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December 23-29, 2015 Vol. 17 Iss. 30

Concern over indoor gun range project in Haywood Page 4 Brasstown to carry on with New Year’s Possum Drop Page 16

From Our Family To Yours,

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On the Cover: Visitation has been on the rise in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with 2015 set to clock in as the most-visited year on record. The park’s popularity bodes well for its mission of giving Americans access to the country’s most stunning natural treasure, but increased visitation also poses significant challenges, running the gamut from funding to resource protection to overall park experience. What will increased visitation mean for the park now and in the years ahead? (Page 32) NPS/GSMA photo

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Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Emily Moss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . emily@smokymountainnews.com Whitney Burton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . whitney@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Hylah Birenbaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smliv.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jessi Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessi@smokymountainnews.com Becky Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . becky@smokymountainnews.com Holly Kays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@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), Gary Carden (writing), Don Hendershot (writing).

Indoor shooting range to open in Francis Cove ......................................................4 Mayor’s oath of office sparks larger debate ............................................................ 6 Seven seek two commissioner seats in Haywood ................................................8 No primary ahead for Jackson candidates ................................................................9 Haywood tax collector’s attendance questioned ................................................10 Jackson County hires planning director ..................................................................12 Permitted elk hunting could be a possibility ..........................................................13 Canton proposes $2.2 million pool replacement project ..................................14 New Year’s Possum Drop is a go ............................................................................16

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Farming community rattled by prospect of indoor shooting range

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER anie Higgins was crushed to learn a week before Christmas that the rolling pastures and fields her family has tilled and grazed for generations will soon be marred by the arrival of a large indoor shooting range and gun store setting up shop in their midst. “This just feels like an intrusion of our peace and quiet,� said Higgins, who lives in the Francis Farm community outside Waynesville. “I can’t imagine that being built right on top of us.�

The families of Francis Farm cherish their farming heritage and have protected their pocket of rural countryside. A gun store with bars on the windows, a 14-lane indoor shooting range and the steady traffic it would bring would ruin the legacy they’ve tried to maintain. “I am sick. It makes me sick to even think about it,� said Betty Gilliland, an elderly woman who grew up in the Francis Farm area. “This is a nice quiet farming community. It is devastating.�

But Jule Morrow, the man behind the indoor shooting range plan, said it is desperately needed. Morrow, too, has a family lineage in the Francis Farm community that goes back generations, but he believes an indoor shooting range is much needed in Haywood County. “A lot of people in Haywood don’t have anywhere they can go shoot,� Morrow said.

The closest indoor shooting ranges are in Buncombe and Transylvania counties.

Morrow pointed to the surge in gun sales and concealed carry permits across the nation as a testament to the demand for an indoor shooting range where people can fire their weapons, be it for recreation or practice. “If there is any hotter business in America right now, I don’t know what it is,�

Morrow said. “It is really a service to the community — give people a clean, safe, controlled environment to shoot in.�

Smoky Mountain News

December 23-29, 2015

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her fourth round since being diagnosed with cancer five years ago. “I have been battling for my life every single day since then,� Higgins said. “Needless to say I don’t have many nerves left.�

It’s also crushing to her 88-year-old father next door. “This property is his life,� she said.

The 15-acre tract where Morrow plans to build the shooting range was purchased by his mother a year ago. It’s about a half mile from Morrow’s own family home place, a stately white farm house circa 1900 that sits on a 68-acre tract.

Higgins said she wants to know why Morrow doesn’t build the shooting range and gun store on his own family land, beside his own home place, instead of coming up the road and building it right beside her house. “We have been here all of our life, and I can’t believe they wouldn’t have any more consideraFrancis Cove community members are concerned about a proposed indoor shooting range that could be moving tion for their neighbors into their area, which has historically been farmland. Garret K. Woodward photo than this,� Higgins said. “His so-called gun store won’t be very far from my driveway,� said “How can this happen?� asked Jim But the residents who live near the Higgins’ husband, Danny. “We live in very Francis, 71. “This is a farming community. I planned shooting range and gun store can’t peaceful neighborhood. It will create a lot of can look out my front window now and it is understand how anything that seems so unwanted traffic.� just rolling hills with farmland. incompatible to their lifestyle is even Some neighbors feel vulnerable out in “If it didn’t bother the community I allowed. the country with a gun store in their wouldn’t have no problem with it whatsoev“I don’t like anything like that close to N er. I don’t like to tell people what they can or midst and are leery about the type of peome,� said Nancy Hyatt, 83. “We are discannot do with their property. But it is going ple who will be coming and going on their pleased.� backroads. to totally change the community.�

Several residents of the community plan “With all the things going on in America Morrow said the indoor shooting range to attend the county commissioner meeting right now, it just jolted my spirit to hear at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, and ask the county will be designed to keep noise in. While about this,� Higgins said. there are no county regulations to follow, to use whatever power it has to intervene.

Gilliland said she called Morrow’s mothfederal rules under the Occupational Safety “I hope and pray we can stop it. I don’t er, who owns the tract, and tried to change know if we can, but we have to try,� Gilliland and Health Administration govern noise, her mind. safety and lead contamination for indoor said. “I asked her ‘why would you want to do shooting ranges.

But Morrow said there aren’t any regulathat to a community like this?’� Gilliland But neighbors don’t see how that much tions or permit requirements that would presaid. “I told Betty that something like this shooting, even if inside, won’t pierce their vent him from building an indoor shooting needs to be in the woods some place.� peace and quiet. range and gun store.

Wade Francis, another longIt’s of particular concern to Higgins, who Indeed, the county has no land-use restrictime resident of the community, is facing a grueling bout of chemotherapy, tions that regulate what can be built where.

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fears people will congregate in the parking lot, and what’s to stop them from shooting outside?

Morrow and his wife, Stephanie, said a lot of people are excited about the prospect of an indoor shooting range coming to Haywood County. At a recent gun show at the Haywood County Fairgrounds, women in particular were thrilled to hear an indoor shooting range was on the horizon.

“They were doing the happy dance. We had people literally squeal and cheer,” Stephanie said.

Morrow also anticipates a lot of demand from the second-home population, including

“I don’t like to tell people what they can or cannot do with their property. But it is going to totally change the community.”

— Jim Francis

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LAND-USE ISSUES The shooting range controversy marks the third time in less than a year that residents have brought grievances to the county commissioners over the lack of zoning and land-use regulations. One woman was moved to tears at a county commissioner meeting recounting how she’s been driven crazy by the barking from a dog kennel next door to her. Two months ago, commissioners were bombarded by dozens of residents protesting a trash and recycling sorting plant proposed in their community.

But aside from strip clubs, billboards and helicopter sight-seeing operations, the county doesn’t have zoning rules that regulate what can crop up in a community.

Shooting ranges — indoor and out — have been a source of controversy throughout the region over the past couple years.

A proposed indoor shooting range in Franklin prompted a recent rewrite of town zoning rules that spell out special-use permit requirements.

Meanwhile, neighbors of a private club shooting range in the Glenville area of Jackson County have appealed to county commissioners there for help dealing with noise.

volunteers share the food grown over the summer.

The Waynesville Altrusa Club gathered at Hazelwood Elementary School on Make a Difference Day to work with Haywood Waterways in cleaning up the neglected rain garden.

The rain garden was put in about 15 years ago to aid in the run-off from the school building, turning the area from a swamp to useable space for the kids and a working vegetable garden. Each year volunteers from the Master Gardener’s Extension Association help the children plant, maintain and harvest wonderful food. At the end of the season, they hold a “harvest party” where the children and

Residents urged to prepare for winter As part of Winter Weather Awareness Week, Macon County Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, Melissa Leatherman urges residents of Macon County to update their emergency plans and stock their emergency supplies kits.

For tips about how to be ready for winter weather, visit www.readync.org or call Leatherman at 828.349.2459 to receive handouts and information to better prepare for winter weather.

At Ingles we work with many community groups throughout the year. Fund raisers, special events, food collections... here are some of our community partners that make a difference in Western North Carolina especially in food and nutrition issues.

ASAP ( Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project) ASAP helps us connect with local farmers and promote locally grown products. www.asapconnections.org Eblen Charities - Eblen and Ingles partner on numerous events like "Headlock on Hunger" to collect food and cash donations at wrestling events and "Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving", providing ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal to families in need in WNC. www.eblencharities.org Manna Food Bank - Working to end hunger in Western NC by providing food to 248 partner agencies in 16 counties in WNC. Ingles provides Manna with thousands of pounds of food donations annually and also sponsors the Ingles Giving Tree at the Asheville Mall to benefit Manna Food Bank www.mannafoodbank.org

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Altrusa makes a difference

It's All About Community December 23-29, 2015

seasonal residents from Florida, which has more concealed carry permits than any other state, he said.

There are no indoor shooting ranges in the counties west of Haywood, although one has been proposed in Franklin recently.

Morrow’s plans call for a 14-lane shooting range, with a firing distance of 30 yards, enclosed in a 60-foot-by-130-foot building.

“That is the biggest one in Western North Carolina. This will be the most modern, up-to-date range in Western North Carolina,” Morrow said.

In addition to serving the public, Morrow said the indoor range will also give law enforcement officers a place to practice and get certified, and give the 4-H youth Shooting Sports Club a place to practice without traveling to Asheville.

The land where Morrow plans to put the shooting range was purchased for $450,000.

Morrow’s mother bought the land after selling off a 24-acre tract of her family’s farm-

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A NEEDED ADDITION

stead that borders the old county landfill off Francis Farm Road.

Contamination from the old county landfill had seeped onto her land, forcing the county to buy it out. The county paid her $850,000 for the contaminated land. To avoid paying income taxes on the proceeds from the land sale to the county, she put it toward the purchase of more property. The 15-acre tract up the road just happened to be for sale.

Morrow said the plans to build a shooting range didn’t come along until later.

Morrow, a builder by trade, suffered a debilitating back injury in the spring. When birthing a calf, the OB chain he was pulling on broke. He had back surgery, but realized his body wouldn’t hold up to manual labor much longer.

“I had to come up with something else to do,” Morrow said. And that’s when he began developing the idea for an indoor shooting range.

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Separating church and state Mayor’s oath of office sparks larger debate

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR n the last couple of weeks, Franklin Mayor Bob Scott has been called un-American, arrogant and an asshole, but he’s taking it in stride knowing he made a decision based on his conscience and not on fear.

When Scott was sworn in for his second term as mayor, he placed his hand on the U.S. Constitution instead of the Bible. Local swearing-in ceremonies typically aren’t newsworthy, but it didn’t take long before Scott’s oath of office became a heated topic online and throughout the community.

“I did not run for mayor to just be popular. I ran to, hopefully, be effective,” Scott said. “So I guess this is not one of my most popular moments, but I did what I thought was right, not popular.”

Scott, who served as an alderman for 10 years before being elected mayor, said he never imagined his decision would garner national attention, but it seems like everyone has an opinion about the proper procedure for being sworn into office. The small town swearing-in ceremony made the nightly news from Asheville to Raleigh and many political and religious websites provided commentary on the issue. Some have been outraged, claiming Scott is denouncing Christianity, but others have applauded him for standing up for the Constitution and freedom of religion. “(It) makes more sense to be sworn in on the document that you are upholding and is the law of the land. I have absolutely no problem with anyone being sworn in on a Bible, the Koran, or any other religious document.

That is their choice,” Scott said. “I just decided to choose the Constitution because that was the most applicable document dealing with government and governance of the people.”

Scott has been accused of doing what he did for publicity, but he said that is not the case. While he has been sworn into a number of offices using the Bible, recently he’s began thinking more about the First Amendment rights like freedom of religion and freedom of speech.

“It just felt right to me and it had nothing to do with my belief system. It was simply that I felt my personal belief system, religion or partisan politics, should not be a major factor in governance,” he said. “Our government should not favor one group of people over another, and that is what you do when you allow religion into government.”

Some community members have defended his decision and praised his leadership, but others have accused him of denying Jesus Christ. The mayor received an anonymous email from someone claiming to be a shop owner in Franklin threatening that he or she would do whatever possible to hurt Scott politically. Scott ran unopposed in the last election, but the anonymous author of the email said he would not let that happen again.

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Wallburg is one town in North Carolina that has recently approved displaying the U.S. motto on its town hall building. Donated photo

Smoky Mountain News

December 23-29, 2015

“Curious to know why you chose to deny Christ. This country was founded on Christian values. The constitution clearly states that,” the email stated. “You are a disgrace, and you should not be sucking the Government tit anymore. Take Nancy and your godlessness back to South Carolina where you belong asshole.”

Those are harsh words, but Scott chooses

“It just felt right to me and it had nothing to do with my belief system. It was simply that I felt my personal belief system, religion or partisan politics, should not be a major factor in governance.”

— Bob Scott, Franklin mayor

to turn the other cheek. Just as his hope is that others can respect his personal decisions, he said he respects the rights of others to feel the way they feel.

“I realize that is their right. I try not to change their mind but there have been some instances that did hurt — especially some who said I was an embarrassment to Franklin,” Scott said. “Gosh, I have been called a heathen, atheist, pagan, godless communist and a few other things that are unprintable.”

But overall, Scott said most of the comments he’s received have been overwhelmingly positive. He said he’s received comments from people all over the U.S. saying they support his decision to swear on the Constitution.

“Mayor Bob was voted into his first term by a landslide and no one even ran against him for his second term. He’s made a great difference in our little town,” Bonnie Pickartz said on Facebook. “He’s an honorable person and will defend your right to disagree with him to the end. I am proud of him for taking a stand separating church and state.”

Scott may feel isolated in his decision, but he isn’t the only North Carolina public official to feel more comfortable being sworn in without religious strings attached. Newly elected mayor of Burlington, Ian Baltutis, also chose to not use the Bible, and the words “so help me God” were eliminated when he was sworn into office this month.

The 30-year-old has told media outlets that religion is a very personal concept and that religion isn’t immediately relevant to his position as mayor. The decision to keep his ceremony secular earned him criticism in the community and from the local newspaper. The Alamance News questioned Baltutis’ religious affiliation and whether he would also put a stop to the longstanding tradition of prayer at the beginning of town council meetings.

The Christian Action League has weighed in on both Scott and Baltutis’ oath of office.

Even though both mayors feel religion should be separate from politics, Dr. Mark Creech,

executive director of CAL, disagreed.

“You can no more separate our nation’s form of government from the Christian religion than you can separate smoke from fire or water from ice,” he wrote in his column. “…

Mayor Scott certainly has the right to reject putting his hand on the Bible when taking his oath of office, but his choice sends a dangerous message that places every citizen at risk.

His actions declare the erroneous notion that our rights come from the state — not God.” Scott feels some of this criticism is associated with his recent objections to Macon County Sheriff ’s Office’s decision to place “In God We Trust” logos on all of the patrol cars.

Even though Sheriff Robbie Holland said the decals were paid for by a private donation, Scott felt like the decision to display the national motto was divisive at best.

The sheriff ’s decision came on the heels of the county commissioners’ decision to display the motto on the county courthouse asw well. The funding for that project will also come from a private donation through the U.S. Motto Action Committee — a group that has paid for the motto to be displayed on government buildings in more than 50 counties since 2002. Scott, who has years of experience in law enforcement, said just because they can legally display the motto, doesn’t mean they should.

“For those who think it is alright to display this motto, they need to remember that religious freedom survives only when government

“… Mayor Scott certainly has the right to reject putting his hand on the Bible when taking his oath of office, but his choice sends a dangerous message that places every citizen at risk. His actions declare the erroneous notion that our rights come from the state — not God.”

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— Dr. Mark Creech, Christian Action League executive director

stays out of religion,” he said. “Many religions subscribe to this thought and do not want government meddling in religious matters.”

For Scott, his service as mayor is about being ethical, not religious. A person’s religious beliefs are a personal matter and heA wants only to be judged by his actions and how he represents his constituents.

“I am 75 years old and I can tell you, that sometimes a person can be very religious and not very ethical and very ethical and not religious,” he said. “I think everyone should judge politicians on their ethics and how well they serve the people they represent. To me a person’s religious or non-religious beliefs are personal. I have never used religion for politi-w cal purposes.”

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HISTORY OF THE OATH

“The oath of office for municipal election does not have a requirement that the oath be given with the left hand placed on any document. Doing so would defacto require the office holder to show a willingness to pledge on the Bible — a test.”

— Ralph Hamlett, Brevard College political science professor

another type of religious test.

Swearing on the Bible may be a tradition, but Scott has never been one to let the past guide the future of Franklin. Shortly after being sworn into his second term as mayor, Scott encouraged his board to always look for new and innovative ideas to lead the town.

“The attitudes I expect to never hear expressed are ‘we ain’t never done it that way before,’ or ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,’ or ‘we have always done it this way.’ I want to make sure that everyone on this board is always free to say ‘let’s try it,’ or ‘here’s a new way to think or do something,’” he said.

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Contrary to popular belief, Hamlett said, the Constitution doesn’t contain any language requiring public officials to swear on any kind of religious text when taking the oath of office. Sixth President John Quincy Adams actually placed his hand on a law book when he took his oath of office.

The only mention in the Constitution about the oath of office for the presidentelect is in regards to the language of the affirmation: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of president of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

But throughout the years, the presidential oath of office has become more elaborate and the tradition has extended to other federal offices, state offices and even small town governing boards. But that is all it is — tradition, not a requirement.

Even at the federal level today, members of Congress are sworn into office en masse without the use of any book. The Bible or other books of faith or documents are often used later in re-enactment photos for the press. U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison used the Quran for his swearing in re-enactment photo in 2006. Representing Minnesota, he was the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress, which also caused controversy.

If using a Bible were required by law during a swearing-in ceremony, Hamlett said, it would be a violation of the Constitution.

Article VI, Section 3 of the Constitution states that officials shall be bound to support the Constitution but that no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to run for any public office.

“The oath of office for municipal election does not have a requirement that the oath be given with the left hand placed on any document,” Hamlett said. “Doing so would defacto require the office holder to show a willingness to pledge on the Bible — a test.”

The ACLU of North Carolina has been following this issue as well since Scott’s and Baltutis’ swearing-in ceremonies made the news. ACLU’s Legal Director Chris Brook agrees that requiring a public official to swear on the Bible would be a violation.

“The freedom of religion is one of our country’s most cherished values, and the Constitution says clearly that there can’t be a religious test for holding public office,” Brook said. “State law allows officials to either swear or affirm their oath of office, but requiring them to do so on a specific religious text would violate the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom.”

Hamlett said the wording “So help me God” — a phrase typically inserted at the end of many oaths of office — is just another ritual of sorts. The courts have defined “So help me God” as form of ceremonial deism, which means it’s technically a religious statement but it’s deemed to merely be ritualistic and non-religious through long customary usage. Again, public officials aren’t required to use it because mandating it would make it

December 23-29, 2015

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ublic officials aren’t required to place their hand on a Bible to be sworn into office, but a majority of them still do.

Some elected officials even bring their own treasured Bible to be sworn into office.

It’s a time-honored tradition that continues to be perpetuated even though it’s purely ceremonial. Using a Bible to take an oath of office doesn’t have any legal meaning, but it does have a personal meaning for Christians who believe swearing to God is the highest form of obligation.

Even if the act of swearing on a Bible doesn’t fit into someone’s personal religious beliefs, many public officials choose to follow through with the traditional oath of office anyway because that’s what people have always done. They may also take part in the ritual simply because they don’t want their religious beliefs to be called into question.

The few who have tried to move away from the tradition of swearing on a Bible have often been met with criticism from Christian constituents, including Franklin Mayor Bob Scott and Burlington Mayor Ian Baltutis.

Being a strong supIan Baltutis porter of freedom of religion and separation of church and state, Scott thought it would be more appropriate to swear to uphold the Constitution with his hand on the Constitution. Even though he feels like he had honorable intentions, he’s dealt with the aftermath of doubt from the religious community.

Baltutis experienced the same kind of backlash this month when he didn’t use a Bible for his swearing in and the wording “so help me God” was removed from the oath of office.

The reality is that a majority of North Carolina residents are still conservative, church-going folks who want their leaders to hold the same beliefs they do, which could explain why there are no open “non-believers” currently serving in Congress.

In his online commentary, Dr. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, said Baltutis’ oath had little meaning because he appeals to no one higher than himself.

“Unfortunately, Baltuis (sic) represents, I believe, a new generation of leadership that is out of step with the city he serves, out of step with the state’s Preamble to its Constitution, and out of step with America’s religious moorings,” Creech said. “…

Contrary to the assumptions of the proud, we still need God and the Holy Scriptures.

What is more, it is unto God that we shall

give an account. God judges men, some now and some after death. But our Maker always judges nations in this life.”

Ralph Hamlett, a political science professor at Brevard College and a Canton alderman, said taking an oath of office using a Bible is a tradition many public officials aren’t willing to buck because it could cost them political capital.

“One reason is probably the fear that some politicians might have for violating that tradition. The violation might be perceived as — what seems to be occurring in Franklin — an affront to U.S. religion mores and practices,” Hamlett said. “As such, the fear is that the politician who refuses to use the Bible might suffer in the next election.”

Losing constituent support is exactly what Scott is afraid has happened in the weeks following his swearing-in ceremony.

Thus far he has been a popular leader. He served on the board of aldermen for 10 years, won his race for mayor in a landslide and was re-elected for a second term without opposition. But in the last couple of weeks he’s received hate mail and has been blasted

by Christian commentators.

“I am pretty sure I have lost some support, but I am not running for another office or even a higher office. So, I just have to let the criticism roll off and realize that people have a right to judge or cuss me and vote accordingly,” Scott said. “And, the Constitution gives them that right, to criticize public officials, without a fear of government retribution. That’s the beauty of our Constitution.”

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Swearing to God still carries political weight

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Seven seek two commissioner seats in Haywood

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER wo additional Republicans joined the race for Haywood County commissioner in the final days of the candidate sign-up period that ended Monday.

There was a minor rush the first day of election filing three weeks ago, with five commissioner candidates crossing paths in the election office to fill out registration paperwork. Then a long lull ensued with no new names coming along until the last two days.

Two of the five seats on the county board are up for election in 2016. Four Democrats and three Republicans have thrown their hats in the ring.

Only two candidates from each party will advance past the primary election on March 15, an earlier date than in years past following a decision by state lawmakers to move the primary up.

Here’s how the two primary ballots for Haywood commissioner have shaped up.

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REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

December 23-29, 2015

Long-time commissioner Kevin Ensley is running for re-election, along with two challengers, Greg Burrell and Brandon Rogers.

The primary will pit two camps of the local Republican Party, which has splintered

over the past two years, against each other. A conservative branch with ideological ties to the Tea Party movement has taken control of the local party apparatus, ousting the more mainstream and moderate Republicans.

Ensley hails from the moderate camp of mainstream Republicans. He has been criticized by more right-wing members of the party for not being conservative enough during his time on the county board.

Burrell falls squarely in the ideological camp and was part of a movement to take over the party. Burrell believes the county is on the wrong track and sees Ensley as part of the problem, pointing out that he almost always votes in line with the Democratic majority on the board of commissioners and thus can’t possibly be Republican enough if he is voting with the Democrats.

Rogers, meanwhile, comes from neither camp of the party. He is a newcomer to politics and decided to run by his own volition.

While neither camp recruited him, both are eager to claim him.

Rogers actually met with representatives from both camps before making his final decision to run.

“I have both groups’ support at this time,” Rogers said.

Indeed, both Ensley and Burrell spoke positively of Rogers.

“He has contributed to the community and he is well thought of in the community,”

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The primary will pit two camps of the local Republican Party, which has splintered over the past two years. Ensley hails from the moderate camp while Burrell falls squarely in the ideological camp. Rogers, meanwhile, comes from neither camp.

Ensley said. “I think he will be a great candidate for the Republican Party.”

Burrell said he supports Rogers, too.

As for Rogers, he is staying neutral.

“I want to work with all the ones who are elected, no matter who it is, in a positive manner,” Rogers said.

Rogers said he doesn’t mind working with members of the opposite party either.

“Yeah, I am registered Republican, but I have a whole lot of Democratic friends and supporters,” said Rogers, who said he hopes people consider him as a person rather than someone from a particular party.

Here’s a snapshot of the candidates: • Greg Burrell, 44, owner of Burrell Construction from Canton.

Burrell said the current county commissioners have lost the support of average people and become too insular.

“They have been in there way too long. I hate to use the term ‘the buddy system,’ but they keep it tight-knit,” Burrell said. “You need the common man up there, the working man, to understand what we are going through.”

Burrell said the county is prone to wasteful spending and taxes are “way too high.”

“There is going to have to be some pennypinching done to get this county back on track,” Burrell said, adding that America is on the wrong track as well.

• Kevin Ensley, land surveyor Ensley said he wasn’t sure whether to run again after 12 years as a commissioner, but an outpouring of people asking him to stay with it four more years appealed to his sense of civic duty.

“I think we have done a good job, and that’s what I am hearing from the public. I think it has been a stable, common sense government,” said Ensley, who prayed for weeks about what to do before deciding it was the right thing.

Ensley believes in a conservative budget without resorting to severe austerity measures, pointing to how the county has weathered the great recession during his time on the board.

“We have had a stable, calm government throughout this financial turmoil,” Ensley said, citing a lean, efficient budget.

Despite criticisms of being buddybuddy with Democratic commissioners, Ensley said the board tries to function as a team — “which is what a board does, so we can move Haywood County in a positive direction.”

• Brandon Rogers, 44, owner of Rogers Express Lube and Tire in Canton.

“I will be honest with you, I never imagined in a million years I would be doing something like this,” Rogers said.

Rogers isn’t running because of a particular agenda, nor does he think the current commissioners are running the county into the ground.

But people in the community kept telling him he should run, so he finally considered it, and after much prayer realized if he could help the county, it was his responsibility to step up.

“I feel like I could be an asset to help with the decisions that are made,” Rogers said.

Rogers is active in the community — from coaching youth sports to serving as a church deacon to working as a fill-in deputy for the sheriff ’s office.

Rogers worked for Day International in Arden 14 years but gave up his job security and steady paycheck to open a lube and tire shop with his father in his hometown.

Rogers believes in striking a balance when it comes to county spending.

“We can run efficiently while providing the services we need to for the people in our county,” Rogers said. “The health and safety of the people in Haywood County are important to me, especially our children and elderly. I have kids in the school system and my grandparents are elderly and I believe in taking care of them.”

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Four candidates are running on the Democratic ballot.

All signed up the first day of candidate registration three weeks ago and were highlighted in their own article the week election filing kicked off.

Get caught up at smokymountainnews.com — type “Haywood primary” in the search box.

Meanwhile, here’s the quick list of the four Democratic candidates. Note that Commissioner Mark Swanger, a Democrat whose seat is up for election, is not running again, bringing four newcomers to the race.

• Robin Black, 53, a certified public accountant who owns her own accounting firm.

• Charles Boyd, 67, owns WNC Landscaping.

• Steve Brown, 62, director of the nonprofit Arc of Haywood County.

• Terry Ramey, 61, retired from the towing and mechanic business.

Both incumbents face opposition in general election HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hough both of the Jackson County commissioners up for re-election will have competition when November rolls around, the primary season will be quiet with only one person from each party running for each seat.

The most recent candidate to sign up is Mickey Luker, 47, who put in his name to run against incumbent Mark Jones for the Cashiers seat just minutes before the deadline. With 20 years of experience working for county government as a social worker and 10 years of owning the Caney Fork General Store, Luker, a Republican, said he feels like he has something valuable to bring to table if elected.

“I think it’s the perfect opportunity to be able to give something back to the community in which I live,” Luker said.

In addition to his work experience, Luker’s also been quite involved in local issues, serving as a founding member of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority, on the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority board, on various state boards involving social services and as an

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ing out of that,” he said. “Are they self-sufficient, and if they’re not, we need to determine if they’re not going to be able to be self-sufficient. And if not, think of an exit strategy for that Green Energy Park.”

In the general election, Luker will run against incumbent Mark Jones, a Democrat.

Jones, 56, has been on the board since 2006.

Former general manager and current morning manager at High Hampton Inn — Jones gave up the general manager’s gig when he “I think it’s the perfect opportunity to was elected commissioner — Jones has been a be able to give something back to the proponent of the Green community in which I live.”

Energy Park since the beginning and said he’s — Mickey Luker hoping for another four years to see through some of the projects he’s helped start, espeas has been done in the state government as cially the expansion of water and sewer well as in counties across North Carolina capacity in Cashiers. recently.

“This is starting to come to a crucial time Regarding the impending revaluation where I worked hard and diligently to make and the county’s full plate of capital needs, Luker said those priorities need to be looked sure there’s funding to get this the next step forward,” said Jones, a TWSA board memat carefully. When it comes to one of those ber. capital projects, expansion at the Green Both Jones and Vicki Greene, the other Energy Park, Luker said he sees the undercommissioner up for re-election, have said taking as public funding of private enterthat this will be their last term if elected. Like prise and that he’d take a different tack than Jones, Greene will go uncontested in the prithe current board. mary but will face Republican Ron Mau, a “We ought to look at some ways of exitofficer in the Cullowhee Fire Department.

Of the current board, Luker said, “I think their focus needs to be different.” He said he’d like to see the county run more efficiently, like a business, and improve services to Cashiers residents by making sure a representative from each department holds weekly office hours in the southern end of the county. He’d also like to look into merging the social services and health departments,

news

Uncontested primaries on tap for Jackson Who’s running?

With candidate sign-up complete, the field for Jackson County commissioner includes: ■ Vicki Greene. 65, is a Democrat completing her first term as commissioner. Her career included 36 years with the Southwestern Commission, where she eventually held the position of assistant director.

She is running in District 3.

■ Ron Mau. 51, is a Republican who currently sits on town council for the Village of Forest Hills. He is a professor and department chair for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s online campus and holds advanced degrees in engineering and finance. He is running in District 3.

■ Mark Jones. 56, is a Democrat who’s sat on the commission since 2006. He is the former general manager and current morning manager for High Hampton Inn in Cashiers.

He is running in District 4.

■ Mickey Luker. 47, is a Republican who owns Caney Fork General Store and spent 20 years in social work. He’s sat on a variety of state and local boards. He is running in District 4.

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Haywood commissioners vexed by attendance record of tax collector

Haywood Tax Collector Mike Matthews (left) gives a monthly tax report at a commissioners meeting earlier this year.

Smoky Mountain News

December 23-29, 2015

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER aywood County commissioners expressed concern this week over what they claim is poor work attendance of the county tax collector, Mike Matthews.

Commissioners said they have heard complaints from the public that Matthews rarely seems to be in his office, a trend they say is verified by other county employees who work on the same hall.

“I have heard from the public they don’t see him up there very often,” Commissioner Kevin Ensley said at a county meeting Monday. “I have gotten a lot of complaints about that, but there is not a lot we can do about that.”

“That’s right we don’t have any legal authority over an elected official,” Commissioner Mark Swanger replied.

Matthews became the elected tax collector following a narrow upset victory last year, ousting long-time tax collector David Francis by just 200 votes. Haywood County is the last county in the state that has an elected tax collector.

Matthews said commissioners are still just bitter that he beat Francis and were “grandstanding” at the meeting.

“They took an opportunity when I wasn’t there to run their mouths like they always do,” Matthews said.

Matthews was not at the commissioner meeting Monday where his attendance record became a subject of conversation.

Swanger noted that December is the busiest time of the year for property tax payments and expressed concern about 10 Matthews not being present.

H

“So everybody in there is working hard, huh?” Swanger said.

“I would say his staff is working hard,” County Manager Ira Dove replied, with emphasis on the “staff ” part of the equation.

“The tax collector’s staff is working hard.”

“How hard or often is the tax collector working?” Swanger asked.

“Um … I would say, of the time office has been open, he has definitely been there less than 50 percent of the time, possibly less than a third ” Dove replied.

But Matthews said that’s not true.

“He is full of shit, and all of them are too,” Matthews said in an interview later. “As far as that goes, I am here every single day. I mean, there are days I am going to Asheville for a meeting with an attorney or am out looking at property, but I am always available. I am in the office 90 percent of the time.”

Swanger asked Dove how he could tell whether Matthews was, or wasn’t, coming in, since they work on different floors.

“What do you base that on?” Swanger asked.

“What people have told me, and also looking at some of the card access, and a few of the days on the tape,” Dove said. County employees use swipe cards to enter the building, which keeps a record of when employees come to work. Matthews pointed out that he could be coming in the front door, which has no card reader,.

However, Dove’s reference to “the tape” referred to security cameras, including one with a view of the hall outside Matthews’ office.

“He is still getting paid a full-time salary?” Swanger said.

Dove explained that Matthews gets the same salary no matter what. Since he is elected, the county can’t fire him, hold him accountable, or penalize him by cutting his pay.

“So regardless of how many hours he does or does not work he gets the same amount of money,” Swanger said.

Matthews said commissioners don’t like the fact he won and it’s been a losing battle from the start to change their perception of him.

“They will just have to suck it up for the next three years,” Matthews said, citing the remaining years on his elected term.

Matthews said the proof of the job he’s doing is in the numbers. The tax collection rate is up compared to this time last year.

“So what’s the problem?” Matthews said.

“Our numbers are as good or better than they have been. Our collections are up and we have done less foreclosures than we have ever done before.” However, it is too soon to say whether the year will actually finish up or down, and won’t be known until accounts are reconciled at year end, according to Dove.

Dove said there are a variety of factors that could lead to the collection rate being up — which is a trend for counties statewide. The economy is better, there are fewer foreclosures and the burden of collecting motor vehicle taxes no longer falls to county tax offices but is done through tag renewal.

Dove also commended the job the staff in Matthew’s department is doing.

“The staff of that office under him have worked very hard and continue to do so. He has some very hard-working employees,” Dove said.

Of the five employees in the tax collector’s office, only one has been there longer than a year. Four employees quit or transferred after Matthews took over the office.

There has been a 50 percent turnover among

“I could care less about trying to make [commissioners] happy.

That is not a bit of my concern to try to make them happy.”

— Mike Matthews, Haywood County tax collector

the four new hires since then.

Francis, the former tax collector, was kept on in an interim capacity to train Matthews how to do the job, and was later made part of the county’s upper-level administrative team. He is often called on for support and institutional knowledge to help the tax collector’s office.

Matthews said the reason tax collections are up, however, is because of the new culture he’s brought to the tax collector’s office.

“We are willing to work with people when they come in,” Matthews said. “We don’t make people mad. We have very little complaints.”

Commissioners stumbled into a conversation about Matthew’s work attendance after he didn’t show up to make his regular monthly report on tax collections at the county meeting Monday evening.

When the agenda item rolled around, Swanger looked up and surveyed the handful of people in the audience before turning to Dove.

“Our tax collector Mike Matthews is listed as the presenter … um … he doesn’t appear to be present,” Swanger said. “Ira, do you know where he is?”

Dove couldn’t offer a first-hand explanation, but passed on what he’d been told by Matthew’s staff.

“The information I received from the deputy tax collector is that Mr. Matthews had a family engagement and did not show for this,” Dove replied.

After pondering the monthly tax report from November that had been submitted by Matthew’s deputy tax collector, Swanger noted that it was markedly shy of collections the previous November, about $4 million less than the same month last year.

“Do you know how that occurred or why it occurred?” Swanger asked.

“Mr. Matthews has not given an explanation,” Dove replied.

Dove said it was his understanding from Matthew’s staff, however, that invoices for property tax bills hadn’t been sent to mortgage companies on time asking them to remit payments being held in homeowners’ escrow accounts.

“Do you know why they weren’t sent out?” Swanger asked.

“I have no reason as to why he didn’t get it sent out, other than, I really don’t know why he missed all that. I understand there were meetings on how to do this and the processes that he did not appear at,” Dove said, citing that new software had required a new process.

“Did he attend those meetings?” Swanger asked.

“To my knowledge, no, and I don’t know why,” Dove said.

Dove said the escrow billing to mortgage companies has since been sent, however, and the payments have now been caught up, but posted in December rather than November when they should have.

“Didn’t tax bills go out a little later than normal this year?” Commissioner Mike Sorrells asked.

Dove said yes.

“Why did they go out late?” Swanger asked.

“I don’t have a full explanation for that,” Dove said, noting that other staff in the tax office worked late hours to get it done.

“It just … I mean … it looks like somebody may not be doing their job,” Sorrells said.

Swanger asked Dove to schedule a meeting with Matthews after the holidays to “come to a better understanding of what our expectations are.”

Matthews said he is not beholden to the commissioners or to Dove, however.

“I could care less about trying to make them happy. That is not a bit of my concern to try to make them happy,” Matthews said.

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Smoky Mountain News

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER A plan to double the capacity of a planned development near Cashiers got the go-ahead from Jackson County commissioners when they voted unanimously last week to approve amendments to the agreement with Chinquapin, LLC. Now, the property’s new developers, the Waterfront Group, will move ahead with plans to fill the 2,000-acre property with 400 homes, up from the original plan of 200 homes.

According to Commission Chairman Brian McMahan, the agreement is good news for the area’s tourism- and second-home-centered economy, which has been struggling mightily since the economic recession triggered a collapse of the real estate market.

“It’s a good indicator the economy is moving in the right direction,” McMahan said. “I’m excited for that development. It appears they’ve got some good plans for the future, and I wish them the best.”

The revised agreement would maintain the 700-acre conservation easement and 204 acres of additional green space outlined in the original plan. However, the golf course would give way to construction of cluster-style homes. Once completed, the development would include 172 of these homes — built in groups on small-acreage lots surrounded by green space — as well as 228 larger, estate-style lots.

Since 2008, only 30 lots have been sold and six homes constructed, but Waterfront is optimistic about the future. According to Elliott Harwell, of Waterfront, the company expects to reach full build-out in three to five years.

A public hearing on the revised agreement earlier this month drew four speakers, two voicing support for the expansion and two expressing caution based on Cashiers’ history of getting burned by unscrupulous developers during the recession. Those speakers worried about whether Waterfront would live up to its promises when it came to providing necessities like roads, water and septic facilities.

However, county commissioners expressed confidence in Waterfront’s reputation and track record, and county code compliance officer John Jeleniewski affirmed that the developer had met all state requirements for moving ahead with its plans.

“I’m pleased with what they presented,” McMahan said. “It seems very reasonable and it’s an attempt to try and provide the kind of community that fits in with the area, so I think it’s a good thing.”

iPhone 6s with coverage in the Middle of Anywhere.

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Cashiers development gets green light for expansion

11

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Jackson hires planning director Change afoot for department in 2016

the best evaluation of him,” Greene said. “He will be a good fit. He’s approachable, he’s funny, he’s knowledgeable.”

Of the four candidates called for an in-person interview, Commission Chairman Brian McMahan said, “I felt the most comfortable really with him. I think Michael (Poston)’s going to fit in real well.”

Commissioners are excited to welcome Poston on board, but he almost missed out on the job. The county received more than 10 applications for the planner’s position, and from that stack the search committee chose the top five for a phone Michael Poston interview. Poston made that initial cut but was not one of the three candidates called in for an in-person interview.

Commissioners offered the job to one of the three, but that person decided the job was not a good fit after all, leaving the search committee hanging. The other two candidates who’d interviewed in person weren’t what commissioners were looking for, so the search committee went back to the original five and revisited Poston’s application. Whatever had been off in his phone interview to prevent him from making the initial round of in-person interviews

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER fter plugging along for seven months without one, Jackson County will welcome a new planning director when 2016 begins.

Michael Poston, currently planning director for Yadkin County just west of WinstonSalem, is a Western Carolina University graduate who’s excited to begin living and working in Jackson County.

“I have a great love of Western North Carolina, and certainly my time in Jackson County was very special to me, so basically that whole area is just kind of woven into my life,” Poston said.

Holding a bachelor’s degree in political science and communications as well as a master’s in public affairs — both from WCU — Poston is also a certified planner with 10 years of experience in North Carolina. He has the credentials and experience to succeed, as well as the personality and background, said Vicki Greene, a Jackson County commissioner and member of the planning director search committee.

“One of the other commissioners described him as a good fit, and I think that’s

December 23-29, 2015

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ranging which department is responsible for what and encouraging collaboration between the two.

That’s not to say that Poston will slide into a stagnant structure. Soon after arriving, he’ll be asked to help choose a new planner to join the existing two-person team of Caroline Edmonds and John Jeleniewski, whose title last week changed from code compliance officer to land use administrator, reflecting his newly defined responsibilities for enforcing steep slope rules and other land development ordinances.

And when Poston attends his first planning board meeting in January, six of the 11member board’s representatives will be there for the first time as well. Chairperson Sarah Thompson, David Brooks, Tom Rodgers, Clark Lipkin, Ed Weatherby and Ron Story will be coming off the board.

Filling those seats will be Scott Ogle, an N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement agent;

wasn’t evident when he came to Jackson County, Greene said.

“He did a great interview, with the search committee and then with the commission,” Greene said.

When Poston arrives at his new office Jan. 19, he’ll have a full plate of meaty tasks to greet him. With the planning director’s seat vacant since May, the to-do list has gotten longer and longer. Last week, commissioners appointed a new cohort of planning board members, so Poston will have the added challenge of forming a team and a rhythm to surge forward.

“A big part of his job is to get to know his planning board members,” McMahan said.

Poston will also be in charge of guiding the committee working on a comprehensive plan for the county, working with the planning Since the 2014 commissioner board to review the ordinance governing industrial election, the planning board’s development, finding a composition has changed company to help develop a new ordinance to pull all of dramatically, with the configuration Jackson County’s planning rules under one heading changing from a majority that favors and hiring a new staff perdecreased regulation to one favoring son in the planning office, a position commissioners land use regulation. have already funded but decided to put off hiring Vickey Wade, former program director of until the planning director was in place.

When asked how he plans to approach local government training at Western this hefty list of tasks, however, Poston Carolina University, Steve Johannessen, a said his first priority will be to determine Cashiers singer, artist and web designer; how the community wants him to Ken Brown, a home builder and director of the environmental group the Tuckaseigee approach them.

“I think what makes planning so interest- Community Alliance; and Kirk Stephens, a ing is trying to find that balance between the cybercrime technology instructor at Community College. collective good and the private property Southwestern rights,” Poston said. “It’s getting in and truly Commissioners will name a sixth new memunderstanding where that balance is in each ber in January. Scott Baker, who is currently community, because each community is the board’s vice chair and took the lead on the Cullowhee planning effort, will be the going to be a little bit different.”

That response points to what McMahan board’s new chairman, with the board invited to make a recommendation to commissees as Poston’s biggest strength.

“His style of management, his philosophy sioners for the vice chair seat.

Since the 2014 commissioner election, about how to deal with customers and citizens — he’s a great listener,” McMahan said. the planning board’s composition has That, combined with Poston’s desire to changed dramatically, with the configuramake a home in Jackson County — the 38- tion shifting from a majority that favors year-old is married with children ages 9 and 5 decreased regulation to one favoring land — bodes well for his tenure there, Greene use regulation. Two of the outgoing members, Clark Lipkin and David Brooks, had sat said.

“He doesn’t see himself somewhere else in on the board since 2011 and been in the antifive or 10 years, so that’s a good thing,” she regulation camp.

With Brown, who has a more pro-regulasaid.

Despite recommendations from the firm tion philosophy, replacing Lipkin, the board Jackson paid earlier this year to conduct a is likely to wind up with a more pro-regulaperformance audit of the planning and per- tion bent. Commissioner Charles Elders, mitting and code enforcement departments, who initially appointed Brooks, is less favorPoston’s role will be identical to that of for- able to regulation than the other commismer planner Gerald Green. The report from sioners and named Ogle in Brooks’ place.

Benchmark Planning had suggested that The other four new members, however, will commissioners hire either a new position to likely carry forward the pro-regulation jointly oversee the two departments or search philosophies held by the majority of sitting out a planning director with experience in commissioners.

“I would have to say that the planning both fields to offer some dual oversight.

However, commissioners decided to main- board is a little more ordinance-friendly,” tain the existing structure while slightly rear- McMahan said.

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Seven in running for Swain commission Seven candidates will be vying for two commissioner seats in Swain County next year.

Swain incumbents David Monteith and Steve Moon, who are both Democrats, have signed up to run for re-election but will be challenged by two Republicans and three other Democrats.

The Democratic challengers are Boyd Andre Gunter, David Anthony and Wayne Dover, and Republican challengers include Carolyn Bair and Lance Grant II. Monteith, a 68-year-old retired market manager at Ingles who is now a Swain County school bus driver, is currently serving his fifth term as commissioner and says he wants to try for another term so he can see some current projects through to fruition.

Moon, a 64-year-old retired tire shop owner, has served as a county commissioner for 10 years and served as a school board member for six years before becoming a commissioner.

Bair, a 67-year-old retired fast food worker from Whittier, ran for commissioner in 2014 when all four commissioner seats were open. She was the lowest vote-getter out of six candidates. The 2014 election was the last year all commissioners were up for election at the same time, and now commissioners will serve staggered four-year terms.

Gunter, a medical technician from Bryson City, ran for Swain County Commission chairman in 2006 but was defeated.

Dover, 41, ran for Swain County sheriff in 2010 but was defeated by Curtis Cochran. He served as a sheriff ’ deputy for four years and also has experience as a detention officer, a patrol dispatcher and courtroom security for the U.S. Marshal Service.

Grant, a 43-year-old engineer, ran for commissioner in 2014 but didn’t garner enough votes to get one of the four open seats.

Anthony, 65, is a former commissioner who was last elected in 2006.

There will be a primary election for the four Democratic candidates on March 15, while the two Republican candidates will automatically move on to the general election in November.

— By Jessi Stone, News editor

Smoky Mountain News

Sheila Gahagan, CPA Specializing in Audits, Reviews & Tax Preparation.

December 23-29, 2015

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER s the elk herd in Western North Carolina continues to grow, an elk-hunting season could become a possibility under a proposal being considered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Only a limited number of permits — as few as one or two — would likely be awarded at first, and only for male elk.

“We may not issue any permits if we don’t think it is warranted,” explained Mike Carroway, a wildlife biologist for the mountain region. “This proposal is to pave the way for the possibility. It could still be 10 years before we issue a permit.

It depends on how the population is doing and whether we feel like it would hurt the population to take a bull.”

A herd of 50 elk reintroduced to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 15 years ago has expanded its home range in recent years, moving out of the park and into surrounding communities. Sightings are routine in Cherokee and Maggie Valley, but lone young males have been known to wander as far as Nantahala, more than 60 miles away.

Carroway said shooting one or two bull elk a year wouldn’t affect the overall herd population.

“If you aren’t taking the females, you aren’t impacting the population at all,” Carroway explained.

Bull elk vie for harems during mating season, rendering the majority of bulls superfluous when it comes to reproduction.

Pegging an exact estimate of the elk population is tough, however.

“In some cases, we can go out and count elk. We know there are little pockets here and there and know what the movements are,” Carroway said. “But we can’t count the elk we don’t see.”

Conservative population estimates are between 140 and 160.

Elk have become a revered and treasured species since their reintroduction, beloved by locals and tourists alike.

Any proposal with the word “elk” and “hunting” in it could be met with stiff opposition.

“That is the $64,000 question, is how will this go over,” Carroway said.

The Wildlife Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposal at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at the Haywood Community College auditorium in Clyde.

There are many unknowns in the proposal. As written, it merely calls for the establishment of a permit-only hunting season for elk during October.

How many permits, how to award them and what they would cost is to be determined.

The permits could either be auctioned or awarded in a lottery. The first year Tennessee issued an elk-hunting permit in 2009, it was auctioned off for $17,000.

Last year, six elk hunting permits were awarded in Tennessee. Five were awarded through a random lottery, which nearly 10,000 hunters entered. The sixth was auctioned off for $9,800.

Carroway said there are pros and cons to both methods.

A random lottery gives the general public a fair shot at the elk permit, but auctioning it off can raise money to help with elk management.

“You don’t want to alienate the average hunters who can’t afford $10,000 for a permit. You don’t want it to be just for rich people,” Carroway said. “On the other hand if you auction them off you can raise a lot of money that can then be put into elk management. All those are difficult questions that would have to be answered at some point in the future.”

The growing elk herd has led to conflicts with landowners, from elk taking up residence in yards of homeowners to eating farmers’ crops. Three elk have intentionally been shot and killed by farmers for damaging crops or meddling with their cattle. Half a dozen elk have been hit by cars in Maggie Valley and Cherokee.

But the landowner conflicts are not the motivation behind the idea of a hunting season.

“That is really not part of it,” Carroway said. “The purpose of the permit is not for a landowner to kill an elk that was damaging property. That is not the goal of this.”

However, if a hunting permit is issued, a landowner with an elk problem could feasibly invite whoever won the permit to come on their land.

“If a permit is awarded, they are going to have to find a private landowner who will let them kill an elk on their property, and someone who has incurred damage could be more likely to let someone hunt on their property,” Carroway said.

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Elk hunting by permit being debated by wildlife commission

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Canton proposes $2 million pool project

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR anton’s outdoor pool has given the community a place to gather, play, exercise and relax for more than 70 years.

While many communities no longer have publicly funded pools because of the high cost of maintenance and liability, the town of Canton is committed to keeping its pool open and in good condition.

The leaky pool has been patched up here and there for many years to keep it operational but it came to a point where the town had to decide whether to replace it or shut it down. The current town board has made it a top priority to replace the pool and plans are under way to get it done.

With a team of engineers contracted to do the design work, the town is ready to invest about $2.2 million into replacing the pool and adding new features to the recreation park.

Canton Town Manager Seth Hendler-Voss made a presentation to the board of aldermen and the town’s recreation advisory commission last week outlining the proposal, which could be completed before the summer of 2017 if all goes accordingly.

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Smoky Mountain News

December 23-29, 2015

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

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The bulk of the project includes renovating the current pool so that it could be used as a six-lane lap pool, which is estimated to cost about $1.4 million. Additional improvements include adding new pool facilities, pavilions, cornhole courts, disc golf equipment, fitness equipment and shuffleboard courts. The square footage and capacity will be about the

same as it has always been so that the new pool can be placed in the same location.

Hendler-Voss said the town would also need to complete some ancillary projects before construction can begin, including $67,000 worth of sewer upgrades.

While Hendler-Voss believes the project can be completed without raising taxes next year, he said the town may need to get creative to come up with additional revenue.

Hopefully the new pool will mean more users and more revenue. He said the town could create another $10,000 in revenue just by increasing the pool entry price from $3 to $4 while still offering a better price than other public pools in Haywood County.

“Come budget season we need to be open to places we can find money,” he told the board. “And we also need to be open to realistic options for creating new revenue.”

Based on recommendations from the recreation commission, Hendler-Voss said the project funding could come from multiple sources — town coffers, private donations, sponsorships and grant money.

Hendler-Voss’ proposal recommends financing 46 percent of the project while 22 percent would come from the town’s fund balance and 32 percent would come from donations and grants. The $67,000 needed for sewer upgrade would come out of the water and sewer fund.

CAN WE AFFORD IT? Hendler-Voss said $970,000 of the project could be financed through a USDA loan with a 3.1 interest rate. With a 40-year loan, the town would make annual payments of

The Canton Board of Aldermen is moving forward with plans to invest more than $2 million in a pool replacement project. The next public hearing will be held at 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 at the Canton Armory. File photo

“I think we’ll have to roll up our sleeves to make it happen, but I think people will be willing to make donations to fund this project because they’ll see it’s going to have a long lasting benefit for everyone.”

— Ralph Hamlett, Canton alderman

$43,000 — an amount Hendler-Voss believes the town can absorb in the current budget.

The town’s debt service on things like fire trucks, patrol cars and equipment is only about 3 percent of its general operating budget, which should give the town a good shot at getting approved for the USDA loan.

“That’s pretty good and it will look good to the USDA that we’re not an organization that is debt hungry — we’ve been very fiscally conservative,” Hendler-Voss said. “The time to borrow is now — if we qualify for the loan and the board approves it.”

Jake Robinson, a member of the recreation commission and the CEO of Champion Credit Union, said a fixed 3.1-percent interest rate for

a 40-year loan was an unbelievable deal.

The proposal would mean Canton would need to take $475,000 from its reserve fund to contribute to the project. Towns are required to keep at least 8 percent of their total operating costs in a reserve fund in case of emergencies, but Canton has used portions from the reserve for the last several years to balance its budget without raising taxes.

While using reserves to balance the budget is not an ideal situation, Hendler-Voss said the town keeps well over the required 8 percent in the fund.

The fund contained $2.8 million last year before the town allocated $316,000 to balance the budget.

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ix candidates have signed up to run for two commissioner seats in Macon County next year.

Current Commission Chairman Kevin Corbin’s District 2 seat will be up for grabs since he’s decided to run on the Republican ticket for the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Three candidates have signed up to run for the open seat — Republicans Karl Gillespie and Ron Haven and Democrat Charlie Leatherwood.

Gillespie, president of National Communications, Inc., serves on the Macon County Planning Board and the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees, but this is the first time seeking public office.

Haven has also served as a Macon County Commissioner in the past but was defeated during the last election by moderate Republican Gary Shields. Haven owns

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GRANTS IN THE PIPELINE

NEXT STEPS With the mayor and board of aldermen in consensus to move forward with the plan, the next step is to hold another public hearing to receive input on the part of the project that would be funded through the PARTF grant.

That meeting will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Jan. 7 at the Canton Armory. There will be no formal presentation, but the public is invited to stop in to see the pool project plans and ask questions.

Hendler-Voss said the town will apply for the USDA loan in January and should know whether it’s approved by April. If the loan is approved, the town wouldn’t have to begin making payments until 2018. Next summer, the town should find out whether it will be awarded the PARTF grant and then the construction project can be put out to bid.

Robinson said he was pleased with the project proposal and supported moving forward with it.

“I’m very encouraged by what we’ve seen,” he said “There are similar projects costing three to four times what we’ve come up with here — $2 million sounds like a lot but it’s good in this market.”

Alderman Ralph Hamlett agreed that the town staff and recreation commission did a great job presenting a feasible project that will keep the pool open to the community for years to come.

“I think we’ll have to roll up our sleeves to make it happen, but I think people will be willing to make donations to fund this project because they’ll see it’s going to have a long lasting benefit for everyone,” he said.

Smoky Mountain News

Hendler-Voss said he was very conservative when it came down to budgeting for donations and grant funding.

The engineering team hired to design the pool also will be assisting the town with applying for a PARTF (North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund) grant for $350,000.

Since it is the largest and most competitive grant for recreation projects, Hendler-Voss said it was extremely important for their grant application to be close to perfect.

“Everyone and their brother are going after PARTF grants so we have to have a tight project and a tight application and good standing with the state,” he said.

The town will also be pursuing a number of smaller grants to go toward the project — a $15,000 grant from the Kiwanis Club, $50,000 from the Glass Foundation, $15,000 from Sisters of Mercy and $5,000 from Ingles Corporation.

“The hope is we raise more in private donations and sponsorships and grants so we can reduce the amount coming out of our fund balance and loan,” Hendler-Voss said.

Many of the grants being applied for require the town to show that the new pool will offer health and recreational opportuni-

ties for youth and senior citizens, which is why the design is for a six-lane lap pool. Six lanes is large enough for swim teams to hold practices and meets and large enough for the senior center to hold water aerobics classes during the day.

December 23-29, 2015

The town then used another $180,000 from the reserves to pay the Camp Hope lawsuit settlement and is looking to take $475,000 out for the pool project. Hendler-Voss is confident that the town can replace a lot of that spending in the next year.

“We were almost $500,000 under budget though for fiscal 2015 so we’re hoping we’ll return that allocation to the fund balance plus another $180,000 to return to the fund for Camp Hope,” he said. “We have 54 percent of our operating expenses in fund balance — the state requires 8 percent. We’re in pretty good financial standing right now.”

several motels and rental properties in Macon County.

Leatherman has also served as a commissioner before. While he was on the Republican ticket last time he ran for election in 2010, he has signed up to run as a Democrat this time around. He also is a former Macon County Schools educator and served on the SCC Board of Trustees.

District 3 Commissioner Paul Higdon signed up to run for a second term, but he will face three challengers — Republicans Greg Boyer and Manny Carrion and Democrat Bobby Kuppers.

Boyer is a Franklin lawyer who ran for District Court Judge in 2010.

Bobby Kuppers is a Franklin High School teacher and football coach who served as the District 3 commissioner for one term before being ousted by Higdon during the 2012 election.

Carrion, a 36-year-old local businessman, was one of 12 candidates who ran for the Franklin Board of Aldermen in 2013 but he didn’t garner enough votes to claim a seat on the board.

The primary election will be held for both parties on March 15.

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Six candidates vie for two Macon commission posts

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Possum Drop on for New Year’s

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER fter taking a hit in court earlier this month, the folks behind the annual Clay’s Corner Possum Drop got some good news that makes the prognosis for Brasstown’s 21st annual New Year’s Eve celebration look pretty positive.

“I’m tickled. My plan’s just to have a live possum, carry on like we used to and have a good time,” said Clay Logan, event organizer and owner of Clay’s Corner store, in Clay County.

Logan had just gotten the news that Wake County Superior Court Judge James K. Roberson had denied a motion from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals — PETA — to approve a preliminary injunction on this year’s New Year’s celebration.

Basically, a preliminary injunction would have meant that the judge felt there was a good chance PETA would win its pending court case protesting Brasstown’s custom of ringing in the New Year by lowering a live possum. If granted, the injunction would

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Clay Logan stands with Opie the Opossum, the Possum Drop mascot, outside his Brasstown store Clay’s Corner.

filed another suit, claiming that this specialized exemption could have widespread implications for possums and is essentially favoritism, giving one county the right to play by different rules from the rest of the state. The current suit stems from a 2014 law, which replaces the 2013 legislation and widens the temporary exemption to include the whole state.

“I’m tickled. My plan’s just to have a live possum, carry on like we used to and have a good time.”

— Clay Logan, event organizer

North Carolina had filed a motion to dismiss this fall, but Roberson struck it down earlier this month. Logan had feared that decision boded ill for the final outcome, but he’s celebrating this next turn of events.

“They sell it like it’s the most evil thing in the world that we do, and we don’t do nothing to harm the possum whatsoever,” he said.

So, barring any more court action between now and Dec. 31, the 21st Annual Clay’s Corner Possum Drop is set to go, and Logan’s looking forward to the whole thing, from the Miss Possum cross-dressing contest for men to the recognition of those who have served in the military to the final countdown and lowering of the possum.

Smoky Mountain News

December 16-22, 2015

Midge Roach/Clay County Progress photo

have forbid Logan from repeating the tradition until after the court had made its final ruling.

The motion’s denial doesn’t mean PETA is giving up.

The animal rights group is confident in its position and determined to end what it sees as meaningless cruelty to the marsupials.

“North Carolina’s most recent effort to legalize cruelty to opossums for a tawdry New Year’s Eve event is as flawed as last year’s opossum statute, which the North Carolina Superior Court found to be likely unconstitutional,” said Jeff Kerr, general consul for PETA. “While PETA was denied a preliminary injunction today, we will take this case forward because we are determined to end an event that harms and harasses wildlife.”

The court battle over Brasstown’s Possum Drop began in 2012, when PETA filed a lawsuit decrying the drop as animal abuse. In 2013, the N.C. General Assembly passed a law — sponsored by Rep. Roger West, R-Marble — exempting Clay County, where the event is held, from possum-related laws between Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 of each year. PETA then

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Community Almanac Fund for Haywood gives $35,000 in grants The Fund for Haywood County has given $35,000 in People in Need grants to local nonprofit organizations providing critical services for economically disadvantaged people. The grants were made in partnership with The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (CFWNC) and include: • A $20,000 grant to Aspire Youth and Family, Inc. to support high-need, lowincome students, ages 10-18, with mental health and/or substance use disorders, by offering family counseling, parent education, tutoring, enrichment activities and transportation services.

• A $15,000 grant to F.I.R.S.T. to provide case management services to youth, ages 13 to 26, who have a mental health diagnosis, to help them navigate community support systems.

Donate online at www.cfwnc.org or by mail to The Fund for Haywood County, P.O. Box 627, Waynesville, N.C. 28786. Contributions are tax-deductible.

828.648.2710 or www.fundforhaywoodcounty.org.

SANTA CLAUS CAME TO TOWN Santa Claus recently visited Harris Regional Hospital’s pediatric unit and practice accompanied by hospital CEO Steve Heatherly. The sound of jingle bells could be heard ringing through the halls Monday as Heatherly and Santa walked around spreading holiday cheer to children. Donated photo 828.399.1216. Donations may be mailed to The Christmas Connection, P.O. Box 250, Webster, N.C. 28788.

Hell on Wheels Motorcycle Club of Western North Carolina raised about $1,200 for Christmas Connection and filled a truck bed with nearly 300 toys. Donated photo

Fundraisers net cash, toys for Christmas Connection Two fundraisers held within hours of each other on Saturday, Dec. 5, have netted more than $2,200 in donations and a truckload of toys for the Christmas Connection, Jackson County’s holiday charity.

Hell on Wheels Motorcycle Club of Western North Carolina roared through Sylva and Dillsboro raising about $1,200 and filling a truck bed with nearly 300 toys. On the other end of the county, 30 community members lifted weights, danced and donated over $1,000 during Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department’s Saturday Sampler Fitness Fundraiser in Cullowhee.

The Christmas Connection of Jackson County provides new clothing and toys to children of families in Jackson County who need assistance during the holidays. christmasconnectionofjc@gmail.com or

Macon Tracs offers equine assisted therapy Macon Therapeutic Riding for Adults and Children’s Success or Macon TRACS, Inc., offers horseback riding lessons for children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

The program is staffed by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who spend their Saturdays and some weekday afternoons providing lessons at their riding area in Otto or at local schools. With the high cost of care, transporting the horses and insurance, equine assisted therapy programs are expensive to operate.

Macon TRACS provides scholarship funds to assist families who are unable to cover the cost of the lessons. The organization does a number of fundraising events throughout the year to offset the cost of lessons. This year, through a grant from the Evergreen Foundation the organization has been able to provide additional scholarships.

Nominations sought for Franklin awards The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for four prestigious awards — The Duke Power Citizenship and

Smoky Mountain News

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Service Award, Youth Citizenship Award, Citizen of the Year and Club/Organization of the Year.

Nomination letters can be delivered to the Franklin Chamber of Commerce at 425 Porter Street or emailed to lindah@FranklinChamber.com. The nomination deadline is at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5.

These awards will be presented at The Annual Awards Banquet and Chamber Annual Meeting in late January 2016.

828.524.3161.

• Shining Rock Classical Academy students and their families recently volunteered their time over the Thanksgiving holiday break to ring the bell for the Salvation Army at both Walmart and Belk in Waynesville.

Waynesville presents awards to employees

• Summit Charter School students took home the Christmas Star Trophy during the Cashiers 41st annual Christmas Parade for the overall creativity, appearance and originality used in decorating their parade float.

At its annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon, the Town of Waynesville Board and Manager had the opportunity to recognize employees for their dedication and commitment to providing services for town citizens and visitors.

The Employee of the Year award went to Water and Sewer Maintenance Crew Leader Wayne Bolin was named as the 2015 Employee of the Year.

“While any of the nominees this year could certainly have been said to have met the criteria of employee of the year, when the committee read through the nominations, there was one nomination that stood out because it was so well written and so from the heart of the individual submitting it. He was the clear choice,” said Town Manager Marcy Onieal.

Evergreen employee honored for work Canton Evergreen Packaging employee Rob Elliot was recently honored for his community work, and Evergreen made a donation on his behalf to Fairview Elementary School’ garden program.

Elliot, fiber procurement manager at Evergreen, is the chair of the PTA Garden Committee at Fairview Elementary School, Rob Elliot where his children are students. He has worked diligently to enhance the learning experience of the garden by building a three-bin composting system, improving raised beds for winter time growing with cold frames, and increasing garden access for students in wheelchairs.

He coordinates parent garden workdays once per quarter and also raises funds in the community to offset the cost of building materials, mulch, and topsoil. In order to promote locally grown, healthy produce and provide educational and fundraising opportunities, he has advocated a nonprofit monthly Farmer’s Market held in the school parking lot.

• Meals on Wheels in Haywood County is in need of volunteer drivers to deliver meals once a week for a couple of hours.

Several routes are available. Call Jeanne Naber at 828.356.2442.

ALSO:

• The following awards were given at the annual Franklin Christmas Parade: Grand Champion — Cartoogechaye Baptist Church; Most Original — Rock Paper Scissors Salon and Best Use of Theme — Franklin FFA Club.

• This January, during National Blood Donor Month, the American Red Cross encourages people to roll up their sleeves to give blood to help maintain a sufficient blood supply for patients.

800.RED.CROSS. • Champion Credit Union has agreed to match any donations made to Mountain Projects’ Share the Warmth campaign, which helps needy families pay their high heating bills through the winter months.

Donations can be dropped off an any Champion Credit branches. 828.452.1447.

• As a service project, Macon County 4-H youth recently made placemats for Macon County citizens receiving Meals on Wheels home delivery. The placemats were presented to Lucy Mason at Macon County Senior Services.

• A group of Lake Junaluska supporters encourage residents of Haywood County to give back to the lake by making a charitable gift to the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund. Between now and the end of the year, first time gifts will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Give online at www.lakejunaluska.com/donate, call 828.454.6680, or mail gifts to: Lake Junaluska Development Office, P.O. Box 67, Lake Junaluska, N.C. 28745.

• The Smoky Mountain Rollergirls and the Lil’ Nemesisters, the local women’s and junior roller derby teams, skated and collected non-perishable food during the 41st annual Bryson City Christmas Parade. The local skaters collected canned goods and staples for the Bryson City Food Pantry.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

I swear, it’s really much ado about nothing

S

Put aside Fry Street prejudices

To the Editor: I have been a proud employee of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad (GSMR) for nine years and an active member of this community for 20 years. I have had firsthand opportunity to witness GSMR’s phenomenal growth in the Bryson City community and I have watched and enjoyed the growth of Bryson City businesses and tourism in Swain County and beyond as well. Surely there can be no doubt that GSMR has played a major role in this growth, attracting over 200,000 visitors to the area year after year. It also goes without saying GSMR adds significantly to the economic impact of Bryson City as a major employer in this community.

I know first hand of some of GSMR’s lesser-known activities, too, including the many charities and other nonprofit groups who have only to ask for GSMR’s help in their fundraising activities.

With all this said, I would like to speak to the article published by the Smoky Mountain Times that touted the “failure” of the trial effort by GSMR to demonstrate how closing Fry Street would be beneficial. It would seem a major factor in this situation has to be the town in launching a street project at the Mitchell and Everett streets intersection and on down Bryson Street just as the busy fall color season in October began and continuing on into The Polar Express and Christmas

rather than a Bible, and he chose not to end his oath with the traditional “So help me God.” “(It) makes more sense to be sworn in on the document that you are upholding and is the law of the land. I have absolutely no problem with anyone being sworn in on a Bible, the Koran, or any other religious document. That is their choice,” Scott told The Smoky Mountain News’ Jessi Stone. “I just decided to choose the Constitution because that was the most applicable document dealing with government and goverEditor nance of the people.”

And he’s in good company by choosing something other than the Bible. John Quincy Adams was sworn in as the sixth president by placing his hand on a law book. He got away with it because the Constitution says nothing about Bibles being used when taking oaths of office, and because the tradition of doing so had not yet been firmly established. That was about 200 years ago.

“It just felt right to me and it had nothing to do with my belief system. It was simply that I felt my personal belief system, religion or partisan politics, should not be a major factor in governance,” Scott said. “Our government should not favor one group of people over another and that is what you do

Scott McLeod

ometimes in the world of journalism, the story becomes more about the reaction than the original news event.

By my estimation, that’s what’s going on right with Franklin Mayor Bob Scott and his decision to put his hand on the Constitution instead of the Bible when getting sworn in for his second term.

Scott is one of those small-town politicians who seems to come to public service naturally. He is a former alderman, has led the local chamber of commerce and the Rotary Club. He’s been a journalist and a public affairs officer who believes passionately in open government. He’s retired, but from what I’ve seen he works nearly all the time as chief cheerleader and advocate for his adopted hometown.

He also has a bit of an edge, a trait inspired by an intellectual curiosity that is maybe even more rare in local politics than his dedication to Franklin.

When I interviewed him in 2013 during his first run for mayor, he acknowledged that he would not try to be the leader people expected him to be, but rather would willingly go out on the skinny branches.

“Sometimes, leaders find they have to be out there all alone,” he said two years ago.

And now Scott finds himself, if not alone, at least in the crosshairs of those who always seem to be looking for a boogie man. All because he decided to swear that he would uphold the laws of the Constitution by putting his hand on that document

shopping season. The street work made access to the Bryson Street entrance of the parking lot set up by GSMR for access to the Fry Street businesses difficult and on some days, impossible. Bad weather also played a role, delaying the town’s completion of the Bryson Street project as well as affecting shoppers being out and about.

It would seem that those claiming to be losing business due to the closing of Fry Street are being a bit disingenuous given these factors. I would also wonder how the town leadership would be able to make a definitive statement about GSMR being “bad neighbors” and deciding even before the Polar season is over that closing Fry Street is a failure. It makes for great headlines, but it is not helpful to the image of this beautiful town for the town board to be blocking efforts to make Fry Street a more attractive and practical community space as well as making it safer for everyone. In fact, safety is the prime factor that generated the ideas leading to the closing of the street in the first place.

Three of my years as a GSMR employee were spent as a ticket agent in the depot. The number of times I and other staff witnessed pedestrians walking on Fry Street being endangered by traffic is too many to tell.

I would urge the town board to pledge to set aside former prejudices and emotions and look at this issue from an objective and informed position.

Gail Findlay Bryson City

when you allow religion into government.”

And that’s the issue. Scott didn’t denigrate anyone by his method of taking office. In fact, his actions and his comments since show a high regard for the beliefs and feelings of others. He said as much, telling us that people have a right to judge and criticize his decision and vote accordingly.

Some of his detractors, though, have acted as though his chosen oath make him evil or incapable of holding public office. That’s a dangerous precedent, to believe that if someone does not embrace your religious beliefs or is of your own religion but does not practice it the same way that they are somehow less of a person, perhaps even bad evil. That belief, sadly, is a wellspring from where many bad things bubbles forth, from bigotry and hypocrisy to downright hatred and violence.

That’s not somewhere we want to go.

This is, after all, a mere small-town swearing in ceremony.

Scott doesn’t control an army or have his finger on the button.

Even if he did, swearing to uphold the Constitution doesn’t need any symbolic validity by doing so with a Bible. In my experience, I’ve never noticed a marked difference in the ethhical behavior of those who profess to be religious versus those who aren’t openly religious.

Those chucking obscenities and political threats at Scott should just back off and see this for what it is: much ado about nothing.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

LOOKING FOR OPINIONS The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns. All viewpoints are welcome. Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com., fax to 828.452.3585, or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786.

Forest plan does not need more wilderness To the Editor: I vehemently oppose designating more wilderness areas within the Pisgah and Nantahala Forests. These lands are already protected under the Department of Agriculture as national forestland and set aside to be managed for multiple uses: timber, water, wildlife, recreation and range.

These objectives are not mutually exclusive, but can exist simultaneously through well-planned and carefully designed timber harvests. A good forest plan wisely maps out road infrastructure, balanced with forest health and diversity as clear goals. To let our renewable wood resources grow and die without human intervention is wasteful and not at all the intent of these lands being conserved in the first place. To conserve something is to use it and use it wisely. To preserve a resource is the lock it up and throw away the key, which

is why I strongly disagree with any wilderness designations.

Our forests are under tremendous threats from invasive species, oak decline, hemlock wooly adelgid, emerald ash borer, pine beetle, dogwood anthracnose, and the list continues.

We need to leave all management options on our public table for accessing these forestlands for treatment. We must proactively manage these lands, not place them into a wilderness category, which greatly restricts and limits the options available.

One thing for certain in nature is change — as change is constant. We can replicate natural disturbances through science-based forest management and benefit the forestlands, wildlife and create a mosaic of varying age classes of forests to provide a myriad of products for man infinitely and sustainably.

In the birthplace of forestry, North Carolina is well positioned to celebrate our renewable wood resources with common sense. As our state toast lauds the “land of the long leaf pine.” I urge our forest land managers to heed our heritage of wisely using the abundant resources available to us — please do not lock these lands up in wilderness.

Forever is indeed a long time.

Susan Fletcher Candler

Roberts Burns Night a unique event To the Editor: Robert Burns, the national poet of

tasteTHEmountains

LETTERS

Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251 AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville.

828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years.

Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert. The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

APPLE ANDY'S RESTAURANT 3483 Soco Road, Maggie Valley located in Market Square. 828.944.0626. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Serving the freshest homemade sandwiches, wraps, and entrees such as country fried steak and grilled flounder. Full salad bar and made from scratch sides like potato salad, pinto beans and macaroni and cheese.

APPLE CREEK CAFE 32 Felmet St., Waynesville.

828.456.9888. Traditional Lunch MondaySaturday 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Family Style Lunch Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.;

Family Style Dinner Wednesday-Saturday 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Home to an extensive build your own sandwich menu as well as specialty salads, soups burgers and more.

With local ingredients and made-fromscratch recipes using a variety of good-foryou ingredients Apple Creek Cafe is sure to become your favorite spot.

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

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

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables.

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

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34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505 Mtwitter.com/ChurchStDepot C facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

C heers to the

December 23-29, 2015

Scotland, is the only poet or musician that has a worldwide celebration. It is on or near his birthday, January 25. He is also known as the Ploughman’s Poet.

Burns was a farmer, but not a very productive one. His poems and songs were noted for preserving the Gaelic language and the passion he had for the everyday beauty and life of the common folk. He overturned a field mouse’s home one day. He was so effected by this, that he wrote,“To a Mouse.”

Burns tolerated all creatures and was touched by ordinary events.

From intimate groups gathered in a pub to larger more formal celebrations, toasts are raised to Robert Burns. A Burns Night dinner has become a tradition here in Franklin.

This year Burns Night will be held at Tartan Hall, first Presbyterian Church, on Saturday, January 23, from 5 to 8 p.m. Celebrations around the world have several common features: calling of the clans, presentation of the haggis, recitation of “ Ode to the Haggis,” poetry and songs of Robert Burns, entertainment, Scottish county dancing., and singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” Our dinner is a catered five-course dinner.

Our entertainment this year will be the Jacobites, a group from Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida, with local ties to Franklin. If you have never heard “Auld Lang Syne” the way Robert Burns wrote it, this is your chance. Our piper is Michael Waters.

The Scottish country dancing will be led by Marshall and Anne McLaughlin. At 69, if I can give it a go, anybody can try. After all, this night is celebrating a person, a poet, a musician who lived life to its fullest.

Advance tickets are now on sale at the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center and the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Please feel free to join us for a rollicking good time. This dinner is sponsored by the Friends of the Scottish Tartans Museum and Heritage Center.

Merrilee Bordeaux President of the Friends of the Scottish Tartan Museum and Heritage Center Franklin

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New Year

Celebrate New Year’s Eve

in

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Style

1819 COUNTRY CLUB DR. MAGGIE VALLEY, NC RESERVATIONS REQUIRED PIN HIGH BAR & GRILLE 828-926-4848

828-246-0350

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WWW.MAGGIEVALLEYCLUB.COM

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tasteTHEmountains CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us in our historic location for scratch made soups and daily specials.

Breakfast is made to order daily: Gourmet cheddar & scallion biscuits served with bacon, sausage and eggs; smoked trout bagel plate; quiche and fresh fruit parfait. We bake a wide variety of breads daily, specializing in traditional french breads. All of our breads are hand shaped. Lunch: Fresh salads, panini sandwiches. Enjoy outdoor dinning on the deck. Private room available for meetings.

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

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

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

Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more.

Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly.

Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville. 828.452.6000.

Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue.

Kitchen opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

Ring In 2016

Smoky Mountain News

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

828.926.1820 Open Wednesday and Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours: Friday-Monday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel.

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM 617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva.

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch. Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

ORGANIC BEANS COFFEE COMPANY 1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.668.2326. Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Happily committed to brewing and serving innovative, uniquely delicious coffees — and making the world a better place.

100% of our coffee is Fair Trade, Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roasted to bring out every note of indigenous flavor. Bakery offerings include cakes, muffins, cookies and more. Each one is made from scratch in

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CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.3551. Reservations recommended.

4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Sunday brunch 11 a.m. to 2 pm. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Chef Ed Kaminski prepares American cuisine from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com .

70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley • 828.926.0201

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December 23-29, 2015

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. We serve three meals a day on Friday and Saturday, and some Sundays.

Join us for family-style breakfast from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat.

Lunch from 12 to 2 p.m. In the evening, social hour begins at 6 p.m. Dinner is served at 7 p.m., with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herb-baked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. So come enjoy mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations and more dining information.

tasteTHEmountains gourmet hot dogs and has homemade side items. Outdoor and indoor dining, café style restaurant. Locally owned and operated.

PAPERTOWN GRILL 153 Main St., Canton. 828.648.1455 Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Serving the local community with great, scratch-made country cooking. Breakfast is served all day. Daily specials including Monday meatloaf, chicken and dumplings on Thursdays and Friday fish.

SOUTHERN BOOT, LOUISIANA CUISINE 67 Branner Avenue, Waynesville.

828.246.0053 Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Southern Boot serves delicious Louisianian food while providing a friendly music venue for musicians of all ages. Feel at home no matter where you’re from. Greeting all customers at the door with a smile.

PASQUALE’S 1863 South Main Street, Waynesville. Off exit 98, 828.454.5002. Open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

Classic Italian dishes, exceptional steaks and seafood (available in full and lighter sizes), thin crust pizza, homemade soups, salads hand tossed at your table. Fine wine and beer selection. Casual atmosphere, dine indoors, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

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

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m and Sunday 7:30 a.m to 9 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

ROB’S HOT DOG SHACK 42 Montgomery St., Waynesville 828.707.7033. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rob’s serves

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TWIN MAPLES FARMHOUSE 63 North Hill Street, Waynesville.

828.452.7837. Open for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located just two blocks from downtown Waynesville, Twin Maples is available for weddings, receptions, family reunions, birthday parties, showers, luncheons, corporate meetings and retreats.

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito.

From all of us at

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— Real Local People, Real Local Food — 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, North Carolina Monday-Friday Open at 11am

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Reservations Accepted | Winter Hours: Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon, 7am-12pm

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Smoky Mountain News

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Cataloochee Ranch 119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 | CataloocheeRanch.com | (828)926-1401

Open Monday - Friday for Lunch & Dinner Reservations accepted

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

The “Smokey Mountain Santa” and Mrs. Claus (Dennis and Deborah Reed) and the children of Mrs. Carol Harkins (far left) and Mrs. Christina Roberts (far right) kindergarten class at North Canton Elementary School. Garret K. Woodward photo

Do you believe in magic?

The lore of the ‘Smokey Mountain Santa’

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER tanding in the lobby of North Canton Elementary School last Friday morning, one could hear and witness the frenzied nature of students and faculty alike, all eager for the upcoming holidays. And though Christmas is just around the corner, one might think otherwise with the unusually green front lawn and warm sunshine cascading across the mountains

S

The man behind the white beard

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER So, just who is the “Smokey Mountain Santa”?

After an appearance last week at North Canton Elementary School, Santa and Mrs. Claus (Dennis and Deborah Reed) made note of all the joy and support they’ve not only received from the community, but also aim to spread and share day in and day out.

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 25, they attend upwards of 75 events, sometimes three or four a day. It’s school fundraisers and food drives, gath-

of Western North Carolina.

Passing by doorways full of smiling faces, the cinematic sounds of “The Polar Express” and Christmas music echo down the hallways. Turning into Mrs. Christina Roberts and Mrs. Carol Harkins kindergarten classroom, the teachers are wrangling all 15 of their students that day in preparation to get the space in order for their special guests.

“Can you guess who is coming to our classroom today?”

Roberts asked.

“Santa,” the children all shout at once.

Like a cacophony of little chirping chicks, the kids are abuzz with excitement, with innumerable youthful voices spouting out their deepest Christmas desires, whether it be specific presents or simply some snow and time well spent with family and friends.

“And maybe I can ask him for a kitchen mixer,” Roberts chuckled in response to her students.

The kids zip around the room, cleaning up their tables, chairs and floor. And not a moment sooner, for the sound of sleigh bells are heard from somewhere outside the classroom door and down the hallway. The kids huddle onto the nearby carpet play area in anticipation for their arrival. They’re quiet, the kind of silence that comes from sheer wonder and pent up exhilaration. Entering the classroom, Santa (aka the “Smokey Mountain Santa”) and Mrs. Claus wave hello to the children.

Eyes as wide as dinner plates, the students jump up and rush towards Santa and Mrs. Claus. They tug at his large red coat for his attention. And as he sat down in a rocking chair, they surrounded him, waiting for him to say something, anything.

“Your teacher called and said she had some very special boys and girls this year,” Santa smiled.

The guest appearance by the couple (Dennis and Deborah Reed) was due to their granddaughter being one of the kindergarten students in the classroom. One-by-one, a little boy or little girl strolled up and whispered their hopes and dreams into Santa’s ear, an unspoken bond of magic and generosity that resides in the presence of jolly ole Saint Nick.

“Remember, the more you help people, the bigger your heart gets,” Santa told the classroom. “And the bigger your heart gets, the more likely one day you can wake up and become one of Santa’s elves.”

After each student secretly told their wish to Santa, the couple handed out candy canes and a coin to each child, with the words “I was caught being good” printed on both sides. To conclude their visit, the room burst out into a sing-along.

“We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” the voices sang.

And as quickly as they appeared, Santa and Mrs. Claus said goodbye to the little smiling faces, onward to the next holiday engagement. The cacophony of little chirping chicks waved fare well, the sound of sleigh bells slowly disappearing into the late morning air.

“It’s a joy to see them come in, and the kids get so excited,” Roberts said. “I love seeing the smiles on all their faces. It’s about bringing some joy to all of the kids here and knowing they’re all on the ‘good list.’”

ering meals for less fortunate families and entertaining guests at the Biltmore Inn. It’s visiting nursing homes and the Charles George VA Medical Center (Dennis is a Vietnam veteran). It’s about making sure the mesmerizing nature of Christmas — its message of love and sharing — never vanishes within an earshot of the Reeds.

The couple took a moment to sit down with The Smoky Mountain News to speak about the importance that folks of all ages share in the true spirit of Christmas, in Haywood County and beyond.

Smoky Mountain News: How did all of this begin?

Dennis Reed: We’re both from Haywood County. I’m retired from the paper mill in Canton,

S EE SANTA, PAGE 25

Dennis and Deborah Reed, the “Smokey Mountain Santa” and Mrs. Claus.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD Garret K. Woodward photo

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

“Around the holidays is when single folks start taking inventory of their surroundings.” nog), find a comfy seat and relax into the scene unfolding in front of you. As dreadful as these interactions may seem, they will serve as comical memories as the years go along. Besides, what’s the fun in being an active participant in society without a little awkwardness, eh?

You’re alive, here and now, and you have the freedom to walk out the door and take on the world, one day at a time. And if you surround yourself with the right folks, those who support and encourage you, then you’ve got it made in the shade. If that ain’t love and passion, then I don’t know what is.

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

December 23-29, 2015

RECREATION RESOLUTION Friday, January 1 to Sunday, January 3

Residents of Haywood County will be admitted FREE each day.

Smoky Mountain News

She grabbed for my hand and held it up.

“No ring, huh? You should meet my daughter sometime.

Single. Beautiful. I think y’all would get along pretty well.”

Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will Usually around this time of have a New Year’s Eve Party with The Dirty year, I find myself in these situaSoul Revival (rock/blues) at 9 p.m. Dec. 31. tions. Now, this isn’t to say I’m The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will have a some “worthy catch” or “Prince New Year’s Eve Bash with Fish Out of Water Charming,” but seeing as I’m one (rock/funk) at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31. of few bachelors in a small mountain town, the interaction tends Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have a New to happen.

Year’s Eve Party with Ol’ Dirty Bathtub I don’t know if I’ll ever get mar(Americana/bluegrass) at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. ried and, as I get older, I don’t think I ever want to. Sure, who The Haywood County Arts Council’s “It’s a wouldn’t want to spend their life Small, Small Work” showcase will run through with someone that completes Dec. 26 at the council’s Gallery & Gifts in them and turns everything to gold downtown Waynesville. with the slightest touch or kiss? I’d The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have get in line for that existence.

Mean Mary & The Contrarys (Americana/ Around the holidays is when singer-songwriter) at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. single folks start taking inventory of their surroundings. From shiny decorations to fancy parties, the was 18, where you’d marry your high school sentimental warm and cozy feeling between sweetheart, pop out some kids, take’em to Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is enough the Tasty Freeze every Saturday night, and to strangle us solo crusaders with an invisijust, well, keep living, until you retire and ble force akin to Darth Vader trying to bring eventually drop dead, leaving some sort of you to the “Dark Side.” hopefully memorable legacy.

All of these holiday endeavors and obliAnd to each their own. Whatever makes gations really push it home about being you happy or content or stable, then do it. alone. You sit there on the couch or belly up to the bar, and all around you are couples, in Fine. All good. But, I wanted more. I’ve always wanted more. Not more money or accolades, every damn direction. Did I miss the memo but experiences and adventures. After my about everyone pairing off, laughing and high school sweetheart and I broke up that smiling and nuzzling their significant other first semester of college, far away from home, into the sunset? And I find the more I’m around it, the more I detest it, or at least just something broke within me, a floodgate of, well, “Screw this, I’m taking off.” don’t identify with it.

Sure, every few years along this chaotic Which is a far cry from what I wanted journey, some femme fatale would rope me and expected to happen years ago. I was all into a relationship. I’d fall in love, and think, about the whole “Jack & Diane” life when I

holding the string. I want to float and ascend into the bluebird sky. I want to be in my element, and also discover the essence of any and all within an earshot. I love people, truly, and want to make their acquaintance, to hear their story and make a connection with a fellow human being. Those are the relationships I want to be part of.

So, to all you single brothers and sisters in the midst of usual holiday scrutiny from creepy uncles and close talker aunts, pushy parents and offensive-but-oblivious relatives, take a deep breath (and a sip of hard egg

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

“This ain’t so bad.” But then, as with most couples, things eventually get stale or difficult, and you either find yourself on autopilot or looking for the nearest exit.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m all about working hard for something, especially if it’s a woman I desire deeply. I’ll see it through, come hell or high water. As things would fall apart, I’d try hard to capture the sands of time and of her, only to have it all spill through my fingers onto the cold, hard ground.

And through all the girls, the long-term and long distance relationships, the countless dates and weekend jailbreaks from normal life, I’m still here, still on my feet at 30.

I’ll find myself in discussions, whether at a bar here in Western North Carolina or around a dinner table back home in Upstate New York, and the topic will always come up — “Do you ever want to settle down?”

My response? “I don’t put any value in it or lose sleep over the idea of it. If it happens, it happens.” I sincerely mean that statement, more so as 29 turned into 30, which will turn into 31 come February. I’m having too much fun living my life to its fullest everyday, cultivating deep and meaningful relationships with friends and family members, that I won’t let the image of an empty passenger’s seat in my truck deter me from the greatest adventure there is — my own.

I’m come to label myself as an “extroverted loner.” I enjoy a room full of strangers, a festive event or get-together. I also enjoy simply wandering off, stealthy stepping out the door with my perfectly executed “Irish goodbye.” I want to be a balloon without a hand

Friday: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday: 1 to 7 p.m.

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December 23-29, 2015

arts & entertainment

On the beat

‘Mean Mary’ brings folk-rock to Waynesville Singer-songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Mean Mary will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. She will be joined by The Contrarys.

Known internationally for lightning-fast fingers, haunting vocals, and intricate story songs, James explores the genres of folkrock, bluegrass, and blues with banjo, fiddle, and guitar. Born in Alabama and raised in Florida, she was a musical prodigy. James could read music before she could read words, and she co-wrote songs at age five. She recorded her first album at age 6. By age 7 she was proficient on the guitar, banjo, and violin, and entertained audiences across the country.

Based in Nashville, James plays 11 instruments and is known for her alluring story songs, incredible instrumental speed, and rich voice that can travel from deep emotion to sparkling trills.

Dinner and show is $65 per person. To reserve a table, call 828.452.6000. www.meanmary.com.

• BearWaters Brewing Company (Waynesville) will Dave Desmelik (singer-songwriter) at 7 p.m. Dec. 26. www.bwbrewing.com.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will have Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will have karaoke at Dec. 30, and a New Year’s Eve Party with Tonology and Mineframe Dec. 31. All shows begin at 7 p.m. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• The Rendezvous at Maggie Valley Inn will have a New Year’s Eve Party with Stone Crazy Band at 9 p.m. Dec. 31.

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Mile High (rock) on Wednesdays. All shows begin at 8 p.m.

ALSO:

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will have Jimandi (folk/rock) every Wednesday at 7 p.m. and a rotating series of local performers on Fridays at 9 p.m. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• Heinzelmannchen Brewery (Sylva) will have Henry Wong (singer-songwriter) at 6 p.m.

Dec. 24. www.yourgnometownbrewery.com.

• Sneak-E-Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host a night of traditional bluegrass during their New Year’s Eve Party at 8 p.m. Dec. 31. Craft beer tastings and a mountain food buffet will also be available. 828.586.6440.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Dec. 23 and 30, a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Dec. 24 and a New Year’s Eve Party with Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass). All events begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host a Post-Christmas Celebration with DJ Double Down at 7 p.m. Dec. 26, Greg Clinton (blues/rock) 7 p.m. Dec. 28 and a New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Justin Moe 9 p.m. Dec. 31. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Loudmouth Karaoke Party Dec. 26 and Darren & The Buttered Toast (soul/funk) Dec. 31. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. www.nonamesportspub.com.

Mean Mary will play Waynesville on Dec. 31. Donated photo

& The Stingers at 9 p.m. Dec. 31.

• O’Malley’s Sports Bar & Grill (Sylva) will have a New Year’s Eve Party with Queen Bee

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will have Kevin Fuller (singer-songwriter) Dec. 26 and New Year’s Eve Party with ‘Round The Fire (Grateful Dead tribute) Dec. 31. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.tippingpointtavern.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will have Nitrograss (bluegrass) at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday, New Year’s Eve Bash with Fish Out of Water Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. All shows are at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will have Tonology (rock/alternative) Dec. 26, New Year’s Eve Party with The Dirty Soul Revival (rock/blues) Dec. 31 and Ginny McAfee (singer-songwriter) Jan. 2. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney

Smoky Mountain News

Is a Will Enough?

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and have been doing this for 14 years.

Deborah Reed: Fourteen years ago, we started a focus group, which I’m president of, in Canton after the two devastating floods in downtown. And through the community business leaders, we wanted to do something to bring people back to town and show them we haven’t washed away, which is where the idea for “The Smokey Mountain Santa” came about.

DECEMBER 24 LAST 2 DAYS!!

Garret K. Woodward photo

— Dennis Reed, Smokey Mountain Santa

SMN: What’s it like to be in the character of Santa and Mrs. Claus?

Dennis Reed: When the children come and give you a big hug, and you see the joy in

SMN: Any words of wisdom for our readers heading into the holidays?

Dennis Reed: Just have love for one another, and care for each other. Just think what a great world it’d be if everyone loved and cared for each other. That’s the true spirit of Christmas. www.smokeymountainsantawnc.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

SMN: And with that, you are always doing a lot of charity and community work.

Deborah Reed: We try to raise funds and food for those who may go without. Right now, one of the things we’ve partnered in is with the Food Lion in Canton, where we were able to put together dinner baskets, all donated items, for 88 families within the community.

Dennis Reed: We go to several nursing homes. And there is this 102-year-old lady and another who is 103. They sit on my knee and they become children again. These little old ladies have a twinkle in their eye and say, “Oh, Santa, I love you.”

their face, it just moves you. The more you do, the more you get. The more you help people, the bigger your heart gets. It’s a year-round thing, too. We go to the beach and I’m wearing red swimming trunks and red Crocs. It’s like being the Pier Piper of the beach.

Deborah Reed: We do this year-round to help people at the community at all times — it’s a blessing. It opens up doors that otherwise wouldn’t have been in front of us. You talk to people and they just open right up to you. It breaks down barriers and allows us to learn some many incredible stories and things about people. No matter who you are or what your beliefs are or where you came from, everyone always talks to Santa.

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December 23-29, 2015

“Have love for one another, and care for each other. Just think what a great world it’d be if everyone loved and cared for each other.

That’s the true spirit of Christmas.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER Atop all the festivities surrounding the holidays, the students of North Canton Elementary School each received one more gift “under the tree.”

“One of the things we’re focusing on here at North Canton is a love for reading,” said Principal Belinda Trantham.

“We can always use new books, and the kids are so excited.”

A member of the Cavalry Road Baptist Church in Waynesville, Trantham and her congregation were able to gather around 400 new books, one for each of the 375 students at North Canton. The books were handed out last Friday in the school’s media center.

“It’s great the kids get to come in here and choose a book,” said Media Coordinator Valerie Guyer. “I love it when they come in, sit and read.”

Once they pick their book, the students can bring them home to enjoy. It’s all theirs, a result of the kindness of the holidays generated throughout the community.

“And the kids will also be writing ‘Thank You’ notes, too,” Trantham said.

“This whole thing is great because a lot of the students don’t have that opportunity to get a new book.”

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The gift of reading

Known as the “Smokey Mountain Santa,” Dennis Reed recently visited a kindergarten class at North Canton Elementary School.

arts & entertainment

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arts & entertainment

On the wall

Green Energy Park artist wins scholarship A glass artist at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro and recent Western Carolina University graduate, Cole Johnson was recently awarded a twoyear scholarship beginning in January at The JamFactory, a prestigious, international art school near Adelaide, South Australia. While there, he will have the opportunity to work with master glass artists from around the globe.

Johnson came to WCU as a criminal justice major. But after taking a short class at the GEP, he was hooked on a new passion — the ancient art of glass blowing. He applied for a position as an intern at the GEP, where area students can trade time spent cleaning and maintaining equipment for studio hours. Within a three-year span, Johnson put in literally thousands of hours taking classes, sharing ideas, apprenticing for other artists, studying the techniques of various glass masters, watching glass videos, and spending hour after hour in front of a 2300degree furnace, all in an effort to perfect his skills. And it has paid off for the young artist, with scholarships to train at Penland School of Crafts, Haystack Mountain School of Craft in Maine, Urban Glass in New York City, and now The JamFactory in Australia.

“Cole is a shining example of a dedicated hard-working artist,” said Timm Muth, director of the GEP. “On many occasions, I’ve seen him work his UPS job from 3 a.m. till 10 a.m., them come directly to the GEP to blow glass for five or six hours, before finally going home. He’s passionate about his art, and he’s put in the time necessary to become successful. He will be sorely missed, but this is a tremendous opportunity for Cole, and it reflects well on the ability of the GEP to help people create a career for themselves.” www.jcgep.org.

A Western Carolina University graduate and student at the Jackson County Green Energy Park, Cole Johnson (left) was recently awarded a two-year scholarship to study glassblowing in Australia. Donated photo

• The Haywood County Arts Council’s “It’s a Small, Small Work” will run through Dec. 26 at the council’s Gallery & Gifts in downtown Waynesville. The show provides a unique opportunity for budding artists to exhibit their work, as well as the opportunity for more seasoned artists to test their boundaries. All pieces ready to be sold are exactly 12” or smaller, which includes ceramics, paintings, sculpture, jewelry and photography.

Most prices will be between $50-$125, with nothing over $300. www.haywoodarts.org or 828.452.0593.

ALSO:

• The film “Walt Before Mickey” will be screened at 7 p.m. Dec. 26-27, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Dec. 28, 7 p.m. Dec. 29-31 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

Tickets are $6.50, with a $3.25 matinee pass for 2 and 4 p.m. showings. There will also be a free showing of “Shaun The Sheep” at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturdays through the month of December. www.38main.com or call 828.283.0079.

• The Waynesville Christmas Parade will be rebroadcasted at 7 p.m. through Dec. 25 on Charter channel 188. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

December 23-29, 2015

On the street Apple Creek Café moves downtown

• New Year’s Eve Fireworks will be Dec. 31 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Gates open at 5 p.m., with live entertainment at 9 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• “Cherokee Friends” will offer free programs for visitors throughout the month of December at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

Programs will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Wednesday through Friday. Storyteller Jerry Wolfe will also be spinning his tales at 2 p.m. on Fridays. Their talks and demonstrations will include dance, storytelling, history, carving, making fire, the chunkey game, use of the atlatl and more. They will be available to answer questions about attractions and special events. They are dressed in the Cherokee style of the 1700s. www.cherokeemuseum.org.

Smoky Mountain News

ALSO:

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. Dec. 26 and Jan. 2 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Dec. 23 and 30 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free with dinner ($15 minimum). 828.452.6000.

• There will be a “Tasty Tuesday: Winter Seasonals” at 7 p.m. Dec. 29 and Jan. 5 at 28 Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden.

The Sierra Nevada Brewery in Mills River.

Waynesville Rec offers senior trips Seniors may begin registering for the following trips in January, which will be hosted by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. All trips are available on a first come first serve basis.

• Jan. 6: Sierra Nevada Brewery Tour.

You’ll tour the $100 million Mills River facility, peering into the kettles, smelling the hops, and get an even more hands-on as you navigate the entire beer-making process.

Cost is $10 for members $10, $12 non-members. Departure time is 9 a.m.

• Jan. 13: Dinner and a Movie. The group will travel to Biltmore Grand for a sit

down meal and a film. Cost is $5 for members, $7 non-members. Departure time is 3:30 p.m.

• Jan. 20: Frozen Waterfall Ramble. Join the group on this adventure to look at the winter version of our beautiful waterfalls.

They will enjoy a dutch treat lunch on the route. Cost is $5 for members, $7 non-members. Departure time is 9:30 a.m.

• Jan. 27: Local Artisan Ramble. Join the group on this adventure to discover local artisans. They will stroll through their shops and discuss their craft. Lunch will be dutch treat at a local restaurant. Cost is $5 for members, $7 non-members. Departure time is 9:30 a.m.

828.456.2030 or tpetrea@ waynesvillenc.gov.

Following the recent closure of Nick & Nate’s pizzeria in downtown Waynesville, Apple Creek Café will take over the Main Street space.

“As for Apple Creek Cafe’s vision, we’ve created perhaps one of the best lunch locations in Haywood County. We have also served a family-style dinner in the last four months [at our previous location],” said company spokesman Brandon Anderson.

“We will not continue with family-style at the new location, but the entree choices we offered for dinner will be available.”

Originally right off of North Main Street heading out of Waynesville, the new restaurant will include specialty sandwiches, soup, salads, desserts, appetizers, and fullcourse steak, chicken, pasta, and fish entrees. They will be open seven days of week alongside a full bar with craft beer, wine and liquor.

“What sets Apple Creek Café apart is our food,” Anderson said. “Our new location will be a warm and inviting atmosphere that is sure to be everyone’s favorite spot.”

Though they aim for a Feb. 1 opening, there will be interviews held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 30 and Jan. 6 at the Main Street business. Anyone with experience is encouraged to apply, especially those who worked at Nick & Nate’s before it closed.

On the holidays

On the stage

Christmas in Appalachia

A

BRYSON CITY

CHEROKEE • The Cherokee Lights and Legends Christmas will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays through Jan. 2 at the Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds. Interactive displays of Cherokee legends, ice skating, carnival rides, bonfire, mini-golf, and more.

Admission is free, with varying prices for

ALSO:

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Sick & Tired of Being Sick & Tired?

skating and other activities. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• The Holiday Homecoming celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Holiday crafts, cider, traditional music and more.

CLYDE • The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 4:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, at the Clyde Central United Methodist Church.

The program will begin with a harp concert, with Balfour Knight playing well-loved Christmas carol. A short service of music and medication will be at 5 p.m. An offering will be taken, with all proceeds to support mission needs in the local community.

828.627.2287.

FONTANA • The “Christmas in the Smokies” holiday celebration will run through Dec. 31 at Fontana Village Resort. Winter fun, holiday festivities and events. 800.849.2258 or www.fontanavillage.com.

WAYNESVILLE • The “Twelve Days of Christmas” will run through Dec. 24 in downtown. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

• The Polar Express themed train is now run& ning at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot. The classic children’s book comes to life as the train departs for a special visit at the “North Pole.” Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, guests on board will enjoy warm cocoa and a treat while listening and reading along with the magical story. The train arrives to find Santa Claus waiting. Santa boards the train, greeting each child and presenting them with their own silver sleigh bell. Christmas carols will be sung as they return back to the depot. For times and prices, click on www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

• The Appalachian Toymaker & Storyteller will be making wooden toys and telling tales on select dates and times at The Storytelling f Center of the Southern Appalachian. www.psalmsofthesouth.com or 828.488.5705.

• An “Appalachian Dance” class for kids will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Jan. 5, 12, 19 and 26 at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

Classes feature flatfoot dancing, buck dancing, clogging and square dance styles unique to the Haywood County mountains. For kids sixth grade and under. $40 per person for four classes. 828.452.2997 and info@folkmoot.org.

December 23-29, 2015

s the temperatures drop 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, iceless skating, 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. Each and every date, time and place found within this section, each community around the region opening 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 grasp all Southern Appalachia has to offer.

The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville is seeking one-act plays, actors and directors for “Brief Encounters 2016.”

Between four and six plays previously unproduced professionally will be presented at Magnetic 375, in the River Arts District, in next June’s Brief Encounters 2016, the fourth edition of the eveninglength series. Selected playwrights will be paid a share of royalties, which this year amounted to more than $100 each. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 7.

They are looking for scripts 10 to 20 minutes in length, and all genres, styles, and tones are eligible for consideration in this eclectic event. Cast size should not exceed six actors, and smaller is better due to the complex rehearsal schedule. Production requirements (set, costumes, props, lighting effects) should be minimal. Plays should be submitted for consideration, in appropriate

playscript format, electronically (as a PDF or Final Draft file) to Managing and Associate Artistic Director Lucia Del Vecchio at ldv@themagnetictheatre.org.

Additionally, open-call auditions for the production will be held in March. Interested parties should “friend” The Magnetic Theatre on Facebook and Twitter, or check the company’s website, for the announcement of audition dates. Those interested in directing a one-act in Brief Encounters 2016 should contact Artistic Director Steven Samuels at ss@themagnetictheatre.org.

arts & entertainment

Open call for playwrights, actors and directors

(BiLo Shopping Center)

@SmokyMtnNews

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

Courage, greed and political intrigue in Peru hen we think of Peru, we think of captivating pictures of Machu Picchu.

We’ve all seen them. Some of us have actually been there. The Inca Empire, llamas, snow-capped mountains and walls of huge, precisely-cut stones are all part of the vision of this great country. And all of this is captured, as if in a time capsule, by Ronald Wright in his historical novel, The Gold Eaters.

But this isn’t some New Age tale of Hollywood celebrities making a spiritual pilgrimage to The Sacred Valley high in the Andes. This is a sadder story of a great indigenous culture and country during the first half of the 16th century that is brought to its knees by a small band of Spanish brigands in search of gold, wealth Writer and fame. Hence the book’s title, taken from an epithet coined by the indigenous Quetchua people of Peru in reference to the Spanish invaders.

Based closely on real events, The Gold Eaters draws on Ronald Wright’s deep knowledge of South America (he is author of several non-fiction books on South America and the Pacific Island cultures) and his ability to bring to life the epic struggle involved in the Spanish invasion of the Inca Empire in the 1530s and 40s. His new novel is a sweeping, historical account of exploration and invasion, of conquest and resistance.

Kidnapped at sea by conquistadors seeking the golden land of Peru, a young Inca boy named Waman is forced to become Francisco Pizarro’s translator. To survive, he must not only learn political gamesmanship but also discover who he truly is, and in what country and culture he belongs. Through Waman’s eyes we witness both sides of this conflict, and we journey with him as he searches for his shattered family across time and landscape of the entire country of Peru.

While there is a good bit of blood and gore in this tale, there is also a compelling love story that serves as the central through-line in the book. One could say that in Shakespearean terms this book is a little like “Julius Caesar” meets “Romeo & Juliet.” In his gripping lyrical style, Wright writes with empathy and sensitivity of the treacherous bridges built between clashing civilizations.

Thomas Crowe

W

His portrayal of the breaking of a highly evolved indigenous people is, in the end, heartbreaking. As a cultural anthropology

skills alone are evidence of this fact. And politically and socially they had created an early form of socialism that worked. So, while traveling through time and history with Waman and Pizarro and his renegades, I went through a roller coaster ride of emotions as well as historical insights.

From the northern coastal town of Little River, we follow Waman down the Peruvian coast, then all the way to Spain and back again, before journeying into the high Andean mountains of central Peru on a trek that ends up in Cusco — the capital of the Inca Empire and home to the Sapa Inca, the country’s reigning monarch.

Here, Wright describes Waman’s life aboard ship and his early days of imprisonment:

“Again he sleeps, waking to the dankness of a The Gold Eaters by Ronald Wright. Penguin/Random House, 2015. 367 pages. tidal river, to bells and cries, human voices, the tock of horseshoes. A sudden clatter of armed men commajor in college, I was brought to tears while ing aboard.” reading this book with thoughts of “what might have been” had the Spanish not discovHere he describes the invading army as ered Peru and/or had the Incas had the they make their way toward Cusco and the insight and fortitude to resist them.

The Inca Empire was a 16th century model capital: for the world and was an advanced civiliza“The barbarians are two hundred at most. tion way beyond what was going on in Europe They have about five hundred prisoners and at the time. Their building and architectural

auxiliaries from lands beyond the Empire. The bearded ones are lazy. Some never walk more than a few steps, riding instead like children on their beasts. These resemble the big llamas of Qollasuyu, though more heavily built, needing ropes and bridles to stop them bolting.

When they run fast the ground shakes.”

While the Spanish are hoarding gold and silver and searching for more as they move slowly and with difficulty through the Peruvian landscape, Waman, now grown into a young man , is searching for Tika, his childhood sweetheart whom he has been told has been sequestered in an unknown location in a kind of political nunnery called The Chosen House for “The Chosen Ones.”

He has escaped from his Spanish captors and now finds himself in the employ of the Sapa Inca high in the Andes in Willkapampa, which is near Machu Picchu.

“Waman’s mind is on the girl, who must be Tika. He is certain now. But how to reach her?

As he gets up, backing to the door, his head strays towards the girl. ‘You needn’t worry about her,’ Atawallpa adds. ‘She won’t talk. She can’t. She is upa. Struck dumb. My women say no word has passed her lips since the night the barbarians attacked. She was a novice in the House of the Chosen.’ After his meeting with Atawallpa, Waman lingers by the warm bricks of the forge, thinking. How can they talk? How can he even get a good look at her? Since hearing Atawallpa’s parting words, half of him hopes she is not Tika. He has heard what happened when the Spaniards broke into the Chosen House after the massacre.”

Waman’s search for cultural clarity and for Tika continues until there is a reunion only to be followed by a further separation — all leading up to a heart-pounding denouement at the story’s end.

There is no death scene like in Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” in this book, but you’ll have to read it to find out how it ends. Finally, in a welcome and informative epilogue, Wright adds two pages of historical narrative of exactly what happened in Peru from the 1540s and beyond, as the Inca Empire collapsed and became the nation state of Peru as we know it today.

Thomas Crowe is a regular contributor to The Smoky Mountain News. His historical Shaker novel The Watcher (Like Sweet Bells Jangled) was published earlier this year. He lives in the Tuckasegee community in Jackson County. He can be reached at newnativepress@hotmail.com

New Year’s Eve at Macon library There will be a “Black, White & Fun All Over” New Year’s Eve party at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Books, games, crafts, light refreshments, and more. www.fontanalib.org.

December 23-29, 2015

Smoky Mountain News

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Smoky Mountain News

A double-edged sword Rising visitation in the Smokies brings challenge and reward

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ynda Doucett and her staff at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were pretty excited to move into the new Oconaluftee Visitor Center when it opened back in 2011. The staff on that side of the park had been stuffed into the tiny little “temporary” visitor center next door in the old administration building since 1948, so the brand new $3.5 million building was definitely going to be an upgrade.

But the 2011 move involved change beyond increased floor space and better interpretive displays. The more impressive building enticed more of the visitors driving by to stop in, and because the timing coincided with an overall surge of visitation in the park, there were more passerbys overall.

Between 2010 and 2011, traffic through the Oconaluftee Visitor Center jumped by 55,432 people — a 17 percent leap. In 2012, the first full year the new visitor center was open, traffic through its doors climbed another 42,268 to reach 433,257. By the end of November 2015, 441,855 people had come through the Oconaluftee Visitor Center that year, a level of use that makes the parking lot a rather zooish place during peak season.

“Frequently, they are parking all over the lawns, along the roads,” Doucett said. “They’re driving in circles not being able to find a parking space.”

Sometimes, it gets so crazy Doucett has to send her staff outside to direct traffic, and that’s no laughing matter, because while visitation has kept climbing, staffing levels have not.

In fact, they’ve gone down.

When Doucett first came on board in 2002, she had four full-time positions under her.

Now, she has two. Seasonal employees and

at capacity from our perspective,” Doucett said. “We do not have the ability to do any more than what we’re doing right now, and even then sometimes I don’t think we’re doing it as well as we can do it, because we’re trying to do too much.”

THE PARK AND ITS SUPPORTERS Doucett’s crew isn’t the only one dealing with the effects of increased visitation. Overall tourism to the Smokies has increased drastically over the past two years, with the year-to-date total as of the end of November already more than 12 percent greater than the total visitation for 2011. In 2014, visitation to the park topped 10 million for the first time since 2000, and the numbers are projected to stay high. In fact, the park is expecting the 2015 visitation total to be the largest in the park’s history.

“The last two years have just been amazing.

I’m sure there’s no one thing you can point to that is the reason for the uptick, but it’s rather I think a collection of things that have caused it,” said Terry Maddox, who will retire as executive director of the Great Smoky Mountains Association this year after 26 years at the helm.

The collection of reasons includes ingredients such as low gas prices, a recovering economy and the park’s proximity to a number of population centers — it’s a lot easier to visit than the Grand Teton or Glacier national parks, for example. Outside the park, hotels, restaurants and shopping opportunities abound, so trip planning is a relatively easy task. The National Park Service has also begun its big media push to celebrate its 100th birthday in 2016, a campaign expected to continue prompting even more people to plan a Smokies vacation.

“All these things together are just bringing

“All these things together are just bringing people like crazy.

I think it’s clear the way this year will finish out, it will be probably the all-time high for visitation.”

— Terry Maddox, Great Smoky Mountains Association

interns help supplement the visitor center’s needs during the busier seasons, but it’s not the same as having permanent employees with institutional knowledge and understanding of the area to carry out the job. In the foreseeable future, there’s no sign of visitation slowing down or of staffing ramping up.

“We’re really close to that point that we are

people like crazy,” Maddox said. “I think it’s clear the way this year will finish out, it will be probably the all-time high for visitation.”

So, is that a good thing or a bad thing?

“It’s always a double-edged sword,” said Maddox.

On the one hand, the national parks exist so that people can come enjoy them, witness-

A hiker takes in the view on a September hike from Silers Bald to Clingmans Dome on the Appalachian Trail. Hoyer/NPS photo ing unspoiled portraits of the nation’s most beautiful natural landmarks. From that standpoint, visitation is evidence that the National Park System is fulfilling its purpose.

“These are the country’s national parks,” Maddox said. “We want people to get away from their smartphones and tablets and actually get out there and see the real world, to experience it and see something of the culture and the history of the region.”

“There’s nothing like that visceral experience when you’re in the park and really appreciating it,” agreed Holly Demuth, North Carolina director for Friends of the Smokies, a nonprofit which, like the GSMA, helps fund park needs not met by the federal government.

There’s subjective value to that, but those priceless experiences can turn into hard dollars for the park. The park doesn’t charge an entrance fee, but visitors are the ones who stuff dollars into donation boxes or write checks to nonprofits serving the park once they leave.

“The upshot of increased visitation for us historically means that there is increased support for the park,” Demuth said.

For most national parks, that support comes organically. Other major national parks charge a per-car entrance fee, something like $25 or $30. The park gets to keep 80 percent of the proceeds, putting that money into seasonal positions and maintenance and anything else that needs doing.

That’s not the case in the Smokies. Before it was a national park, the area was privately held, home to family farms and small mountain communities. When the land was turned over to the federal government to become a

national park in the 1930s, North Carolina, Tennessee and local communities paid to build U.S. 441 through what would become the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When Tennessee turned its part of the road over to the federal government, it included a stipulation: nobody could ever be charged to use the road.

“The parks that are able to collect entrance fees certainly are able to provide a better source of long-term care,” said Dana Soehn, public affairs director for the park. “We’re fortunate to have groups like Friends of the Smokies and the Great Smoky Mountains Association. The support from our communities helps fill a little of that gap.”

The park bases its visitor counts on the assumption — tested out regularly for accuracy — that from June to September vehicles contain an average of 2.8 people and from October to May the average is 2.5. Even bumping that average a bit to say that each car has three people in it, if the Smokies charged $30 for each vehicle like Grand Canyon National Park — the next most-visited national park — it would have been allowed to keep $80.8 million for its budget in 2014, the last complete data year. Of course, that supposes that annual passes don’t make the per trip cost cheaper for repeat visitors and that the price doesn’t prevent some people from coming, but it’s a hugh number compared to the 2014 federal allocation of $18.5 million.

“You would like to think that our wise people in Washington realize the inequality of the budgets in the Smokies, as compared to other parks that get a nice

F

2015 volunteer numbers rose slightly to 2,601, though hours dipped to 113,730. The figures don’t count work from Friends of the Smokies volunteers or from volunteers at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont.

Volunteers do everything from staffing visitor centers to directing traffic to instructing visitors in how to view elk safely. The park even has a program through which retired law enforcement officers help overloaded park staff by taking low-level calls, like requests for help with flat tires or blown-out radiators.

“We do depend heavily on working with our volunteers, but we also provide them training and uniforms and really accept them as an extension of our ranger staff, because we certainly couldn’t do it by ourselves,” Soehn said.

Volunteers work to rebuild park trails as part of the Trails Forever program. NPS photo

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WHEN DONATED DOLLARS AREN’T ENOUGH Park visitation and support over the years Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Budget

Visitation

Volunteer hours

(in 2015 dollars, for the Oct.-Sept. fiscal year)

(in calendar years)

(in fiscal years)

17,903,400 17,712,020 18,111,690 19,621,960 20,163,930 19,901,270 18,598,520 19,446,120 19,773,290 19,322,650 19,619,910 20,986,400 21,085,370 19,999,660 19,338,840 17,904,350 18,586,090 18,806,400

GSMA fund.

“Visitors expect that should be a government service,” Doucett said. “They feel like their tax dollars should at least be paying for the services that are in the park, and I think they’re right.”

She likened it to a scenario in which a person walks into town hall to pay a water bill, only to be greeted by a volunteer worker.

Wouldn’t you expect your town taxes to pay the salary to get that job done?

Demuth explained the policy of the nonprofit partners not paying for staff as a desire to keep them from becoming such a critical part of the park’s core function that if something crazy and unforeseen were to happen to the organization, the park itself would crumble.

That said, Demuth offered, increasingly Friends donations are “meeting more and more critical needs.”

A FRAGILE FUTURE While donations have been rising with park use, some people have concerns about

9,989,395 10,283,598 10,175,812 9,197,697 9,316,420 9,366,845 9,167,046 9,192,477 9,289,215 9,372,253 9,044,010 9,491,437 9,463,538 9,008,830 9,685,829 9,354,695 10,099,276 10,145,090 (as of Nov. 30)

69,066 74,742 75,810 95,979 89,077 95,585 111,935 114,467 117,285 114,364 117,537 136,102 135,673 145,217 161,834.50 151,477 152,325 113,379.50

whether support will continue indefinitely into the future. Who are the park’s primary users, and will the next generation of national park visitors continue to show the buy-in and support demonstrated over and over through the past decades?

Doucett worries about the answer, especially when she looks at the results of the park’s 2015 visitor use survey, a “snapshotstyle” assessment of park use conducted over the course of one month during July.

According to this year’s survey, young people are far in the minority when it comes to park usage. Of those surveyed, just 11 percent were under the age of 40, with the 41-50 age bracket making up the biggest chunk of park visitors with 28 percent.

The question, Doucett said, is what those demographics portend for the next 100 years of the National Park Service.

“Congress brought us into this world.

Congress can take us out of this world,” she said. “If we don’t have the support of the next generation and understanding on a nation-

S EE S MOKIES, PAGE 34

Smoky Mountain News

But volunteers and donated dollars can’t completely satisfy the need created by increased visitation.

While visitation has risen by more than 681,000 between 2010 and 2015 — a 7.2 percent jump even without knowing December visitation numbers yet — the allocation from the federal budget has fallen by $2.3 million in adjusted 2015 dollars — an 11 percent drop — in the same time period.

It’s gotten to the point, Doucett said, where not only is there no money for extras, but there’s not even money for necessities, especially when it comes to staff positions.

“We’re trying to do more with either the same number or less,” Doucett said. “This year and next year for the (National Park Service) centennial I’m probably back up to seasonally what I was in the past, but I have fewer permanent positions here than I did in the past.”

One of the main tasks of someone involved with park interpretation should be putting together and conducting educational programming. According to visitor evaluations, the park is doing great meeting basic expectations such as keeping bathrooms clean and visitor help desks staffed, Doucett said, but time has become so tight where ranger programs are concerned that it sometimes seems downright impossible to carry them out.

“When you’re asking somebody to put together a program and do the research for the program and you’re giving them an hour a week, it’s not realistic,” she said, especially if said program involves a two-hour roundtrip drive to park headquarters in Tennessee, where the park’s research archives are housed.

That’s why there aren’t any programs at all this time of year. The visitor center is open a total 80.5 hours per week, so with just Doucett and her two staff members there to man it in the wintertime — no seasonals — there isn’t time in between their other responsibilities to do programming.

Ideally, more staff people would be great, but there’s no money in the federal budget for that, and it’s just not the kind of thing that groups like Friends of the Smokies and the

December 23-29, 2015

federal budget and they get to keep all this fee money, and compensate the Smokies with a bigger budget, but sadly that’s not the case,” said Maddox. “They’ve never done that.”

So, the park is left to rely on its partners — principally, GSMA and Friends of the Smokies — to supplement its budget. And while increased visitation might not correlate as directly with fundraising as it would with entrance fee receipts, one does drive the other.

Demuth categorized Friends of the Smokies’ fundraising as being on a “steady increase,” estimating that by the year’s end the total will top $2.6 million and be about 10 percent greater than last year. By the end of 2016, Friends expects to surpass the $50 million mark for total funds raised in the organization’s history.

Earnings are on the rise for the GSMA, as well. Unlike Friends, which does its fundraising through events, campaigns and license plate sales, the Association operates more like a business, publishing and selling books in its retail shops throughout the park so the profits can be turned over to the Smokies.

Currently, earnings sit around $2 million per year, with the total raised since Maddox started with the Association in 1990 reaching $34 million.

In fact, those privately raised funds from Friends and the GSMA are what paid for the $3.5 million Oconaluftee Visitor Center — no government funds used — a triumph that is brought up quite readily among park supporters when discussing the importance of nonprofits in keeping the park afloat.

“Places like Yellowstone and Grand Tetons — they could have never done it,” Doucett said. “I don’t see they’ve had the support to do that with just donated funds.”

That’s not the only project park partners have made possible. The GSMA started a small visitor center and bookstore at Clingman’s Dome, which attracts a steady stream of traffic and generates funds for the park through retail sales there. Friends of the Smokies funds pulley systems at backcountry sites throughout the park to prevent conflicts with bears. There’s the Trail Forever program, which recruits skilled workers to volunteer their time for rebuilding high-use trails.

Treatment of trees affected by the hemlock wooly adelgid, funding for internship positions — the list goes on.

That work is made possible through the hard work of those involved in the organization, but also through the support flowing from parkside communities and former visitors.

“There seems to be a great affection for the Smokies,” Maddox said. “They come over and over again. It’s not like the western parks where you go once or twice in your life.”

Donations have not been the only thing to increase with visitation. The park has also attracted an increasing number of volunteers over the past couple of decades.

In 1995, for example, 653 park volunteers put in 51,960 hours of work. By 2005, that number had multiplied to 1,892 volunteers and 114,467 hours. Volunteer hours hit a peak of 161,835 in 2012, contributed by 3,016 volunteers, but have stayed high. In 2014, 2,575 volunteers put in 152,325 hours and in

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S MOKIES, CONTINUED FROM 33

Points of entry

wide basis of why these areas are important, we could easily disappear.”

Which brings the conversation back around to park programming and why, if visitation to the park is to continue increasing, education opportunities should as well, Doucett said.

“Unless we educate the younger kids about the fact that you can’t take this for granted, they’re not going to realize until it’s too late that you can’t take this for granted and this is something unique and special and amazing,” she said. “The foresight our ancestors had in saying, ‘This is a really incredible place that we need to make sure is still here for future generations’ — I don’t know that we in the last 50 years have done such a great job of conveying how fragile that can be.”

Entrances with the largest jump in visitation from 2004 to 2014: ■ By percentage: Cherokee Orchard Road, 683 percent change; Twentymile, 273.3 percent change; Greenbrier, 260 percent change.

■ By volume: Cherokee Orchard Road, 449,054; Wear Cove, 306,124; Greenbriar, 223,062

Musicians and spectators alike enjoy old-fashioned Christmas tunes at Oconaluftee Visitor Center during the park’s annual Holiday Homecoming celebration. NPS photo

DEALING WITH

Smoky Mountain News

December 16-22, 2015

CARRYING CAPACITY

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The fragility of the Smokies extends beyond legal status. The park is home to some of the most species-diverse forest on the planet, numerous endangered species, a herd of elk that’s been around for less than 15 years after centuries of extirpation — the park’s more than 800 square miles of area are a stronghold for ecological value.

Which raises questions about what implications increased visitation — and, with gas prices forecast to remain low and the Park Service’s marketing push surrounding its centennial ongoing, numbers are likely to keep rising — could have on the natural resources within park boundaries.

“I wish I had some solutions, because I really have thought about how do we deal with the carrying capacity,” Doucett said. “I don’t think we’ve really had the opportunity to sit down and say, ‘How many people can we take?’”

Yosemite National Park, where Doucett worked before coming to the Smokies, has had to wrestle with that very question, actually setting a cap on how many people are allowed into Yosemite Valley at one time in order to alleviate overcrowding issues.

Doucett doesn’t think that’s the solution for the Smokies, but as the Park Service moves into its second century of existence, it might behoove park leaders to think about what might be a good approach to balance access with resource protection.

In addition to the question of resource protection is that of wilderness experience. If

the trails are full of endless streams of tourists, is the magic of the park lost?

To Maddox, it just comes down to strategy.

“There’s over 800 miles of trails, but so many of the visitors only ever seem to want to hike on about six of them, so you get these thundering herds going up Alum Cave Trail or Laurel Falls or the Appalachian Trail,” he said.

An avid hiker, when he arrived in the Smokies he “learned quickly what trails to not walk on unless I wanted to be in a hiking experience that was almost like going to the mall.” There are lots of places in the park where you can go explore and scarcely see another soul for days, he said.

WHERE IS THE INCREASE BIGGEST? It’s possible that visitors are catching on to that piece of wisdom. The fastest-growing way to enter the park is through its outlying areas, with visitation there increasing 70 percent between 2004 and 2014. Many of the outlying areas seeing increased visitation are in Tennessee — the Cherokee Orchard Road entrance leapt 683 percent from 2004 to 2014, the Greenbrier entrance saw 260 percent more visitation and visitation in the Cosby area increased 2.5 times during that time period.

But North Carolina also saw its share of growth. The Big Creek area in Haywood County saw a 63 percent increase in visitation, and the Deep Creek area in Swain

Smokies visitation trends in North Carolina ■ Between 2000 and 2003, visitation in the Cataloochee area more than tripled following reintroduction of the elk. Since the peak of 214,000 visitors in 2003, it’s fallen 53 percent down to 101,165 in 2014 but is still much higher than in the pre-elk years.

■ Though visitation at Oconaluftee is about the same as it was 10 years ago, it’s skyrocketed over the past year, increasing by 17.6 percent between the first 11 months of 2013 and the first 11 months of 2015.

■ Visitation at Deep Creek has been increasing, shooting up 20 percent between 2004 and 2014.

While visitation at Fontana Road is 2 percent more during the first 11 months of this year compared to the first 11 months of 2014, it’s almost one-quarter less than it was 10 years ago.

■ The remote Twentymile entrance in Graham County has nearly tripled in the last 10 years but remained stagnant over the past two.

Source: National Park Service data

County witnessed a 19.5 percent bump from 2004 to 2014. Visitation at Twentymile, a remote entrance in Graham County, nearly tripled, growing 273 percent.

The increased visitation is evident in Bryson City, according to Chamber of Commerce director Karen Wilmot.

“The problem with Bryson City right now is we have more (business) people wanting to come in than we actually have storefronts to give them,” Wilmot said. “We haven’t seen a turnover on Everett Street in something like two years, so that says a lot about the strength of our retail and our dining and the overall business we have here in Bryson City.

This is the fullest we’ve ever been.”

Anyone visiting the park through either the Deep Creek or Road to Nowhere entrances has to drive right through Bryson City, so everyone from the tube rental businesses to the restaurants to the gas stations benefits.

“It really is amazing,” Wilmot said.

“We’re scratching our heads, looking around like where are we going to expand next, what downtown corridor.”

Over in Haywood County, Anna Smathers of the Tourism Development Authority says that the Cataloochee elk still account for the biggest share of calls coming to the visitor centers and interest from travel writers. This year, the TDA put out a travel guide specifically designed to tell people where to go for their best chance at seeing elk and how to be safe when viewing them.

“That’s been really good for us,” Smathers said.

But, perhaps surprisingly, visitation to the Cataloochee area of the park — the spot largely recognized as the hub for elk sightings — has fallen in the past 10 years. Though it jumped dramatically in the years following the elk reintroduction — it climbed every year from 2000 to 2003, increasing from 65,432 people in 2000 to 214,000 in 2003 — visitation at that entrance slid back down in the years since, attracting only 87,879 visitors in the first 11 months of 2015.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the public is no longer interested in elk. Rather, it’s likely a reflection of the fact that the herd has grown and split into new herds since the ini-

Entrances with the largest jump in visitation from 2014 to 2015 (first 11 months): ■ By percentage: Foothills Parkway Northbound, 24.8 percent increase; Abrams Creek, 22.7 percent increase; Oconaluftee, 15.6 percent increase.

■ By volume: Oconaluftee, 315,602; Gatlinburg, 246,740; Foothills Parkway Northbound, 164,983.

Source: National Park Service data

tial reintroduction. You no longer have to go to remote Cataloochee to see an elk. They appear just as reliably in the fields next to Oconaluftee Visitor Center, a phenomenon that Doucett thinks is partially responsible for that entrance’s increase in visitation over the last few years — 200,000 more people used that entrance during the first 11 months of 2015 than during all of 2014 — and are regularly sighted in Cherokee and Maggie Valley. In fact, their appearance outside park boundaries has become so frequent that the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is proposing adding a hunting season on elk in 2016.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE It’s hard to say just what the future will hold for the Smokies. Sure, numbers are on the rise for now and expected to keep climbing, but predictions are always just that — predictions. Educated guesses. Visitation climbed through the 90s, too, hitting the 10 million mark in 1999 with 10,283,598 visitors, but then numbers began to fall and kept doing so through the 2000s. Who’s to say for sure what the next 20 years will bring?

Also impossible to predict are future budgets — the park and its partners typically plan just two or three years at a time, Maddox said, because federal appropriations are so fickle — and what kind of impact upcoming state and federal policies might have. A prime example of that is air pollution, which has improved dramatically in recent years due to state and federal regulations surrounding emissions.

The purpose of the park, however, shouldn’t waver. It’s there to enjoy, to inspire, to teach — but also to protect.

“I don’t want to discourage people from coming, because I think it’s important and I think people need to see what an amazing place we have, and for those of us who live here how lucky we are to live in a place that has all these opportunities, but at the same time to recognize that with that amazing opportunity comes a great deal of responsibility,” Doucett said.

“We just need to figure out how to convey that responsibility.”

Sylva man named to Parkway council

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your friendly, local blue box — smoky mountain news

(828) 452-4747 WWW.SSS-TOPS.COM

Smoky Mountain News

Sylva resident Lee Minor, a retired math professor at Western Carolina University, has been named to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s council of advisors.

Minor’s favorite spots on the Parkway include the Graveyard Fields-Black Balsam Knob area and Cowee Mountains Overlook.

Minor is one of seven new members on the Foundation’s council of advisors. The Foundation supports projects that protect, promote and enhance the Blue Ridge Parkway. www.brpfoundation.org.

WNC's Largest Selection of Granite & Quartz.

December 16-22, 2015

A project to install and monitor songbird nesting boxes by the Highlands Plateau chapter of the Audubon Society has uncovered some interesting trends and led to new questions to pursue next spring.

The citizen science project is part of a N.C. Audubon Society challenge to install 10,000 bird boxes with smaller-than-normal holes to attract brown-headed nuthatches, which can fit through the smaller holes while other species can’t. Though the brown-headed nuthatch doesn’t live much above 2,000 feet, the Highlands chapter decided to install small-holed boxes anyway to see if it helped other small species normally outcompeted by larger songbirds.

In 2015, 100 bird boxes were installed — half with the standard 1.5-inch entrance hole as a control group and half with a smaller 1 1/8-inch entrance hole — and records were kept of the avian traffic through them.

The nest boxes proved popular, with 85 percent used for nests, sometimes multiple nests in a season. The heavy use led Audubon volunteers to wonder if cavity nesters might be having trouble finding natural places to nest.

Carolina chickadees were the most frequent nesters, followed by house wrens, even though they are not common on the Highlands Plateau. Hole size did have some impact on which species nested where, but overall smaller birds were fairly evenly distributed in boxes with both normal- and small-sized holes.

Over the next year, Highlands plans to partner with Western Carolina University and Young Harris College to conduct further nestbox-related research.

outdoors

Plateau birds flock to nest boxes in Audubon citizen science project

Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News 828 | 452 | 4251

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Waynesville rec center to offer free admission Haywood County residents looking to get a jump on resolutions for a healthy New Year will be able to use the Waynesville Recreation Center for free Friday, Jan. 1 to Sunday, Jan. 3.

The facility will be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday and 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday, with varying hours for the pool and water park. Users must show proof of residency in Haywood County to gain free entrance.

828.456.2020.

Tennis programming expands in Waynesville

Eddy jumps for a hit.

Donated photo

Tennis programming from the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department is set to ramp up with the recruitment of Candler resident Ron Eddy to instruct its classes.

Eddy, a certified teaching professional with the U.S. Professional Tennis Association, will hold classes for kids 10 and under, group clinics, private lessons, adult boot camp and matchmaking play.

Ron Eddy, 828.458.3593 or acetennis45@yahoo.com.

Smoky Mountain News

December 23-29, 2015

Get outside after Christmas

DON’T FORGET THE STOCKING STUFFERS! Old-Fashioned Candy Jewelry Road Kill Rub Holiday Gifts Fun Socks Soaps & MUCH MORE!

A 7.5-mile hike through the Bent Creek area outside of Asheville will provide an opportunity to walk off Christmas goodies Sunday, Dec. 27.

Led by Brent Martin — director of The Wilderness Society regional office based in Sylva — and organized by Carolina Mountain Club, the route will take Boyd Branch Road and Little Hickory Gap Trail to Five Points, North Boundary Road, Green’s Lick Trail, Laurel Branch Road, Lower Sidehill Road and back to Boyd Branch.

RSVP to Martin at 828.587.9453 or , brent_martin@tws.org.

Cataloochee up and running for the holidays Thanks to the return of winter weather, Cataloochee Ski Resort re-opened last weekend. Tube World in Maggie Valley, about 4 miles from the ski area, if now open as well.

Affairs of the Heart

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

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Unseasonably warm temperatures had kept ski areas across the eastern seaboard from running at full tilt during the first half

of December.

Cataloochee had been open in fits and starts, weather dependent, since its official season opening Nov. 15. After being closed for nearly two weeks, Cataloochee lifts began running once again at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19 after days of snowmaking beginning the previous day.

“This is a true testament to our ability to go from ground to open in a little over 24 hours,” said spokesperson Tammy Brown.

By Sunday, five of the ski area’s 18 slopes were open with a base of 20 to 30 inches. Night skiing will kick off Christmas Day, with Cataloochee open from 1 to 10 p.m.

Christmas Eve hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Cataloochee Ski Area Cataloochee Ski Resort photo is located off of Fie Top Road outside Maggie Valley. Snow reports and other information are available at www.cataloochee.com.

WNC health planning gets recognition works and economic development.

“This recognition will further help us to advance the regional conversation about the importance of health and how it can be facilitated through “This recognition will further help us to advance effective planthe regional conversation about the importance ning,” said of health and how it can be facilitated through Sarah

MountainElements Health Impact Assessment was a first-of-its-kind look at how the comprehensive plans in North Carolina’s eight westernmost counties

effective planning.”

— Sarah Tennyson, MountainWise

impact health. The evaluation process involved the health departments of each county, their respective economic development and planning departments and the Southwestern Commission.

The project revealed that the region as a whole supports improved food systems planning. That includes farmland preservation, improved land use, transportation net-

Tennyson, Regional Coordinator for MountainWise.

MountainWise is funded through the North Carolina’s Community Transformation Grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve opportunities for healthy living in the eight western counties of North Carolina. www.mountainwise.org

Nominations sought for wildlife diversity leaders If you know someone who’s been instrumental in leading the charge for conservation of wildlife diversity in North Carolina, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission wants to know.

The Wildlife Commission is accepting nominations for the Thomas L. Quay Wildlife Diversity Award through Jan. 29. The award — now in its 11th year — is named for the late Thomas Quay, a retired professor of zoology at N.C. State University and self-described “full-time volunteer and unpaid environmental activist.”

Forms are available at www.ncwildlife.org through the “2016 Wildlife Conservation Award” icon at the bottom of the page. A winner will be announced in July.

A Macon County man was presented the 2015 Governor’s Award for Excellence, the highest honor a state employee can receive, for providing hunting opportunities to children with special needs and disabled veterans.

Kenneth Ashe, a master officer with the N.C. Kenneth Ashe Wildlife Resources Commission, started planning hunting trips for children with special needs in 2012, enlisting a diverse array of partners to help with the hunts and securing donations for equipment to make the hunts more accessible. In 2013 and 2014, Ashe expanded his efforts to include disabled veterans.

The children and veterans he helped would never had a chance to experience hunting “if it were not for Officer Ashe’s efforts,” according to Jon Evans, chief of the Commission’s Law Enforcement Division.

Ashe was one of 13 employees to receive the award this year.

The holiday season is upon us.

December 23-29, 2015

THE FAMILY CARE CENTER

outdoors

A project aiming to help Western North Carolina communities consider health needs when doing long-term planning revealed that issues such as farmland preservation and alternative transportation are high health priorities for WNC residents and earned MountainWise, the organization that did the work, statewide recognition.

The American Planning Association’s North Carolina chapter presented MountainWise with the Marvin Collins Planning Award in the Special Theme Awards/Multidisciplinary Project category, which honors projects that use collaboration as the primary means for success.

“Collaborative partnerships are the cornerstone of public health practice, but that can be easier said than done,” said Jim Bruckner, MSHS, Health Director for Macon County. "MountainElements successfully connected land-use planning, community design and public health practice and policy to build healthier communities in Western North Carolina.”

Wildlife officer connects kids and vets to the outdoors

Have you ever wanted to treat yourself to a “healthy new you”?

Smoky Mountain News

We can help you set your goals and reach them at the Family Care Center.

Call 828-554-5565 to make an appointment.

77 Painttown Road (Hwy. 19) • Cherokee, NC

Dr. Michael Toedt 37

outdoors

The Reeves farm offers spectacular views from its high point of 4,544 feet above sea level.

Donated photo

December 23-29, 2015

Farmland conservation preserves views, lifeways in Madison A new conservation agreement on a 318acre farm in Madison County through the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will help the family farm continue its legacy on the land for generations to come.

The historic Reeves Homeplace Farm in the Little Sandy Mush community has been in the Reeves family for more than 160 years and is now permanently protected for agricultural use.

“When the housing market was going well, developers offered a substantial amount for this place, but Daddy never wanted it to be sold,” recalls Robin Reeves,

the seventh generation to farm the land.

“He wanted it to stay in the family, and wanted to see it continue to be used as farmland.”

The family agreed to permanently restrict the land from any sort of development in exchange for monetary incentives, obtained

by SAHC through grants and donors.

“We competed for grant funds across the nation and state to accomplish the protection of this historic valley farm and scenic mountain grazing land,” said William Hamilton, SAHC’s Farmland Program Director. “This farm is representative of agriculture in Western North Carolina.”

Smoky Mountain News

New acreage added to Pisgah National Forest

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The Pisgah National Forest will see the addition of 178 acres in the Mills River area of Henderson County thanks to a deal worked out by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy.

The tract had previously been home to hunting and fishing clubs.

Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy landed a $100,000 grant from Duke Energy to buy the land and then transfer it to the forest service.

The project includes a conservation agreement on 128 adjoining acres. The overall goal is to maintain the water quality of Mills River, of which Sitton Creek is a tributary, by limiting land disturbance and conserving mature forest canopy.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • An Open Door Meal & Sing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30, at the First United Methodist Church of Sylva. The Old Friends Quartet will perform.

Community is invited. 586.2358.

• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will offer free programs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday through Dec. 31. Cherokee Friends will provide guided tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; demonstrations at 2 p.m.

From 1-2 p.m. every Friday, Jerry Wolfe, Beloved Man of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, will tell stories in the education wing. 497.3481, ext. 300, or www.cherokeemuseum.org.

• Swain County Geological and Historical Society will have a program on “1819 Cherokee Citizen Farmsteads of Swain and Macon Counties: Who Owned Them and What Happened” at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 7, at the SCGHS Library, 200 Main Street, in Bryson City. Presenter is Dr. Brett H. Riggs, Ph.D., the Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies at Western Carolina University.

• Tickets are being sold for Burns Night, a celebration of Robert Burns – the national poet of Scotland – that will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Jan. 23 in Tartan Hall of First Presbyterian Church in Franklin. Tickets are available at the Scottish Tartans Museum and the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. 421.7771 or bordeaux64@hotmail.com.

• Qualla Boundary Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.

• The N.C. Arboretum’s second-annual Winter Lights exhibit runs from through Jan. 2. Three-acre nightly walking tour featuring more than 200,000 lights. http://tinyurl.com/nerqsq9.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • A special registration for spring classes is scheduled for 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 5-6, at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Classes start Jan. 1. College is closed through Jan. 3. 627.4500.

• An Alcoholic Beverage Seller/Server Training Seminar will be offered at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, in room 102D of the Burrell Building at Southwestern Community College’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. Free.

Offered exclusively for businesses that hold ABC permits. Part of an effort by law enforcement agencies, the ABC Commission, DMV License and Theft Bureau, local ABC Boards and Prevention Coalitions. 919.779.0700 or Jeff.Strickland@ABC.nc.gov.

• An Alcoholic Beverage Seller/Server Training Seminar will be offered at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, at Haywood Community College’s Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville. Free. Offered exclusively for businesses that hold ABC permits. Part of an effort by law enforcement agencies, the ABC Commission, DMV License and Theft Bureau, local ABC Boards and Prevention Coalitions. 919.779.0700 or Jeff.Strickland@ABC.nc.gov.

• An Alcoholic Beverage Seller/Server Training Seminar will be offered at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 7, in Room 217 of Brown Hall at UNC Asheville. Free.

Offered exclusively for businesses that hold ABC permits. Part of an effort by law enforcement agencies, the ABC Commission, DMV License and Theft Bureau, local ABC Boards and Prevention Coalitions. 919.779.0700 or Jeff.Strickland@ABC.nc.gov.

• Registration is underway for Southwestern Community College’s second Appalachian Farm School, designed for new and existing, small-to-medium size farm owners to

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings get the school they need to create or revise their business plans. The school will meet Tuesday evenings from Jan. 12 through March 1 at SCC’s Swain Center. Fee: $75. t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• Applications are being accepted for 1 & 3% partnership funding through the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority, and workshops are scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 12, and Thursday, Jan. 14, at Lake Junaluska’s Bethea Welcome Center. http://haywoodcountytourismdevelopment.com/partnership-funding/

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Contributions are being sought for the Glenville Area Historical Society’s historical museum, which plans to open next year. historicalsocietyglenvillearea@yahoo.com or 743.1658.

VENDORS • Vendor applications are being accepted for WinterFest Smoky Style, which is Feb. 26-28 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Weekend rental fee is $75 if paid by Dec. 15; $100 after. seaycharlesl@yahoo.com.

Sponsored in part by Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

HEALTH MATTERS • The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30, in the Asbury Room of the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. mary@corsmary or 586.2358.

• A New Year Renewal Meditation Service will be held

by The Meditation Center at noon on Saturday, Jan. 2, at 894 E. Main St. in Sylva. www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105.

• A free diabetes risk assessment is scheduled for 8 a.m.-noon on Monday, Jan. 4, at Macon County Public Health. Blood sugar checks and an opportunity to speak with a dietitian about risk and prevention. The county’s year-long Diabetes Prevention Program starts in January and is free for qualifying participants; $60 for others.

349.2455.

• Registration is underway for a series of Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Classes that will be offered starting Jan. 14 at the Jackson County Health Department in Sylva. Classes are sponsored by MountainWise. Anyone interested in attending should contact Melissa McKnight at 587.8288.

• A new support group called WINGS (Widows in Need of Grief Support) will meet at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at The Meditation Center at 894 E. Main St. in Sylva. www.meditate-wnc.org or 356.1105.

• A free, weekly grief support group will meet from 12:30-2 p.m. on Thursdays at the SECU Hospice House in Franklin. 692.6178 or mlee@fourseasonscfl.org.

• “ECA on the Move!” – a walking program organized

Smoky Mountain News

by Jackson County Extension and Community Association – meets from 9-10 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays. It’s an effort to meet the American Heart Association’s recommendation of 10,000 steps per day. 586.4009.

• Al-Anon, a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who believe their lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking, meets at 10 a.m. on Saturdays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

356.2800.

• “Health on Wheels” road ride, a relaxing social ride supporting physical and mental recovery from illness or injury – as well as anyone who hasn’t ridden in awhile – starts at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday at Canton Rec Park. For info, contact Michelle Trantham at mttrantham@hotmail.com or Melissa Rockett at mrockett@mountainwise.com/ • A Tuesday Meditation Group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • A Ski Lake Junaluska youth event is scheduled for Dec. 30-Jan. 1 with skiing at Cataloochee Ski Area and Wolf Ridge Ski Area. Worship, ski and fellowship. One, two and three-night packages available. For info, contact Jennifer Martin at jmartin@lakejunaluska.com or 454.6716. www.lakejunaluska.com/ski. The same retreats will be available Jan. 15-18, Jan. 29-31, Feb. 5-7, Feb. 12-15 and Feb. 19-21.

• Registration is underway for a winter coed volleyball league that will be offered through the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. An organizational meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the rec center. Fee will be based on number of teams at organizational meeting; payment is due by 9 p.m. on Jan. 27. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• The Canton Armory is open to the public for walking from 8-10 a.m. on Monday through Friday unless the facility is booked. 648.2363.

• Pickle ball is offered from 8 a.m.-noon on Mondays through Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

456.2030 or www.waynesvillnc.gov.

• A high-impact fitness class entitled “Pump It Up” will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. High energy, quick pace. Fee is daily admission or membership. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A high-impact fitness class entitled “FIT 25” will be held from 5-5:30 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Core-concentration exercise. Fee is daily admission or membership. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A 25-minute, full-body workout class is held at 5 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Waynesville Recreation Center. Cost is daily admission or membership. For info, call 456.2030.

POLITICAL CORNER • Occupy/WNC General Assembly meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday at Dogwood Wellness Center. GPS address is 114 West Hemlock Street, Sylva NC 28779 but location in Dillsboro. 7439747.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • Vine of the Mountains Church is hosting the Advent series “The Light that Leads us Home”, at 10 a.m. on Sundays in December at its location in the Frog Level district of Waynesville. www.thevine.cc.

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All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Vine of the Mountains Church in Frog Level will have a Christmas Eve Eve service on Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. Acclaimed dramatist Curt Cloninger will perform. Free and open to the public. curtcloninger.com or www.thevine.cc • A Christmas Eve Candlelight Service is scheduled to begin at 4:45 p.m. with a harp concert on Thursday, Dec. 24, at Clyde Central United Methodist Church in Clyde. All proceeds from an offering will support mission needs in the local community. 627.2287.

• Winter Shabbat Services are held at 10:30 a.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month by Congregation Bamidbar in the Fellowship Hall of Andrews Methodist Church in Andrews. 369.9270.

• First United Methodist Church of Sylva’s meeting times will be 9 a.m. for contemporary worship service and 1 a.m. for traditional worship service. 586.2358.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Banned Book Club meets from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. For those who enjoy literature and intellectual conversation.

456.6000, blueridgebooks@ymail.com or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

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

• Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville now has a used book section and is accepting books in exchange for credit on other used books, and a free book is available from the giveaway cart for anyone who buys three or more.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Registration is underway for the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department’s January Senior Trips, which include a Sierra Nevada Brewery Tour (Jan. 6), Dinner and a Movie (Jan. 13), Frozen Waterfall Ramble (Jan. 20), and Local Artisan Ramble (Jan. 27). For details or to register, contact Tim Petrea at 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A weekly manipulation card game group is forming through the Haywood County Senior Resource Center. If interested, contact Michelle Claytor at mclaytor@mountainprojects.org or 356.2813.

• Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center.

Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 10 a.m. on Mondays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons 60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases. Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• Pinochie game is played at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

356.2813.

• Hearts is played at 12 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

356.2813.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

356.2813.

wnc calendar

KIDS & FAMILIES • The Appalachian Toymaker & Storyteller will be making wooden toys and telling tales on select dates and times at The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachian. www.psalmsofthesouth.com or 488.5705.

• A “Board Games for Kids” event is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Macon County Library in Franklin. cdando@fontanalib.org or 524.3600.

• Youth Outright, an advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in Western North Carolina, will hold an Extended Safe Space meeting at 3 p.m. on Dec. 29. For more info, visit www.youthoutright.org.

• The Robot Zoo, an opportunity to see how real animals work by exploring biomechanics of robots, is on display through Jan. 3 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. www.ncarboretum.org.

• Registration is underway for Folkmoot’s Appalachian Dance Class 101 for kids in the sixth grade and younger starting Jan. 5 in Waynesville. Flat-foot dancing, buck dancing, clogging and square dance styles.

Classes meet from 6-7 p.m. every Tuesday in January.

452.2997 or info@folkmoot.org.

• Registration is underway for a Smart Start Sports Development program for 4-5 year olds at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $65 registration cost includes equipment, bag and participant manual.

Deadline to register is 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 19; program starts Feb. 9. dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov or 456.2030.

ONGOING KIDS ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS

December 23-29, 2015

• Wednesdays in the Stacks, “WITS”, a new program for children in grades 3-6, on the third Wednesdays of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Macon

County Library. WITS will include lots of fun games, prizes, and hands-on activities. This club replaces book club previous held on the third Thursdays of the month. 526.3600.

• Fun Friday, everything science, is held at 4 p.m. on Fridays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Family Fun Night is at 6 p.m. on Thursdays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Just Write is at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Teen Coffeehouse is at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Youth Outright meets every Sunday from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Asheville for ages 14-20. Youth Outright is a youth advocacy and leadership program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in 18 counties in Western North Carolina. www.youthoutright.org.

• Youth Outright meets the third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Asheville for ages 11-13. Youth Outright is a youth advocacy and leadership program for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in 18 counties in Western North Carolina. www.youthoutright.org.

• Rock and Read is Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

• Teen Coffeehouse meets Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. at Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

• WNC Martial Arts will hold karate classes from 67:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Old Armory in Waynesville. For more info, contact Margaret Williams at 301.0649 or mvwilliams39@gmail.com.

• Full STEAM Ahead (Science, Technology, Engineering,

Art, and Math) Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. ages 5+. 586.2016.

524.3600.

• Children’s Yoga is at 10:30 a.m. (for ages 3-7) and noon (for ages 8-11) on the second Thursday of each month at Canton Public Library. Sign-up required: 648.2924.

• “Plug in and Read,” a digital story time designed to help preschoolers (ages 3-6) learn early literacy skills, is held at 10:30 a.m. on the second Friday or fourth Monday of each month at Haywood County Public Library. Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org or call 452.5169 or 648.2924.

• “Baby/Toddler Sensory Play Time” is set for 10:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month in the Canton Library Meeting Room. For children ages three months to four years. Visit www.haywoodlibrary.org or call 452.5169 or 648.2924.

• A Franklin Kids’ Creation Station is held from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at uptown Gallery in Franklin.

Snacks provided. $20 tuition. 743.0200.

• SafeKids USA Blue Dragon Tae Kwon Do School offers defense training with after-school classes Monday through Friday and Saturday mornings. 627.3949 or www.bluedragontkd.net.

• A Lego Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 3:30-5 p.m. at Waynesville Library.

452.5169.

• A Lego Club meets the second Thursday of the month at 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. 526.3600.

• A Lego Club meets the second Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

• Book Buddies for ages 0-3 is from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• A Lego Club meet the second Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library.

743.0215.

• Page Pals for ages 3-5 is from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• Story time and kids can make their own piece of art from 10 a.m.-noon every Saturday during the Family Art event sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council at the Jackson County Farmers Market located at the Community Table, downtown Sylva. On the first Saturday of each month, there is a scavenger hunt with prizes. 399.0290 or www.jacksoncountyfarmermarket.org.

• A Teen Advisory Group meets at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss YA books and teen program events. http://haywoodlibrary.libguides.com/teen or 648.2924.

• Tennis lessons for ages 5-8 (5:30-6:15 on Tuesdays) and 9-13 (9:30-10:15 a.m. on Saturdays) are offered through the Jackson County Recreation Center. $45.

293.3053.

• Michael’s Kids Club will be held for ages 3-and-up from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Michael’s in Waynesville. $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative crafts. 452.7680.

• A Lowe’s Build and Grow session for ages 3-and-up is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays at the Sylva (586.1170) and Waynesville (456.9999) Lowe’s stores. Free.

• Art Adventure classes are taught for ages 5-10 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Bascom in Highlands. Theme: metal. Instructor: Bonnie Abbott. $20 per month. 787.2865.

Smoky Mountain News

• Macon County 4-H Needlers club, a group of youth learning the art and expression of knitting and crochet crafts, meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

For information, call 349.2046.

• Anime Night is held for teens on the second Monday of each month at the Canton Library. For anime titles that will be shown, call 648.2924.

• Art classes are available for kids 10 and older from 4:15-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Bascom in Highlands. $15 per class. 787.2865 or www.thebascom.org.

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Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• Free, weekly, after-school enrichment classes are offered by the Bascom and MCAA from 3-5 p.m. on Thursdays at Macon Middle School through a grant from the Jim McRae Endowment for the Visual Arts. To register, contact Bonnie Abbott at 743.0200.

•A Lego club will meet at 4 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Library provides Legos and Duplos for ages 3 and up.

Free. 488.3030.

•A community breastfeeding information and support group meets from 10:30 am.-noon on the first Saturday of each month in the main lobby of the Smoky Mountain OB/GYN Office in Sylva. Free; refreshments provided. For information, contact Brandi Nations (770.519.2903), Stephanie Faulkner (506.1185 or www.birthnaturalwnc), or Teresa Bryant (587-8223).

• Science Club is held at 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month for grades K-6 at the

• Explorer’s Club for kids will be held on the third of each month at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Intended for all ages, with a special emphasis on cultural learning for children. Each Explorer’s Club will feature special guests, snacks and crafts that all are pertinent to the theme for that month. 586.2016.

• Smoky Mountain Model Railroaders holds public viewing session from 2 to 4 p.m. the second Sunday of the month, 130 Frazier St. off Russ Avenue in Waynesville. The group runs Lionel-type 3 rail O gauge trains. smokymountainmodelrailroaders.wordpress.com.

• Teen time 3:30-4:30 p.m. Thursdays at Waynesville Library. A program for teens and tweens held each week. Each week is different, snacks provided. 3562511 • Homework Help, 3 to 5 p.m. Mondays for students in grades 2 through 6, Canton Branch Library. Former schoolteacher turned Youth Services Librarian Katy Punch offers homework help on a first-come, firstserved basis. Katy, 648.2924.

•Teen Advisory Group, first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. For ages 13-18. Teens can enjoy snacks while discussing popular young adult books, help plan events and displays for children and teens at the library, and participate in community service projects.

Canton Library, 648.2924.

• The American Girls Club meets at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. The club meets one Saturday a month, call for details. Club is based on a book series about historical women. Club members read and do activities. Free. 586.9499.

• Teen Time, first, third, and fourth Tuesdays at 4 p.m. for ages 12 and up. Spend time with other teens talking about and sharing with each other. Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• A Teen Writing Group will meet at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month at Jackson County Library, ages 12 and up. 586.2016 • Games for kids on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Public Library. Play a variety of games including AWE After School Edge Computers, board games and other fun activities. 586.2016.

• Projects and activities after school Fridays, 3:30 p.m. for school age kids at Jackson County Public Library. Get your hands dirty with science experiments, discovering animals and making easy recipes.

586.2016.

• Adventure Club on Tuesdays 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. for grades K-2 at the Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• Culture Club on the second Wednesday of the month, 1 to 2 p.m. for K-6 graders. Guest speakers, books, photos, crafts and food from different countries and cultures. Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

Better Quality, Better Prices wnc calendar

• Crafty Kids on the second Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. Children from Pre-K to fifth grade will meet after school and hear stories, share about what they are reading, play games and get creative with a craft.

Canton Library. 648.2924.

• Children’s craft time, fourth Wednesday, 3:45 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library. 743.0215 • The Wee Naturalist program, which is for children ages 2-5 (with a parent or guardian), is held from 1011:30 a.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays at the North Carolina Arboretum. Age-appropriate activities such as nature walks, garden exploration, stories, crafts and visits from classroom animals $7 cost per child; $3 more for each additional child in a family. Register at: www.ncarboretumregistration.org/Wee-Naturalists-forPre-K-2014-15-C264.aspx

ON DELLWOOD ROAD (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN. 828.926.8778 tupelosonline.com

KIDS MOVIES • Free showing of “Shaun The Sheep” at noon and 2 p.m. on Saturdays through the month of December at The Strand in Waynesville. www.38main.com or call 828.283.0079.

• A children’s movie, “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” will be shown at 1 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, at Macon County Library in Franklin. cdando@fontanalib.org or 524.3600.

Make this Christmas the stuff of legends.

• A family friendly holiday adventure movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Movie’s about a cantankerous Grinch. For info, call 488.3030.

KIDS STORY TIMES HAYWOOD December 23-29, 2015

• Mother Goose Time, a story time for babies and toddlers (5 months to 2 years) and their parents/caregivers, is held at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Waynesville Library. 452.5169 • Family Story Time, 11 a.m. Wednesdays at the Waynesville Public Library. Stories, songs, crafts.

452.5169.

• Movers and Shakers story time is at 11 a.m. every Thursday at the Waynesville Library. For all ages.

Movement, books, songs and more. 452.5169.

• Family storytime with crafts, second Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Waynesville library. 4525169.

• Family Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays for children ages 1-5, themed stories, music, and a craft. Canton Library, 648.2924.

• Mother Goose Story Time at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays for babies ages 5 months to 24 months with rhymes, songs, stories, and free play. Canton Library, 648.2924.

JACKSON

Bring your family for a stroll under the lights through fun, interactive displays that recount ancient Cherokee Christmas legends. Or come for the lighting of a 40-ft. Christmas tree, a visit with Santa, and a spin on our synthetic ice rink. There’s more inexpensive entertainment than we can mention, and admission is free. Grab your little elves and join us here at 545 Tsali Blvd., in Cherokee, NC.

• Baby Storytime is at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the Jackson County Public Library. Songs, fingerplays and stories for infants through toddlers. 586.2016 • Between the Lines is held at 6 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at Jackson County Public Library. A writing, art and creativity workshop for teens ages 12 and up. 586.2016 • Kid’s story time Saturdays, 11 a.m., all ages at City Lights in Sylva 586.9449.

• Rotary Reader Kid’s Story time, Mondays 11 a.m. at Jackson County Public Library. A rotary club volunteer reads stories with children. 586.2016.

Smoky Mountain News

• Rompin’ Stompin’ Story Time, Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 1-5 — children get to sing, dance, and get out all their energy during this movement-filled story time. Canton Library, 648.2924.

December 5–January 2, each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 6–9 p.m. (closed Dec. 24–26)

VisitCherokeeNC.com | 828.359.6490 41

wnc calendar

• Kids story time, Tuesdays and Fridays 11 a.m., Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. at Jackson County Public Library. Story time includes books, puppets, finger plays, songs and crafts. 586.2016.

SWAIN • A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 26 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

MACON

• There will be a “Tasty Tuesday: Winter Seasonals” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 29 at Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden.

• Paws 4 Reading, a family story time, will be held from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. second Thursday of the month at Macon County Public Library. Children can read to a therapy dog. (grades K-6). 524.3600.

• Family Story Time for ages 0 to 5 years is held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursdays at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • The “Christmas in the Smokies” holiday celebration will run through Dec. 31 at Fontana Village Resort.

Winter fun, holiday festivities and events.

800.849.2258 or www.fontanavillage.com.

December 23-29, 2015

FOOD & DRINK

• Preschool Story time, Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m., Marianna Black Library. After a book or two is read, the children participate in games, songs, finger plays, puppet play and make a craft to take home.

488.3030.

• Sing and Sign Story Time, second and fourth Mondays, 10 a.m., Macon Public Library. Designed for children 0-24 months, but all ages are welcome.

524.3600.

• Cherokee Lights and Legends event will be held from 6-9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Jan. 2 at the Cherokee Fair Grounds. Lights display, live Santa Claus, synthetic ice rink, bizarre, food vendors, interactive legend exhibits and a 40-foot Christmas tree. Food. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. $5 for everyone 13 and over; $3 for ages 6-12; children five and younger are free. friehusk@nc-cherokee.com, angehern@nccherokee.com, 359.6492 or 359.6473.

HOLIDAY EVENTS • The “Twelve Days of Christmas” goes through Dec. 24 in downtown Waynesville. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• A Black, White and Fun All Over Children’s New Year’s Eve Party is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, at the Macon County Library in Franklin.

Stories, games, crafts, music and snacks. Wear black and white (or dress as your favorite animal). cdando@fontanalib.org or 524.3600.

• The Polar Express themed train is now running at

Smoky Mountain News

the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot. The classic children’s book comes to life as the train departs for a special visit at the “North Pole.” For times and prices, click on www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Joe Cruz (piano/pop) will perform at 7 p.m. on Dec. 26 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free.

452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• A New Year’s Eve dinner and show featuring Mean Mary and The Contrarys is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. $65 per person. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• A New Year’s Eve event featuring performances by Thom Bresh, Casey Kelly, Leslie Ellis and Becky Hobbs is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31 at Balsam Mountain Inn. $85 per person. Buffet dinner and all the champagne, hats, honkers and whistles you can handle. 456.9498.

• The 10th Annual Autumn Juried Group Exhibit of the Carolinas’ Nature Photographers Association Asheville Region entitled “Southern Appalachian Splendor Through the Seasons,” will be hosted through the New Year by the Green Sage Cafe in Asheville. www.cnpaasheville.org.

• Fine Feathered Friends and Flowers, oil paintings by Mary Webster, will be on display at the N.C. Arboretum through Jan. 3 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. www.ncarboretum.org.

• The “Star Wars: The FORCE of Popular Culture” exhibit is on display through Jan. 16 at the Western Office of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in Asheville. Free. 296.7230 or jeff.futch@ncdcr.gov.

FILM & SCREEN • “Walt Before Disney” will be shown starting Dec. 26 at The Strand in Waynesville. www.38main.com.

• Adult movie time, 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Jackson County Public Library. Call for title of movie. 586.2016.

• Joe Cruz (piano/pop) will perform at 7 p.m. on Jan. 2 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free.

452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Tickets are on sale for a performance by rapper Waka Flocka Flame, who will be on stage Thursday, Jan. 14, at Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center. Advance tickets are $5 for students and $10 for nonstudents or $15 at the door. 227.7722 or ramsey.wcu.edu.

• Country music star Pam Tillis will be a featured performer at a Galaxy of Stars Series performance at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

Tickets are $21 for adults, $16 for WCU faculty/staff, and $7 for students/children. bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.2479.

• The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville is seeking one-act plays, actors and directors for “Brief Encounters 2016.” Deadline for submissions is Feb. 7. ldv@themagnetictheatre.org. Open-call audtions are in March. www.themagnetictheatre.org. Directors can write ss@themagnetictheatre.org.

Outdoors • Guided tours of WATR Discovery Trails at Monteith Farmstead Park in Dillsboro can be scheduled by calling 488.8418. For youth or adult/civic groups.

FARM AND GARDEN • Applications are being accepted for the Haywood County Extension’s 2016 Master Gardener Class.

Trainings are Tuesday mornings from Jan. 5-April 19.

Apply by Dec. 30. 456.3575 or sarah_scott@ncsu.edu.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Registration is underway for the Run in 2016 5K Run, Walk & Fun Run, which is set for 11 a.m. on Jan. 1. Entry fees are $20 if received by Dec. 30 or $25 on race day. 293.3053 or jeniferpressley@jacksonnc.org.

HIKING CLUBS

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • The Haywood County Arts Council’s “It’s a Small, Small Work” will run from till Dec. 26 at the council’s

• Carolina Mountain Club will hold a 7.5-mile hike with a 1,100-foot elevation gain on Dec. 27 at Bent Creek Loop. For info, contact leader Brent Martin at 587.9453, 371.0347 or brent_martin@tws.org.

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings • Carolina Mountain Club will hold a 5.4-mile hike with a 700-foot ascent on Dec. 27 at North Slope Trail.

For info, contact leader Stuart English at 384.4870 or stuengo@comporium.net.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have an eight-mile hike with a 1,800-foot ascent from Case Camp to Seniard Ridge Loop on Jan. 6. For more info, contact leader Mary Beth Gwynn at 545.6487 or mbgwynn@gmail.com.

OUTDOOR CLUBS • The Jackson County Poultry Club will hold its regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office. The club is for adults and children and includes a monthly meeting with a program and a support network for those raising birds. For info, call 586.4009 or write heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.

• The North Carolina Catch program, a three-phase conservation education effort focusing on aquatic environments, will be offered through May 15. The program is offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free for members; daily admission for non-members. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• An RV camping club, the Vagabonds, camps one weekend per month from April through November. All ages welcome. No dues or structured activities. For details, write lilnau@aol.com or call 369.6669.

• The Tuckaseigee River Chapter No. 373 of Trout Unlimited meets at 6:30 p.m. on first Tuesday of the month at United Community Bank in Sylva. Dinner is $5.

• The Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets the second Tuesday of the month starting with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Rendezvous restaurant located on the corner of Jonathan Creek Road and Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 631.5543.

• Cold Mountain Photographic Society is a camera/photography club for amateurs and professionals who want to learn about and share their knowledge of photography with others. Must be 18 or older to join. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the conference room of MedWest Health and Fitness Center, 262 Leroy George Drive in Clyde. More information at www.cmpsnc.org or info@cmpsnc.org.

324-50

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’ $

92

20’x20’ $

160

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828

42

Gallery & Gifts in downtown Waynesville. Most prices will be between $50-$125, with nothing over $300.

Supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division or the Department of Cultural Resources. www.haywoodarts.org, info@haywoodarts.org or 828.452.0593.

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

Puzzles can be found on page 46.

These are only the answers.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ARTS AND CRAFTS

MarketPlace information:

ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

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

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

AUCTION

RUN YOUR CLASSIFIED In 101 North Carolina newspapers for only $375 for a 25-word ad.

Call this newspaper or 919.516.8009 for details.

21ST ANNUAL ABSOLUTE AUCTION. Tues. Dec. 29 @ 8am, Lumberton, NC. 100 Const Items, 150 Trucks (35) 40' and 20' Containers. Will Sell At 12(noon) - Absolute Consignments will be taken until Dec. 17. www.meekinsauction.com.

NCLN 858 - 10% BP

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

AUCTIONS Wagner's Auto Salvage, Durham Commercial Trucks, Generators, Vehicles; Lots Orange Co & Log Home Chapel Hill; 72 Acres Sanford Divided. 919.545.0412 www.RogersAuction.com.

NCFL7360.

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

INC.

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SC OV ER E

ATR

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Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

ONLINE REAL ESTATE AUCTION 721 Moody Bridge Rd., Cullowhee, NC. 3br/2bath home and 10 acres.

Bidding starts Dec. 1st, 2015. Full details on our web site, BrooksAuctionServices.com 864.379.1011.

NCRE#25534.

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Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS

MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

828-456-5387

324-64

YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com

BUILDING MATERIALS

HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The Affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1.800.291.2712 for FREE DVD and brochure.

ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control.

FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1.800.698.9217 DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 FIND THE RIGHT CARPET, Flooring & Window Treatments.

Ask about our 50% off specials & our Low Price Guarantee. Offer Expires Soon. Call now 888.546.0135 SAPA SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

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CARS -

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

CARS -

A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR For Breast Cancer! Help United Breast Foundation education, prevention, & support programs.

Fast Free Pickup - 24 Hr Response Tax Deduction 855.306.7348 SAPA

FINANCIAL

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA SELL YOUR STRUCTURED Settlement or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don't have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1.800.316.0271.

SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1.800.670.4805 to start your application today! SAPA

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EMPLOYMENT

APPLE CREEK CAFE Will be holding open interviews on Wed. Dec. 30th and Wed. Jan. 6th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. both days.

We are hiring cooks, waitstaff and two experienced bartenders. Anyone with experience is encouraged to apply, especially those who worked at Nick & Nates until it closed. Interviews will be held at the restaurant on Main Street.

R

EMPLOYMENT WNC MarketPlace

*NOW HIRING, Enrollment Specialist. Weekly Compensation By Direct Deposit, Training, Flexible Hours, Basic Computer Skills+. Must Leave Message for a Phone Interview. No Exceptions.

1.800.417.6360 Ext. 7201 www.CardNetworkSpecialist.INFO SAPA

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December 23-29, 2015

PRANCER A SWEET LITTLE TORTIE KITTEN ABOUT 2-1/2 MONTHS OLD. SHE IS SUPER PLAYFUL AND FUN, AND WILL BRING TONS OF ENTERTAINMENT TO HER NEW FAMILY.

ATTN: DRIVERS $2K Sign-On Bonus. Make $55k+ a Year. Great Benefits + 401K. Paid Orientation. CDL-A Req 877.258.8782.

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1.888.748.4137 drive4stevens.com FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following position: Director of Management Information Services (MIS). For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com /. Human Resources Office. Phone: 910.678.8378 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

CAN YOU DIG IT? Heavy Equipment Operator Career!

We Offer Training and Certifications Running Bulldozers, Backhoes and Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible!

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Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419 WANT TO FLATBED? Call us! - Free Healthcare! Hiring Class A CDL Drivers for Regional & OTR. Pay starting at 40cpm. Call 864.649.2063 or visit drive4jgr.com EOE.

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Make $1000 Weekly!! Mailing Brochures From Home. Helping home workers since 2001. Genuine Opportunity. NO Experience Required.

Start Immediately. www.MailingHelp.com SAPA LAW OFFICE & LEGAL Assistant Training Law Firms & Government Offices Need Legal Staff! No Experience Needed! Online Career training can get you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & PC/Internet needed! 1.888.926.6073 SAPA NEED MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES! Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experience Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122 NOW HIRING Class A CDL Drivers! - Free Healthcare! Regional & OTR positions open. Pay starting at 40cpm.

1yr. experience required. Call 864.649.2063 or visit Drive4JGR.com. EOE. IMMEDIATE OPENINGS NOW! Home Every Week. Excellent Pay w/Benefits, 100% No Touch Freight, 75% Drop & Hook. Class A CDL w/1 Yr. Exp. Req. Call Today Call 888.219.8039.

WEEKLY HOME TIME For SE Regional! Earn up to $0.45 CPM w/bonuses. Plus $2500 Sign On Bonus! Call 888.408.5275 or SuperServiceLLC.com THE NAVY IS HIRING Top-notch training, medical/dental, 30 days vacation/yr, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419 APPLE CREEK CAFE Will be holding open interviews on Wed. Dec. 30th and Wed. Jan. 6th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. both days.

We are hiring cooks, waitstaff and two experienced bartenders. Anyone with experience is encouraged to apply, especially those who worked at Nick & Nates until it closed. Interviews will be held at the restaurant on Main Street.

MAINTENANCE-FREE LIVING

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44

COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LAWN & GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

PETS HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours:

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

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578 BLUE RIDGE MTNS NCViews, views, views! New 1,300 sf.

2bed/2bath cabin features loft, pict. windows, large stone fpl, huge deck. $154,900.

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

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

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Super

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CROSSWORD

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answers on page 42

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Answers on Page 42

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Things that go peent! in the dark think Lewis Carroll could have just as easily warned of the Timberdoodle as the Jubjub bird in the “Jabberwocky,” both could appear to be nonsensical avian entities. The timberdoodle, a.k.a. American woodcock, appears to be constructed from incongruous leftover avian parts.

You have to admit it’s a strange recipe for a shorebird from the family Scolopacidae, with its yellowlegs and sandpipers etc: take one pair of short robin legs, attach them to a thick, chunky partridge-like body with short round wings, no neck and a large head; next place a long bill on the head — it doesn’t matter if it’s broken because we’re gonna put a hinge at the tip; OK, all we have left for eyes are these large round black ones that look like they might be a better fit for a salamander or frog of some sort — we’ll just squeeze these in here, behind the bill — there’s enough room if we place them way up near the back (top) of the head. And voila, you have one of only seven shorebirds that commonly breed across the Old Home State.

I’ll let you sort out the Darwinian chick-

I

en or egg debate but throw in a little cryptic brown and black mottling and you wind up with an amazing creature that fits perfectly in its niche. The American woodcock is a year-round resident of North Carolina and one of those facultative migrants — meaning northern nesters (and woodcocks nest all the way north to southeastern Canada) generally move as far south as they have to in order to find favorable foraging conditions. Numbers often increase in North Carolina over the winter months.

Woodcocks like to nest in early successional woody habitat, mixed agriculture and woodland interfaces and in abandoned, brushy fields. It nests in shallow depressions on the forest floor relying on its cryptic coloration for protection. The young are out of the nest within a few hours of hatching and by four or five days are feeding themselves.

Their habitat expands during migration to include marshes, bogs, wet fields and/or meadows.

Woodcocks feed on earthworms and other invertebrates they find by probing the soft soil with that long bill. They shuffle along, walking slowly rocking forwards and backwards doing a kind of dinosaur stomp with their short stiff legs. The vibrations

cause the earthworms and other invertebrates to get antsy and move about giving away their whereabouts. And guess what?

It’s fortunate for them their long bill hinges at the tip – that allows them to grasp their prey and drag it from beneath the ground.

And what about those big ole eyes sitting

American woodcock. creative commons photo

way up high on the top of their head?

They’re perfectly placed for keeping lookout for raptors and other predators as the bird is probing the earth, head-down, searching for its own meal.

Population trends and/or numbers for the American woodcock are hard to ascertain because of their secret, solitary nature.

World wide they are listed as a species of “least concern,” however they were placed on the 2014 State of The Birds Watchlist and their population is believed to be declining especially in the mid-Atlantic and New England.

Woodcocks are early breeders and breeding season is the only time they can be found in any kind of numbers. Males and females congregate in wet areas generally adjacent woods. The male gives a loud mechanical peent, then bolts into the air on those short stiff wings climbing in arcs to a height of 200-300 feet. As he climbs and turns his wings give off a high-pitched whistling sound (kind of like a mourning dove but louder.) At the apex of his flight he turns and falls zig-zagging back to the ground, the wings still producing and intermittent whistle. It won’t be long till he’s ready to fly again. In a field with a dozen or so birds, it can be quite a spectacle.

These aerial displays occur in the predawn and/or evening twilight — sometimes even into the night during full moons. The best way to observe this whirling dervish display is find appropriate habitat — get a good vantage point and wait.

Displays have already begun in the Deep South and often begin in Western North Carolina by mid-January. Some places I’ve observed American woodcock in the area include Jackson Park in Hendersonville, Tessentee Bottomland Preserve in Macon County and Kituwah.

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

December 23-29, 2015 Smoky Mountain News 47

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Smoky Mountain News December 23-29, 2015