20 minute read
Cawthorn shows ignorance on current issues
Cawthorn shows ignorance on current issues
According to the U.S. House records, at band internet across WNC, Cawthorn has 25 years old, Madison Cawthorn — advocated for establishing “integrity in our who will represent the 11th District elections” and sanctioned the implementaand Western North Carolina — will become tion of voter ID laws in North Carolina. By the youngest elected member of Congress in doing so, he only further fuels a baseless cruhistory. Cawthorn has styled himself as a sade against voter fraud, which has not been leader of a new generation of conservatives, proven to be systemic or widespread enough unafraid to criticize the Republican Party; to have affected the outcome of any election, however, Cawthorn including his own. In addition, Cawthorn has adopted also endorsed the frivolous Texas lawsuit President Trump’s filed by Texas attorney general, Ken Paxton, tactics, particularly to invalidate the presidential election. Such in basing his candidacy on a foundation of lies, only further confirming Cawthorn’s intentions as a sycophant to Trump’s agenda. Erick Mendez Guest Columnist rhetoric from duly elected members of Congress is tantamount to sedition and treason against the republic and is antithetical to the principles of democracy itself. Existing research from the University of California San Diego found that photo ID laws have a particularly depressive effect on As a native Western turnout rates among racial minorities and North Carolinian and a member of other vulnerable groups, worsening the parGeneration Z, I felt compelled to voice my ticipation gap between voters of color and concerns against the elected congressman whites. By initiating strict voter ID laws, representing my hometown nestled in the states can alter the electorate and shift outheart of these Blue Ridge Mountains. comes toward those on the right, contribut-
Over the duration of the congressional ing to Republicans and their national partirace between Madison Cawthorn and his san advantage. Meanwhile, voter ID laws Democratic opponent, Moe Davis, continue to be enforced in a discriminatory Cawthorn repeatedly demonstrated his manner; minority voters disproportionately moral and intellectual deficiencies as a con- lack photo identification; nationally, up to gressional candidate and human being. 25 percent of African-American citizens of When he was not misleading about his voting age lack government-issued photo rejection from the Naval Academy or trivial- identification, compared to only 8 percent izing his endorsements by his former col- of whites. Since Madison Cawthorn and the leagues and the president of Patrick Henry GOP he so claims to be independent of has College (PHC), only to have alumni of PHC been unable to prove widespread voter sign an open letter denouncing Cawthorn fraud, perhaps, disenfranchising people of for the public misrepresentation of his past, color, such as myself, is his genuine intenand self-admitted academic failings, tion? Cawthorn is prevaricating about his many Nonetheless, even if they could prevent inappropriate sexual misconduct allega- voter fraud, it is imperative to note that tions from his former female colleagues. In state legislatures control such rules for voter only a few short weeks since winning his ID laws, leaving Madison Cawthorn with a congressional seat, before he has even minimal role in creating such legislation sworn the oath of office, Cawthorn has dis- even though the GOP-controlled General appointingly demonstrated his focus is not Assembly is already in support of such a the residents of Western North Carolina measure. (WNC). Instead, it is to inflame the divi- To be fair, though, most citizens are sions between us further and give credence unaware of the federal government’s comto President Trump’s baseless claims of elec- plexities and which elected officials would tion fraud that ultimately undermine be responsible for such a role. It would American democracy. seem Congressman-elect Madison
Rather than commit to working across Cawthorn is, as well. the aisle to achieve desperately needed stim- (Erick Mendez is from Franklin and is a gradulus for our small businesses or push for the uate student at Western Carolina University. fundamental necessity of accessible broad- emendez1@catamount.wcu.edu)
thank. He is the healer.”
I have been doing exactly that every day of my remarkable recovery. I have no residual problems of any kind. I will continue to pray and thank God for guiding my husband, the hands of all the doctors, nurses, EMT drivers and everyone that was a part of my healing. They are the reason, with God’s help, I am able to communicate and have maintained my lifetime for memories.
What better time than this season of wonder, hope and new birth to be aware of all the goodness around us and be eternally grateful for the true gifts we have been given. Maria Morgan Waynesville
FACES OF HAYWOOD
“We joined the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce just after opening our market in downtown Waynesville. It immediately brought us closer to our neighbors in the county. We met dozens of other local business owners who greeted us with open arms. Being a part of the Haywood Chamber over the past 18 months of having our market has helped us stay in the know of what’s going on in the county. The events are always great for networking, even when they’re virtual!”
— Richie, Carrie, Kaiden & Landry Griffin 828 Market on Main
A&E The day Santa came to Red Fox Loop
In search of the Christmas spirit in Appalachia
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER
With a frigid wind pushing across the parking lot of the Clyde Volunteer Fire Department last Saturday afternoon, Santa Claus stood at the base of the World Trade Center memorial in front of the building and paid his respects.
A few passing vehicles on the bustling U.S. 19-23 highway honked in solidarity of the burly man with the perfectly trimmed white beard and flowing red coat — this timeless, symbolic figure representing all that is good, just and possible during the holiday season. Santa would wave to the anonymous faces, his signature smile beaming up and down the road.
One car abruptly slammed its brakes and yanked itself into the parking lot. A young family popped out meet Santa, their little boy in his mask shyly approaching jolly ol’ Saint Nick, only to be greeted by a hearty belly laugh.
“Well, it’s been a rough year for a lot of people, and I just want everyone to be healthy and happy,” said Santa. “For Mrs. Claus and I, we get to see the good in people, which is something we need to share in the world. Love one another — that’s our motto. Just think what a happy world this would be if we all loved one another.”
When Santa and Mrs. Claus aren’t busy at the North Pole, they spend their time bouncing between the mountains of Western North Carolina and the beach. And each year around Thanksgiving, they ride through this region in their trusty Ford Expedition, always radiating that pure sense of the Christmas spirit.
“It’s about bringing some normalcy to all of our families and the children, to bring that happiness and joy — we’re proud to be part of that,” said Mrs. Claus. “We get to meet and talk with people from all walks of life, all social backgrounds — the Christmas spirit crosses all social barriers.”
On Saturday, Santa and Mrs. Claus climbed into a Clyde fire truck and were escorted by a Haywood County sheriff to the Red Fox Loop mobile home park a few miles down the road. With the help of Piney Grove Methodist Church in Canton and Red Fox manager Verlin Shuler, dozens of presents were handed out to kids in the park.
Rolling along the swift Pigeon River and under a busy interstate overpass, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Red Fox, which is tucked up on a quaint hillside. If you didn’t know it was there, you’d probably drive by it none the wiser. The duo walked the loop around the
The Smokey Mountain Santa (left) paid a special visit to the Red Fox Loop mobile home park in Clyde this past weekend. Khloe Leatherwood
(right) eagerly awaits Santa. (photos: Garret K. Woodward).
park (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in tow, too), the flashing lights of the fire truck and police car following them.
In the small crowd of parents and children gathered near the entrance to the park, one person mentioned how nice it was for once to see the flashing lights of the sheriff in the park for a positive occasion.
“It’s no secret that this park used to be infected with meth, but it’s a lot better than it was,” Shuler said, holding a large box of gift bags to hand to Santa and give out. “We’ve worked real hard to make the park respectable. I ain’t going to lie, there’s probably still meth in here. I can’t say it’s all gone, I’m no fool. But, the sheriff’s department has continued to work with us to clean it up — the kids here deserve a fair chance.”
Shuler himself is now the guardian of three young children: ages three, five and seven. They aren’t Shuler’s, but he stepped in to help raise them while their mother continues to battle a devastating meth addiction.
“Having Santa here today really goes back to my childhood,” Shuler said, a few tears rolling down the well-earned wrinkles on his face. “I was raised in foster care, and a lot of these kids have been sent to foster care. I can relate to these kids when I see them smile being around Santa. And, for me, it makes me feel great to walk this loop and they be hollering my name.”
Sitting on the tailgate of a 4x4 truck, sevenyear-old Khloe Leatherwood had made it just in time for Santa and Mrs. Claus to visit her house. After a day of squirrel hunting with her family, the youngster was overwhelmed by their presence.
“She’s super excited because she hasn’t gotten to see Santa at all. It means so much to lift these children’s spirits,” said Khloe’s mother, Carmon Leatherwood. “It’s been rough for all of us ‘round here. The [kids] have been isolated and haven’t had the best year. It’s such a blessing for Santa, Mrs. Claus and Verlin to do this for these children.”
Words and sentiments so damn common in 2020, seemingly more so for the folks of Red Fox Loop. The cold wind and darkness of winter slowly creeping in for the long haul of the next few months. Handing out toy footballs and sticker books, Santa & Co. continued by each driveway.
— Mrs. Claus
Kids in shorts and T-shirts with no shoes running up and down the loop in anticipation of their special guests. Kids dressed in their Sunday’s best emerging from trailers covered in rust spots, the address of the humble abode written crudely in black spray paint next to the front door.
There were adults in wheelchairs in the cold mud, raising their head in gratitude when Santa would move towards them and say hello. And there was this one little girl, probably no more than five or six years old. Blasting out the door of a nearby trailer into the crisp December air, she stopped immediately and waited for the signal from her father to get permission to leave the front yard.
The little girl was pretty much running in place she was so eager to see Santa. With his back to her, she waved and yelled for Santa to finally notice her. Mrs. Claus saw the little girl and motioned for Santa to turn around. He did so and she instantly became this beam of light, of hope and optimism.
Her father lit a cigarette and leaned against an old car, nodding his head to the little girl that it was OK to walk over there, but she had to put on her tiny mask first.
With her mask carefully placed, she bolted for Santa. She hugged him. He smiled and handed her a small gift. She thanked him and ran back to her dad finishing up his smoke, the two of them heading back together into the warmth of the trailer.
“The most important part is to have that caring, loving and sharing of your heart — not just at Christmas, but year-round,” said Mrs. Claus. “That is the spirit and magic of Christmas. It comes from within your heart and your soul. Seeing the magic in the eyes of others, children of all ages — it’s a wonderful feeling.” Editor’s Note: Though we here at The Smoky Mountain News aim to respect the anonymity and subtle, sincere magic of Santa &
Mrs. Claus as they make their way back to the
North Pole, besides wishing all of Western North
Carolina a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season, they told us you can reach them by clicking on www.smokeymountainsantawnc.com. Any and all messages will be warmly welcomed.
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
There’s too much in this world I can’t seem to shake
Ilive in a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Waynesville. Been here going on eight and a half years. Aside from my shelves of old books (many already read, most to get to, someday) and vinyl records, there are a handful of old guitars in the corner, of which I’ll pull one or two out around my third beer of the evening, usually strumming some uplifting chords, either through memory or by way of simple curiosity along the fretboard.
It ain’t much to look at, but the ole space is warm when I choose to put the heat on. The fridge works and is usually filled with enough food to get through the impending week. I don’t need much, either. And that’s by choice, where I decided long ago to not want much, not ask for much, but always aim for a better tomorrow, even if today didn’t go as well as I’d planned when I awoke into the unknown morning.
The paycheck I receive every two weeks from this newspaper mostly goes right back out the door to my rent, utilities, truck repairs and college loans (that are now going into the 14th year of repayment).
The Toyota Tacoma outside my door is beat up, with a busted front bumper and in need of two new back tires. Way overdue for an oil change, too. Winter is coming and for someone who traverses these mountains every day in search of “the story, I’m already putting aside the next check to go straight to the tire shop a few blocks away down Russ Avenue. It ain’t much, but it’s more than many might have, or hope to have. And I’m wellaware of that. I’m grateful for my lot in life, and I work hard to ensure that lot remains steady underneath my feet, able to hold up the heavy hopes and dreams I’m held onto since I was a kid trying his hardest to leave the North Country and maybe, somewhere down the line, return as the “local boy done good.” By 2 a.m. most nights I’m wide awake. I try to fall asleep, but it never seems to work. My mind races, thinking about nothing and everything, about the past and things I can’t seem to let go, a future of unknowns where you realize that the only thing you can really take hold of in life is how you react in any given situation.
Cold air seeps through the cracks in the window frames of the old house, the heater not needed until the temperature drops another 10 degrees. No sense in turning it on now. Throw on a sweater to keep warm, just like we did as kids back in that 1820 limestone farmhouse surrounded by cornfields on the Canadian Border. Save those pennies and dollars for those lingering college loans, maybe even enough left over one day to repair that front bumper.
Thoughts of those freezing tonight. Faces that maybe didn’t even have dinner, let alone a hearty lunch like I was able to buy earlier today when I felt hungry and had enough in my pocket to ensure the transaction, and to buy some groceries to fill the fridge for the impending week.
Christmas is a few days away, but it feels more like a million miles from any semblance of reality for many of us, probably even you, as well, who decided to keep read this far down the page. But, I remain optimistic. My spirits are holding steady. Take a sip of beer, grab the guitar, strum some uplifting chords, either through memory or by way of simple curiosity along the fretboard.
I hear word this evening of another pandemic stimulus bill passing through Congress. This $600 relief check that will be directly deposited in my bank account sometime in early 2021. Who knows anymore, am I right? That check will cover most of my college loans for February, with, hopefully, a little left over to buy myself a nice steak dinner at the fancy restaurant near Main Street. It’s the little things like that steak dinner that make a face in the crowd feel human again, if but for a moment.
I’m a simple person with a long list of things I want to do. Not own or save up to buy, but “do.” Like that trip to Paris, France: top of this list. Or maybe finally visit my best buddy from college in Sydney, Australia, to see him and his Aussie wife for the first time since that rollicking New Year’s Eve in New York City long ago, right before they left the country to start a family in her native land. I look forward to finally meeting their daughters, rather than images and updates via Facebook or Instagram.
It’s cold tonight, but I know that I can turn the baseboard heaters on if I want to. And, for that, I consider myself lucky. For there are many who know turning on their heaters isn’t a choice, it’s a hard reality of basic truths about the human condition, and what it means to have to struggle in the face of adversity, in a time when we are supposedly the most advanced and prosperous society in the history of mankind.
I’m a simple person with a long list of things I want to do. And it’s the little things like that steak dinner that make a face in the crowd feel human again, if but for a moment. But, for now, at 2:16 a.m. Tuesday, I’m going to take another sip of beer, grab the guitar, and strum some uplifting chords, either through memory or by way of simple curiosity along the fretboard.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
Metal sculptor Grace Cathey.
Haywood art studio tour
The Haywood County Arts Council invites all Haywood County studio artists to participate in the annual Haywood County Studio Tour scheduled for June 26-27, 2021.
The Haywood County Studio Tour is a two-day, self-guided, free event in which Haywood County artists open their studios to the public.
To participate, the studio must be in Haywood County. Artists may choose to open their Haywood County studio or to join with another studio host. The HCAC will act as a liaison between artists needing a host site and studios that have space for additional artists.
The artist/studio application and policies for participation may be found on the Haywood County Arts Council website or picked up from HCAC Gallery & Gifts at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville. Email completed forms to artist@haywoodarts.org or mail to P.O. Box 306, Waynesville, NC 28786.
The deadline for the completed studio tour application is Friday, Feb. 5, 2021. The Haywood County Studio Tour Exhibit Opening Reception is on Friday, June 4, 2021, if feasible. The HCAC will follow the NC Governor’s mandates regarding COVID. www.haywoodarts.org.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host an open mic from 8 to 10 p.m. every Thursday.
Free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.
• Elevated Mountain Distilling Company will host semi-regular live music on the weekends. Free and open to the public. www.elevatedmountain.com. • The “Community Christmas Eve Service of Candlelight and Worship” will be presented by Cowee Baptist Church at 6 p.m.
Dec. 24 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Masks will be required and space is limited. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the service. This event is free and no tickets are necessary. www.greatmountainmusic.com.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host semi-regular live music on the weekends.
Free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host
Trailer Hippies Dec. 26 and David Flowers
Jan. 16. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and a complete schedule of events, click on www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Sylva) will host The
Waymores Jan. 22. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For more information and a complete schedule of events, click on www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. • “Winter Wonderland Nights” will continue through the holiday season in Franklin. Downtown will feature ALSO: living window displays of the holidays, live sounds of the season outdoors at the gazebo and inside stores, free holiday attractions (weather permitting), refreshments, hot cider, great sales from local merchants, and much more. www.franklin-chamber.com.
• The annual “Polar Express” train ride is now departing from the Great Smoky
Mountains Railroad depot in downtown
Bryson City. For a complete listing of departure dates and times, call 800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com.
Haywood Community College in Clyde recently wrapped up an exhibition to celebrate graduates in the Professional Crafts Fiber program from the last decade.
Originally envisioned as an in-person show, “A Decade in Fiber” quickly transitioned into a digital format in response to the pandemic. Celebrating graduates from 2009 through 2019, the show brought together the work spanning most of instructor Amy Putansu’s time at the college.
In an article Putansu wrote for “Textile Society of America,” she describes the technical breadth of the work. “Most notable is the range of textile techniques, as well as the mix of functional fabrics, wall art pieces and structural installation,” she explains. “Objects in this show combine handwovens with resist-dyeing, stitching, quilting, and garment construction. The students never cease to amaze me in their depth, their integrity, and devotion to the craft.”
To view the digital catalog of the work, visit https://issuu.com/ aputansu/docs/hcc_pro_ crafts_fiber_program.
HCC’s Professional Crafts programs offer an innovative, affordable, groundbreaking craft education. Through a unique blend of studio experience, classroom education and hands-on business experience, students can achieve the skills necessary to become viable independent studio artists or to become valuable, skilled employees in the expanding craft industry.
Registration for spring semester is now open. For more information about registration, visit haywood.edu or email hcc-advising@haywood.edu.
‘Triggerfish’ yardage by Hannah Mitsu Shimabukuro.
The Haywood County Arts Council annual show, “It’s a Small, Small Work,” will be showcased through Jan. 9 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts in Waynesville.
The 2020 exhibit will feature 47 artists and almost 300 individual works of art for sale. 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 submitted are exactly 12” or smaller in every dimension, including base, matting, and frame. All artwork is for sale, priced at $300 or less, and must have been created in the last two years. Commission will be the gallery’s usual 60 percent (artist) to 40 percent (HCAC) split.
The Haywood County Arts Council’s small work show was launched in 2008 to demonstrate that original artwork is affordable and fun. Most businesses, homes and apartments can accommodate smaller works of art — and the show promotes buying local and regional work to help support artists in Western North Carolina. www.haywoodarts.org or 828.452.0593.
