynesville.com.

December 1-7, 2021

• The popular “Polar Express” train ride is now running from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot in downtown Bryson City. For a complete listing of departure dates and times, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com.

event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at 828.488.3030.

SYLVA

• Waynesville Christmas Tree Lighting will be held during the evening of Friday, Dec. 3, in front of the Oak Park Inn on Main Street. downtownwaynesville.com.

arts & entertainment

Sock Hops holiday concert

in more than 30 Gaither Homecoming videos. While touring with the Gaither Vocal Band, Phelps continued to focus on his solo work and in 2017, Phelps stepped away from Gaither projects so he could focus primarily on his solo career. Phelps has won 12 Dove Awards, is a four-time Grammy Award nominee, and has had several platinumselling projects. He has also had several videos earn the number one spot on Billboards’ Music Video Charts. Tickets start at $25 each, and priority seating is available. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, go to smokymountainarts.com or call 866.273.4615.

On the beat arts & entertainment

Ready for the ‘Bluegrass Boogie’? F Sanctum Sully.

Boojum welcomes Sanctum Sully Popular Western North Carolina rock/blues outfit Sanctum Sully will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, downstairs at The Gem taproom at Boojum Brewing in Waynesville. Free and open to the public. facebook.com/sanctumsully.

The Pic’ & Play Mountain Dulcimer Players has resumed in-person jam sessions at the St. John’s Episcopal Church basement fellowship hall in Sylva. The group welcomes all beginners and experienced dulcimer players, including mountain (lap) dulcimer and hammered dulcimer players. Songs played include traditional mountain tunes, hymns, and more modern music. The group meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of every month in the basement of St. John’s. Pic’ & Play has been playing together since 1995. The more experienced members welcome new players, help them navigate their instruments, and guide them through some of the basics of tuning, strumming, and playing. For more information, call Kathy Jaqua at 828.349.3930 or Don Selzer at 828.293.0074.

“Song of the Year” (2011, 2015, 2021), among numerous other accolades. And yet, Nicholson has always been someone on the move. Aside from the whirlwind touring/recording schedule for Balsam Range, he recently released his fourth solo album, “Man On A Mission.” The Americana/country album is not only his debut for the storied Mountain Home Records (Arden), it’s also a life marker for Nicholson — a sincere, intricate soul in pursuit of the fruits of life, whether that be love or camaraderie, hard work or creative fulfillment. For more information, click on darrennicholson.net. Tickets will be $25 per person in advance online/$30 day-of-show. As well, tickets at the door day-of-show will be discounted from $30 to $25 if attendees/concertgoers bring in a nonperishable food item. The “Bluegrass Boogie” is not only a way to

gather the community during the holiday season, but it will serve as a charitable event, too. Craft beer and wine will be sold onsite. All beverage proceeds and a portion of the ticket sales will go to Folkmoot USA in an effort to continue its vital year-round arts and culture programming onsite and throughout the community. For more information, click on folkmoot.org. Aside from the Women of Waynesville, who will be onsite to gather donations for its nonprofit organization, there will also be a collection of nonperishable food items for the local food pantry. For more information, click on womenofwaynesville.org. Support live music. Support the arts. Support local business. The more you do, the more we can do. Special thanks to The Smoky Mountain News for being a sponsor of this event. To purchase tickets, go to tinyurl.com/bluegrassboogie.

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Darren Nicholson.

(photo: Jeff Smith Photography)

Smoky Mountain News

December 1-7, 2021

Interested in learning the dulcimer?

olkmoot USA & Adamas Entertainment will present the inaugural “Bluegrass Boogie: A Haywood County Holiday Celebration” charity concert from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at the Sam Love Queen Auditorium in the Folkmoot Friendship Center, located at 112 Virginia Avenue in Waynesville. There will be live onstage performances by The Darren Nicholson Band (country/bluegrass), Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) and Chris Minick (singer-songwriter). • Chris Minick (5 to 6 p.m.): A beloved Haywood County singer-songwriter, Minick specializes in original material, as well as several notable covers from a wide-range of popular acoustic influences. • Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (6:30 to 8 p.m.): With its debut album “Pack Mule” a few years ago, Jackson County Americana/bluegrass group Ol’ Dirty Bathtub has become a very popular live act around Western North Carolina and beyond in recent years. “We’ve always had energy when playing on someone’s porch, but on several occasions lately we have been able to replicate it live,” said ODB guitarist Jerad Davis. “And that’s what makes this fun — people dancing, rooms getting hot, creating an atmosphere that is as fun for those listening as it is for us onstage. That’s why we do it. And that fuels the passion, the creativity. It’s a double positive feedback loop.” For more information, click on facebook.com/oldirtybathtub. • The Darren Nicholson Band (8:30 to 10 p.m.): There’s a lot going on in Nicholson’s life these days. At 38, the Canton-based artist recently celebrated his 20th year as a professional touring musician, with the last 15 spent as the mandolinist in Balsam Range — arguably one of the most successful, awardwinning bluegrass acts of the 21st century thus far. At a glance, Balsam Range has won the International Bluegrass Music Association award for “Entertainer of the Year” (2014, 2018), “Album of the Year” (2013, 2017), “Vocal Group of the Year” (2014, 2015) and

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On the beat 3 and Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) Dec. 10. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host karaoke at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, trivia at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and Sanctum Sully (rock/soul) Dec. 11. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.538.0115 or mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Kevin Williams (piano/vocals) Dec. 4 ($10 cover) and Bob Zullo (guitar/vocals) Dec. 11. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Limited seating. Reservations required. 828.452.6000 or classicwineseller.com.

• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. 828.641.9797 or nantahalabrewing.com.

• Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.369.4080 or coweeschool.org.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. rathskellerfranklin.com.

ALSO:

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.634.0078 or curraheebrew.com. • Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host an Open Mic Night 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or elevatedmountain.com.

• Oak Forest United Methodist Church will host the Brasstown Ringers (Appalachian/holiday) at 7 p.m. Dec. 3.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.482.9794 or satulahmountainbrewing.com. • Southern Porch (Canton) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.492.8009 or southern-porch.com. • The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.743.3000 or theuglydogpub.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. All shows begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.454.5664 or froglevelbrewing.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.526.8364 or theuglydogpub.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host a “Jazzy Holiday Party” 5 p.m. Dec. 16. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com.

• Valley Tavern (Maggie Valley) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. 828.926.7440 or valley-tavern.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) Dec. 11. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.456.4750 or facebook.com/waternhole.bar.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Aimlessly Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) Dec.

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. 828.743.6000 or whitesidebrewing.com.

Balsam Range Art of Music The annual Balsam Range “Art of Music Festival” will take place Dec. 2-4 at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center. Alongside two performances by bluegrass icons Balsam Range, there will also be appearances onstage by Chloe Agnew (of Celtic Woman), Blue Highway, Jeff Little Trio, The Cleverlys, Atlanta Pops Orchestra, and more. Twice named International Bluegrass Music Association “Entertainer of the Year,” Balsam Range has built their reputation not only on stellar live performances, but on countless number one radio singles and albums. For information on the “Art of Music,” to purchase tickets, a full schedule of events, performers, workshops and activities, go to balsamrangeartofmusicfestival.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host semiregular live music on the weekends. All events are free and begin at 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted. innovation-brewing.com.

• Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Blackjack Country Dec. 2, Explore The Myth Dec. 3, The UpBeats Dec. 4, Mountain Gypsy Dec. 9, Outlaw Whiskey Dec. 10 and Mile High Band Dec. 11. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.

Blue Highway.

December 1-7, 2021

• First United Methodist Church (Franklin) will host the Brasstown Ringers (Appalachian/holiday) at 7 p.m. Dec. 10.

arts & entertainment

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday. Free and open to the public. 828.631.1987 or balsamfallsbrewing.com.

@SMOKYMOUNTAINNEWS 33

arts & entertainment

On the wall • A creative miniature art class with Renae Dotson will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Those attending the class will be making a quilt “book” that opens to reveal a quilt room. This is not a quilting class. The fabric will look like miniquilts. You will make a hanging quilt rack with quilts, hanging thread spool rack, and other accessories — all in miniature. And all made by you. Supplies for this class are $25. Pre-register by calling Dotson at 828.342.8919. Class size is limited.

ALSO:

• The “Contemporary Clay 2021” exhibit will be on view through Friday, Dec. 10, at the Western Carolina University (WCU) Fine Art Museum in Cullowhee. The showcase gathers artists from a variety of backgrounds who push boundaries on topics including race, culture, sexuality, gender, and class. For information, call 828.227.ARTS. wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center/fine-art-museum. • Jesse Adair Dallas will be showing his artwork at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin through the month of December. Open to the public. For more information, email jesse@enjoyarttoday.com.

Smoky Mountain News 34

‘Small Works’ exhibit returns

• “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Free and open to the public. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Participants are responsible for their own project and a bag lunch. For more information, call The Uptown Gallery at 828.349.4607 or contact Pat Mennenger at pm14034@yahoo.com. See more about Macon County Art Association at franklinuptowngallery.com and like, follow and share the Uptown Gallery on Facebook. • Haywood County Arts Council’s “Art Works @ The Library,” a collaborative program between the Haywood County Public Library system and the HCAC, is currently showcasing works by artist Cayce Moyer at the Canton Library. Working in traditional and mixed media, Moyer blends the worlds of high-brow and low-brow work. Classically trained at Savannah College of Art and Design, her portfolio includes drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, murals, and set prop painting for theatre and TV.

December 1-7, 2021

• “Jefferson Pinder: Selections from the Inertia Cycle” exhibit is currently on display at the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina

University. Pinder focuses on themes of labor and endurance in his video art practice with metaphoric references to African American identity, history, and experience. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 7 p.m. Thursday. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit arts.wcu.edu/jeffersonpinder.

Want to paint, sip craft beer? Robin Arramae of WNC Paint Events will be continuing her fun paint nights to bring you not only a “night out,” but an experience that lifts your spirits. Join others as Arramae shows you step-by-step how to paint a beginner level painting of the evening as you sip on your favorite local craft beer. This two-hour event should have you feeling better than you felt before you came. And you leave with a painting you created. Events will be held at the following locations: Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9; and Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 22; BearWaters Brewing (Canton) from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 23. For 2022, events will also be held once-a-month at the 828 Market on Main (Waynesville). Please visit WNC Paint Events (@paintwnc) Facebook page, under “Events” for date and time of upcoming events. For pictures of previous events visit Arramae’s Instagram: @wnc_paint_events. For pricing and to sign up, text Arramae at 828.400.9560. Space is limited. Drinks sold separately.

The Haywood County Arts Council’s “Small Works” exhibit will run through Dec. 30 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville. “This exhibit is our longest and last exhibit of the year, stretching through the new year, and encourages buying art for holiday gifts,” said HCAC Executive Director Morgan Beryl. Sponsored by Linda & Allen Blount, Janet & Darrell Steinke, and Alison & John Parks, the reception will include libations, snacks, and jazzy holiday music from Clyde’s own Jaime Gardner. This year, the exhibit is sponsored at the producer level by the Reece Family in honor of their father Jeff Reece, who owned the 86 North Main Street building for many years and is in the process of selling it. “Jeff loved Main Street and spent a significant portion of his formative years in the family business, Massie’s Department Store. He talked longingly about his days as the projectionist at the Strand Theater as a teenager and eating hot dogs at Felix Stovall’s American Fruit Stand,” said Judy Reece. “As an adult, Jeff was one of the founders of the Downtown Waynesville Association and a Main Street Champion. As we approach the anniversary of his pass-

ing, his family wishes to honor his legacy.” The Small Works Exhibit is an annual exhibit that expands the types of work for sale in the downtown Waynesville gallery, as well as who can display their work. Other than specially curated exhibits, which occur a couple times annually, this exhibit is the only one that allows any artist within the western mountain region to participate for a small fee. With 48 artists participating, the exhibit promises to be eclectic. Although the only requirement is that the pieces be 12 inches in any dimension or smaller, HCAC challenged participants who are making holiday themed works to consider artistic expressions that are multicultural in nature and celebrate the many different holidays, ways of celebrating, and ways of experiencing holidays. HCAC also encouraged participants to create works that celebrate Appalachian heritage and craft. “Our vision is that this exhibit embodies not only the giving spirit, but also a multicultural spirit that speaks to the diversity of people, cultures, and religions that make up western Appalachia,” Beryl said. For more information, click on haywoodarts.org.

On the street

On the table • Blue Ridge Beer Hub will host a craft beer tasting with Wicked Weed Brewing of Asheville from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the BRBH, located at 21 East Street in downtown Waynesville. Free and open to the public. For more information, click on blueridgebeerhub.com.

arts & entertainment

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• Southern Porch (Canton) will host a “Visit with Santa” at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. There will be a hot chocolate bar, cookie decorating, fireplace photos, and more. Free and open to the public. 828.492.8006 or southern-porch.com. • “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, click on waynesvillewine.com.

• “Dillsboro After Five” will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in downtown Dillsboro. Start with a visit to the Jackson County Farmers Market located in the Innovation Station parking lot. Stay for dinner and take advantage of late-hour shopping. mountainlovers.com.

December 1-7, 2021

• “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train’’ will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Craft beer pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075.

Smoky Mountain News

• “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com.

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SPONSORED CONTENT arts & entertainment

The Team

The Table: Pecan Pie Almond Butter

·HANNAH MCLEOD·

ecans, and all the delicious recipes that come with them are a particularly North American affair. Pecans are native to North America and as such have been used by Native Americans for millennia — from what is today the southern United States to the river valleys of Mexico. The English word pecan comes from the French word “pacane,” which is the French pronunciation of the Algonquin

word for “nuts requiring a stone to crack.” Pecans were an important part of the diet for native people as they have high nutritional value. Their value extended beyond nutrition though as they are thought to have been used as currency in trade between native bands. Native people also used pecans to make a type of fermented nut milk called “powcohiccora,” thought to be the origin of the word hickory. Pecan trees belong to the hickory genus (genus Carya). Reliance on pecans for nutrition and trade spurred widespread cultivation of the plant. When colonists began coming to North America, they quickly capitalized on the plant, using native knowledge to cultivate orchards and export the nuts around the world.

Smoky Mountain News

December 1-7, 2021

Growing pecans takes patience though, considering it takes almost 10 years before a pecan tree will produce nuts. Once the trees start producing, they will continue to do so for over 100 years.

There’s no telling how far back the origins of pecan pie go. The nut’s flavor lends itself well to both sweet and savory dishes. By the 1870’s and 1880’s pecan recipes were popping up in cookbooks in Texas and in 1898 the first record of a pecan pie recipe was published in a charity cookbook in Saint Louis, submitted by a Texas woman. The dish must have been widely popular by the mid 1920’s because that is when Karo Corn Syrup began printing a pecan pie recipe on the label of its corn syrup bottles. Karo was, and still is, a national brand and likely filled in the gaps among any places, people and communities not yet familiar with pecan pie. The dish remains highly popular today, though recipes vary and can be as hotly debated as the pronunciation of the word pecan itself. Whatever the recipe or the pronunciation, we don’t have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy the flavors of pecan pie. This recipe for pecan pie almond butter is an easy way to get the warm, nostalgic flavors of pecan pie along with the nutritional benefits nut butters provide. Enjoy this recipe throughout fall and beyond.

Ingredients

Directions

• 3 cups pecans/almonds (use half pecans and half almonds, or any combination of the two to equal 3 cups)

1. Toast nuts, if not already roasted, in the oven at 350º F for 10 minutes, until fragrant and crisp.

• 2 tsp. cinnamon • 2 Tbsp. maple syrup • 1 tsp. Vanilla extract

Graphic Designer Jessica Murray (from left), SMN News Editor Jessi Stone, Staff Writer Hannah McLeod, Digital Media Specialist Susanna Shetley and Amanda Singletary (not pictured)

Rumble is a weekly e-newsletter created by women, for women and about women. It is published by The Smoky Mountain News and delivered to your inbox each Thursday. The goal is to offer readers a beautifully curated email that will inspire and motivate women to live their best lives. By hearing the challenges and successes of other women, we hope you will ﬁnd an opportunity to live, love, learn and grow in your own unique way.

2. Blend the nuts in a food processor or blender until smooth, 3-5 minutes. 3. Add cinnamon, vanilla and maple syrup to the nut butter and blend for 30 more seconds. mountain

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On the shelf

Thomas Crowe

neighborhood. Josie’s father, Paul, who lives quite a distance away from his ex-wife and Josie, is all business and left-brain logic and rarely interacts with either of them. There are also peripheral characters such as the manager of the android robot store and Melania the housekeeper who is employed by Josie’s mom to keep house and cook meals.

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Smoky Mountain News

If a storyline of dialogue and interior monologues isn’t your normal cup of tea, then I suspect that you haven’t read anything by Kazuo Ishiguro. With his sparkling prose, he drew me right in to this family portrait and ramble. Ishiguro is a master at transforming understatement into enlightened prose. His subtle approach can even hide major themes (such as climate change) that are part of the story’s environment or trajectory. Subtle innuendoes or prosaic narratives that hint to something greater than themselves are apparent throughout “Klara and the Sun.” It wasn’t until the end of the book that I realized that this book had been set in the middle of the covid pandemic and that Josie’s “illness” was probably from this source. But Josie is tough and doesn’t give in — to anyone or anything — and she is

determined to survive and carry on with her “dream life” with Rick. “Klara and the Sun” begins in the shop that sells robots and ends in an android junk yard where old robots go to “die” — an ironic but brilliant ending worthy of film. What happens in between is a revelation that includes magic and a major miracle. Here, Klara becomes a kind of healer and the sun becomes a major character in and of itself as a kind of diety. This bit, then, from that scene: “The Sun’s patterns were falling over various sections of wall, floor and ceiling with unusual intensity .... The Sun’s nourishment came into the room so abundantly Rick and I reeled back, almost losing balance .... It had broken through the dark clouds, and all at once — as if each of us in the room had received a secret message — we turned to look at Josie .... The Sun was illuminating her, with the entire bed in a ferocious halfdisc of orange .... We watched and waited, when at one point the orange half-disc looked as if it might catch alight .... The Sun continued relentlessly to shine on her, and she shifted till she was on her back, propped up by the pillows and headboard. ‘What’s going on? Why’s everyone here? What are you staring at,’ Josie asked?” After this scene occurring toward the end of the book, there is still more to come. So, no spoilers, here, from me. Suffice it to say that Ishiguro’s genius shines forth once again in “Klara and the Sun.” (Thomas Crowe is a regular contributor to The Smoky Mountain News and author of the multi-award-winning non-fiction nature memoir “Zoro’s Field: My Life in the Appalachian Woods.”)

December 1-7, 2021

azuo Ishiguro, who was born in Nagasaki, Japan, is an award-winning author whose accolades include The Nobel Prize and the Booker Prize. His novels, such as “The Remains of the Day” have been made into major motion pictures. In his latest,“Klara and the Sun,” (Knopf, 2021) his central character is an android robot that is designed for a certain age of child as a companion and a caretaker. In this book the robot’s name is Klara, who is bought by mother and her teenage daughter (Josie) in a humanized-robot store in a major city (possibly Writer London or New York?) sometime in the not too distant future. As the book’s narrator, almost everything in this 300-page novel is seen and experienced through Klara’s perspective. While we never get an actual description of her appearance, we come to assume that she has all the attributes, physically and mentally, of a normal human being. And so the saga begins, starting with her ‘shelf life’ at the AF Store, as it’s called. Klara soon becomes the property of Josie and her single mother and is moved to their living quarters just outside the city. Josie has some kind of potentially terminal physical disability or illness, and Klara is alongside to keep an eye on her and help her with things during stressful days and nights. But she is there, too, to be Josie’s best friend — which is what happens and the relationship between the two builds and is orchestrated, with solos, amidst Ishiguro’s symphonic prose. Klara runs on solar power, hence her intimately spiritual relationship with the sun. Often taking forays into nature, Klara sees the natural world as a kind of church. This is Ishiguru’s way of emphasizing contemporary human separation from the natural world and, as well, the invasion of the industrial machine age. “Klara and the Sun” is primarily a book about love and relationships and therefore comes off as being very interior and anything but a load of conflict with the trappings of hostilities and violence, which is so prevalent these days in both fiction and film. Rather, Klara comes off as being quietly heroic while emanating a kind of ancient stoicism — gentle, compassionate, comforting, courageous and supportive, all of which she has been programed to portray. In doing this, she has gained the respect and admiration of both Josie and her mother, Helen, as well as the other major characters in the story. Nick, who becomes Josie’s boyfriend and adolescent soulmate, lives in the same rural

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Archeology students dig into Cherokee history Western Carolina University students sift soil from the excavation site at Watauga Mound. Mainspring Conservation Trust photos

BY MOLLY PHILLIPS CONTRIBUTING WRITER ver the summer, 16 students from Western Carolina University — led by Dr. Brett Riggs, Dr. Jane Eastman and field assistant Karen Biggert — drove each weekday from Cullowhee to Franklin to spend more than four hot, sticky weeks outdoors. Their mission? To apply scientific techniques to discover archaeological evidence on Mainspring’s Watauga Mound property, and learn more about what northern Macon County looked like hundreds of years ago. What they found shocked the experienced archeologists leading the effort — the first instance of paired mounds with paired Cherokee council house structures ever documented in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Partnering with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Historic Preservation Office and using remote sensing technology and imaging software, the upper-level Archeological Field Study students scanned the ground at half-meter intervals throughout the 70-acre field to discover, by direct observation and measurement, how the Cherokee people lived and thrived in this region.

“We knew from 18th-century documents that Watauga was a very important town, but there was some question about whether the small hillocks in the field represented the mound that (William) Bartam saw there in 1776,” explained Riggs, an archeologist who serves as WCU’s Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies. “With new technology, we can learn a whole lot about village structure and site plan without digging, including where the mound actually is. Without that geophysical equipment, it would have taken years of excavation to find out what we’ve found in four and a half weeks.” Because soil contains iron, activities like burning a fire or digging a hole can realign the local magnetic fields in the ground, producing magnetic anomalies that contrast with those of the surrounding unmodified soils. Archeologists use a geophysical technique called gradiometery to map subsoil magnetism and detect those local anomalies. Although gradiometers only “see” about a meter deep, most magnetic anomalies that represent human activities are within that uppermost layer, allowing researchers to get a big-picture understanding of the site they are studying.

“We found projectile points where there was human occupation 7,000 years ago, with continuous occupation starting as early as 1,000 years ago,” said Riggs. “We can also see when the community starts to spread out, especially accelerating after the Revolutionary

Sixteen WCU students spent four weeks this summer investigating archeological evidence at Watauga Mound.

War.” Using the gradiometer, students found domestic houses — octagons 23 feet across with four long sides and four short sides — and pits dug into the ground to store food, particularly sweet potatoes, a popular crop in the 18th century. Those pits are especially important for archeologists. “Once any of the potatoes rotted, the pits couldn’t be used for food storage again, so they were used for trash,” said Riggs. “We love those pits because there we can find all kinds of evidence that tells the stories of the people who lived here. Archeologists are just dumpster divers at heart.” But the biggest discovery came from testing not one, but two small hills — bumps really — that are subtle landforms located in the pasture. Although both had been plowed significantly over time, the two hills had piqued the curiosity of several researchers over the years. “We studied one hillock first, because the farmer was cutting hay on the field with the other hill,” Riggs said. “There, the gradiometry revealed remains of at least three superimposed council houses — clearly evidence of Watauga Mound.” Those council houses were about 48 feet wide and 24 feet tall and lasted about 20-50 years. The entrance to a council house faced south-southeast to perfectly align with the sunrise of the winter solstice. Once a council house needed to be rebuilt, the previous one would be burned and the new structure built on top. Riggs estimates about five to eight such houses were on Watauga Mound through time. “The council house was used for astronomical observations,” Riggs said. “This area would be perfect for that use because of the open fields on an elevated plateau — the Watauga Plains. The sun comes up and shines straight through the

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door.” Once the farmer finished cutting hay, the WCU team explored the second rise in the pasture, and what they found astounded the experts. “We scanned the second mound and found another council house and pavilion, facing away from Watauga Town,” said Riggs. “No one has documented paired mounds, with paired council house structures in the southern Blue Ridge before.” This mound is offset from the larger one, but closer to water. Riggs said the house on it could have been used for anything communal. “It could have been a church, courthouse, dance house or even a lodge reserved for groups of men, patterns observed in other areas of the Southeast,” he said. “In any case, this is unprecedented in this area.” The council houses and surrounding town likely stood until 1776, when Griffith Rutherford, brigadier general of the

Salisbury District militia, led 1,700 troops in an expedition against the Cherokee. After stoking significant fear in white North Carolinians over a potential Cherokee alliance with the British during the Revolutionary War, Rutherford and his troops marched through the Cherokee Middle Towns — including Cowee, Watauga and Nikwasi — and burned crops, houses and livestock, eventually destroying 36 villages and leaving the Cherokee people to survive through winter on wild game and nuts, with no protection from the elements. Though the Cherokee eventually rebuilt, they spread their villages over a significantly larger area, hoping to avoid another total loss of resources if attacked again. Riggs says he is excited to bring other classes back to the historic town for additional research. “So often, when archeologists are brought in for projects, it’s because some type of development is being planned for the site, so we’re on a tight timeframe to complete our work,” he said. “Having a place — especially one as special as Watauga — that is conserved forever means we can spend the next 30 years being diligent about the study and not be rushed to finish. It is such a gift for us, so I’m so thankful that the landowners were willing to sell to Mainspring and this important cultural site will be protected forever.” Molly Phillips is the communications director for Mainspring Conservation Trust.

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December 1-7, 2021

Dr. Brett Riggs, an archeologist who serves as WCU’s Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies, led the effort along with Dr. Jane Eastmen and field assistant Karen Biggert.

Drop by to create seashell Santas, pine cone ornaments and more, rain or shine at 930 Horse Cove Road. Free. Masks required indoors. 828.526.2623.

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Hike the Fires Creek Rim A 7.2-mile hike 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, will traverse the Fires Creek Rim Trail to reach the highest point in Clay County. Led by MountainTrue, this moderate-tostrenuous excursion will take in Tusquitee and Potrock Balds. Tusquitee Bald, Clay County’s highest point, lies within an inventoried roadless area that is eligible for wilderness designation. The Fires Creek Rim Trail’s access point

boasts an elevation change of over 1,700 feet and is the most difficult portion of the hike. The remainder of the trail is much easier, with gentler grades interspersed with fairly flat lengths. The trip will involve about four hours of actual hiking with one hour for lunch and relaxation on the balds. Hikers should bring their own snacks, lunch and water, and wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. No pets. Cost is $5 for MountainTrue members and $15 for non-members, which includes a one-year membership. Register at mountaintrue.org/event.

Pitch in with Panthertown

Smoky Mountain News

December 1-7, 2021

Friends of Panthertown is hosting a series of trail workdays this fall, and all are invited to come pitch in. Scheduled workdays are Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 18. No previous trail work experience is necessary. Workdays typically run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with about 5 miles of hiking on moderate trails while doing trail corridor clearing, pruning and some tread and drain work. To sign up, email trails@panthertown.org. Learn more at panthertown.org/volunteer.

Crews work on the trail relocation at Loudoun Heights, West Virginia. Appalachian Trail Conservancy photo

A.T. gets 1.2 miles longer When Appalachian Trail season starts next year, the trek will be 1.2 miles longer thanks to three significant trail relocations in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and along the Connecticut/New York border. The A.T.’s total length typically changes each year due to footpath relocations and more precise measurements.

The total mileage is now 2,194.3 miles, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The 1.2-mile increase is due to an additional 0.4 miles along the Connecticut/New York border, 0.5 miles at Palmerton, Pennsylvania, and 0.3 miles at Loudoun Heights, West Virginia.

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Winding Stair Road in Macon County will be closed through late March to install an overhead powerline replacing the existing cross-country route. The Nantahala Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest issued Duke Energy a Special Use Permit to install the line along Forest Service Road 422, also called Winding Stairs Road. The new powerline will improve future access for repairs to maintain electrical service to the Nantahala Community. The U.S. Forest Service typically closes the road from Jan. 1 to late March each year, but the installation required the road closure to start earlier than usual, on Nov. 29. 828.524.6441.

Yancey Ridge Trail relocation complete A years-long effort to restore and relocate the Yancey Ridge Trail in Avery County is now complete, including a 1.2-mile section of new trail rerouting a segment that was on private property. This premier mountain biking trail is located on the Grandfather Ranger District of the Pisgah National Forest, descending the ridge from Old House Gap to Roseboro Road near the community of Edgement, a drop of nearly 2,000 feet in 6 miles. The project aimed to make the trail more sustainable while maintaining the ride’s technical nature. Volunteers from the Northwest North Carolina Mountain Bike Alliance contributed more than 950

hours to the project, which included trail maintenance along the trail’s entire length and construction of a new trailhead at the intersection of Roseboro Road and N.C. 90. The trail restoration is the first project to be completed in the larger Mortimer Trails Project, which approved 10 miles of new trail construction and 3 miles of trail relocations. Contracted work was completed by Linville-based Terra Tek Trails, and funding came through a Santa Cruz Bicycles PayDirt Grant, a North Carolina Recreation and Trails Program grant in partnership with Trout Unlimited, and the Grandfather Ranger District.

After more than two decades serving farmers and the local food community, Charlie Jackson will retire as executive director of the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. Jackson will retire at the end of April 2022, and on Jan. 1, Molly Nicholie — who currently co-directs the organization with Jackson — will become ASAP’s executive director. Jackson will shift to a strategic advisor role, working part-time to assist in the transition. “Charlie is a pioneer in developing a local food economy — first in his farsighted response to changes in agriculture, but also in his vision for local food as integral to healthy communities and his quick and innovative responses to crises like COVID-19,” said Brian Asbill, president of ASAP’s board of directors. Jackson founded the organization that became ASAP in the mid-1990s, anticipating dramatic changes coming to agriculture with the end of tobacco as a dominant crop. A group of farmers, agricultural support professionals and community stakeholders formed to address these challenges, launching a local food campaign in 2000 to raise awareness about agriculture, educate consumers about the benefits of buying local food and create viable market alternatives for farmers in the region. ASAP officially incorporated in 2002, and its programs now include local food and farm promotions, farmer and farmers market support, grower-buyer connections, the Local Food Guide, Appalachian Grown certification and branding, Asheville City Market, Farm Tour, Business of Farming Conference, Local Food Research Center and Growing Minds Farm to School. In 2017, Jackson’s efforts earned him a place in the Western North Carolina Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Nicholie has worked at ASAP for 16 years and was named co-director with Jackson in January 2021. She began her

Habitat management project proposed for Nantahala forest

restore a native cover type, applying commercial thinning treatments to nine stands totaling 201 acres and stand improvement treatments on 40 stands totaling 294 treated acres. An additional 142 acres would receive crown touch release with vine control treatments and 6 acres with no commercial value would be slashed down for restoration with an appropriate cover type. The Forest Service is accepting comments on the proposed project through Dec. 13. Email comments to sm.fs.r8ncnancom@usda.gov. Those unable to respond by email can mail hard copy comments to Steverson Moffat, Planning Team Leader, Nantahala National Forest, 123 Woodland Drive, Murphy, N.C. 28906. Write “Nantahala Mountains Project” in the subject line or on the envelope. For more information about the proposal, contact 828.837.5152.

Charlie Jackson. Amy Kalyn Sims/Asheville Art Family photo tenure with ASAP as part of Growing Minds, and in 2013, became program director for the Local Food Campaign. Her experience at ASAP and in the farming community ensures continuity of organizational culture, agency services and institutional knowledge. “We couldn’t be more excited for the future of ASAP under Molly’s continued leadership,” said Carrie Keller, who will serve as president of the board beginning in 2022. “Molly has firsthand, boots-on-theground experience in each of ASAP’s programs — as well as experience as a farmer and classroom teacher. I couldn’t imagine someone better suited for the job.”

December 1-7, 2021

Curves to Cure What Ails You

Smoky Mountain News

A diverse set of management activities proposed for the Nantahala Ranger District of the Nantahala National Forest would include timber harvest, fish passage improvements and additional Appalachian Trail parking at Ben Creek Road. Forestry treatments would aim to restore and maintain species diversity, increase the amount of young forest habitat, and maintain and improve existing wildlife openings. The many proposed silvicultural treatments include a shelterwood regeneration method cut on 406 acres divided between 19 mixed hardwood stands, clearcutting two white pine plantations totaling 10 acres with the intent to

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Leadership change coming to local food organization

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Haywood students spread pollution awareness of water pollution. “I had a lot of fun doing this project, and it was great to be able to help the environment and bring awareness to where water in storm drains goes,” said HEC student Naomi Gevjanan. Haywood Early College students stencil storm drains Everyone can on the Haywood Community College campus. Donated photo help reduce runoff pollution by installing a rain garden or rain barrel, directing downspouts into grassy areas rather than pavement, planting grass or trees to cover exposed soil, keeping vehicles in tune to reduce risk of fluid leaks, picking up pet waste, never applying fertilizer or pesticides before a heavy rain, washing cars on the lawn or at a The stencils spell out “Don’t Dump car wash that recycles the water, and never Drains Pigeon River” in bright colors, dumping anything down a storm drain. reminding people that the drains carry Haywood Waterways Association parteverything that’s dumped there directly to nered with HEC on the project. the nearest waterway — without treatment. haywoodwaterways.org. Stormwater runoff is the number one cause

Smoky Mountain News

December 1-7, 2021

Storm drains at Haywood Community College now sport stencils reminding people to help keep the waterways clean, thanks to a class project that Haywood Early College students recently completed.

Senate confirms first-ever Native American NPS head

Puzzles can be found on page 46 These are only the answers.

The U.S. Senate confirmed Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III as director of the National Park Service on Thursday, Nov. 18, making him the first Native American to lead the agency. Sams was confirmed by voice vote, the first time since 2009 that the Senate has confirmed an NPS director. Four different acting directors held the position under the Trump administration, and Jonathan Jarvis, who was confirmed in 2009 to lead the agency under the Obama administration, left in January 2017. The White House announced its intent to nominate Sams on Aug. 18. Prior to the nomination, Sams was serving as a Council Member of the Northwest Power and Conservation Council, appointed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown. He has worked in state and tribal governments, and the nonprofit natural resource and conservation management fields, for more than 25 years. Sams has held a variety of roles with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, most recently as their executive director. He has also had roles as the

president/CEO of the Indian Country Conservancy, executive director for the Umatilla Tribal Community Foundation, national director of the Tribal & Native Lands Program for the Trust for Public Land, executive director for the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, executive director for the Community Energy Project, and president/CEO for the Earth Conservation Corps. “The diverse experience that Chuck brings to the National Park Service will be an incredible asset as we work to conserve and protect our national parks to make them more accessible for everyone,” said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, herself the first Native person to receive Senate confirmation to a cabinet position. “I look forward to working with him to welcome Americans from every corner of our country into our national park system. The outdoors are for everyone, and we have an obligation to protect them for generations to come.” Sams holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Concordia University-Portland and a master’s in legal studies in indigenous peoples law from the University of Oklahoma. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and an enrolled member of the Cayuse and Walla Walla of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. He and his wife have four children.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • The annual wreath laying on graves of veterans buried at Greenhill Cemetery in Waynesville will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec.18. This is part of the nationwide Wreaths Across America event. Sponsoring a wreath is $15, and if people sponsor two wreaths, the cemetery will receive an additional wreath for free. Those who would like to sponsor wreaths are asked to place orders at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/ — using Group Fund Raising Code NC0081. p31s8@aol.com • The Housing Needs Assessment of Western North Carolina, a comprehensive assessment conducted by Bowen National Research, will be presented during an informational webinar at noon Dec. 3. Anyone is welcome to attend and may register here, tinyurl.com/6et9unv9.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Seasons of Light Multicultural Holiday Celebration will take place 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 4; noon to 2 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9; and 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center. For more information about the family-friendly event, visit lcmdc.org, email pigeoncommunityd@bellsouth.net or call 828.452.7232.

CLUBS • The Sylva Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 7, in the Fellowship Hall of the Sylva Presbyterian Church. If you are interested in attending this meeting, please email sylvagardenclub@gmail.com.

HOLIDAY • The first ever drive-thru Christmas Light Show in Haywood County opens at the Smoky Mountain Event Center, formerly Haywood County Fairgrounds, on Wednesday, Dec. 1, and runs through the holidays. Tickets for the nightly show are available online-only at 38main.com with only 100 cars per one-hour time slot. • The 7th Annual Cowee Christmas will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Cowee School Arts & Heritage Center in Franklin. For more information about Cowee Christmas, contact event organizer Claire Suminski 828.342.9071, Claire@dometrics.com or visit Coweeschool.org. • The Cashiers Christmas Parade to be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. Registration to participate in the parade is Friday, Nov. 19. office@cashiersareachamber.com.

Smoky Mountain News

n All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. n To have your item listed email to calendar@smokymountainnews.com Arboretum Society members receive a $5 discount on advance tickets. Learn more or buy tickets at ncarboretum.org/winter-lights.

SUPPORT GROUPS • Dementia Caregivers Support Group, for those providing care for folks who are dealing with dementia, meets from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Haywood Senior Resource Center (81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville). For additional information call 828.476.7985. • Al-Anon, for families and friends of alcoholics, meets every Monday night from 7-8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 77 Jackson St., Sylva. Enter at front of church through the door to the left of the sanctuary; meeting is first door on the right. The Church requests that you wear a mask if you are not vaccinated. • Narcotics Anonymous meetings are back "live" in-person after a year of being on Zoom only. Local meetings are 12 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at Sylva First United Methodist Church in downtown Sylva. Entrance at back of building. Also Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. at Cullowhee Methodist Church and Saturdays 6 p.m. at Cullowhee Methodist Church. For more details visit ncmountainna.org.

A&E

• Mountain Makers Craft Market will be held from noon to 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at 308 North Haywood Street in downtown Waynesville. Over two dozen artisans selling handmade and vintage goods. Special events will be held when scheduled. mountainmakersmarket.com. • Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with the Main Street NoTones from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 2 and 16. Free and open to the public. For more information, click on blueridgebeerhub.com.

• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host Sanctum Sully (rock/soul) Dec. 11. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.246.0350 or boojumbrewing.com.

• Make nature-inspired Christmas decorations after the Highlands Christmas Parade, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Highlands Nature Center. Drop by to create seashell Santas, pine cone ornaments and more, rain or shine at 930 Horse Cove Road. Free. Masks required indoors. 828.526.2623.

• First Baptist Church will hold its annual Bethlehem Marketplace from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11. The event is FREE and will take place in the church parking lot. 828.456.9465, www.fbcwaynesville.org.

• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host an Open Mic Night 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays and semiregular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. 828.734.1084 or elevatedmountain.com.

• The New Generations Birthing Center at Harris Regional Hospital will host its annual Santa Event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Harris Medical Park, 98 Doctors Drive, Sylva. Join Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital at the DriveThru Christmas celebration with seasonal goodies, food, gifts, and photos with Santa.

• First United Methodist Church (Franklin) will host the Brasstown Ringers (Appalachian/holiday) at 7 p.m. Dec. 10.

• Winter Lights will be open through Saturday, Jan. 1, at the N.C. Arboretum. For a personal vehicle up to 20 feet long, advance tickets range from $30 to $60.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host a “Jazzy Holiday Party” 5 p.m. Dec. 16. Free and open to the public. innovation-brewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) Dec. 11. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host Aimlessly Dead (Grateful Dead tribute) Dec. 3 and Natti Love Joys (reggae/soul) Dec. 10. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. 828.349.2337 or lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Oak Forest United Methodist Church will host the Brasstown Ringers (Appalachian/holiday) at 7 p.m. Dec. 3. • Unplugged Pub (Bryson City) will host Blackjack Country Dec. 2, Explore The Myth Dec. 3, The UpBeats Dec. 4, Mountain Gypsy Dec. 9, Outlaw Whiskey Dec. 10 and Mile High Band Dec. 11. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. 828.538.2488.

FOOD AND DRINK • Blue Ridge Beer Hub will host a craft beer tasting with Wicked Weed Brewing of Asheville from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at the BRBH, located at 21 East Street in downtown Waynesville. Free and open to the public. For more information, click on blueridgebeerhub.com. • “Flights & Bites” will be held starting at 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in downtown Waynesville. For more information on upcoming events, wine tastings and special dinners, click on waynesvillewine.com. • “BBQ & Brews Dinner Train'' will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Craft beer pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com. • “Dillsboro After Five” will take place from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in downtown Dillsboro. Start with a visit to the Jackson County Farmers Market located in the Innovation Station parking lot. Stay for dinner and take advantage of late-hour shopping. .mountainlovers.com. • A free wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. every Saturday at The Wine Bar & Cellar in Sylva. 828.631.3075. • “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on select dates at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal, and more. For more information and/or to register, call 800.872.4681 or click on gsmr.com.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • A creative miniature art class with Renae Dotson will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Those attending the class will be making a quilt “book” that opens to reveal a quilt room. This is not a quilting class. The fabric will look like mini-quilts. You will make a hanging quilt rack with quilts, hanging thread spool rack, and other accessories — all in miniature. And all made by you. Supplies for this class are $25. Pre-register by calling Dotson at 828.342.8919. Class size is limited. • The “Contemporary Clay 2021” exhibit will be on view through Friday, Dec. 10, at the Western Carolina University (WCU) Fine Art Museum in Cullowhee. The showcase gathers artists from a variety of backgrounds who push boundaries on topics including race, culture, sexuality, gender, and class. For information, call 828.227.ARTS. wcu.edu/bardo-arts-center/fine-artmuseum. • Jesse Adair Dallas will be showing his artwork at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin through the month of December. Open to the public. For more infor-

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: n n n n

Complete listings of local music scene Regional festivals Art gallery events and openings Complete listings of recreational offerings at health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings mation, email jesse@enjoyarttoday.com. • “Jefferson Pinder: Selections from the Inertia Cycle” exhibit is currently on display at the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. Pinder focuses on themes of labor and endurance in his video art practice with metaphoric references to African American identity, history, and experience. Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and until 7 p.m. Thursday. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit arts.wcu.edu/jeffersonpinder. • “Thursday Painters” group will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Free and open to the public. All skill levels and mediums are welcome. Participants are responsible for their own project and a bag lunch. For more information, call The Uptown Gallery at 828.349.4607 or contact Pat Mennenger at pm14034@yahoo.com. See more about Macon County Art Association at franklinuptowngallery.com and like, follow and share the Uptown Gallery on Facebook. • Haywood County Arts Council’s “Art Works @ The Library,” a collaborative program between the Haywood County Public Library system and the HCAC, is currently showcasing works by artist Cayce Moyer at the Canton Library. Working in traditional and mixed media, Moyer blends the worlds of high-brow and low-brow work. Classically trained at Savannah College of Art and Design, her portfolio includes drawing, painting, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, murals, and set prop painting for theatre and TV.

Outdoors

• Friends of Panthertown is hosting a series of trail work days this fall, and all are invited to come pitch in. Scheduled work days are Friday, Dec. 3 and Saturday, Dec. 18. No previous trail work experience is necessary. Work days typically run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with about 5 miles of hiking on moderate trails while doing trail corridor clearing, pruning and some tread and drain work. To sign up, email trails@panthertown.org. Learn more at www.panthertown.org/volunteer.

• A 7.2-mile hike 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, will traverse the Fires Creek Rim Trail to reach the highest point in Clay County. Led by MountainTrue, this moderate-to-strenuous excursion will take in Tusquitee and Potrock Balds. Hikers should bring their own snacks, lunch and water, and wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. No pets. Cost is $5 for MountainTrue members and $15 for non-members, which includes a one-year membership. Register at mountaintrue.org/event. • Jackson County Coon Hunters Association will hold a double header nite hunt and bench show Dec. 4. The bench show will start at 4 p.m. with an entry fee of $15. The nite hunt will begin at 6 p.m. with an entry fee of $25. For more information contact Matthew Bryson 828.508.6465.

WNC PLACE

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Employment

IN HOME CAREGIVER NEEDED Senior female in Clyde needs assistance on weekends. Flexible hours. Basic meal prep and light housekeeping preferred. Call April at 828-2765977.

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Folkmoot USA, a registered 501c3, and North Carolina’s International Folk Festival, (www.folkmoot.org) is seeking an energetic and creative leader as its Executive Director. Working with the Board of Directors, a small staff and many volunteers, the Executive Director facilitates a year-round calendar of cultural events, performances, and educational opportunities, as well as the annual Folkmoot Festival. The Executive Director also supervises management of the Folkmoot Friendship Center, home to the Folkmoot Offices, performance space, classrooms, crafters and the SOAR Academy. Qualified candidates should have experience in supervision, management, and event planning. Experience in the cultural and performing arts, festival production, fundraising, and international exchange and travel is preferred. This is an immediate full time position based in beautiful Waynesville, North Carolina and nearby to Western Carolina University, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the City of Asheville. Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to mike@folkmoot.org.

December 1-7, 2021

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WNC MarketPlace

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OVER-THINKING THINGS ACROSS 1 Curved like a pothook 8 Some Algonquians 14 Gushes lava 20 Cartoon cel material 21 Bassett of Hollywood 22 Witch's elixir 23 Start of a riddle 25 Shoe-collecting Marcos 26 State whose cap. is Boise 27 Company that retails outdoor gear 28 FDR follower 30 Gather, as a harvest 31 Pooch's yap 32 Riddle, part 2 39 Free of charge, as legal services 41 Make knotted 42 Large simian 43 Stroke gently 44 Riddle, part 3 48 Right wrongs 49 Genesis game system maker 50 Egg, formally 54 "Cool beans!" 57 Lenin's land: Abbr. 60 Tubular pasta 64 Part of REO 65 Riddle, part 4 70 -- kwon do 71 "Toyboat" singer Yoko 72 Caravan layover locale 73 See 112-Across 74 Gift for music 75 Riddle, part 5 79 Ho-hum 80 Like gear that quells mobs 81 English lav

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 42

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Real Estate Announcements PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise ‘any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex,

handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination’. Familial status includes children under 18 living with parents or legal guardians and pregnant women. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate in violation of this law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

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December 1-7, 2021

WNC MarketPlace

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December 1-7, 2021

WNC MarketPlace

Smoky Mountain News December 1-7, 2021

Smoky Mountain News | December 1, 2021

Articles inside

In the shadows of the sun

Christmastime in Appalachia

A unique kind of holiday

Health News

Duke LifePoint hospitals implement vaccine mandate

Wallstreet Books seeks new home

Macon officer investigated on rape allegations

Former deputy sues DA over Giglio Order

State budget funds may cover Allen Street repairs

State budget funds all WCU requests

Libertarian candidate offers voters a third way

Macon County Schools offers staff retention bonuses