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CONTENTS On the Cover: A once decimated population of Southern Appalachian elk is now replenished, but they are battling for acceptance outside the national park.

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News Haywood schools may charge outside groups for facility use . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Maggie aldermen call for hearing to address complaints against mayor. . . . 8 Lodging tax letter point of contention for Maggie leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Cherokee history exhibit sparks interest in tribe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Clyde chief suspended without pay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Forest Hill residents: We don’t want the golf course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Waynesville to resurface cracked, aging tennis courts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sewer credits may be up for grabs in Cashiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Enrolled members elect new faces to Tribal Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Haywood tourism agency reevaluating its grant funding process . . . . . . . . 18 N.C. Rural Center to live on in diminished capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Macon knife-handling business finds worldwide acclaim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

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Haywood Schools assess benevolent policy toward club sports

Smoky Mountain News

September 11-17, 2013

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month decided to table the policy change indefinitely.

“We are backing up and punting just a little bit on it. We want to look at how it would affect the various youth groups in the county,” Sheppard said.

Rather than implementing the new policy anytime soon, the school system will be in “research mode” this year, Sheppard said.

“We are asking all the principals to study and look at all the contracts they are entering into and how the new rules would affect these different entities,” Sheppard said.

That means keeping a record of every outside group that asks to use school facilities, how often, for how long and under what conditions.

The current system has been in place for decades, likely dating back to a time when youth sports and clubs were not nearly as prolific as today, Nolte said. In a period of diminishing school funding, the school board decided it’s time to assess this longstanding practice. But it is treading gingerly.

“I do concur we need to move slowly and wisely,” Nolte told school board members at a School-sponsored sports teams, like the Tuscola’s soccer team shown warming up before a recent game, get first recent meeting. “We have dibs on fields. Club sports leagues and teams compete for free time slots at the discretion of each school. lots of facility use conBecky Johnson photo tracts, and it will be a big change for the communiBY B ECKY JOHNSON the scheduling can get both complicated and ty. It might take some time to work through STAFF WRITER political given the number of teams and clubs this policy.” proposal to charge youth sports clubs vying for space.

There’s also a philosophical conundrum: and outside groups rental fees to use The school board is undertaking a pro- should schools pick up the tab when outside school property is being studied by the longed study to assess whether the piecemeal groups use the facilities?

Haywood County School Board. approach should be replaced with a more for“You turn the lights on; turn the heat on; Dozens of sports teams in the county use mal policy. The goal is to ensure equal access you put toilet paper out; you clean,” Nolte school-owned and maintained ball fields and and fair treatment for all clubs and organiza- said. gyms for practice and games — from youth tions, said Assistant Superintendent Bill If the school system doesn’t pass on those cheerleading groups to club soccer. For the Nolte. costs, it ends up subsidizing the use of school most part, it’s free, even for outside groups As it stands now, the school system could facilities by private organizations, albeit for a not affiliated with the schools. be vulnerable to accusations of preferential great cause like youth athletics.

“It doesn’t cost them anything, or it costs treatment if it charges some groups and not them very little depending on what they have others, or provides space to this team but not worked out,” said Jim Francis, a Haywood that team, Nolte said. school board member.

The rental fees would also apply to outBut whether it’s the cost of electricity or side youth clubs that meet after school on salary for after-hours custodians, “the school school property — from Boy Scoot troops to is footing the bill,” Francis said.

Bible clubs.

Most groups that use facilities regularly “The whole spirit is to treat everybody pitch in toward upkeep — whether it’s buy- fairly and charge everybody something whating bags of fertilizer, striping and mowing the ever that number might be,” said Mark fields or helping fix up concession stands. But Sheppard, Haywood County Schools support it is largely up to the principal of each school services director. “We are not looking to put to work out the specific arrangements. And any youth leagues out of business or put an therein lies the problem. undue burden on anybody.”

“We want to try to make it fair for everyTackling school facility use has proved a one. If we are charging one fee at this field, monumental undertaking fraught with pushand another fee at that field, then it isn’t fair back from youth sports clubs, however, who to anybody,” said Francis, who sits on the don’t want to incur additional costs for using school board policy committee. fields — costs that would in turn have to be Who gets to use school property when is passed on to the players and their families. also up to the discretion of each school, and The Haywood County School Board last 6

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HALLOWED GROUND

Youth sports groups have asked the school board to consider the positive role of club sports in children’s lives before enacting rental fees.

“We need a place for these children to play that is safe, where their parents and children feel secure, that is located in their community,” said Davis Swaim, a volunteer coach and representative with American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

More than 200 groups use school facilities in Haywood County in a given year.

Some are nonprofit civic or community groups — like the Haywood County Cattlemen’s Association annual beef cook-off at Tuscola High cafeteria, the Haywood Democratic Party’s annual picnic at Pisgah High’s football field, or the Toys for Tots motorcycle ride that uses the Pisgah High parking lot as a staging area.

But sports groups — and in particular sports groups wanting field time — comprise the lion’s share of outside groups using school facilities.

“We are not looking to put any youth leagues out of business or put an undue burden on anybody.”

— Mark Sheppard, Haywood County Schools support services director

“We can practice anywhere that is flat, but there is not a whole lot of flat ground in Haywood County,” said Swaim, who spoke at a recent school board meeting when the draft policy was first presented.

“I am not opposed to paying a reasonable fee to help cover costs, but all we are asking for is field space. We don’t need access to the building; we don’t need custodians on hand,” Swaim said.

Swaim fears AYSO would have to raise the $75 participation fee for players if teams have to pay for their field time.

Other youth sports organizers in the county share that concern.

For the Lake Junaluska Warriors youth

The Lake Junaluska Warriors youth football teams get exclusive and free use of this school-owned field in Clyde to practice and hold games, in exchange for providing upkeep and making improvements.

Becky Johnson photo

The Haywood Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be held Saturday, Sept.

14, with a 9 a.m. check-in and 10 a.m. walk.

The Walk begins the outdoor gym next to the Welcome Center at Lake Junaluska.

The route around the lake is just under 2.5 miles. Participants are free to turn around at any point as it is not necessary to complete the entire route.

The purpose of the Walk is awareness and fundraising rather than a race that must be completed in a certain amount of time.

For information contact Jennie Pressley at 828.254.7363 or jpressley@alz.org.

Registration is available online at www.act.alz.org/haywood.

Jackson County GOP plans Constitution signing event School fields and facilities are in demand for more than just youth-related activities, like this statewide police dog competition held at C.E. Weatherby Stadium at Waynesville Middle School. File photo The basic field fee of $10 an hour if no lights or concessions are involved doesn’t seem like a lot on the surface, but it would quickly add up for groups that use school fields two, three and even four times a week.

“There is going to be some groups that would struggle a little bit,” Francis said.

Another issue on the table is whether to allow facility use by for-profit entities.

“There are lots of for-profits that ask all the time about renting facilities, and right now, we have to say we cannot do that,” Nolte said.

That could change if a new policy is adopted. The draft policy would allow for-profits to use school facilities at a rate that’s three times what nonprofit, all-volunteer youth related programs would pay. Theoretically, the policy change could open up school auditoriums to a year-end recital by private dance academies or school gyms for a karate tournament put on by a private studio.

“As long as they were willing to pay the price, they could,” Sheppard said.

Nolte said it could be a win-win for the schools and the organizations.

“Anything we can do to help the local economy helps all of us,” Nolte said. “As long as we aren’t subsidizing the groups, as long as people are paying for what they use and sharing what they make.”

But the schools aren’t expecting a windfall.

“If you charge them too much, they aren’t going to come,” Nolte said.

Jackson County citizens are invited to an event marking the 226th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, which will be held at 11:30

a.m. Sept. 14 at Poteet Park in Sylva and is sponsored by the Jackson County Republican Party.

The “Celebrate our Nation’s History” event will include Sylva’s Boy Scout Troop 201 reading the preamble to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Speakers include Sen. Jim Davis, RFranklin, and U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Greg Brannon.

The event includes free barbecue and hot dogs, and there will be crafts for children and pictures with Uncle Sam. For more information contact Ginny Jahrmarkt at Box547@aol.com.

ROTC seeks local money for Veteran’s Day luncheon Members of the Tuscola High School Air Force JROTC have asked the Waynesville Town Board for a donation of $1,500 to help pay for a Veteran’s Day luncheon that thanks local veterans for their service.

The cadets and their instructor, Maj. David A. Thurman, appeared at the Aug. 27 board meeting. Federal budget cuts and the sequestration have cut into the JROTC budget, prompting the request for local funding for the event.

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If the school board ultimately decides to charge club sports teams and outside groups to use school facilities, the next question is “how much?”

Fairly early in the process, everyone agreed the goal isn’t to make money — but merely to recoup the schools’ actual costs for the facility use.

“We are trying to base it on what exactly is it costing the school,” Francis said.

The policy committee and school officials drilled down on those costs to the penny, from the hourly salary to have a custodian onsite after-hours to the kilowatts of electricity the lights in a school gym burn per hour.

“Is a custodian needed? Is heat or cooling needed? Is the group using lights in one room or lights in the football stadium? Or, no lights at all, like for soccer practice on an unlit field?” Nolte said, citing the various machinations considered when formulating reasonable rental fees.

Despite the inordinate detail — gym use in winter is more than in summer for example since heat is required — the school system is

Alzheimer’s Walk is Sept. 14 at Lake Junaluska

September 11-17, 2013

WHAT’S FAIR?

quick to call the draft fee schedule a starting point for discussion purposes only.

While still a work in progress, the draft fee schedule would charge $5 an hour for the use of a school gym, plus another $2 an hour for lights and another $18 an hour if it’s winter and must be heated. A school auditorium would cost $25 an hour plus another $20.18 an hour to pay the salary of an after-hours custodian.

Use of a field or stadium without lights would be $10, but with lights would run another $11.88 to $35 an hour depending on which field or stadium.

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football team, it’s only $60 to participate for the season, which includes a uniform. But even that is a struggle for some families, according to Derrick Penland, one of the volunteer organizers for the Warriors.

“Some parents can’t come up with the money for even that and so we have a scholarship fund,” Penland said.

If the team was hit with a field rental fee and had to pass it along to players, “that could cause some kids not to be able to play youth football,” he said.

The Lake Junaluska Warriors have a particularly unique agreement. Their football teams and cheer team practice and play games on the otherwise unused field at Haywood Central High School, an alternative high school in Clyde.

The parents of players do all the mowing, all the cleaning and all the field maintenance.

The electric bill for the stadium lights and concession stand even comes straight to the team.

On top of that, the team built new bleachers and brand-new bathrooms on the field.

“We paid for that out of our own pocket through fund-raisers to give back,” Penland said.

When they took on the investment, they assumed they would continue to reap the benefits of free field use. It would be disappointing to make an in-kind contribution of that magnitude only to end up being charged a fee, Penland said.

The quid-pro-quo of sports teams helping take care of fields or build a new dugout is mutually beneficial. Sports parents can donate their labor instead of money. And the school system still gets what it wants — namely something in return for the wear and tear to the facilities by outside groups.

But these are sometimes handshake agreements. Even if the schools calculated and recorded the dollar value of the donated labor, it is not a legally advisable practice, Nolte said.

“We have been told the trade business is pretty questionable, and if we do it, we had better be clearly documented,” Nolte said.

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Opponents of Maggie mayor try but fail to remove him from office

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER s the Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen called its monthly meeting to order, it was the last item on the list that had town hall overflowing — a call for a hearing to consider the mayor’s alleged misconduct.

Attendees sat patiently. Some voiced their personal problems and opinions. Others just listened, but they were all waiting for the last item to come up.

“Consideration of an amotion procedure,” Mayor Ron DeSimone said, reading off the final agenda item.

There was a heavy silence. DeSimone and the crowd of about 70 waited for someone to speak up first. Alderman Mike Matthews chimed in, saying he has personally received “lots of complaints” about the mayor and wanted to hold a hearing at a later date.

An amotion is the removal of a public official from office. Generally acceptable reasons for kicking an elected official out under the law are: the person has done something so atrocious that they are deemed no longer fit for the position or committed an act of noncriminal or criminal misconduct in office.

The most recent legal case involving amotion in the state was in 1935, meaning there is not much precedent for such action. That is until this year, however. Earlier this year, a New Hanover County commissioner was booted from office using amotion. The commissioner filed an appeal and won. The judge in the case ruled that the decision against the New Hanover County commissioner was not made by an impartial group based on evidence but rather was made by a group based on their personal experiences.

Alderman Phillip Wight said that no one wanted to call for the mayor’s resignation that night. However, he wanted “the opportunity to question a lot of allegations that go around,” Wight said. “I think it would be unfair for me not to bring it to the town for a hearing.”

Members of the crowd asked who would stand judge against the mayor to say whether anything inappropriate was done.

“I know you are ready for his job,” said Maggie hotel owner James Carver, accusing Wight.

Although no specific alleged wrongdoings were enumerated during the meeting, Wight said he had more than 10 situations he had questions about and would like to hold a hearing to address them. Wight asked the mayor to recuse himself from a vote on whether such a hearing should be held.

“You really should recuse yourself. It pertains to you,” Wight said DeSimone refused, saying “I have a vote in that.” And as has happened so many times before, the board was split. The aldermen voted 2-to-2 on a motion asking the mayor to recuse himself, which prompted a chorus of 8 “Imagine that” from meeting goers.

September 11-17, 2013

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Smoky Mountain News

nally a fan of the mayor’s grand idea to create a business plan, but now that it has come together in Moving Maggie Forward, she wants to be part of the collective effort to improve the valley.

“After hearing that plan, I am absolutely on board about that,” she said.

The meeting even drew first-time attendees, including resident Phil Freeland, who was disappointed by the overall negativity expressed that night.

“I haven’t been to a town meeting before, and I am astounded,” Freeland said during the public comment session.

He also spoke on behalf of the mayor, saying the removal of DeSimone would be a disservice to Maggie Valley.

“He is helping to point this community in the right direction,” Freeland said. “It would not only be wrong … but it would be a complete waste of time and money.”

Then there were people like Ellen Pitt who spoke favorably of the mayor but more than anything wanted the aldermen to cut out the Maggie Valley Mayor Ron DeSimone (second from the left) is a source of consternation for some infighting. residents, claim two fellow town board members, who requested a hearing to review complaints about the “I would like to see all the mayor’s conduct. Caitlin Bowling photo squabbling kind of stop,” Pitt said. “We need adults on our town board; we don’t need toddlers.”

The aldermen voted 2 to 2 on a motion asking the Pitt also spoke on a point of contention among the board members — the police mayor to recuse himself, which prompted a chorus of department. Matthews and Wight claim the “Imagine that” from meeting goers. department is too big and should be scaled back, while DeSimone and Price are happy with the police department the way it is.

Some business owners have also complained that people avoid drinking in Maggie because of the cops’ heavy-handed reputation.

However, in the recent board meeting, Pitt piped up to recognize the mayor and police

BY CAITLIN BOWLING delivered a letter on town letterhead to department for not compromising when it STAFF WRITER N.C. Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, without comes to possibly intoxicated drivers. wo Maggie Valley aldermen recently authorization from the board of aldermen.

“I would like to thank you mayor to the indicated that they have a laundry list The letter lobbied Davis to support an compassion you show to crime victims of of grievances against the town’s increase of the county’s overnight lodging Western North Carolina,” said Pitt, who is mayor, but there is one complaint that tax to raise money for special tourismpresident of the WNC chapter of Mothers stands out among the rest. related project. All the other town boards Against Drunk Driving. “I would like to Aldermen Mike Matthews and Phillip in Haywood County and the county comthank the responsible business owners.”

Wight’s main pickle with the mayor boils missioners supported raising the lodging Pitt iterated that MADD doesn’t have a down to a single letter. The duo argued tax, but needed the blessing of the state pickle with establishments that sell alcohol or that Mayor Ron DeSimone went behind people who consume it, only those who go the town’s back earlier this year when he S EE TAX, PAGE 9 too far.

Some people have claimed the mayor is not the friend of businesses, but O’Keefe said her A subsequent vote on whether to hold a Maggie Valley’s Sept. 10 Board of Aldermen business has prospered during the years no hearing ended in the same tie. However, meeting. matter who was in town hall. Owners should Alderman Mike Matthews vowed to bring it The mayor’s supporters came out to rally take responsibility for how well their business up again. around him. Before the topic of amotion was performs, rather than shoveling the fault onto “I am not done,” Matthews said. “There even broached, a few people stood up during someone else, she said. has to be sometime somewhere were we can the public comment session to express their “I think the mayor has done a good job, address issues that are going on.” support for DeSimone. and I don’t have the mayor to blame for anyTo which some audience members replied “My main reason for being here tonight it thing,” said O’Keefe, who then took her seat that an election is the appropriate time for to thank the mayor for all he has done in his amid clapping from the crowd. people express their opinions about different time in office,” said Brenda O’Keefe, owner of Although he is not without his critics, no politicians. Neither an amotion proceeding Joey’s Pancake House. residents stood up to admonish the mayor nor a hearing was listed on the agenda for O’Keefe admitted that she was not origi- during the meeting.

Tourism tax increase at root of complaints lobbed against Maggie mayor

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September 11-17, 2013

General Assembly.

Matthews and Wight have gone back and forth with the mayor over the letter.

DeSimone said he wrote it as a citizen of Haywood County, not as mayor.

“Their opinion that that undermined the board decision is completely false,” DeSimone said. “They are interpreting in it as being something it is not.”

While DeSimone claims he never intended the letter to represent the views of the town, the opinion of Technically, at the time DeSimone the Maggie board — Matthews in particular — flip-flopped. sent the letter, the official posiThe bill never passed in tion of Maggie town leaders was Raleigh because of vocal opposition in Maggie, but even so, in support of the lodging tax Matthews and Wight said the letincrease. DeSimone sent the letter to Davis wasn’t authorized by the town board and showed that ter on March 26, two weeks after the mayor misled his fellow board members. a town board voted 3 to 1 in sup“They disagreed with my port of the tax, though Matthews authority to write that letter. It doesn’t say anything about the later changed his position. board or about the town,” DeSimone said.

Once the new bill language was presentThe letter, several times, references “we,” ed to the Maggie board, Matthews was all in. which is partially why Matthews and Wight “It addressed all the concerns that I had,” have a problem with it, since “we” connotes Matthews said. “We all agreed that this is he was speaking for the town. And it was what we wanted to happen.” signed “Mayor of Maggie Valley.”

He switched his vote and Maggie’s official Technically, at the time DeSimone sent position on March 12 became 3 to 1 in favor the letter, the official position of Maggie of the lodging tax increase. town leaders was in support of the lodging Two weeks later, the mayor sent the letter tax increase. DeSimone sent the letter on to Davis, thanking the state senator for March 26, two weeks after a town board sponsoring the tax increase bill “On behalf voted 3 to 1 in support of the tax. Matthews of Haywood County and her towns Canton, later changed his position, but at the time Clyde, Maggie Valley and Waynesville.” The the letter was sent, the town’s record of deciletter also stated that all the government sion was in favor of the lodging tax increase.

Some town residents were so incensed by entities supported the lodging tax increase, which was true at the time. what they perceived as the mayor’s underThat is not Matthews’ biggest problem, handedness that they filed a formal comthough. plaint with the Haywood County Sheriff ’s “I don’t care about him sending a letter.

Office, the District Attorney’s Office and He can send all the letters he wants to,” even the State Bureau of Investigation. A petition signed by more than a dozen people Matthews said, as long as he doesn’t do it in his capacity as mayor without prior permisalleged DeSimone committed forgery and created an official document under false pre- sion. “That could have been dealt with a ‘Don’t do that again.’” tenses.

If that was all, then Matthews said he SBI sent the matter back to the county law enforcement, saying it was not within its would be content with a slap on the wrist.

However, in the letter, DeSimone asked jurisdiction. The District Attorney and Davis to consider eliminating the sunset Sheriff ’s Office ruled that no law was broclause and adjusting the committee makeup ken. in a way that watered down Maggie’s voice in “They didn’t find anything wrong,” how funding would be spent. Since those DeSimone said. were the only reasons Matthews agreed to So in an effort to hold the mayor support the bill, he felt duped. accountable for his alleged grievances, “He lied to myself. He lied to everyone,” Matthews and Wight wanted to hold a hearMatthews said. ing about complaints they have and have In the end, the two items Matthews liked received about DeSimone. However, neither were taken out of the bill. The primary reathe mayor nor Alderwoman Saralyn Price son was because the county and other towns agreed to hold such a hearing. did not support the new version — namely, they weren’t OK with giving Maggie Valley EQUENCE OF EVENTS such a large majority of seats on the committee that would dole out funding.

The Maggie Valley Board of Aldermen Realizing the changes were made, voted 2 to 2 in February on whether to supMatthews switched his vote back to opposed port the lodging tax increase, leaving the on April 9, leaving the Maggie leaders at town opinion in limbo. With two against square one. two, Maggie neither officially supported nor

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opposed the bill.

Nearly a month later at the aldermen’s regular meeting, that vote would change when a new version of the lodging tax bill was presented to the Maggie board. The new version included the caveats that Matthews wanted — a sunset clause on the tax increase and a guarantee that representatives from the Maggie tourism industry would hold the majority of seats on the funding committee that decided how the money raised from the lodging tax increase got spent.

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BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER new traveling exhibit is using technology to teach people about traditional Cherokee culture.

“Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future” is a series of panels, each detailing a different topic relating to the Cherokee people, be it European influences, tribal games or the future of the Eastern Band.

“We want to honor that culture and understand it,” said Anna Fariello, a research associate professor with Western Carolina University’s Hunter Library who worked on the exhibit.

People can not only read the panels of information, they can also take advantage of the QR code technology incorporated into the exhibit.

QR codes, similar to bar codes on storebought goods, can be scanned. People must simply have a smart phone and download a QR code scanner application. The codes, when scanned, take the user to a website

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See the exhibit “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future” is on display in the lobby of Southwestern Community College’s Balsam Building in Sylva until Sept. 17. It will then move to the Health and Human Sciences building at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee on Sept. 19 and remain there until October.

After spending October at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, the exhibit will make a final stop at the Cherokee Central Schools Cultural Arts Center on the Qualla Boundary for the month of November.

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but I don’t think I fully understand the three bands,” Glesne said. “I had heard the word Qualla, but I really didn’t know what it was.”

While the exhibit is geared mostly toward people who aren’t Cherokee, Glesne wants both Cherokee and non-Cherokee to take something away from it.

“I hope for appreciation — appreciation for the richness, the wisdom, the heritage,” she said. “For the Cherokee, I wish pride.”

WCU’s Cherokee Language Program Coordinator Tom Belt said he also wants the exhibit to create more appreciation for different cultures.

“We hope that this will create a venue of better understanding cross culturally,” Belt said.

Being an enrolled member of the Eastern Band and Cherokee language teacher, Belt knew many of the stories and history of his own people, but the project did not leave him untouched. A particular moment that stood out amid their information gathering process was a discussion among native Cherokee speakers about a simple picture of the Great Smoky Mountains.

“The way these speakers talked about the mountains had not changed in 1,000 years,” Belt said. “They saw in that picture a great abundance — of food, of medicine.

They saw in there a gift that has to be taken care of.”

“Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future” is the culmination of a two-year partnership between Cherokee Central Schools, Southwestern Community College, and WCU’s Cherokee Center and Cherokee Language Program. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is sponsoring the exhibit.

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September 11-17, 2013

link where they can listen to someone tell stories about the Cherokee and even speak the native language, making it a more dimensional exhibit.

“We started out with more of a historic approach,” Fariello said. Then “we realized that maybe we can play with the language a bit.”

As for what to tackle in the Cherokee’s vast history, the group considered broad but important topics — such as family values and identity — and from there decided what specifically to include.

“We tried to cover all our bases,” Fariello said.

The exhibit is not meant to tell the entire story of the Eastern Band. Many more panels would be needed for that. It is simply meant to pique people’s interest so they are inspired to learn more.

Corrine Glesne, who was hired to evaluate the exhibit, said the process was a learning experience for her.

“I knew a lot about the arts and crafts,

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Exhibit aimed a piquing interest in Cherokee history

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Clyde police chief suspended, but keeps job

lyde Police Chief Gerard Ball won’t return to work until Oct. 5 after the Clyde Board of Aldermen decided to suspend him without pay.

Following a three-hour discussion, the town board voted unanimously last Wednesday (Sept. 4) to suspend Ball for 30 days for “personal misconduct” related to his job, though they would not go into more detail because it is a personnel matter.

“We just aren’t at liberty to release that,” said Town Administrator Joy Garland, who has received a few emails from the public asking for more information.

In the meantime, Captain Mike Lindsay will serve as interim chief.

Ball was placed on suspension the prior Friday, waiting for the Board of Aldermen to meet and decide whether to keep him or fire him. Ball will be placed on probation for one year. During that time, the town can fire him without warning if the leaders find his work or conduct unsatisfactory.

Ball was hired a little more than a year ago after the previous chief, Derek Dendy, was fired for personal misconduct. When each officer is hired, they are automatically on a one-year probation. Ball’s probation period just ended this July.

— By Caitlin Bowling

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Golf tournament to benefit special ops warrior group Two Highlands groups have come together to host a golf tournament next month to raise money for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides a college education to the surviving children of special operations personnel killed in the line of duty.

Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands and the organizers of the Special Operations Adventure Race held each spring in Highlands are combining forces for the golf tournament at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, at Highlands Falls Country Club.

The format will be a best ball scramble, and unlimited Mulligans will be sold for $5 each. While complete teams are certainly invited to enter, organizers will match up individuals to make foursomes where needed. The cost is $150 per person.

Tournament registration forms are available on the club website at mountaintoprotary.net or may be picked up at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce, the Highlands Recreation Park, The Highlander Newspaper and Mitchell’s Lodge and Cottages. Forms may be mailed to P.O. Box 2584, Highlands, NC 28741.

828.787.2323 or bill.zoellner@wfadvisors.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

A 10-year plan would come out to monthly payments of more than $11,000 and a 20-year plan with monthly payments of approximately $9,000. The village would also have to shell out $50,000 in a down payment.

ances that nothing out of the ordinary will be done with the land.

“Anyone who builds a home on a twoacre plot of land is probably going to have a space that is pretty nice to look at,” he said.

Councilmember Clark Corwin asked if Green would even be able to develop twoacre home sites and sell them for a reasonable price.

“What he’d have to ask for a two-acre lot with a home might be prohibitive in today’s economy,” Corwin said.

The council chose to notify Green the village would not be purchasing the land, and Wallace said he would deliver the message.

Wallace has been acting as a liaison between Green and the council. Green did not attend the meeting nor has he given any concrete plans as to what his development scheme might look like.

Many who spoke at the meeting, although not in favor of buying the golf course, wanted to work with Green to develop the property in a way that suits the community. Janie Prentice, chairwoman of the village’s planning board, said she would like the village to keep open channels of communication with the developer. There could be an opportunity to incorporate a community center, public green space, a nursing home or other amenities that could be useful to villagers into a residential development, she said.

“We need to have a committee develop for people interested in talking with Mr. Green on behalf of the village,” she said. “I think he needs to know what we want.”

September 11-17, 2013

also be costs associated with upkeep, maintenance and management of the land.

“Where it stops, nobody knows,” said Wallace.

At one point during the meeting, village council members asked the small crowd, by a show of hands, who was against buying the land. Nearly everyone one in the room raised their hands.

A call for those in favor yielded no raised hands.

However, Carl Iobst spoke at the public hearing last week and expressed his interest in the village taking over the property.

“In general, I’m not in favor of a tax increase,” said Iobst. Then he went on to say the residents might be able to recoup its costs by purchasing the land and then leasing it for agricultural purposes. “It would also help bring money back and defray costs,” he said.

The valley was historically a prime area for farming Forest Hills Village officials have decided to pass on purchasing the abandoned golf course in the center of and livestock, and it might the community. benefit the community to return it to that purpose,

BY ANDREW KASPER The community’s restrictive development Iobst said. He also suggested the village put STAFF WRITER rules greatly limit how many homes could be the matter to a referendum vote.

Resident Lee Budahl said the local laws orest Hills residents and town leaders built on the tract — there’s a minimum of should supply residents with some reassuroverwhelmingly opposed purchasing a two-acre lots. Still, converting the open land 60-acre abandoned golf course in the into a housing development would have a middle of their community at a public hearvisual impact for many residents. ing last week.

Village Mayor Jim Wallace said buying Buying the abandon golf course would the land might be the save it from becoming a housing developvillage’s only guarantee ment and provide open space and recreas to determining its ation. But the $1 million price tag was too future. much for the small community near Western “The only way to Carolina University to absorb given its tiny preserve it and control population. it is to buy it,” Wallace A dozen or so residents spoke at the pubsaid. lic hearing, and all were against buying the The old golf course tract except for one. Council members also has potential to be the Jim Wallace opposed the plan unanimously. site of a community The cost and long-term upkeep were the center with a surrounding park and recremost prevalent reasons not to. ation space for residents.

“I’m opposed to the village buying this Green has extended several financing property,” said resident Jean Adams. “I think options to the village if it were to buy the we cannot afford it.” tract. A 10-year plan would come out to Land owner and developer Chris Green monthly payments of more than $11,000 and offered the village the option of purchasing a 20-year plan with monthly payments of the 60-acre tract. It was once maintained as a about $9,000. The village would also have to golf course and was a selling point for the shell out $50,000 in a down payment.

Forest Hills housing subdivision, but it hasn’t For the 130 homeowners in the village, been in operation for at least two decades. that would translate to about an extra $70 to However, the actual lay of the land has $85 each month in property taxes. And for a not changed all that much. Many homes in village that has no full-time employees and Forest Hills butt against the former golf an annual operating budget of $80,000, the course, except instead of rolling greens its property would be a hefty undertaking. overgrown in bushes and scrub.

Apart from the cost of land, there would

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Forest Hills doesn’t have the green to buy abandoned golf course

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Skaters find their groove at Waynesville’s new concrete playground

Barely a week old, the Waynesville Skate Park has been a frenzy of activity with skaters from two to three hours away drawn to check it out. Becky Johnson photo

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER kateboarders from across Western North Carolina have streamed into Waynesville during the past week to try out the town’s newly opened $400,000 skate park.

“It’s a nice park. And if you build a good park, there will be an influx of skaters from all over,” said Drew Lindley, who drove nearly two hours from Lenoir to put the concrete playground through the paces on Monday.

The skate park is attracting the masses in part due to its newness. That will taper off some, but Waynesville has already earned a name on the skate park circuit, said Lindley, who owns a skate shop in Lenoir called the Main Boardshop.

“This is a very well-built park for a small town,” said Rob Masiello, a skateboarder

September 11-17, 2013

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from Asheville.

It was his second trip to Waynesville in a week — one that he plans to keep making.

Other than a skate park in Asheville, the next closest are in Cherokee and Hendersonville.

While the Waynesville skate park has been dominated by out-of-town skaters, a few locals can usually be found in the mix.

“It is great, really lovely,” said Austin Fore, 26, who lives in Clyde and sheers alpacas for a living. “We have been waiting for this.”

Indeed, the road to the skate park has been a long one — mostly due to the price tag.

Waynesville town leaders have talked about a skate park in theory for years. Fund raising moved at a snail’s pace, however, so last year the town board got up the gumption to fund its construction and make it a reality.

The town put in about $300,000 for the

Smoky Mountain News

Waynesville to invest in tennis courts

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Waynesville plans to repair the six cracked and aging tennis courts in its recreation park, as long as the local tennis community chips in.

The town board authorized the Waynesville Park and Recreation Department to spend about $50,000 to resurface the courts, which will add five to seven years onto their useable life. However, it came with one condition. The Waynesville Tennis Association had to raise enough money to cover 10 percent of the cost, which was easily said and done.

The association meet its $5,000 goal in nine days, said Linda O’Neil who has advocated for the project on behalf of area tennis players.

With that secured, the town can now bid out the project, which will include pressure washing the courts, patching holes deeper than one-eighth of an inch, installing a fiberglass membrane over cracks, seal the courts with acrylic resurfacer and repaint the court lines.

Grand opening An official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new 8,000-square-foot Waynesville Skate Park will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27. The free skate park is located off Vance Street.

skate park. The remaining nearly $100,000 came from fund raising and grants from the N.C. Park and Recreation Trust Fund, the Waynesville Kiwanis Club, Pepsi and the Tony Hawk Foundation, among others.

The skate park adds to the already diverse offerings along Waynesville’s sprawling Richland Creek recreation complex — which includes disc golf, tennis, softball and soccer

Once finished, O’Neil said she hopes to get more young people playing tennis on the courts.

“My goal is to get the kids out there,” said O’Neil, who is a former cardiac surgery nurse. “It’s all about the health of the kids.”

— Caitlin Bowling

New restrooms in store for Waynesville playground The town of Waynesville will soon put in temporary restrooms next to the popular children’s playground on Marshall Street.

They will be a step up from the status quo of two lone portable potties plunked down at the edge of the parking lot. But they will fall short of full-blown restrooms, although that may still be in the cards in the future.

The new toilets will be housed in an elevated mobile trailer at a cost of $40,000. Old restrooms near the

fields, a paved track, a greenway, fishing, a playground, a dog park, outdoor basketball, and an indoor swimming pool and fitness center.

The bleachers at the skate park usually have a smattering of curious spectators.

Some skateboarders populating the park certainly look the part. Many are bedecked in tattoos with sagging shorts. Some skate shirtless, revealing nipple

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Waynesville Kiwanis Community Playground became rundown, were plagued by vandalism, and were eventually shut following arson in 2011. The old concrete structure, which was originally a pool bath house, will be bulldozed to make way for the mobile restroom unit. The cost will be paid for out of $97,000 in insurance money the town received after the fire.

Town leaders had contemplated using the cinderblock shell of the old restrooms as the backbone for a new restroom facility to include meeting space and a concession area, and even had architectural plans drawn up. But trying to salvage the old structure proved more costly than simply tearing it down and starting anew, so the town has gone back to the drawing board on a long-range plan.

Rhett Langston, director of Waynesville’s Parks and Recreation Department, said one benefit of the new restroom trailer is it can be picked up and moved if needed elsewhere for festivals or town events.

“It will be a very good and sound investment,” Langston said.

— From staff reports

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piercings here and there. Some are smokers, but don’t limit the habit to the sidelines and instead skate the concrete ramps with cigarettes hanging from their mouths.

Many of the skateboarders were quick to condemn the negative stereotypes and questionable behavior. Far from being a negative influence, Justin “Barbarian” Putnam said skating turned his life around.

“Ever since I started skating, I’ve been out of trouble for years. It gave me something to do,” Putnam said. “It helps keep a lot of people out of trouble.”

That was a stated goal of town leaders when they decided to fund the skate park.

They hoped it would be a recreation outlet for local kids. Although so far, most skaters at the park are in their 20s or young 30s.

Skaters said if younger kids do show up, they are quick to make room for them and help them feel welcome. Monday afternoon, two local elementary-aged brothers from Waynesville cautiously eyed the bustling skateboard park from the sidelines as their dad suited them up in helmets and knee-pads.

They were soon testing out the park’s easier ramps under the tutelage of an older skater who volunteered to teach them some moves.

Foster Care & Adoption Awareness Walk

September 11-17, 2013

Older skaters make way for Owen and Connor Adams, two local elementary school boys, at the new Waynesville skate park Monday afternoon. Becky Johnson photo

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Sewer credits: a commodity market in Cashiers

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER o relieve sewer gridlock in the Cashiers area, the Tuckasegee Water and Sewer Authority may change its rules to let developers swap, transfer and even sell unused sewer capacity.

The change would let developers unload sewer allotments on their hands that they don’t need after all. And it would also free up sewer plant capacity, which is high demand but short supply.

“You got a lot of people that are holding allocations and want to do something with them,” said TWSA Executive Director Dan Harbaugh. “Transfers are nothing more than another option to put some flexibility into the process.”

TWSA held two public meetings on the subject last week, one in Sylva and another in Cashiers.

Under the current system, a developer pays up-front to reserve sewer capacity for future construction projects. It ensures TWSA’s sewer plant doesn’t get over-extended. But if a developer’s plans change — a building project is halted or scrapped, for example — they have few if any options to unload the sewer allocations.

The Cashiers sewer plant has a daily capacity of 200,000 gallons. About half of that is tied up in allotments that were sold but aren’t being used — meaning they can’t

September 11-17, 2013

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be doled out by TWSA elsewhere. The other half of the plant’s capacity is being used or is in reserve as a buffer for spikes in flow or emergencies.

Plans are in the works to build a costly new sewer plant to serve the Cashiers area, an expansion that Harbaugh says is inevitable. However, making use of the existing plant’s underutilized capacity in the meantime is logical.

“If this frees up some of the logjam, it’s the cheapest capacity we have right now,” Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh has even floated the idea of developers putting their extra allotments in a TWSA-run sewer bank to be resold to an interested party looking for capacity.

Either way, relinquishing the allotments wouldn’t be a total loss to the owner.

But Harbaugh said rules would have to be put in place to deter trading and reselling of the allocations for profit.

“The idea is you don’t want profiteering,” Harbaugh said.

DEVELOPERS WANT FLEXIBILITY At a public meeting in Cashiers, a small group of TWSA board members, property owners and developers listened about potential changes and asked questions of Harbaugh. Attendees were curious about how many people are holding onto the allo-

cations, if an amended set of rules would make building another sewer plant in the area unnecessary and what the timeline is for enacting rule changes.

Harbaugh hopes to have some sort of changes in place come October, but the exact details are being worked out. The TWSA board discussed it at their own board meeting Tuesday as well.

to keep hanging on to it. The fee keeps people from buying up sewer capacity they don’t truly need just to have it. For a three-bedroom house, for example, it is $30 or so per month to reserve the allotment even if the home isn’t built.

The fees put pressure on the developer, said John Hale, a local real estate broker. He was at the meeting in Cashiers last week representing a development “Transfers are nothing more than another project in the option to put some flexibility into the process.” area. He said the project is — Dan Harbaugh, TWSA Executive Director holding more than 30,000 Much of the Cashier’s system woes can be gallons of daily sewer capacity for a large traced back to the housing market downturn. project that got its start in 2006 but was Prior to 2008, developers and property never completed. owners were rapidly buying into the Cashiers The upfront price for the capacity was sewer system in preparation of their building about $1 million, and it costs nearly $3,500 projects. However, many projects were halted per month to keep the allocations. when the real estate boom went bust.

“And we’ve been paying it for years,” Hale “A lot of plans were made before 2008 said. that have not been economically feasible,” Nonetheless, there is still hope for the Harbaugh said. development in the future, but only if it has Those with unused sewer capacity the allocations, Hale said. So the TWSA bills include individual lot owners with just a few get paid. hundred gallons in sewer allotments and big “Without the sewer, it can’t work,” he developers with thousands of gallons of said. So, “we’ve just got to keep paying it.” sewer capacity that they’re not using.

What would be beneficial, Hale said, is After a short grace period, anyone with allowing some of that capacity to be transan unused sewer allotment has to pay a fee ferred to another tract of land or project.

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September 11-17, 2013

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians held tribal council elections last Thursday (Sept. 5).

All 12 seats on tribal council were up election, with two seats representing each of the reservation’s six communities. All the sitting council members ran for reelection, but only two-thirds of them held on to their seats.

Come next month, the Eastern Band’s governing body will feature four new faces: ■ Bo Crowe from Wolftown.

■ Brandon Jones from Cherokee County/Snowbird.

■ Albert Rose from Birdtown.

■ Teresa McCoy from Big Cove, who has held a tribal council seat in the past.

Those no longer in office are: ■ Council chairman Jim Owle from Birdtown ■ Mike Parker from Wolftown ■ Diamond Brown from Cherokee County/Snowbird ■ Bo Taylor from Big Cove, who lost in the primary.

Owle, who only lost by eight votes, took it in stride.

“That is the way it goes sometime. You have to live with it,” Owle said. “It was a good clean race.”

The current chairman said he was unsure if he would run for a seat on Tribal Council in the future, but he does plan to sit back and take it easy for a bit once his term officially ends starting in October.

Fellow ousted council member Diamond Brown was shocked that he was beaten out by just 60 votes.

“I was surprised,” Brown said. “I really was.”

Brown said he thinks a high number of votes cast by enrolled members who live off the reservation partly accounted for his defeat.

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Tribal council gets a few new faces following election

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Appalachian Health: outsider and insider views

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The Jackson County Public Library will present “Appalachian Health with Lisa Lefler and Tom Belt” at 7 p.m. Sept. 17 in the community room of the Jackson County Public Library Complex.

Lefler and Belt will talk about how both outsiders and insiders have defined Appalachia and how understanding more about culture is essential in providing better services to its population. They also will talk about how, as native Appalachian people, it is just as important to understand how these images impact the decisions we make for ourselves.

Lefler is director of Culturally Based Native Health Programs at Western Carolina University. She is an applied medical anthropologist and has worked with Native peoples across the U.S., including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Belt is the program coordinator and Cherokee Language instructor at Western Carolina University.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

828.586.2016.

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Changes on table for TDA grant funding

BY CAITLIN BOWLING STAFF WRITER eople seeking funds from the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority spend hours filling out grant applications, and all the tourism agency gets for the applicant’s trouble is paper skyscrapers.

“This program has grown to the point where we now have about 100 to 120 grants to manage. It has become a tremendous amount of paperwork not only for staff but for applicants,” said Lynn Collins, executive director of the TDA, during a meeting with various tourism leaders.

Seeing a need for change, the Haywood County TDA is looking to make its grant funding process easier for all. Specifically, the authority is reevaluating procedures for its 1 percent committee funding (see box).

The current method requires hopeful grantees to jump lots of hoops for what amounts to small amounts of money.

Typically, special event promoters or businesses receive $1,000 to $2,000.

They must vie for a sliver of the money pie through their respective 1 percent committees, fill out an application and go through an interview process. Then, each 1 percent committee decides how much, if anything, to award to

September 11-17, 2013

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What is the 1 percent committee?

Overnight guests in Haywood County pay a 4 percent lodging tax, which is tacked onto their hotel bills. The tax revenue is then given to the county Tourism Development Authority to spend to market the area to tourists.

Three-fourths of the revenue is placed in a large fund focused on advertising Haywood County as a whole to potential visitors. The remaining tax money is given to one of five committees, depending on which Haywood County zip code it was collected in. For example, a portion of the lodging tax collected at the Lambuth Inn at Lake Junaluska is handed over to a committee that represents tourism-related businesses in the 28745 zip code.

The TDA has five such committees — one for each zip code in the county. The individual committees, also known as 1 percent committees, may spend the money they receive on tourism-related events or projects within their zip code. The amount of funding each committee receives depends on how much lodging tax revenue is collected within its zip code.

The committees whose zip codes include Maggie Valley and Waynesville get the most money because they have a large number of accommodations and bring in the highest amounts of lodging tax money.

the various applicants — but that’s not all.

Once the 1 percent committee agrees on how to dole out its annual allocations, the TDA’s executive board has to give its final approval. Then, once the money is approved, each grantee must show how the money is spent and that the TDA was given proper credit for its contribution.

“For $2,000, it is more trouble than it’s worth,” Collins said. “You have spent all that money just getting through the process.”

All of the paperwork — applications, print The current method requires hopeful advertising, receipts — at some point moves across grantees to jump lot of hoops for Collins’ desk. Collins said neither she nor any of her what amounts to small amounts of employees have the time money. Typically, special event proto review every bit of paperwork, and the TDA moters or businesses receive $1,000 doesn’t want to pay an additional employee to to $2,000. deal with that alone.

“There is just no way over advertising funded by the TDA. that I personally can police all these things,” “It has gotten really bad lately,” Collins Collins said. said, adding that it is not her job to make Particularly when people call her to comsure every entity putting on an event is given plain about a fellow grantee who they claim adequate credit in advertising. didn’t follow the funding guidelines or tiffs

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The biggest suggested change would allow each of the five 1 percent committees to create a cohesive marketing and spending plan for its annual funding allotment. The committee would approve one funding application, rather than a bunch of individual applications. The executive board would give approval for one total plan.

Representatives from Maggie Valley were excited about the possibility.

“I like that. I like that a lot,” said Tammy Wight, member of the Maggie Valley 1 percent committee. “We are advertising these associations, but what we should be marketing is Maggie Valley,” she later added.

S EE TDA, PAGE 20

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Rural Center will survive, but as a shadow of its former self

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initiatives; the N.C. Microenterprise Loan Program, which provides small business loans to those who may not qualify for bank loans; and the Rural Economic Development Institute, which offers training for community leaders.

“We had to keep the programs that we knew were winners and also had jobs associated with it,” Crutchfield said. “That was a large part of picking and choosing what we keep and what we lose.”

As part of the new Rural Center, some previously free programs may come with a fee.

“They may have to charge for some of those things,” Hipps said.

One thing’s for sure, though, the nonprofit won’t be what it was.

“We will never be the Rural Center we were, but there are lots of good things I think we can still accomplish,” Crutchfield said.

For many within the Rural Center, the shutdown felt sudden.

“It was really a house of cards that all came down at once,” Crutchfield said.

Leaders also felt the state did not take enough time to evaluate the Rural Center or give it adequate time to remedy problems found by the auditor. “‘Our house was torn down before they took a look on the inside of our house.’ I thought that was a really good statement because it really was like what happened,” Hipps said, recalling a fellow board member’s sentiment.

AMANDA BELL, the first novel by Smoky Mountain News book reviewer JEFF MINICK, is now available.

Smoky Mountain News

In this modern fairy tale, a woman devastated by crushed hopes and vicious assaults sets out on a strange new path, searching for release from selfimprisonment. On her journey Amanda encounters characters usually associated with the Brothers Grimm: A wicked witch disguised as a homemaker, a friend witty and sharp as an elf, a priest with a bag of wizard’s tricks, an architect in the armor of a knight-errant, a ghost offering solace, and four motherless children

September 11-17, 2013

By the numbers

ed to hire 15 of the Rural Center’s employees by the end of this month to run the grant programs under the rural division. “(Decker’s) promise to ensure a seamless transition of the Rural Center’s physical infrastructure section to the Department of Commerce should be fully trusted. Current grantees and future applicants will notice no difference between the excellent customer service they received from the Rural Center and that they will enjoy from the Department of Commerce,” Gibson said.

Although the state will rent out part of the Rural Center building, the nonprofit will remain there as well. As long as the Rural Center stays in its current building, it has an agreement that its mortgage payment is waived.

“I think that is the big reason they are staying in the building,” Hipps said.

Several Rural Center programs will continue, including its small business loan program and leadership training. The programs are those that the state would not offer.

“It became obvious quickly that there was a group of services and programs offered by the Rural Center and operated by the Rural Center that did not lend themselves well to being transferred to the state,” Gibson said.

“They are not typically the kinds of things state government does.”

Those programs included the N.C. Small Towns Economic Prosperity Program, which helps town with planning and funds growth

news

BY CAITLIN BOWLING The new Secretary of Commerce Sharon STAFF WRITER Decker has worked with the Rural Center espite fears that the North Carolina Rural “hand and glove,” according to Gibson.

Economic Development Center would “It seemed the better side of wisdom to meet its maker after losing its state fund- her to lift what she saw at the Rural Center,” ing, the center’s board of directors decided to Gibson said. persevere, albeit in a diminished capacity.

To get through the transition, the center “Right now, the decision is that the Rural will use $700,000 it has accumulated through Center will remain,” said CeCe Hipps, a rural grant administration fees. By year’s end, its center board member and the president of staff will have shrunk, and the nonprofit will the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce. have a better idea of exactly what will stay and “It will be a slimmed down version of the what will go.

Rural Center.”

“We are getting by on that,” said Brian The state froze funding to the N.C. Rural Crutchfield, head of the Rural Center’s transiCenter after the Office of the State Auditor tion committee. released a report in July showing a lack of The Rural Center is expecting to then oversight within the nonprofit. Not long operate on about $1.5 to $2 million a year, a after, the General Assembly passed its budg- combination of private donations, corporate et, which eliminated millions in state fund- sponsorships and grants — and as a back up ing to the center. During the last couple can draw from about $11 million in savings. months, leaders at the Rural Center have The savings is interest accrued from been working to figure out whether the non- money the state awarded the Rural Center. profit had a future.

A five-person subcommittee is leading the Rural Center “It became obvious quickly that there through the transition was a group of services and proprocess, making recommendations for what to keep, idengrams offered by the Rural Center tifying possible future funding and operated by the Rural Center and working through any legal hurdles of transitioning that did not lend themselves well to from a state-funded organization to a completely self-susbeing transferred to the state. They taining entity. are not typically the kinds of things “Their primary responsibility was to look at things the state government does.”

Rural Center was doing — projects, programs and opera— Bill Gibson, acting chairman, Rural Center Board tions — that could and should be kept in operation,” said Bill Gibson, acting chairman of the board of directors and former head of the Southwestern Commission in The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center Bryson City. has grown for 25 years as a nonprofit distributor of milWhen the state froze the lions in state grant funding, giving out about $600 million Rural Center’s monies, about during its lifetime for projects intended to boost economies $90 million in grant funding in rural areas. However this year, all that state funding was left in limbo. Many was cut. The agency will no longer continue in a grant organizations that had making capacity, as that function has been transferred to already been notified of a new rural economic development arm of the commerce grants feared that the money department. But the Rural Center will continue to exist. they’d been promised would• Annual budget prior to cuts: $33 million n’t come through. However, • Estimated budget after cuts: $1.5 million to $2 million, the state announced plans to from a combination of reserves and private fundraising dole out the pledged funds.

“The best news is all the grants that were promised will be paid,” The funds were placed in the bank and gathHipps said. “Those are in the pipeline to get ered interest over time. While the state compfinal approval by the state budget director.” troller has said the interest money belongs to The first full-year budget of the new Rural the Rural Center, no final decision has been Center will only amount to about $1.5 mil- made. The state could decide to ask for the lion — about $30 million less than it is used money back. to operating with.

The new state rural economic develop“It is going to be a very tight budget,” said ment division will also hire some of the Rural Hipps.

Center’s employees and will use part of the All the state money previously in the center’s building in Raleigh. Already the Rural Center’s budget will now go to the state Rural Center has trimmed its staff. A couple Department of Commerce, which will take weeks ago, 15 people were handed pink slips. over the grant-making functions of the Rural The 50-person operation will eventually Center with a new rural economic develop- be whittled down to between 10 and 15 peoment division. ple. The Department of Commerce is expect-

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Smoky Mountain News

September 11-17, 2013

news

TDA, CONTINUED FROM 18

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While Maggie’s 1 percent committee would have more than $100,000 to work with, a smaller zip code like the Clyde 1 percent committee, which only has about $600 at its fingertips, would not have the resources to craft a big plan. However, the Clyde committee could still choose to focus what little money it has on one project to benefit the whole zip code it covers, Collins said.

“They are spending the money the way they want to spend their money, and they are still included in the funding you are doing on a countywide basis,” Collins said.

No matter what, the TDA will not do away with applications completely.

“There has to be a paper trail,” Collins said.

The TDA is, however, eliminating grantees’ ability to reallocate or carryover funding this fiscal year because some people apply for money knowing that they will likely ask to use the funding for something other than what it was originally allocated for.

Some complained that the grant application process was long and redundant, and the guidelines that go along with receiving the funding can also lead to confusion among applicants.

“Either the guidelines are not clear, or they are too cumbersome to deal with, or people take poetic license with what they think will pass the guidelines,” said Ken Stahl, chair of the TDA’s finance committee.

A couple opinion leaders said they felt the TDA’s system was a cakewalk compared to state or federal applications they have had

The biggest suggested change would allow each of the five 1 percent committees to create a cohesive marketing and spending plan for its annual funding allotment. to deal with.

“I find that it’s almost been pleasurable to do,” Karen Babcock, executive director of Folkmoot USA, a nonprofit that funds the county’s annual international festival.

One thing the group hasn’t figured out how to improve is the follow-up reports that are supposed to illustrate how the grantee used the TDA funding to attract tourists and put heads in beds. There is nothing concrete in the reports; they mostly depend on how well a person can paint a verbal picture.

“It is based on how well that person can BS. There is nothing qualitative there. We don’t demand that you prove room nights,” Collins said.

Although particular ideas were not tossed out, most agreed that the TDA should start requiring some form of tangible proof that its investment has made a difference.

“You need to put the onus on people to at least try to come up with something,” Babcock said.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER Kristi Culpepper knows knives.

Browsing the wide selection of specialized hunting, hobby and kitchen cutlery at Old School Knife Works on U.S. 441 in Otto, Culpepper is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the tradition, history and modern innovations of all things sharp and decorative. The knife works is a subsidiary of Culpepper and Co., a renowned knife handle maker, whose production facility overtakes the majority of the Macon County building.

“The way you make a knife hasn’t really changed much from the ways of the past,” she said. “Yes, there have been modern technological advances, but it’s still the basic principle of a person forging a tool for use.

It’s a skill and a tool that will always be useful.”

A Franklin native, Culpepper found herself immersed in the cutlery industry when she met her future husband Joe in high school. Joe’s father, David Culpepper, had moved his family from Florida to Macon County in 1973. At the time, David was an acclaimed knife maker who traveled from show to show selling his wares and honing

his craft. He soon found a need for quality, handmade knife handles, and thus Culpepper and Co. was created in 1976.

“David started to cut different materials, like shells, to put on his knives,” Kristi said.

“He became very prolific in that aspect and soon began to revive the older techniques of dying and designing bone from the turn of the 20th century.”

In 1995, Kristi and Joe bought the company outright from David. They continue the unique styles and lost art of knife handle making that has largely disappeared from the mainstream cutlery industry.

“People are still drawn to the natural materials. Plastic may be cheaper, but our customers want quality, they want the exact pieces their grandfather had and used,” Kristi said. “We offer a lot of components between the websites and the store, and can

help out any specific needs. People will bring in their projects and we’ll measure out what they need.”

It’s about quality, not quantity, though sales numbers have steadily increased over their tenure with the business. On a good year, the company will top over a million components manufactured in Franklin – sent across the country and around the globe. Some production order contracts will be 50,000 components, while in-store purchases can be as small as one item.

“We’ll sell materials for knives that are worth $3 up to $20,000,” Kristi said. “Our handles make it a lot easier to sell these knives because we have the first-hand knowledge about the pieces, which comes natural to us due to all of the experience and interaction we’ve had with customers and those in the industry. Feedback is the number one

“Yes, there have been modern technological advances, but it’s still the basic principle of a person forging a tool for use. It’s a skill and a tool that will always be useful.”

— Kristi Culpepper

Want to know more?

Culpepper & Co. and Old School Knife Works are located at 8285 Georgia Road in Otto (south of Franklin on U.S. 441). They’re open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

828.524.6842 or www.knifehandles.com or www.oldschoolknifeworks.com or info@culpepperco.com.

news

Getting a handle on cutlery

September 11-17, 2013

thing in doing this.”

The couple travels the world in search of the ideal materials, from black mother of pearl in Thailand or Indonesia, to cattle bones from Argentina or rare pieces only found in Mongolia and China. It’s about finding the perfect item and bringing it back to Macon County, where the handles will then be sold to renowned knife companies like Case, Bear & Son, Queen, and Kershaw, among others.

“There’s only one other facility that does this type of large-scale production, and that’s Case in Pennsylvania,” Kristi said.

“But, they only do in-house production, whereas we’re the only company of our kind that offers this particular method of dye and design, which can make for dozens of different combinations and patterns.”

In 2009, when a company contracted Culpepper and Co. for more material than they could pay for, the couple decided to trade for finished knives. Now with a stockroom full of merchandise, they decided to open the facility to the public with the establishment of Old School Knife Works. Since that time, business in the retail store has tripled, with folks from every direction wandering into the building in hopes of tracking down that final piece to their cutlery puzzle.

“There are people who have built whole cottage industry businesses on repairing and restoring old knives,” Kristi said. “People will find an old knife at a flea market, come in here and find the part they need to make it back into an operational tool. It’s repurposing something, bringing it back to life, which is something we value in the South.”

Looking toward the future, the Culpeppers want to keep their consistency in the market, expand Old School Knife Works, and hopefully start offering workshops and classes in knife making.

“It’s like blacksmithing, gun making or being a brick layer, people just aren’t familiar with those skills anymore,” Kristi said.

“We want to keep these things alive, where it’s about knowing how to use your hands to make something.”

It’s all in an effort to keep the tradition alive, exposing more and more of society to the history and endless possibilities in their industry.

“It can be a daily struggle doing this, but we do it because we believe in it,” Kristi said.

“This business could be anywhere in the world, but we chose to be here, in Macon County. I was raised here, and maybe people can take this area for granted, but the people here are like nowhere else — they’re generally concerned for each other, and we all look out for one another.”

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Smoky Mountain News

Kristi Culpepper, co-owner of Culpepper and Co. and Old School Knife Works in Otto.

Above) Garret K. Woodward photo Specializing in handmade, vintage knife handles, Culpepper and Co. and Old School Knife Works in Otto offers an array of unique, high-quality products. Donated photos

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Business

Smoky Mountain News

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Highlands-Cashiers Hospital soon to forge partnership with Mission

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is expected to come under the umbrella of Mission Health in coming months.

The Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is current a stand-alone, independent hospital, but has been engaged in talks with Mission for a year about entering an affiliation.

Highlands-Cashiers Hospital is now on the verge of finalizing a deal with Mission. The two signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding last month as they enter the final throes of due diligence. The memorandum outlines the major terms of the proposed relationship between HCH and Mission Health and sets the stage for the final negotiation of terms.

“Mission Health is invested in our community, and our membership with Mission Health positions us well for the future so that we can keep physicians in our local community, ensure that our facilities in Highlands and Cashiers remain current and continue to deliver the outstanding local care our patients have

come to expect from their hospital,” said Craig James, President and CEO of HighlandsCashiers Hospital.

Under the terms of the proposed agreement, the local hospital board of trustees will maintain a strong, long-term voice in the strategic direction of the hospital.

Mission Health and Highland-Cashiers Hospital will now enter into a more detailed, joint planning process to define and quantify the initiatives and resources that will be required to address existing and future needs of the HCH service area. The planning process will focus on capital requirements, medical service providers and new and expanded services. It will also drive the long-term investment plan for HCH facilities, providers and programs.

Angel Medical Center in Franklin recently came under ownership of Asheville-based Mission Hospital as well. The hospitals in Brevard, Spruce Pine, and Marion are also owned by Mission.

Business notes

worked as the hospitalist group practice manager and director of the Columbus Regional Physician Network in eastern N.C. ••• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort was voted Best Overall Casino Resort in the Native South region for 2013 by readers of Casino Player Magazine. In addition, Harrah’s also won for Best Casino, Best Video Slots, Best Video Poker, Best Players Club and Casino Where You Feel Luckiest.

Amenities at the property were also awarded top spots for Best Rooms (Hotel) and Best Golf Course (Sequoyah National Golf Club).

••• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort employees raised $12,500 for the American Cancer Society to support patients, caregivers, and survivors in treatment and recovery.

••• The Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation received a $2,125 grant from the Ryan Newman Foundation, enough funding to cover costs for 50 spay/neuter surgeries for cats in Haywood County.

••• The Children’s Home is now part of the Franklinbased foster care services to Eliada Homes. The proximity of Eliada to the Franklin location will increase the likelihood that the children will be able to receive a continuum of services in the region.

••• Mission Hospital’s Heart Services received the American College of Cardiology Foundation’s Platinum Performance Achievement Award for the second consecutive year for its high standard of care for heart attack patients.

••• Western Carolina University welcomed the first group of students in its new doctor of nursing practice degree program this fall. The new program offers specialties in family nurse practi-

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded $2,000 in grants to support youth literacy programs at Riverbend Elementary in Clyde.

••• MedWest-Haywood Health and Fitness Center is offering LES MILLS™ BODYPUMP™ classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

Focusing on low weight loads and high repetition movements, a typical class aims at improving an individual’s strength, general fitness, protecting bones and joints from injury. 828.452.8080.

••• The HRMC Foundation awarded about $450,000 in grants to various departments throughout MedWest Haywood hospital. Grants include money for: equipment for hospice care, specialized team trainings for the Behavioral Health Unit, exercise equipment for the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation program and waiting room furniture for the Outpatient Care Center.

••• Former Macon County Commissioner and N.C. Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, was named winner of the 2013 Friend of the Counties Award by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners.

••• Macon County Vice Chair Ronnie Beale won Outstanding County Commissioner Award from the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners. Beale is NCACC’s President Elect.

••• A new custom denture store, The Denture Shop, has opened at 1225 Tsalagi Road in Cherokee. 828.554.5990.

••• Debra Snider has joined Angel Medical Center as physician operations director. She previously

BOYS SCOUT TROOP 309 VISITS HCC

Boy Scouts from Troop 309 visited Haywood Community College’s Regional High Technology Center to learn about the Computer Integrated Machining program and the various labs in which students train to become skilled employees in the local workforce. Pictured left to right is Doug Cable, HCC Computer Integrated Machining Instructor; scouts Nick Kalev, Talbryn Porter, Hunter Geneau, Arich Rubley; and Darrell Honeycutt, troop leader and HCC Instructor. Donated photo

tioner, nurse anesthesiology and nursing administration. 828.227.7467.

••• The Rotary Club of Franklin raised $31,656.50 for student scholarships, student recognition and community programs. The money includes nearly $2,100 from the sale of a 1999 Toyota Corolla donated by Andy Shaw Ford of Sylva.

••• The computer company WIRED has moved to 611 West Palmer St., Franklin. www.wiredinc.net or 828.482.9687.

••• Western Carolina University’s graduate program in speech-language pathology has been reaccredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s accrediting arm, the Council on Academic Accreditation. 828.227.3379.

••• Webster Enterprises based in Jackson County realized a record year for revenues last fiscal year, earning just more than $1.6 million. The company employs individuals with disabilities and manufactures medical drapes, tray covers and other disposable items used in operating rooms.

••• Massage Therapist Jocelyn Fulton has joined the staff at the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department offering weekend massages.

828.734.8498.

••• Locally owned Happy Hound grooming salon has relocated to 59 Branner Ave., Waynesville. Happy Hound provides professional grooming as well as two do-it-yourself pet washing stations available on a first come, first serve basis. 828.774.2779 or 828.283.1338.

••• Dr. Annelie Yarkovich has joined the Animal Hospital of Waynesville. A native of Canada,

Yarkovich studied veterinary medicine at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Prior to that, she worked as a veterinary assistant at the Animal Hospital. www.animalhosp.com or 828.456.9755.

••• Western Carolina Orthopaedic Specialists has come under the MedWest Physician Network, bringing the total number of practices owned and managed by the MedWest Physician Network to 19. 828.452.4131.

••• Phone service provider AT&T has contributed $1,000 to the general scholarship fund of Haywood Community College to support veterans seeking to expand or continue their education. www.att.com/troopsupport.

••• Haywood Community College’s Early Childhood Education program was listed as one of the nation’s best online Early Childhood Programs, according to BestOnlineColleges.org. 828.627.4693.

••• HIGHTS, a nonprofit that is dedicated to developing youth leadership in Jackson and Haywood counties, received a grant to help fund a passenger van from the Evergreen Foundation. www.hights.org.

••• The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science honored Daniel Southern, WCU professor emeritus of clinical laboratory science, with the national Robin H. Mendelson Memorial Award.

••• Steve Morse, former director of the Tourism Institute at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, has joined the faculty in the College of Business at Western Carolina University as director of WCU’s Hospitality and Tourism Program.

828.227.2731 or www.hospitalityandtourism.wcu.edu.

SCC, Harrah’s team up to provide quality jobs

Jason Queen was among the first graduates of SCC’s table gaming school.

• Western Carolina University will host information sessions on a new part-time MBA program starting in January and held in Cherokee. Sessions will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 12 in the hotel ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and from 12 to 12:45 p.m. and from 5:15 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16 in WCU’s Forsyth Building. kumcintyre@wcu.edu.

• A resume preparation workshop will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the Jackson County Public Library.

Register. 828.586.2016.

• A free seminar entitled “Small Business Taxes” will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, at Southwestern Community College’s Macon Campus.

Register. www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75490.

• A seminar titled “Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Employer” will be

Six students from Swain County High School attended the MedCat Academy at Wake Forest University this summer.

The MedCaT Academy offers an opportunity for Native American and Appalachian students to gain exposure to the biomedical sciences, aimed an increasing the number of health professionals coming from and serving in disadvantaged and minority communities.

MedCaT students visited several Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center facilities that focus on translating research from the laboratory bench to patient bedside. Students engaged in handson knowledge of cutting edge instrumentation, research and patient care techniques.

Pictured (left to right) are Cassidy Pindur, Emily Helmer, Rachael Schneider, Dana Sutton, Scottie Ray, Katrina Stanberry,and Andrea Nicole West.

held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

19, at the Sequoyah Fund office in Cherokee.

Learn basic employment laws and regulations, how to deal with employees fairly and legally, what you need to know when hiring employees, and how to get your ducks in a row should you need to fire someone. $5, lunch included. www.sequoyahfund.org/classes.html or 828.359.5006.

• Learn how to increase the return on the personal investment you make in your business with a financial management seminar sponsored by the Cashiers Chamber of Commerce-sponsored seminar at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Cashiers Community Library. Free for chamber members. $20 for non-members. Register.

828.743.5191 or info@CashiersAreaChamber.com.

• Three “how-to” eBay workshops are being put on by the Haywood Community College Small Business Center. The eBay Marketplace is used by millions of sellers daily, as a source of side-income, supplemental business revenue or a full-time occupation. A beginner’s workshop will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, September 18; an advanced workshop will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 19; and a free eBay store workshop will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 19. Free.

828.627.4512.

Smoky Mountain News

• A free small business workshop will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at Southwestern Community College in Sylva.

Learn about loan programs offered through SCC’s Small Business Center and WCU’s Small Business and Technology Development Center. Registration required. 828.339.4211 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

Swain Students attend MedCat Academy

September 11-17, 2013

Business calendar

news

Jason Queen was out of work this time last year when he heard Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort needed a few hundred card dealers to run the newly launched table games.

He scavenged scrap metal and sold it to raise the $180 for tuition in a six-week table gaming training program at Southwestern Community College. He is now full time at the casino.

“You can’t beat the pay, and the benefits are great,” said Queen, 31, who lives in Whittier.

Now, the college and casino are teaming up to host a “Casino Career Expo” on Sept. 17-

18 at SCC’s Swain Center. Representatives from the college and casino will be available to answer questions.

“A lot of people in our region are out of work, but our region’s largest employer needs to hire people right now. Our table gaming program helps bridge that gap perfectly,” said Sonja Haynes, SCC’s dean of workforce and economic development.

Class tuition reimbursement is available after successful completion, and Harrah’s has immediate job openings.

828.339.4426 or ldowns@southwesterncc.edu.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

What a great day in Western North Carolina rom the very first few days I lived in the mountains — as an 18-year-old freshman at Appalachian State University — late-summer days have always gotten my blood pumping. The fresh, cool breezes that suggest the coming fall do battle with the lingering summer heat scream at you to get outside and do something, anything but stay inside and inactive.

Saturday was one of those days. A few clouds punctuating a blue sky, warm in the sun but cool in the shade. By the time noon rolled around the chores were still stacked up like a winter’s worth of cordwood, a neat pile that one could have chosen to keep working on. Or not.

My wife Lori wanted to get a bike ride in, so she took off while I finished up a few more tasks — OK, it was really lunch and a quick peak at some college football games — before driving down the mountain to redezvous.

She had pulled over at Barber’s Orchard, and she wasn’t going anywhere else until we got some fresh apples and something to drink. The place was packed, as usual, and we threw her bike on the back of her bright red VW Beetle and drove away chomping on honeycrisp apples.

We were headed to the Nantahala Gorge to the freestyle kayaking world championships. Hundreds of international ath-

F

Let’s keep the AT as pristine as possible

To the Editor: In the winter of 1979, in the midst of studying for a degree at a large university, things weren’t going well. Academically I was OK, but emotionally, spiritually, I needed a break. One afternoon I returned to my dorm room, tossed my books, and headed out for a walk to clear my head. I wandered the main commercial drag. The scent of stale beer wafted from open doors of bars lining the street, calling to mind some weekend hangovers.

I ended up perusing an outfitter store’s bookshelf, finding Appalachian Hiker, about hiking the Appalachian Trail. I bought that book. It changed my life. I dropped a course and used that time to prepare for an AT section hike. On April 1, this fool began a memorable eight-week journey that took me 700 miles from Georgia to Virginia.

In retrospect, that journey was a pilgrimage.

In her book Fumbling, a tale of her journey on an ancient Catholic pilgrimage trail in Spain, author Kerry Egan cites anthropologists Victor and Edith Turner, who describe the pilgrimage experience as “a time in which a person is separate and apart from everyday life and expectations, apart from the normal patterns and strictures of society. A pilgrim is in an in-between space for a little while, a time of both great transition and great potential. In this place you can learn and experience things that it would not be possible to learn while not on pilgrimage.“ That AT experience helped me understand who I am.

I also experienced wonderful people on the AT — fellow hikers and trail angels. As Egan puts it, “a pilgrim experiences communitas,

letes and their entourages had come to Center and the other sponsors had Swain County for the weeklong event, pulled out all the stops. The electronic and we wanted to experience the mayscoreboard and jumbo screen made hem. I was driving as we headed over keeping up with the competition easy Balsam, and Lori asked where I had put and fun. Ran into some friends from the bag with the clothes she had packed.

Waynesville and listened to some live Ooops. I could see it clearly (in my music. Couldn’t have found a better way head) on the chair by the door, and in to spend the day. my hurry to get going there it still sat.

My son had come to the event with That meant my wife was stuck in her ridfriends, and we tried to find him. Turns ing clothes, and so we had to make a out, they had caught the kayaking and quick decision — basically kill the day or then headed toward a swimming hole in come up with a new plan.

Cherokee while the sun was still up. He I talked her into going the Roses Liam having fun on a rope swing in couldn’t stop talking about the rope department sstore in Sylva. She was Cherokee. Mathew Fowler photo swing and all the fun they had, and I reluctant, but it was on the way to the believe it from the picture he sent us.

Gorge, so we swung in and she outfitted herself in low-priced As we headed back toward Haywood County, we stopped in Chinese-made clothes for the cost of a cheap lunch. Only took and picked up Italian food before heading back up the mounfive minutes and we were back on the road. What a woman. tain just as the sun was setting.

We managed to find parking, strolled around the complex, What a day, and what a place to call home.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountaingot a couple of local craft brews and watched some fantastic news.com.) kayakers doing their thing in the river. The Nantahala Outdoor

LETTERS the elimination of differences between people of different ages, classes, and nationalities.

Barriers between people are thrown aside as a great feeling of unity and connectedness brings people together in a way that seems impossible within the regular structures of society.“ I also experienced for the first time extended vistas of deep forested mountains. I had not realized such views were possible in the eastern U.S. — blue and smoky ridges extending to the horizon, unmarred by development.

The Southern Appalachian Mountains are a unique and, for me, sacred place. After other adventures elsewhere, including the Andes and Himalayas, I returned 11 years ago to make this area my home.

Last week, again on the AT, I enjoyed the pristine view from Standing Indian Mountain, and recalled my pilgrimage of 33 years ago that, as Egan says, “is transformative, cleansing and purifying.”

Let’s maintain this AT experience for others.

While the construction of a new cell tower in the Rainbow Springs area by Pegasus Tower is a certainty — it was approved by Macon County Commissioners in July — let’s encourage the company to reduce its visual impact through measures suggested by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, including setting the tower off the ridge, no or subtle lighting, and non-illustrative finish.

Also, let’s encourage our Macon County commissioners to amend our Telecommunications ordinance to require notification to the ATC for any proposed tower within four miles of the AT. Dennis Desmond Franklin

National spotlight shines on N.C. To the Editor: The 2013 North Carolina legislature has enacted numerous measures to benefit corporations and attract new business to our state.

Tax reform is reducing corporate income tax and the state excise tax is being repealed.

Middle- and lower-income earners will experience increased taxes, a necessary sacrifice to attract new business and jobs. Unemployment in North Carolina remains at one of the highest rates in the nation. The legislature did not create programs for workers since prosperity will trickle down as new businesses create jobs. Trickle down policy in the “good old days” of the 1920s contributing to the stock market crash in 1929. A Pope (Art Pope) presides over state economic policy and plans a different outcome for us.

A major factor in attracting new business is the quality of a state’s education system.

Public school teachers’ pay in North Carolina has dropped to 46th among the 50 states.

Many public school teachers are leaving our state for better jobs elsewhere. Factoring in inflation and student population growth, North Carolina is spending less on public education than in previous years. The legislature has provided millions of dollars in scholarships so students can attend private schools.

We are returning to the “good old days” of the 19th century when private schools dominated education unrestricted by 20th century state regulations.

Teaching jobs in private schools will be easily filled since state certification and special training are not required. They are exempt from providing for special needs students and any state curriculum requirements. Private

schools may teach students that global warming does not exist; religion may be a required subject and evolution an unproven theory.

They may learn poverty stems from people grown dependent of living on government handouts. Private schools might adopt textbooks similar to those in Texas, which eliminate Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin from U.S. history. This education uniquely prepares private school graduates for 21st centaury jobs in science, technology and humanities.

The voter reform law enacted by the legislature returns us to “the good old days” of voting restrictions. This law will eliminate the less than 1 percent of illegal voters in North Carolina while leveling the voting field for all white voters under age 65. Elderly voters, college students and minorities may confront major obstacles to voting. Those who can’t overcome restrictive voting requirements have only themselves to blame. They’re probably too naive, ignorant or senile to vote right anyway.

The legislature is eliminating many environmental protection regulations, saving businesses money. Fracking may now occur on private land without owner’s permission.

Funding for the unemployed is cut or eliminated along with other social programs. These reforms fund tax cuts for wealthy job creators.

People on welfare must live within the means of those poor paying jobs available to them.

They are probably drug addicts. Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, sponsored the new law requiring welfare recipients pass drug testing to receive state food assistance. He suggests this law will teach their children a lesson.

North Carolina’s legislative actions have been in the spotlight of the national news media. Our state was also mentioned by several speakers at the 50th anniversary of the

Hoping memories last until next election

At least the rich got a tax cut

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.

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

828.452.7524. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. TuesdayThursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. FridaySaturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Blue Ridge BBQ is a family owned and operated restaurant. The BBQ is slow hardwood smoked, marinated in its own juices, and seasoned with mountain recipes. All menu items made from scratch daily. Featuring homemade cornbread salad, fresh collard greens, or cornbread and milk at your request. Old-fashioned homemade banana pudding and fruit cobbler of the season.

Catering, take-out, eat-in. blueridgebbq@gmail.com.

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

Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slowsimmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts.

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

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

Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Serving classic American food and drink in a casual environment. Daily lunch and dinner specials. Children’s menu available. Call for catering quotes. Private room available for large parties. Accepts MC/Visa, Discover and American Express.

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Now open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 4 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

205-07

ITALIAN

MEDITERRANEAN

STEAKS • PIZZA CHICKEN • SEAFOOD SANDWICHES OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK JOIN US FOR FALL ON THE OUTDOOR PATIO!

1863 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.454.5002 HWY. 19/23 EXIT 98

205-76

• Hors d'oeuvre Hour Nightly • 4-Course Dinner Nightly • Wednesday Gourmet Picnic Lunch • Thursday Night Cookout • Sunday Brunch • Backpack Lunches for Hiking

Smoky Mountain News

To the Editor: Congratulation, the Republican legislature just gave everyone in the state a tax cut.

Well, maybe not, just those whose income is over $84,000. If your income is over $400,000, your tax cut may be as much as $10,000. More great news if you are a major corporation, you tax rate was cut substantially. Of course, if you are a small business, you probably will see your overall tax bill go up.

In fact, two out of every three dollars in tax cuts dollars will go to the top 1 percent of North Carolina’s wealthiest citizens. But 80 percent of North Carolina citizens will pay more in taxes under this new budget.

In essence, the Republicans have replaced a progressive income tax system with a flat tax. A flat tax, by its nature, is a very regressive tax. In simple terms the wealthy pay less and the lower and middle class pay more in taxes as a percentage of their income. In case their intention was not clear enough, they eliminated significant tax credits and exemptions that primarily impacted those in the lower income levels.

Here are just two examples: the Republicans eliminated the Earned Income Tax Credit that was implemented to help low-wage workers. Their taxes will now go up significantly. Retirees will lose both a $4,000 deduction for government retirement income and a $2,000 deduction for private retirement income. But the wealthy still get a $1,500 cap on sales tax for their corporate jet or new yacht.

When asked why this change in the tax code, one answer given is that it will be fairer. Is it fairer to the 80 percent who will pay more?

But the reason most often cited is that this business-friendly budget will bring in new business, create jobs and stimulate the economy. No matter how much Tea Party types advocate this discredited policy, study after study has proven that more money given to the wealthy in tax cuts does not mean more money in your pocket.

CEOs say they are looking for world-class schools, a robust health care system, strong middle-class economics, modern infrastructure, and a culture that promotes upward mobility, not one that creates a permanent under class.

The real losers in this budget are the citizens of North Carolina. The General Assembly’s own Fiscal Research Division estimates this budget will cost the state at least $1 billion a year when the changes take effect.

If the Tea Party Republicans are out to destroy state government, this is a good start.

Louis Vitale Franklin

tasteTHEmountains

September 11-17, 2013

To the Editor: In a recent letter titled “New laws bring advantages to N.C. citizens,” the writer stated “It’s time to speak the truth about the gains made by the N.C. legislature in its 2013 session.” While most of the facts stated are true, the writer didn't tell the whole truth! The rest of the truth follows in the areas addressed by the writer.

Education: it is true that the appropriation is $361 million more than the previous year, but it is $120 million less than what the state budget office said was necessary to maintain education at the 2012 level. The rest of the education story: $10 million in public funds were allocated for private school vouchers; 5,200 teaching positions lost and 4,580 teacher assistant positions cut in the new budget; starting salary for N.C. teachers is $30,800 which is less than $15 per hour; 2,400 at-risk children are cut from pre. How do these budget realities bring advantages to the state's students and teachers?

Election process: early voting reduced by seven days even though 56 percent of voters used it in 2012; no same day registration, no straight ticket voting; 25 percent increase in contribution limits on what private donors can give candidates; ID requirement means that 318,000 registered voters that do not have a driver's license or state-issued ID will have to get one — even IDs issued by state-supported colleges and universities will not be accepted.

“Free” IDs will cost taxpayers $834,200 in 20132014 and $24,100 every two years after that.

Out of almost seven million votes cast in the last election, only 121 were referred to the proper authorities for investigation. No doubt these were cast by both parties. Does any of this give an advantage to N.C. voters?

Tax Reform: 170,000 workers will lose benefits; 907,000 low-wage workers will have a tax increase because the Earned Income Tax Credit is ending (64,000 military families claimed this credit in 2011); millionaires will get an average tax cut of $10,000 while 80 percent of taxpayers will get an increase; $50 million a year lost by cutting out the estate tax.

Individual Rights: are the rights of women really being protected? The writer states that Medicaid will be “more patient oriented and fiscally responsible.” How so when 500,000 low-income adults will be without health insurance because legislators voted against participating in the Affordable Care Act? What advantage is there is allowing guns at schools and in bars? Will this make anyone safer? The writer concludes by saying “Fair thinking voters will see that they made the correct choice in electing a majority Republican legislature.” I suggest that a

majority of voters will see that the “advantages” the writer identifies are in fact disadvantages for the majority of us and will vote accordingly in the future.

Linda Fulk Sylva

opinion

March on Washington. We were featured in a Rachael Maddow show broadcast live from North Carolina. With this national publicity just imagine which corporations will wish to relocate here! N.C. voters preferring 21st century values over “the good old days” must overcome voter restrictions and elect new legislators in 2014.

Margery Abel Franklin

Award-winning country inn at 5,000 feet Reservations required

2300 SWAG ROAD WAYNESVILLE

828.926.0430 • TheSwag.com

Bring your own wine and spirits.

LOCATED OFF JONATHAN CREEK RD/HWY 276 & HEMPHILL RD 205-35

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205-03

ARTISAN BREADS & PASTRIES

APPLE & PUMPKIN

SWEETS & TREATS BREAKFAST • LUNCH TAKE-OUT • EAT-IN • CATERING

Scratch-Made Fresh Daily Breads • Biscuits • Bagels Cakes • Pies • Pastries Soups • Salads • Sandwiches Fair Trade Coffee & Espresso

18 North Main Street Waynesville • 452.3881

tasteTHEmountains HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

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

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 am – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch every day from 11:30 till 2. Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting), featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful familystyle dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 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. The evening social hour starts at 6pm, and dinner is served starting at 7pm. So join us for milehigh mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

www.citybakery.net MON-FRI: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

SAT: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. SUN: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

September 11-17, 2013

ASHEVILLE: 60 Biltmore Ave. 252.4426 & 88 Charlotte St. 254.4289

A T N A N TA H A L A V I L L A G E

SEAFOOD STEAKS COCKTAILS

Smoky Mountain News

205-49

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 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.

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30

INDOOR & OUTDOOR SEATING

BRYSON CITY CORK & BEAN A MOUNTAIN SOCIAL HOUSE 16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934.

Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 3p.m., Full Menu 3 to 9 p.m. Serving fresh and delicious weekday morning lite fare, lunch, dinner, and brunch. Freshly prepared menu offerings range from house-made soups & salads, lite fare & tapas, crepes, specialty sandwiches and burgers. Be sure not to miss the bold flavors and creative combinations that make up the daily Chef Supper Specials starting at 5pm every day.

Followed by a tempting selection of desserts prepared daily by our chefs and other local bakers. Enjoy craft beers on tap, as well as our full bar and eclectic wine list.

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended.

4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Executive Chef Corey Green prepares innovative and unique Southern fare from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.waynesvilleinn.com.

CORNERSTONE CAFÉ 1092 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FRYDAY’S & SUNDAES 24 & 26 Fry St., Bryson City (Next To The Train Depot). 828.488.5379. Frydays is open; but closed on Wednesdays. Sundaes is open 7 days a week. Fryday’s is known for its Traditional English Beer Battered Fish & Chips, but also has burgers, deep fried dogs, gyro, shrimp, bangers, Chip Butty, chicken, sandwiches & a great kids menu. Price friendly, $3-$10, Everything available to go or call ahead takeout. Sundaes has 24 rotating flavors of Hershey's Ice Cream making them into floats, splits, sundaes, shakes. Private seating inside & out for both locations right across from the train station & pet friendly.

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St. Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., closed Mondays. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes.

Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. Come for the restaurant’s 4 @ 4 when you can choose a center and three sides at special prices.

Offered Wed- Fri. from 4 to 6.

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

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

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

Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome.

Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

205-16

at the

Lunch

We’ll feed your spirit, too.

Bed & Breakfast and Restaurant

WED-FRI 11:30 A.M.-2 P.M.

9400 HWY. 19 WEST 828-488-9000

7 miles west of Bryson City at the entry to the Nantahala Gorge.

RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED TUES– THURS 5:30-9 • FRI– SUN 5:30- 10 26

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.

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.

BAR OPENS AT 4

11 A.M.-2 P.M.

Brunch

94 East St. • Waynesville 828-452-7837 www.herrenhouse.com

For details & menus see

Open for Private Parties & Special Events 7 Days/Week

Cataloochee Ranch

tasteTHEmountains JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212.

Winter hours; Friday through Sunday and Mondays, 7 a.m. to noon. 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.

Joey & Brenda O’Keefe invite you to join 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. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

828.293.3096. Open Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Earth-friendly foods at people-friendly prices. Daily specials, wraps, salads, pastries, breads, soups and more. Unique fare, friendly service, casual atmosphere and wireless Internet. Organic ingredients, local produce, gourmet fair trade and organic coffees.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

MOUNTAIN PERKS ESPRESSO BAR & CAFÉ 9 Depot St., Bryson City. 828.488.9561.

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music

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

Reservations appreciated.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

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

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

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

JOSHUA GRANT

SAT, SEPT. 14 • 7PM

-Local beers now on draft-

Live Music on the Patio Tues.-Fri. Call to see who’s playing.

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117 Main Street, Canton NC 828.492.0618 • SidsOnMain.com Serving Lunch & Dinner

MON.-THURS. 11 A.M.-9 P.M. • FRI. & SAT. 11 A.M.-10 P.M. SUNDAY BRUNCH 11 A.M. TO 2:30 P.M.

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205-51

UPCOMING EVENTS

205-27

205-23

THURSDAY • 9/12

Adam Bigelow & Friends

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH

SATURDAY • 9/14

Caribbean Cowboys

TH

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14

Paradise 56 83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

205-24

Travers Brothership and Porch 40 628 E. Main Street • Sylva 828.586.1717 • soulinfusion.com

DINING ROOM | CURB SERVICE | TAKE-OUT | ICE CREAM 205-41

WELCOME TO

DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR

Ammons Burgers ❉ ❉ Steaks & Shakes ❉ BBQ ❉ ❉

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.

Over 4.5 million of Ammons Famous hotdogs served since 1984.

Open 7 days a week - 10am-9pm 1451 DELLWOOD RD. | WAYNESVILLE | 926-0734

THE WINE BAR 20 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground cellar for wine and beer, served by the glass all day.

Cheese and tapas served Wednesday through Saturday 4 p.m.-9 p.m. or later. info@classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito. The recipes have been in the family for 50 years (don't ask for the recipes cuz’ you won't get it!) Each Pizza is hand tossed and made with TLC. You're welcome to watch your pizza being created.

A MAN CALLED BRUCE

Burgers to Salads Southern Favorites & Classics

Try our New Panini & Sandwich Lunch Menu!

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

Smoky Mountain News

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

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

OLD STONE INN 109 Dolan Road, off Love Lane.

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

ART OPENING

September 11-17, 2013

LUCIO'S RESTAURANT 313 Highlands Road, Franklin.

828.369.6670. Serving Macon County since 1984. Closed Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Lunch Wednesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. until.Dinner Wednesday-Saturday 5 p.m. until. Owned and operated by Tanya and Dorothy Gamboni. Serving authentic Italian and continental cuisine including appetizers, pastas, poultry, veal, seafood, steaks and homemade deserts. Selection of wine and beer. Lunch and Dinner menus.

Wednesday and Thursday nights only. 1 appetizer and 2 selected entrées with unlimited salad and Lucio’s famous garlic rolls for $24.95. Winter Special: half-off house wines, Friday and Saturday only. luciosnc.com

at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections.

Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13 • 6PM

Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Dinner Nightly at 4 p.m. • CLOSED ON SUNDAY 454 HAZELWOOD AVENUE • WAYNESVILLE Call 828-452-9191 for reservations 205-39

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Must-see in Cullowhee

are at the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.

The Galaxy of Stars Series is presented by the WCU College of Fine and Performing Arts and with support from the WCU Friends of the Arts organization.

828.227.2479 or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

rom blockbuster Broadway musicals to the obscure art of throat singing to politically-charged documentaries on Iranian oppression, Western Carolina University is filling the stage and screen with an impressive line-up of shows, acts and film screenings over the coming year.

Entertaining, thought-provoking and cultural enlightening, WCU has three different performance series plus a film series. Act now to get season tickets to any of the series, or clip and save the line-up for upcoming shows you won’t want to miss.

F

Galaxy of the Stars Series • Brass Transit, a Chicago tribute band, Sept. 29. Filled with horns and towering vocals, the group plays the hits from the legendary rock-n-roll act.

• “Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash,” Nov. 24. Showcase touches on the life and times of the legendary country singer through music and stellar impersonations.

• “Smokey Joe’s Café,” Jan. 26. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller virtually invented rock ’n’ roll, and their songs provide the basis for entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture.

Monks labor at sand mandala on WCU campus Monks from the Drepung Loseling Monastery in Atlanta will demonstrate the art of mandala sand painting and perform sacred music and dance through Sept. 13 at Western Carolina University as part of the WCU Arts and Cultural Events Performance Series.

A sand mandala will be created in the A.K. Hinds University Center Grandroom. Derived from the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, the sand mandala is considered a tool for healing the earth. Chants and music at an opening ceremony at noon on Sept. 9 will precede the drawing of an outline on a wooden platform on which lamas will lay millions of grains of different colored sand to depict geometric shapes and ancient spiritual symbols.

When complete on Sept. 13, the sand mandala will be ceremoniously dismantled at a noon closing ceremony. Multi-phonic singers from the monastery will perform “Sacred Music Sacred Dance” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for all others. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479 or www.ace.wcu.edu.

• 1964, a musical tribute to The Beatles, Feb. 9. The group portrays the “Fab Four” with a wide selection of their material, with this specific show marking the 50th anniversary of the band’s immortal performance on the Ed Sullivan Show.

• The Squirm Burpee Circus, March 2. An exhilarating, fantastical adventure of classic slapstick comedy, high-skill circus acts with a classic melodrama plot.

• The Fantasticks, April 27. Billed as “the world’s longest-running musical,” the act transcends cultural barriers with its story of love both nostalgic and universal.

Season tickets for all six shows are $100 for adults and $25 for students and children. Single tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for WCU employees, and $5 for students and children. All shows

Stage and Screen Mainstage Series

• “Next to Normal,” a rock musical Sept.

25-28. The book and lyrics of Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt portray the struggle of a suburban mom with depression, memory loss, worsening bipolar disorder and the effects on her family members – as well as her unsure relationships with them. Held at Hoey Auditorium.

• “Zombies on Campus!

A SlaughterPocalypse,” Nov. 13-15 and Nov. 17-19. The comedic play-within-a-play tells the story of young theatre majors coming to terms with their lives, studies, lines for “Macbeth,” and the assault on their onstage refuge by the flesh-consuming undead. Held at the Bardo Arts Center.

• “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen, Feb. 12-16. The “modern tragedy” reveals the love, deceptions — and self-deceptions — that lead a woman with few alternatives to reevaluate her own identity as a wife and mother, as well as her relationship to her husband. Held at the Hoey Auditorium.

• “Les Miserables,” April 3- 6. The play portrays policeman Javert’s relentless pursuit of main character Jean Valjean, an escaped convict who served five years for stealing bread to feed

S EE CULLOWHEE, PAGE 31

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

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Smoky Mountain News

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September 11-17, 2013

He slinked by, turned and glanced at me.

“Well, hey there, you must be Jack, eh?” I said to him.

He raised his head, strode over to my front porch, and The inaugural Shining Rock Riverfest will be extended a handshake. I had Sept. 14 at Camp Hope in Cruso. heard I was getting a new upstairs neighbor, and there he was standing before me.

Poet Karen Kay Knauss will discuss her new Living above me for the better work The Thorny Truth and Their Civil War on part of this year, “Papa” Jack was Sept. 14 in Waynesville. a beautiful, troubled soul.

Growing up in Virginia, he got The Pickin’ On The Square summer concert into some mishaps and was series continues with Earl Cowart and the kicked out of his house at age 14.

Heart of the South on Sept. 14 in Franklin.

From there, he worked in the orange fields in Florida, then Seven Clans Rodeo runs from Sept. 13-15 in enlisted in the Army after more Cherokee. run-ins with the law and eventually became a sharpshooter during Vietnam.

The Macon Aero Modelers BBQ will be Sept.

“Well, my job was to kill. I did 21-22 in Otto. that, then went to bed, everyday,” he told me through saddened eyes. inhale deeply and exhale while leaning back After the war, he developed severe postinto the musty couch with a sigh. traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which Before and after becoming a journalist, overtook the latter years of his life, resulting I’d crossed paths with numerous Vietnam in alcoholism and drug abuse. Add that to being a roofer for 30 years and his body paid veterans. Not that their stories are better or worse than those from other wars, but their the price. He’d routinely stop by my porch faces and sentiments stuck out more. They and chat, always wanting to know, “What’s didn’t get a “ticker tape” parade upon in the news today?” returning home or were properly diagnosed The last time we crossed paths, he and I when something went wrong, physically or sat on the porch and shot the bull. We just mentally. They came back and dealt with talked and watched the world drift by. I’ll themselves and their thoughts, many-a-time never forget his eyes, which were full of alone with nobody to turn to. regret and loss. He’d light his cigarette,

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

Courtesy of www.warhistoryonline.com I’ve always been an advocate of the phrase, “You may not support the war, but support the troops.” Being 28 years old, from a military family, I’ve seen plenty of my high school classmates enlist and be deployed into Afghanistan and Iraq.

Many came home ready to take on the day, while a handful never seemed to ever want to arise from bed again. It’s heartbreaking.

“Papa” Jack carried his traumas with him like Tattoos on his chest in faded black ink a bag of weights. He was broken soul among Covering his heart and lungs thousands of similar folks, people we all come Like marks of past transgressions across day in and day out. Recently, I was strolling Main Street in downtown Waynesville And burnt from infinite cigarettes during their Labor Day weekend “Block Party.” In shaky hands and lonely lips Two polished, large sapphire pools My friend Louie approached me.

Tucked behind wrinkled flesh “Jack died yesterday, had a heart attack.

Permanent lines and creases Dead as a doornail, so I just thought you From rare laughter in a rowdy bar should know,” he said before disappearing From often sorrow in an empty room back into the crowd as fast as he appeared.

Another night on sweaty sheets I’ll never forget “Papa” Jack, and I hope, Another night of fear through this poem, that you won’t either…

From twilight visions he cannot escape Grab for the bottle The pill The smoke And blur the madness He moved like a man carrying two full suitcases Swaying back and forth, laboring up the stairwell Head upon his pillow Back to his sweaty bed and coffee-stained carpet Eyes upward and out the window Branches sway in southern winds Sheets unwashed due to a lack of quarters One day he won’t wake up alone And lack of energy to make the two-block walk A day he’ll never witness from his empty room And sit there at the coin laundry with faces For he’ll already be in that wooden box As ragged, distraught and demoralized As tattooed skin, wrinkles and creases As what he saw every morning in the mirror And a broken heart Tattoos on his chest of soldiers fallen Will dissolve where only bone remains And remembered by those, and him The common denominator of a man Who was bittersweet about being lucky enough Forgotten by the land he was birthed from To not come home in a wooden box

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Smoky Mountain News September 11-17, 2013

arts & entertainment

On the beat

Professional wrestler and country singer Mickie James will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14, at Thunder In The Smokies bike rally at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds.

With “Somebody’s Gonna Pay,” her debut project for eOne Music Nashville, James has set out to carve a new path for herself. An entertainer and athlete since childhood, the TNA Impact professional wrestling star has spent the last decade as part of some of the biggest pro wrestling organizations in the world. But now she’s using a microphone to rev up concert crowds rather than run down wrestling opponents, taking on the music world full-force. The project showcases James’ high-energy style, something she’s honed not only in the ring, but also via

CULLOWHEE, CONTINUED FROM 28

Arts and Cultural Events Performance Series

• Rock group the Arvie Jr. Band hits the stage at 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Water’n Hole Bar and Grill in Waynesville. $3.

828.456.4750. recent performances, opening for the likes of Gretchen Wilson, Randy Houser and Montgomery Gentry.

The rally runs Sept. 13-15. Weekend passes are $20 per person, which includes live music and other entertainment.

Vendors will be on-site. www.handlebarcorral.com or www.mickiejames.com.

and $10 for all others.

• Award-winning novelist Colum McCann will speak at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, in the Coulter Building. Free.

Held at the Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479.

Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers • “How to Make Movies at Home” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the A.K. Hinds University Center. The film is a fictional

depiction of do-it-yourself filmmakers in Maine in the process of making a movie when a Hollywood film company encroaches upon their town and their movie. Intended to be entertaining yet educational, the picture offers real lessons for aspiring filmmakers.

Q&A to follow the screening.

• “Birth of the Living Dead,” Tuesday, Oct. 22. A documentary about the revolutionary filmmaking techniques used by George Romero, the impact classic horror film “Night

• Gospel group Nick Chandler and Delivered perform at 3 p.m. Sept. 15, at the Smoky Mountain Meadows Campground in Bryson City. Free. 828.488.3672 or www.greatsmokies.com.

• A Man Called Bruce will play at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14, at City Lights Café in Sylva. Free. 828.587.2233 or www.citylightscafe.com.

of the Living Dead” had on the craft, and a reflection of the turbulent era in which it was created.

• “GMO OMG,” Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Director Jeremy Seifert goes around the country seeking out food that is free of GMOs, interviewing farmers and attempting to interview an executive at the Monsanto Corporation, a producer of seeds engineered to increase the yield of crops.

• “The Iran Job,” Tuesday, Feb. 4. A documentary about an American professional basketball player who joins an Iranian basketball team that ends up shedding light on women’s struggles against the oppressive Iranian regime as well as the political process.

• “ Fi n d i n g Hillywood,” Tuesday, March 18. A feature documentary depicting a Rwandan man’s journey to become a filmmaker and bring movies to rural areas through the use of a giant inflatable screen, shedding light on genocide in the process.

• “The New Public,” Tuesday, April 8. A documentary that explores the flaws of public education and the children that fall through the cracks.

The tour is part of WCU’s Arts and Cultural Events Performance Series and a program of South Arts, a nonprofit regional arts organization. All films in the series are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. A question-and-answer session with the filmmaker will follow. Refreshments will be available. southerncircuit.wcu.edu or 828.227.3751.

• The Pickin’ On The Square summer concert series continues with Earl Cowart and the Heart of the South at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the lower level town hall in Franklin. At 6:30 p.m. the stage opens for anyone wanting to play a few songs. Free.

828.524.2516 or www.franklinnc.com/pickin.html.

• Eddie Rose and Highway 40 will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Smoky Mountain Roasters in Hazelwood. Donations at the show will be accepted to help raise money for Project Challenge. Free, with suggested donation.

• Julies Kickin’ Karaoke, Sparkly Nipples and DJ KO will be at Alley Kats Tavern in Waynesville.

Karaoke is at 8 p.m. Sept. 11 and 14, with Sparkly Nipples at 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and DJ KO at 9 p.m. Sept. 13. 828.226.1657 or www.facebook.com/alleykatstavern.

On the stage Haywood’s Got Talent finalists at HART With a $1,000 top prize, Haywood’s Got Talent finals will be at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

The winner and runner-up will be chosen by three judges and the audience, whose vote will count for 25 percent of the balloting. The lineup for the finals will include Rac Sharaka Dance Company, Kara White, Hannah Brooks, Ben Sears, Charlotte Rogers, Productive Paranoia, Ricky Sanford, Samantha Mulholland, Dominic Frost, Reagan Mulvey, Madison Garris, Emilie Thompson, and Randy Robins. The show will feature vocalists, a comedian, belly dancers, a harpist and pianist.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for students. www.harttheatre.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• “Vodoun Gods on the Slave Coast” and “The Divine River: Ceremonial Pageantry in the Sahel” screening at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24-25 at the University Center Theatre. Free.

• “Song of the Phoenix” by the Na-Ni Chen Dance Company at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2. $5 for students, $10 for all others.

• The Alash Tuvan Throat Singing Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Free for students, $5 for all others.

• “An Enchanted Broadway Holiday Show” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, performed by recording artist Lee Lessack, mezzo-soprano Joanne O’Brien and musical director John Boswell. $5.

• “FROGZ,” a family-friendly show by Imago Theatre with a cast that ranges from comedic amphibians to acrobatic larvae to mimes, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11. $5.

• Acclaimed Americana group The Carolina Chocolate Drops will perform at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 3. $5 for students

ALSO:

• The Music in the Mountains concert series continues with The Heaven Seekers at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City. www.greatsmokies.com.

September 11-17, 2013

his sister’s starving family – and 14 more for an escape attempt. Held at Bardo Arts Center.

This series is directed and performed WCU faculty and students.

Season tickets for all four shows are $50 for adults, $40 for seniors and WCU employees, and $20 for students. Individual tickets for the shows range from $15-$20 for adults, $10-$15 for seniors and WCU employees, and $7 for students.

828.227.7491 or 828.227.2479 or fapac.wcu.edu.

• The Back Home in Michigan Band, Positive Mental Attitude, and Dylan Riddle will be performing at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. The Back Home in Michigan Band plays Sept. 12-13, with Positive Mental Attitude Sept. 14, and Riddle Sept. 15 and 19. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m., with Sunday performances at 4 p.m.

828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

arts & entertainment

Wrestler brings musical talents to Maggie rally

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September 11-17, 2013

arts & entertainment

On the streets Youth Art Festival coming to Dillsboro The 6th annual Youth Arts Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

The popular festival features local and

The Youth Arts Festival will be Sept. 21 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park. Donated photo

NC Mountain State Fair underway in Fletcher

The NC Mountain State Fair runs through Sept. 15 at WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher.

The fair will feature an array of family friendly events, on-site food and drink vendors, craft artisans, music, dance and other unique forms of entertainment. Key events include the Kenya Acrobats, 11 a.m., 1, 4 and 7 p.m.; Kachunga and the Alligator Show, 1, 3, 5, 7. and 9 p.m.; Sea Lion Splash, 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m.; and Human Cannonball, 6 and 8 p.m.

Check complete schedule online for various performance times each day.

Fairgoers can save $2 on admission tickets and 50 percent on ride tickets by purchasing them before the fair. Advance tickets are $6 for adults ages 13-64, $2 for children ages 6-12 and seniors 65 and older.

Groups with 30 or more people can purchase advance tickets for $5 per person.

Ride tickets are available in advance for $7.50 for a sheet of 12 tickets.

Tickets for the fair are $8 for adults, $4 for seniors 65 and older and children 6-12 years old, with children under 5 years old admitted free.

Group rates and family packages are available.

32 www.mountainfair.org.

Smoky Mountain News

regional artists demonstrating their skills and sharing their love for their art. In addition to glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, and other demonstrations, artists will work hands-on with the children to make pots, weave bookmarks, create glass mosaics, paint with tennis balls, and much more. The stage area will feature local musicians and dance troupes, and the GEP Trash Dragon will make a few appearances, as well. Aspiring artists can also help decorate several of the large rainwater collection tanks used at the greenhouses.

The GEP is an award-winning project that uses landfill gas and other renewable energy resources to fuel a variety of art studios and other efforts. There is no entrance fee to attend the Youth Arts Festival and all art activities are free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. www.jcgep.org or 828.631.0271 or info@jcgep.org.

Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition community day The Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition is hosting its 6th annual Community Day from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Tsali Manor Pavilion in Cherokee, to which everyone is invited.

“Creating a Healing Forest” is the theme of this year’s gathering. Representatives from various community groups will share what they are doing to preserve cultural values and bring healing and wellness to Cherokee.

There will be storytelling, singing, and elders sharing, and participants will have an opportunity to identify with their other family clan members. Door prizes will be given. Bring a traditional Cherokee food dish for the potluck lunch and a beverage.

The Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition is committed to enhancing the lives of people by honoring and reclaiming the seven Cherokee core values especially in the promotion of clean, wholesome, healthy lifestyles.

The seven core values are: spirituality, harmony, education, sense of place, honoring the past, strong character, and sense of humor.

828.421.9855 or 828.554.6222.

The Macon Aero Modelers BBQ will be Sept. 21-22 in Otto. Donated photo

Macon Aero Modelers Barbecue Fundraiser The Macon Aero Modelers is holding its 5th annual BBQ Charity Fun Fly at 9 a.m. Sept.

21-22, at the club’s flying field on Tessentee Road in Otto.

Each year the club, made up of radio-controlled airplane enthusiasts, hosts the Fun Fly to raise money for non-governmental, non-profit organizations. This year the club is sponsoring the event to raise money for REACH of Macon County. REACH is a non-profit organization that works with victims of domestic violence. It also has a court advocacy program, rape prevention education programs, youth advocacy programs, a 24-hour crisis hot line and provides emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, among other services.

There is a $5 parking fee. Barbecue plates are $7 and hot dog plates are $5.

The rain date for the event is Sept. 28-29.

828.421.7843.

Health and rehab center fall fest, yard sale The Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center announces its inaugural “Fall Fest and Yard Sale” to be held at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, in Clyde.

The yard sale begins at 7 a.m., with karaoke at 10 a.m. Lunch will be available from 10:30 a.m. until noon for $5. The bluegrass band Blackberry Jam will perform at 2 p.m. Proceeds go to the center’s Activity Department.

Volunteers are needed to transport residents to the events that day. If you can help, call Mary Parker at SMH&R at 828.454.9260. stanandlinda@charter.net or 828.456.5311.

Seven Clans Rodeo rides into Cherokee The inaugural Seven Clans Rodeo will be held Sept. 13-15 at the Old Cherokee Elementary School. Events start at 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, and at 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

Western North Carolina’s own Jeff Robins, three-time Professional Bull Riding Stock Contractor of the Year Jeff Robinson will bring

bulls, such as RMEF Gunpowder & Lead. Curb Records recording artist Rachel Holder will perform Friday night, with My Highway on Saturday evening, followed by Archie Watkins & Smoky Mountain Reunion at Cowboy Church on Sunday morning. All performances are included in the price of the ticket.

Single day tickets are $13 for adults and $6 for children. Weekend passes are $30 for adults and $12 for children. A “gold buckle” ticket is $18 per day.

For more information, tickets, and a full schedule, visit www.greatsmokies.com or www.showclix.com.

828.497.6700 or 828.254.8681.

‘Who Do You Think You Are?’

The Silas McDowell Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution will host a free genealogy seminar to assist people in their search for their ancestors at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Macon County Library in Franklin.

Anyone with an ancestor(s) tied to the American Revolution is welcomed and encouraged to attend this free seminar.

828.321.3522 or tomeaglenc@aol.com or www.ncssar.org/chapters/Silas.htm.

On the streets

A GUAR ANTEED GRE AT NIGHT OUT

The 12th annual Railfest will bring a taste of railroad food, memorabilia, storytelling, Appalachian music and dance, and special train excursions to downtown Bryson City Sept. 13-15.

This year’s Railfest coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which organizes the festival and hosts it at the train depot.

The craft fair starts up at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Heritage Alive Mountain

Youth Talent Contest will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, followed by the Ammons Sisters, J.Creek Cloggers and the Ross Brothers, Lonesome Sound and Dusk Weaver with youth bluegrass musicians.

Sunday’s music line-up starts at 11 a.m. with Children of Zion followed by The Queen Family and Lonesome Sound again.

Special train excursions include a Friday night “Wet Your Whistle” invitational train excursion. Special excursions will be offered on a steam engine Saturday and Sunday.

Returning again will be a special collection of motorcars that will be brought by their owner to Bryson City. These track cars were formerly used on railroads to inspect track and carry track gangs and their tools out to work zones. The cars are now privately owned and used to ride on short line railroads nationwide. Various rides on these unique motorcars will be available during the festival.

For a full schedule of events, click on www.gsmr.com or 800.872.4681.

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RailFest will be Sept. 13-15 in downtown Bryson City.

• The Dazzling Dahlia Festival will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Highlands Recreation Park and Civic Center. The event, benefiting the Highlands Historical Society, will showcase local enthusiasts’ prize-winning dahlias. Exhibitors can enter as many as six categories for a small entrance fee.

828.526.9418 or www.highlandshistory.com.

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• The WNC Open Badminton Tournament will be Sept. 13-15 at the Mountain View

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• The Pisgah Promenaders Square Dance Club will host its Black and White Costume dance from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Old Armory Recreation Center in Waynesville. Ken Perkins will be the caller for the plus and mainstream dancing. A workshop begins at 6:15 p.m.

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MedWest-Haywood is asking the community to step up to the plate and do their best rendition of the ‘Pink Glove Dance’ on Monday, Sept. 16.

The ‘Pink Glove Dance’ has become a national hit to raise awareness of breast cancer. There will be two sessions: at noon in front of the hospital and at 6 p.m. in the gym at the Health & Fitness Center.

Pink surgical gloves will be provided and dance participants should try to wear one pink item, such as a shirt, scarf or hat.

People of all ages and all levels of mobility

are invited to join in.

No experience is necessary, but be forewarned, the dances will be taped and a video submitted as part of a national Pink Glove Dance contest. The winning videos receive cash prizes donated to breast cancer charities of their choice.

Over the course of the week, videos of the Pink Glove Dance will also be captured in doctors’ practices, by nurses on the floors of the hospital, and even in the administration wing.

The first Pink Glove Dance video was created in 2009 by Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Ore. It went viral and the national media spotlight prompted hospitals all over the world to do their own version. www.medwesthealth.org/PinkGlove.

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The Sylva Art Stroll continues from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, in downtown Sylva.

Galleries will feature art exhibits, some hosting artist receptions. The event is a perfect night for dining and shopping local, enjoying art, and exploring historic downtown Main Street. City Lights Café will host an opening for banjo artisan Joshua Grant, Nichols House Antiques will have a beer/wine reception for Jackson County Visual Arts Association members, Signature Brew presents the work of abstract expressionist Audrey Ellington, The Rotunda Gallery will showcase photographer Anna Fariello, and Gallery 1 will feature an array of mixed media artwork.

The Sylva Art Stroll is a monthly event, occurring every second Friday of the month. Free.

828.337.3468.

‘Small art’ sought Haywood County Arts Council announces an open call for artists for its annual small works exhibit, “It’s a Small, Small Work 2013,” which will run from Nov. 13 through Dec. 28 at Gallery 86 in

Waynesville.

The non-juried show is open to all artists with a permanent address in the Blue Ridge Heritage area, which includes the Qualla Boundary and all of the 25 counties in Western North Carolina. The flat fee for entering the show is $25, and all work must be priced at $300 or less. The show challenges artists to create works smaller than 12 inches in every dimension, including base, matting and framing.

For an application email info@haywoodarts.org or stop by Gallery 86 on Main Street in Waynesville. www.haywoodarts.org or www.facebook.com/haywoodarts.

Open call for artisan vendors The 4th annual autumn Balsam Arts and Crafts Show will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 26, at Balsam/Willets/Ochre Fire Department.

Mediums will include handcrafted pottery, oil paintings and prints of local scenery, hand-stitched and stamped greeting cards, handmade baskets, crocheted items and more. Artisans are asked to call for more information.

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credit my older sister with teaching me pick-up some go-to gear like booster seats many of life’s important lessons. Like not and strollers so your traveling relatives don’t wearing white heels after Labor Day, or not have to do as much packing on their end. mixing gold earrings with a silver necklace.

• Shop without your kids along if at all Vital advice no doubt, but I am most possible. indebted to her for schooling me in the art of • Budget time and money for browsing shopping at children’s consignment sales. toys and games as well as clothes. I stock up When planning a weekend visit to see her on birthday and Christmas presents and several years ago, my sister warned me it squirrel them away in hidden places. It’s also coincided with Charlotte’s biggest, not-to-be-missed consignment sale.

Since I didn’t have kids of my own yet, she suggested I stay home with the nieces. But I asked to tag along, envisioning a girlish romp through racks of cute kid’s clothes, cooing over the darling outfits with lattes in hand, something like the Saturday afternoons we spent at the mall as teenagers.

My first clue that it was in fact an all-business endeavor was when she announced the night before we would be leaving at 6:45 a.m. When I stumbled down to the kitchen at the appointed hour and found her saddling up empty laundry baskets with leashes so she could “When I stumbled down to the tow them along behind her as she shopped, I realized I’d kitchen at the appointed hour signed on for a marathon rather than a leisurely jaunt. and found her saddling up empty However, with several conlaundry baskets with leashes so signment sales of my own now under my belt, I can proudly she could tow them along behind count myself among the pros.

This week, the Duck-Duckher as she shopped, I realized I’d Goose children’s consignment signed on for a marathon rather sale will be in Waynesville Thursday through Saturday than a leisurely jaunt.”

(Sept. 12-14) from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. This amazing and well-run operation transforms the vacant nice to tuck away toys to pull out as a “new” store front in the Walnut Street shopping surprise on a rainy day. center into a bargain-hunter’s paradise full • Make a list of what you definitely want of children’s clothes, toys and gear. to walk out with. The deals are so plentiful, Here are some tips for any novice conand so good, that you can easily get sidesignment shoppers out there. tracked. Sure I already have an easel, but • Bring something to put your finds in. wouldn’t a second one be nice in case a friend You’ll need your hands free to shop. A forearm comes over and they want to paint together? saddled with a stack of clothes will not only And while a Scooby Doo hat isn’t exactly slow you down but your aching elbow will pre- every day school attire school, how can you maturely drain your shopping stamina. go wrong for $4? If you know you need a win• Be friendly. Even if you saw the $9 ter coat and snow boots, shop for those first.

Buzz Lightyear Halloween costume first, it’s • That said, some of my best scores at not worth a tug-of-war. Actually, I love the consignment sales have been the impulse mom camaraderie of consignment sales. I’ve buys. I snatched up a see-saw at the Duckeven exchanged cell numbers with other Duck-Goose consignment sale three years moms for future play dates after becoming ago and it’s gotten more use than anything fast friends in the close quarters of the tightelse in our toy arsenal to date. ly-packed girl’s 5T dress section.

• Prepare your spouse for the impending • If you’re a grandparent, consignment kid clutter that will be entering your home, and sales are a cheap way to stock your house make sure they’re at the ready to help carry the with toys for the grandkids’ next visit, and bags in from the car ‘cause you’ll be beat.

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

The lost West in all its violent glory have always had a fondness for great, sprawling epics, especially if they chronicle the downfall of a family/dynasty that acquired great power and wealth only to destroy themselves through ruthless acts involving betrayal, greed and arrogance. Invariably, they build mansions, acquire awesome estates and develop a lifestyle that allowed them to move Writer through a cosmopolitan world of wealth and privilege; yet invariably they come crashing down, destroyed by drugs, alcoholism and/or moral rot.

I grew up with the movie “Bright Leaf ” and still remember the final scene in which Gary Cooper, the founder of a tobacco dynasty, is destroyed by intrigue and greed (Cooper rides out of town on a mule.) There was “Citizen Kane” and a wonderful film, “Written on the Wind” in which Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone and Rock Hudson struggle with the temptations of being oil well millionaires. Then, there was Edna Ferber’s novel/movie, “Giant.” The message is clear: excessive power and privilege lead to selfdestruction.

Philipp Meyer’s massive novel comes to the same conclusion, but it does it with stunning brilliance. This may be the best novel ever written about the winning and losing of the West. Beginning with a horrific massacre in which a Comanche war party rapes, scalps and murders Eli McCullough’s mother and sister, The Son continues through the slaughter of the Garcias, a large Mexican family some 50 years later.

These two bloody events stand like bookends in this novel. The child, Eli McCullough

Gary Carden

I

(born in 1836), survived the Comanche slaughter to become the adopted son of the Comanche war chief, Toshaway. In time, Eli “becomes a Comanche,” adept with the bow and lance and even rides on raiding parties, taking scalps.

Eventually, he returns to “the white world” where, despite numerous setbacks (he is regarded as a savage and a barbarian who has an uncontrollable need to steal horses), Eli gradu-

The Son by Philipp Meyer. HarperCollins, 2013.

592 pages ally becomes “acceptable” (shrewd and ruthless). In time, he is one of the wealthiest and most powerful ranchers in Texas.

There is a paradox here. Eli’s survival skills — which include courage, ambition and fortitude — are of a dual nature. His fierce devotion to family and his need to acquire and

McCall presents Appalachian mystery at City Lights Franklin native Eva McCall will read from her mystery novel, Murder on Haint Branch, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Infidelity, moonshining, a crooked lawman and a self-serving preacher are the building blocks for a novel that offers readers a glimpse into the way life really was for Appalachian people in the early 1940s. McCall has also written Edge of Heaven, Children of the Mountain and Lucy’s Recipes for Mountain Living.

828.586.9499.

Coffee with the Poet continues The Coffee with the Poet series continues with Rick Mulkey at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Mulkey is the author of four poetry collections including Toward

dominate the natural world eventually transforms him into a force that both destroys and creates. It is Eli who contrives the scheme to murder the Garcia family, a crime that will haunt his descendants for generations. In fact, despite repeated attempts to burn and bury it, the ruins of the Garcia farm remains in the center of the McCullough holdings like a silent accusation Although The Son covers five generations of McCulloughs, it is the founder, Eli, who remains a controlling force, even after his death. As the family wealth passes from cattle to oil wells, foreign politics and massive “investments,” the family not only survives but flourishes. During times of war, many of the family’s most gifted perish. Alcoholism and drugs take a toll, yet the McCullough Empire continues like a heedless machine that consumes, obliterates and feeds itself on the wreckage.

Eli McCullough’s legacy is guilt. At times, Eli’s descendants come to resemble the members of a “cursed house” in Greek tragedy.

Those who reject the McCullough name and seek out a livelihood in another country do not escape since they continue to benefit from McCullough wealth.

Much of The Son is narrated by Peter McCullough, Eli’s grandson who spends much of his life doing penance for the “sins of the fathers.” Despised by his grandfather and trapped in a loveless marriage, Peter lives a hermit’s existence while keeping a detailed history of the family in his journals. Then, he is visited by Maria Garcia, the mentally unstable sole survivor of the Garcia massacre. The two begin a troubled relationship and Maria becomes a resident of the McCullough mansion where she wanders the dark halls at night and plays her mother’s old piano (which had been “acquired” by Eli after the massacre of the Garcia family). The aging Eli tells Peter to get rid of Maria, but Peter refuses.

Finally, there is Jennie McCullough, the

Any Darkness (recipient of an Eric Hoffer Award and finalist for the Weatherford Award), Before the Age of Reason, and Bluefield Breakdown. His work appears in the anthologies American Poetry: the Next Generation, The Southern Poetry Anthology: Volumes I and III, and A Millennial Sampler of South Carolina Poetry, among others.

The Coffee with the Poet series is cosponsored by the NetWest Chapter of the North Carolina Writer’s Network.

828.586.9499.

Poetry book focuses on Civil War ancestors Poet Karen Kay Knauss will discuss her new work The Thorny Truth and Their Civil War at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

The book is about the author’s Western North Carolina ancestors during the Civil War. Knauss is the great, great, granddaughter of Branch H. M. and Miriam Killian Trull, and John Pinkney and

reluctant heir of the McCullough fortunes. Stubborn, spunky, defiant and resentful of her brother’s attempts to advise her, Jennie strives to manage the family’s wealth which she fully understands was acquired by theft, corruption and brute force.

As Texas roars into the 20th century, Jennie accepts her destiny. In many ways, her world view is the same as Eli’s, and like him she rules by instinct, knowing that she is being watched by all of the people who are dependent on her: work hands, family and lovers. Her presence and her character are memorable — a brilliant portrayal of a lonely, driven woman.

Ironically, Jennie meets Edna Ferber, the author of Giant who comes to the McCullough ranch while she’s doing research.

Jennie is not impressed and found the James Dean movie “overstated” and “exaggerated.” However, it is obvious that Ferber found something vital in her visit, something that she managed to capture in the both the book and film.

It is important to comment on the scope of this novel and the background of the American West that Phillip Mayer captures in all of its grandeur. Here is the passing of Native Americans, buffalo herds and the vast vistas of natural beauty, all captured in that brief instant before they vanish forever. The Son is witness to this passing. Men like Eli McCullough destroyed it in a rampage of unsurprising greed and gluttony. Like Cormac McCarthy’s Blood Meridian and John Williams’ Butcher’s Crossing, here is the American West in all of its tragic glory.

This is a bloody book and it is filled with sexually explicit passages that may make some readers wince. There is a raw energy in The Son that resonates in all the senses. The reader will have the opportunity to smell, taste, hear and see a vanquished world. I suggest that you take your time and savor it.

Hannah Warren Meece. Both families lived in East Fork Township during the Civil War, and many of their descendants currently live in Haywood and neighboring counties of North Carolina.

828.456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

Discussion focuses on Ron Rash Friends of the Library’s “Let’s Talk About It” series continues with The World Made Straight by local author Ron Rash at 4 p.m.

Sept. 19, in the Waynesville Public Library.

The local Friends of the Library chose this book to include in the series because it is set in Appalachia. The series is entitled “Mapping Southern Identities: Journeys Across Time and Space.”

The series is designed to help people who explore and rethink their collective identities in relation to history.

Erica Locklear of UNC-A will lead the discussion. The series is made possible by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities and the local Friends of the Library.

828.456.5311 or stanandlinda@charter.net.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

38

BY ANDREW KASPER STAFF WRITER t is a common story — a species once eliminated returns to find not everyone welcomes it back them with open arms. The return of wolves to northern Wisconsin, the reintroduction of beavers to the United Kingdom, and now the elk in Western North Carolina.

After disappearing from North Carolina in the late 1700s, the elk have since made a comeback from the history books in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — from zero to a successful and ever-growing herd in short time. But with their renewed success in their historic home, so comes a newfound set of problems.

The next chapter in the story of the elk recently began with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission giving the go-ahead for two Haywood County landowners to kill the massive herbivores. Citing property destruction and disruption of agricultural operations, a dairy farmer and the owner of a pumpkin patch applied to the state for depredation permits.

Those permits were granted by the head of the Wildlife Commission and give each farmer permission to kill one elk in an allotted time frame. They are the first of their kind awarded in the area around Cataloochee Valley — the section of the park where elk were reintroduced in 2001 and have proliferated.

Whether the permits are warranted, or will even be effective in the long run, is a question of debate. What is not debatable is that the species, as it expands outwards from the protection of Cataloochee Valley and into the cornfields and cow pastures of the farmers surrounding the park, is starting to step on toes.

I

Growing pains Farmers pay the price as elk heard damage crops, fences McGaha and his neighbors, one of the most aggravating, and costly, attitudes of the elk is their blatant disregard for fences.

“The problem is they have no respect for a fence whatsoever,” McGaha said.

“They try to jump them, and their back legs don’t get across, and they take it down.”

roads and onto other people’s property — elk tend to spook cows. When an elk gets in the pasture, McGaha said, Bessie is known to take off running. If there is one thing a cow isn’t too graceful at, it is moving quickly.

While running, cows are exposed to all sorts of unnecessary risks, like broken and sprained limbs. McGaha says replac-

IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

The reintroduction of elk to the Park started with two small herds of 52 elk in the early 2000s. After some difficulty establishing a breeding population, the herd jumped to more than 120 in 2009, the Park’s last official count. That was about the same year Tony McGaha’s phone really started ringing with local residents complaining about the elk.

“It’s getting more and more abundant all the time — all the calls,” said McGaha, who plays the role of agricultural agent, cattleman and cattle advocate in WNC, making him the ideal person to call when something goes wrong on the farm or in the back forty. “We used to never get them.”

Although a bulk of the herd stayed put in Cataloochee, where they pass the time posing for photographs for tourists and grazing in the flat valley floors, a contingent has since branched out into the surrounding communities of Jonathon Creek and Maggie Valley.

By McGaha’s estimates, there are about a dozen elk that are known saboteurs in the region. They’ve been blamed for desecrated graveyards, leveled plots of corn, trampled gardens, dead dogs — the list goes on. For

“Elk will be part of the landscape.

Exactly how many in five or 10 years, that’s going to depend on people who live in this part of the state and their desire to see elk.”

— David Cobb, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Division of Wildlife Management

Elk have enjoyed a successful reintroduction within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but face pushback from private landowners as they expand their range.

An elk-proof fence — more common out west where elk are a more common sight on the landscape — needs to be a little beefier than a typical cattle fence.

Given that elk are a new neighbor for all WNC farmers, most have not invested in methods for keeping them out.

Hank Ross, the son of the dairy farmer who received one of the elk depredation permits, refused to talk about the family farming operation for the article.

But he did point out that elk can be a costly nuisance and that the price tag for a brand new fencing is not negligible by any means.

Apart from trampling fences — which could mean cattle wandering onto

ing a cow with broken leg can cost a farmer $2,000 to $3,000, and sometimes the best they can hope to get for the injured animal is to get “salvage value” for it — which means hamburger. There is also the risk of the elk transmitting disease to the livestock.

The owner of the pumpkin patch, who was also issued a depredation permit granting him permission to kill an elk until Oct. 1, could not be reached for comment. But state reports indicate the elk were squishing his pumpkins by stepping on them and bedding in the field.

“They just destroy it,” McGaha said.

While some environmentalists and elk enthusiasts are questioning the

issuance of the two depredation permits, McGaha, who has had his own cattle fences destroyed by elk, said being a farmer and landowner in the area gives one a completely different perspective than that of the many sightseers who come to the area for the elk.

“It’s well, fine and good to look at them and see them when they’re not affecting your livelihood,” McGaha said.

He added that he is not convinced elk and farmers can coexist in Maggie Valley and Jonathan Creek. He’s not convinced there’s enough open space for the elk to roam.

Meanwhile, he applauded the Wildlife Commission for addressing the concerns of local landowners by issuing the depredation permits but questioned whether they’ll have that great an impact.

“We’ll just have to wait and see,” he said. “They only issued two permits — that’s only two animals.”

For wildlife advocates, however, NPS photo two permits might be two too many and their issuance sets a “dangerous precedent,” said Bill Lea, a wildlife photographer and conservationist from Franklin. The move also signals to landowners in the region that the Commission supports the killing of elk, a species that humans already managed to eliminate once before in history.

But the Commission’s policies should come as no surprise, Lea said.

“The bottom line, what I see is too often, is the easy solution is just to kill, just kill,” Lea said.

Lea questioned how much effort was really put into non-lethal methods of

S EE E LK, PAGE 40

outdoors

The Naturalist’s Corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Get thee to an eatery

A shopper in Mast General Store.

Buy gear and help the park’s friends Mast General Store is offering outdoor enthusiasts a way to get new gear while helping out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Until Sept. 14, Patagonia footwear, apparel and gear purchased at Mast General Store in Waynesville will benefit the nonprofit Friends of the Smokies. The fund-raising initiative will culminate Sept.

14 with a celebration at the Mast General Store, at which 10 percent of the store’s sales on that date directed to the friends group.

There is a parallel event in the company’s Knoxville store, and this is the fourth year of the fund-raising campaign.

Joshua Grant

What you do with your land affects the birds “Land use in the Southeast and how it affects birds” is the topic of discussion at an upcoming Highlands Plateau Audubon Society program.

Researcher Paige Barlow will talk about her work on the subject at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, at the Hudson Library in Highlands. Barlow is a doctoral candidate in Wildlife Sciences at the University of Georgia, working out of the Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory in Otto.

Barlow has spent the past several years studying bird species across a wide array of natural and human habitats throughout Macon County. Her goal has been to determine the impact of various land management practices on bird populations in the region.

She hopes her findings will help local and regional landowners in making land management decisions in the future. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 828.743.9670.

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tion about Cherokee cosmology and sense of place in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

A limited number of prints will be available for sale at the opening. The exhibit will be on display at City Lights Café through the month of September.

The Southern Appalachians are blessed with awe-inspiring topography, a landscape that bleeds with cultures lost and cultures preserved, and accomplished artists and artisans with the depth and breath of soul and talent to capture and express this deep and abiding sense of place.

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

Representatives from Friends of the Smokies will be on hand Sept. 14 to share information about projects in the park. Currently, the organization’s trail crew is working on the Chimney Tops Trail. Information about volunteering with the crew will be available on-site as well.

This month also marks the 20th anniversary of Friends of the Smokies.

“Twenty years ago this month, our organization was established to help the Smokies. We wouldn’t still be here without the support of businesses like Mast who recognize what an economic engine Great Smoky Mountains National Park is for its surrounding communities,“ said Holly Demuth, North Carolina director of Friends of the Smokies. www.friendsofthesmokies.org or www.mastgeneralstore.com.

September 11-17, 2013

Sorry, I couldn’t help it – I saw Hamlet at Montford Park this past weekend.

But to be more specific, get thee to City Lights Café this Friday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m. for “Land of the Crooked Water.” The event is the inaugural offering of the Southern Appalachian Office of the Wilderness Society’s LAND/SCAPE project.

The project is designed to draw attention to the intersection of art and nature by featuring the nature-inspired work of regional artists, writers and poets.

Land of the Crooked Water is an exhibit of prints created by Western North Carolina artist/artisan Joshua Grant. Grant is a graduate of the Nantahala School of the Arts and the owner of Grant Custom Banjos where he puts his talent to work constructing handmade banjos from natural materials. Grants art has been featured in regional publications, art shows and galleries like Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center.

He spent the summer as art intern for the Southern Appalachian Office of the Wilderness Society with the intent of focusing on the Society’s “North Carolina Mountain Treasures.” The results of that focus will be on exhibit next Friday in the form of five prints, each representing a North Carolina Mountain Treasure. The five are: Joyce Kilmer – Slickrock Wilderness; Panthertown; Unicoi Mountains; Cheoah Bald and Tusquitee Bald. Grant worked with the Cherokee Language Studies program at Western Carolina University using the Cherokee Syllabary to incorporate names and/or descriptions of these treasures to help add to the sense of place that he gathered through scholarly study, conversation and personal visits to these wild places. The exhibit gets its name “Land of the Crooked Water” from a translation associated with Tusquitee Bald.

The prints are a combination of abstract and realist style. They were created using an innovative digital photo-polymer handprint process then transferred to a traditional hand press. The prints demonstrate the

deep cultural and spiritual connections to these mountain treasures and seek to inspire a sense of duty to care for the Earth and its wild places.

Friday night’s program will detail the process Grant used to produce the prints plus talk about why these five places were chosen. Tom Belt, program coordinator of the Western Carolina University Cherokee Language Program, will speak at the recep-

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September 11-17, 2013

outdoors

E LK, CONTINUED FROM 38 dealing with the problem elk, by the landowners and state wildlife staff. The green light to shoot two elk in Haywood County also opens the door for future requests and sets the Commission on a slippery slope policy of supporting lethal methods of management, he said.

In the short term, the landowner may get instant relief for their crops, livestock or livelihood. But in the long term, what’s to stop the situation from repeating itself, Lea asked. The property owners also run the risk of shooting one elk, as the permit allows, and having it be the wrong elk.

“OK, they go ahead and shoot an elk and then all of sudden they have another elk show up — then what?” Lea asked. “Are they going want another permit?”

One solution, offered by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian, is to have the nuisance elk relocated. There is a satellite herd of elk where the Cherokee reservation meets the Park. Principal Chief Michell Hicks, a newly appointed state wildlife commission member, believes the problem elk would get along just fine there.

The tribe even offered to relocate the elk and donate the time and resources for the project. However, Hicks said he had not heard back from the Commission or property owners to take him up on the offer.

“I’m going to keep that on the table because I truly believe that’s the right thing to do,” Hicks said. “(Killing the elk) would be what I consider a last resort. I think we can put in place other measures before that is necessary.”

trailer,” Myers said. “It’s a complex, logistical undertaking, and we have landowners that have an immediate need.”

In some respects, though, the depredation permits are more symbolic than anything. Landowners already have the right to kill an animal that’s destroying their property. An elk was already killed once before at the Ross dairy farm.

“Under state law, if the elk is in the act of causing damage these landowners could shoot the elk anyway,” said David Cobb, chief of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Division of Wildlife Management.

The difference is, with a depredation permit, the animal doesn’t have to be caught in the act, and the hunter can take the meat for

A dairy farm in Haywood County has been given permission by the state to kill an elk that has been disrupting farming operations. (above) Becky Johnson photo Each year, crowds of visitors park along the meadows in Cataloochee Valley for a chance to see the majestic animals. NPS photo

CASE-BY-CASE BASIS

Getting the two depredation permits, however, was no simple request. Approval had to come from the very top of the Wildlife Commission hierarchy because of elk’s status as a state protected species.

Gordon Myers, executive director of the commission, signed off on the permits only after hearing the case made by the farmers and his field staff.

“When it comes to elk, we’re very guarded with the distribution of those permits.”

Myers said. “However, we also recognize that when repeated depredations are occurring, there are instances where lethal means are viable.”

In the instance of the Ross’ dairy farm, elk have been damaging fences and spooking cows for some time now. The permit provides a six-month window to kill an animal.

In the case of the pumpkin patch, damage to the pumpkin crop was significant, and a permit was granted to coincide with the pumpkin harvest.

However, if the permits expire and the landowners don’t use them, or if the farmers shoot an elk only to have another one return, Myers couldn’t say if another one would be issued. He also couldn’t say if permits would be issued to other landowners in the area.

As of last week, the dairy farm and the pumpkin patch were the only two that had 40 applied, though other landowners have men-

Smoky Mountain News

tioned the need for one to Commission field staff.

“It’s case by case, and calls for careful analysis and consideration,” Myers said.

Before the permits were issued, state wildlife agents visited each farm to survey the damage and perhaps find an alternative way of dealing with the problem animal.

Myers said his staff visited the pumpkin patch on Aug. 28 and was able to spot the elk on the landowner’s property. They fired “screamers” in the elk’s vicinity — a type of pyrotechnic fired from a shotgun that is meant to startle the animal and keep it off the property — and were successful in scaring it off. In the past, the Commission staff has also used “bangers,” a similar startle tool, beanbag guns and rubber bullets to

the Park. That was the case until 2008, when park officials declared that the elk reintroduction effort had moved out of its “experimental” phase and management of the elk herd outside of the Park fell to state wildlife officials.

“It’s now our responsibility to be the primary agency that address private landowner issues,” said Cobb.

And they have their work cut out for them. The Commission estimates that of the 140 or so elk in the region, between 50 and 75 spend a significant amount of time outside park boundaries. And even those figures could be an underestimate as no elk census has been conducted in several years.

Meanwhile, the agency has been working on a sound management that protects both landowners and helps the elk herd grow large enough to hunt. Last week, after the depredation permits were issued, the N.C. Wildlife Resources commissioners called a meeting to discuss the management of the elk. At the meeting were representatives of hunting, wildlife and environmental groups as well as the U.S. Forest Service.

The Commission has already committed to several short-term goals in regards to the elk: to expand the tracking program and better understand the herd’s size and territory, to survey WNC residents about their feelings toward the elk, and scout suitable habitat for the herd outside of the park.

Though Cobb admitted the Commission is treading into uncharted territory. The last time there was an established herd of elk in North Carolina, the Commission wasn’t even in existence.

“We’re still getting into this game so to speak,” Cobb said.

One thing seems certain: the elk herd in North Carolina is here to stay. But where it wanders and how big is gets may be up to WNC residents. Their patience may be strained over time as harems of elk assemble and males bugle for the rut.

“Elk will be part of the landscape,” Cobb said. “Exactly how many in five or 10 years, that’s going to depend on people who live in this part of the state and their desire to see elk.”

ELK BANDWAGON IS LARGE

move elk off private property before resorting to guns, Myers said. As of last week, the elk had not returned to the pumpkin patch, and Myers was hopeful the permit might not need to be used.

The agency and the landowners have come under some scrutiny for not putting more time and resources into alternative methods before resorting to guns. There is also the standing offer by the EBCI to help the farmers relocate the nuisance elk. But Myers said that recourse wasn’t on the table when the permit was signed off on and might not be an expeditious enough solution.

“You don’t just ask that elk to get in a

themselves. Without a permit, the carcass is handed over to state wildlife agents.

It’s also not the first time a depredation permit has been issued for elk in North Carolina. But the other instance was an isolated one in which an animal wandered in from a neighboring state. Yet, these recent permits mark the first time the Commission has taken such action to deal with problem elk that are part of an established herd in WNC. That’s due in large part to the fact that, until recently, elk weren’t under the purview of the Commission. Instead Great Smoky Mountains National Park staff was charged with caring for the elk inside and outside of

Although the elk may be aggravating a number of property owners in Haywood County, there is a wide coalition of stakeholders advocating for the beasts at every turn. From the Park rangers themselves, who shepherded the herd in its infancy, to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation members and their hopes to have a sustainable and huntable elk population in North Carolina.

Many are standing by and playing influential and supportive roles as the Wildlife Commission hashes out a long-range conservation plan for the herd, with clear goals, benchmarks and policies.

Although big players like the NPS, Elk Foundation or N.C. Wildlife Federation have not said they disagree with the Commission’s decision to issue the permits, they seem to agree killing elk to protect property should occur only after all other options are exhausted, both on the part of

A small, but growing herd of elk has made its home in Cherokee, miles west of the main herd in Cataloochee Valley.

This 1920s photograph depicts men at LeConte Lodge. The lodge still serves visitors today as the third highest peak in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo courtesy GSMNP and Hunter Library Digital Collections

WCU wins grant to create GSMNP collection Western Carolina University’s Hunter Library will produce a new digital collection of 2,000 items focused on the history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with support from a $93,000 grant from the North Carolina State Library.

This digital collection and interpretive website will include documents and photographs that relate to the initial idea and construction of a national park in the eastern United States. The materials will focus on a group of North Carolinians who promoted the idea of a park as early as 1899, the efforts of private individuals, such as Horace Kephart, and people involved in federal programs, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, who built the park.

The project is made possible through formal partnerships Hunter Library has entered with Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the state Office of Archives and History, which each house items that will be included in the collection. The applications and grants were made possible by the work of Anna Fariello, associate professor of digital initiatives with Hunter Library.

828.227.2499 or fariello@wcu.edu.

Prints explore connection between nature and art

September 11-17, 2013

A series of five artistic prints celebrating Western North Carolina environmental gems will be on display at 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 13, at City Lights Café in Sylva.

The prints were done by local artist Joshua Grant, in conjunction with the Wilderness Society, and depict five special places on the WNC landscape. They include Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness, Panthertown, Unicoi Mountains, Cheoah Bald and Tusquitee Bald.

The name of Friday’s show is a translation associated with Tusquitee Bald, “Land of the Crooked Water.” Grant’s work was done using a digital photo-polymer handprint process. He then printed each piece individually on a traditional hand press. He is a recent graduate of the Nantahala School of the Arts and is known in the region for his handmade banjos.

At the show, Grant will talk about his process and selection of images for the prints, which include Cherokee language. Western Carolina University Cherokee Language Program Coordinator Tom Belt will also speak about language and stewarding places that are prominent in our lives.

The art show is the first in a new program of The Wilderness Society called LAND/SCAPE that highlights the connection between the natural world and art. There will be a small run of Grant’s work — only 16 of each print — and the limited edition prints will be available for purchase at the art opening.

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Smoky Mountain News

however we can support them,” Delozier said. “Our mission is to ensure the future of elk.”

Before taking the position with the Elk Foundation, Delozier worked with the Park as a wildlife biologist and was at the post during the reintroduction of the elk. He knows from past experience that strife between humans and elk is inevitable and that the key is managing it.

Park staff, before it handed outside management of the herd to the state, dealt with similar problems.

Biologists implemented scare tactics, fencing projects, relocation efforts and even had to kill some problem elk to keep the peace with neighbors. The Commission has picked up many of the same strategies.

“You’re always going to have potential conflict with landowners,” he said. “We used just about everything in our tool bag as we could.”

Despite the controversy swirling around elk outside the Park, within the Park, most would declare the elk a success story in wildlife management. After the elk went through several dismal years in which the survival rate for the young dipped as low as 30 percent and black bears fed on the young, the species bounced back. Now eight or nine out of every 10 newborns live.

Furthermore, the benefits of the successful herd ripple outside of the realm of the park and the field of wildlife conservation. Their presence in Cataloochee has caused visitation in the valley to double as Park-goers plan their

vacations around snapping a photo or catching a glimpse of the creatures munching grass in their ancestral home.

Like it or not, elk now stand as an iconic animal for and WNC. And if the past decade is any indication, elk are in it for the long haul — in the Park at least.

“We felt like the population was sustainable; we felt like this population was going to survive,” Delozier said.

“I can’t say what’s going to happen on the outside.”

Their saga in the real world, outside the confines of the Park, is yet to be written. It’s a world distinctly different, where hunters, treacherous highways and angry farmers await them. But one thing seems certain — there’s no going back.

The animals that are causing all the ruckus in the Maggie Valley and Jonathan Creek area are probably there to stay, says Park Wildlife Biologist Joe Yarkovich.

In many ways, they’re no longer the Park’s elk at all.

“The issues with animals outside of the Park aren’t from animals coming out of the Park,” Yarkovich said.

“The animals that are out there now are residing pretty much entirely outside of the Park.”

The size and scope of the herd is still to be determined.

Yarkovich is working with the state to calculate an accurate population count. A lot has changed since the last comprehensive count was done in 2009, which counted about 120 elk.

Signs seem to point to a herd multiplying and spreading out.

“The herd is still growing and still expanding their range,” he said.

“We are seeing elk in new areas, and we’re seeing more elk in areas where they’ve historically been.”

A side effect of a bigger herd, though, means more elk wandering onto farms in Haywood County. Attracted by agricultural lands promising a smorgasbord of food, elk can easily forget their wild ways and adapt to the lavish lifestyle on the farm. With food in abundance, there is little motivation to living full-time in the Park. What may seem like bland corn patch can be ecstasy for an elk.

“Food is what draws them into agricultural fields,” Yarkovich said. “There’s plenty of food in their natural habitat, but if you have the choice of eating grade B ground beef or prime rib, you’d probably go with the prime rib.”

The elk are very much like problem bears that seek out dumpsters and bird feeders close to campgrounds and residences. The best method is to prevent it or catch the behavior early enough to retrain the elk.

In many ways, what is happening in Haywood County with the elk is a natural process that happens with any introduction of a new species to a new habitat. Except this time, the habitat might be someone’s backyard or cornfield.

“With the reintroduction of any type of species, there are growing pains that come with it,” Yarkovich said.

“And now we’re at that point where we’re trying to deal with it in a responsible way.”

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the state and the landowners.

“Depredation permits are a last resort for all folks,” said Tim Gestwicki, executive director of the Wildlife Federation. “We hope through the elk management plan we’ll be able to not see those increase.”

Part of the commission’s long-range plan involves habitat development on nearby state game and USFS lands, where open range is abundant and private property owners are sparse. Gestwicki hopes efforts by stakeholders and the Commission will allow the herd to grow large enough so that North Carolina can someday institute a lottery hunt like other states, but growing the herd to that size will undoubtedly take willing neighbors.

An elk hunt in North Carolina is also a goal of the Elk Foundation, said Kim Delozier, the organization’s lands program manager based out of Tennessee. Most of the organization’s assistance has been geared toward the Park in the past, but as more elk come under state management it’s reaching out to the Commission to provide financial resources and support.

“Our role at the Elk Foundation is to support the state

Advanced tech courses offered to students outdoors

year, $193,000 grant to create a dual enrollment electronics engineering technician option for high school students. The effort will also work to recruit females into electronics and machining careers. The goal is Haywood County high school students to train workers to meet the skilled employwill have more educational opportunities in ment needs of area manufacturers. the areas of electronics and machining, There has been a decrease in jobs in traditional manufacturing as they are replaced with more technologically oriented positions. Also, a high percentage of the manufacturing workforce is nearing retirement and those entering the work force are generally not trained to replace them.

Manufacturing is an important part of the economy in Haywood County, providing high wages in comparison Anne Garrett (left), superintendent of Haywood County Schools, with other sectors of the local economy. The major and Barbara Parker, president of Haywood Community College, are manufacturing employers teaming up to expand programs for high school students. HCC photo in the county are Evergreen Packaging, Haywood Vocational Opportunities, thanks to a nearly $200,000 grant from the Consolidated Metco, Sonoco Plastics, Giles National Science Foundation.

Chemicals and Powell Industries.

Haywood Community College and 828.627.4632.

Haywood County Schools will use the two-

HAYWOOD PEDIATRIC & ADOLESCENT MEDICINE GROUP, P.A.

Welcomes Dr. Aimee Deiwert as she joins Dr. Stephen Wall, Dr. Steven Hammel, Dr. Karin McLelland, Dr. Sarah Evers, Dr. Tyler Vereen, Anne Sarzynski, CPNP and Lillian Norris, CPNP.

September 11-17, 2013

“I am extraordinarily excited to join Haywood Pediatrics and to have the opportunity to care for the children of Western North Carolina. My husband and I have long enjoyed visiting the area and are so happy to be here. I look forward to meeting and working with the families of this beautiful community.”

Wildlife enthusiasts reach out to schools and organizations

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

CLYDE OFFICE

CANTON OFFICE

15 Facility Drive • Clyde

55 Buckeye Cove Road, Suite 200A • Canton

828-452-2211

828-452-2211

Schools and organizations in Western North Carolina have the knowledge of wildlife experts at their fingertips through the Mountain Wildlife Outreach program.

As a division of the successful Mountain Wildlife Days, the outreach program provides wildlife education in Western North Carolina through presentations and workshops. During the current academic year, organizations and educators can schedule talks with experts like

Geothermal project extends crop’s life

Serving Haywood, Buncombe, Jackson and surrounding areas.

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newsdesk crafts

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#193 - free table leveler

Bill Lea, who captures the life of black bears through photography and Rob Gudger, the “wolf man,” who helps listeners better understand the role and importance of wolves in our natural world.

Wildlife naturalist Michael Skinner of the Balsam Mountain Trust provides an exciting birds of prey demonstration, while explaining their role in nature. Called a “wildlife warrior,” Steve O’Neil gives presentations to all ages, helping them recognize reptiles and amphibians and their important role in nature. More experts are available as well. Events can be scheduled by phone or email.

828.743.9648 or blackbears66@gmail.com.

Haywood Community College will soon build an experimental geothermal pre-cooling facility to extend the shelf life of produce and crops in Western North Carolina.

The project, called Geothermal Chilling for WNC Farmers, will be completed with a $50,000 grant from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The installation will be placed at the government’s Mountain Research Station in Haywood County. Its task will be to increase the short shelf life of perishable crops by cooling them as soon as they are harvested.

To do that it will make use of geothermal chilling — a durable, low maintenance, economical and environmentally friendly technology. The technology will be on display for local farmers and offer options for use at their own locations. HCC is also offer-

Representatives of HCC and state government celebrate a grant award that will fund a geothermal cooling project in Haywood County. Donated photo ing a course on the new installation, Basics of Geothermal Technology, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tuesdays, from Oct. 8 through Oct. 22. The cost of the class is $70.

828.627.4636 or www.haywood.edu.

Chestnut trees highlight of hike

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A walk along the Blue Ridge Parkway will take hikers on a journey to explore the mighty chestnut tree and its future in Western North Carolina.

Parkway rangers will lead the easy-tomoderate hike at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13 along two miles of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Participants will learn about the chestnut trees once-critical role in the southern Appalachian Mountains and research efforts to help it regain its throne as king of the forest.

Once numbering in the billions, the towering trees were a vital part of the forest ecology, a key food source for wildlife and an essential component of the human economy.

Chestnut blight decimated the species in the mid-1900s. Several attempts to breed a blight-resistant tree have taken place unsucA healthy American cessfully. Since then, however, recent breakchestnut tree. throughs offer new hope.

Hikers will meet at the Mills River Overlook, near Milepost 404.5 and should bring water, wear good walking shoes and be prepared for inclement weather. More details are available by phone.

828.298.5330 x304.

Blight-resistant chestnuts planted in Cashiers

Parkway throws mountain party A day full of activities at the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center near Asheville promises mountain music, outdoor litera-

NC

W W W. V I S I T N C . C O M .

Did you know there are more than h 60 farmers markets in Western North Carolina?

Find a list of farmers markets near you fo or the freshest, best-tasting food o around!

Smoky Mountain News

ture, local food, environmental education and a guided hike. Events run from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the visitor center along the parkway.

■ 8:45 a.m. There will be an easy to moderate guided hike meeting in front of the visitor center. Writer Karen Chavez and Ranger

Gail Fox will lead a hike along a nearby 1.5mile loop trail.

■ 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Chavez will be available to meet visitors and sign copies of her book, Best Hikes with Dogs: North Carolina. Chavez is the outdoors reporter and blogger for the Asheville CitizenTimes newspaper, directing coverage of outdoor recreation, environmental, and health and fitness issues.

■ 10 a.m. until noon, Parkway ranger will provide an interpretive table of information about hiking. In addition, a mini-campsite will be on display in front of the visitor center to show visitors what kind of equipment might be needed for a backpacking or camping trip.

■ 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., The Hop Ice Cream will be on hand, offering their homemade products for purchase.

■ 3 until 4:30 p.m., The Cane Creek Ramblers will perform a free concert of traditional bluegrass and old time music at the visitor center. www.blueridgeheritage.com 828.298.5330 x303.

Discover the state you’re in.

1-800- V I S I T

September 11-17, 2013

Tree seedlings planted at McKinney Meadow in Cashiers this week may signal a new chapter for the American Chestnut in the area and its fight against blight.

The chestnut seedlings planted at McKinney Meadow are part of a unique breeding program headed by The American Chestnut Foundation to restore the American chestnut to the eastern forests of America.

At one time, the trees stood up to 100 feet tall and numbered in the billions in the Southeast, until an Asian fungus, known as chestnut blight, wiped out about four billion trees by the 1950s.

Now, assisted by nearly 6,000 members, volunteers, and partners, the TACF is planting potentially blight-resistant trees in select locations.

Helping with the recent planting were students from Summit Charter School and Blue Ridge school, along with representatives of the Village Conservancy. The Village Conservancy is working to protect McKinney Meadow and preserve the entry to the historic N.C. 107 corridor of Cashiers.

828.281.0047 or mila@acf.org or www.acf.org.

mountainmarkets.com Ad made possible with funding from MountainWise, Region 1 North Carolina Community Transffo ormation Grant Project and the Centers for o Disease Control and Prevention.

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outdoors

Medicinal herb day at AB Tech Natural products manufacturers are looking for medicinal herb growers, and local medicinal herb growers are looking for buyers. But how do they find each other?

The Blue Ridge Naturally Workshop, aimed at connecting medicinal plant growers with buyers, will take place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Haynes Conference Center on the AB Tech Enka campus.

The event will help connect plant growers with buyers and will feature panels of herb growers and product manufacturers discussing their experiences, goals and needs as they relate to natural products.

There will be time for networking. Growers should bring a list of what they are growing. And medicinal plant buyers should bring a list of what raw materials they want.

There will also be discussions about promoting the region for quality natural products.

Product or informational tables cost $10 each. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

828.684.3562 x150 or blueridgenaturally.eventbrite.com.

Have tea with friendly pack animals

September 11-17, 2013

The Cradle of Forestry in America will offer afternoon tea with llamas at 11 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. The llamas will carry attendees’ lunches and snacks on an easy two-mile walk along a nearby path with a lunch break halfway. As the group walks the trail, children can take turns leading the llamas.

The programs will be led by George Appenzeller and Sarah Meadows, founders of Challenge Adventures, a nonprofit organization experienced in leading hiking and camping adventure programs for youth groups. Since 1989, they have involved more than 4,000 young people in educational experiences in the outdoors with llamas.

Before each walk, they will explain traits that make llamas good pack animals but also good trail companions. Visitors will hear about the llamas’ cooperative social structure based on teamwork and caring.

Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5 for adults. Youth 15 and younger are admitted free. The Cradle of Forestry is located on N.C. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

828.877.3130 or www.cradleofforestry.org.

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Farm tour introduces tourists to their food source A Western North Carolina farm tour provides the perfect chance to see where food comes from and to get to know the farmers who grow it.

The gates and barns of 31 farms in WNC counties, including Sunburst Trout Farms in Haywood County, will open to the public for farm tours from 1 until 6 p.m.

Sept. 21-22. Sponsored by Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, the self-guided tour offers a chance for locals and visitors alike to learn how food grows, taste farm products, meet farm animals and shake hands with the community’s food producers.

Each farm tourist will use a guide that includes a map, directions and details about children’s activities.

Additionally, the guide includes information about the Farm Tour Photo Contest.

Guides are available online and at locations where tickets are sold.

Advance tickets are $25 online and at select businesses and markets. One pass admits each vehicle to any participating

Smoky Mountain News

their questions and tips #asapfarmtour.

There will be a Farm Tour kickoff party, as well, on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Sunny Point Café in West Asheville. The dinner will run from 6 to 9 p.m. and feature beer, wine and local food from the café’s on-site garden and area farms. For $20, attendees will receive five food and drink tickets.

Special Occasions and everyday fashions.

Want to go

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farm both days. Passes are $30 the day of the event and can be purchased at the first farm stop. Individual farms can be toured for $10.

Leading up to the tour, there will be a live Twitter chat from noon until 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sep. 17, to answer questions and hear tips for making the most of the event.

Those wishing to participate can simply tag

Come See our Fall Arrivals!

Those interested in taking the tour can find more information, including a list of pass vendors and details on volunteering and attending the tour for free, at asapconnections.org.

ASAP’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and their community website, fromhere.org, will feature event information and stories leading up to the tour. Participants are also invited to share their journey via social media using #asapfarmtour during the weekend.

Buncombe Addison Farms Vineyard Adelbert Farm Cloud 9 Farm Flying Cloud Farm Gaining Ground Farm Good Fibrations Hawk and Ivy Bed and Breakfast Hickory Nut Gap Farm Imladris Farm Long Branch Environmental Education Center Razor Mountain

Round Mountain Creamery Smoking J’s Fiery Foods and Farm Venezia Dream Farm Haywood Sunburst Trout Farms Henderson Holly Spring Farm and Nursery J. H. Stepp Farms Hillcrest Orchard Justus Orchard Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards Madison Bee Tree Farm and Vineyard Dry Ridge Farm Farmhouse Beef Wake Robin Farm Breads Wild Mountain Apiaries McDowell Foothills Pasture Raised Meats Farm Fresh Ventures Vandele Farms on Cedar Creek Yancey Duck Dance Farm Mountain Gardens Mushroom Hut @ Fox Farms Wellspring Farm

WNC Calendar BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Free 90-minute computer class, Basic Word/Resume Prep, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. 586.2016.

• Basic Email/Online Applications class, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Class size limited. Two hour class. Register at 586.2016.

• Rural Center Microenterprise Loans seminar, 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Haywood Community College Student Center. Free. Register at 627.4512.

• EBay for Beginners, free workshop, 6 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 18, Regional High Technology Center, Waynesville. Offered through the Small Business Center at HCC. Register at 627.4512.

• Free computer class: Basic Word/Resume Prep, 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, Jackson County Public Library. Register, 586.2016.

• Beyond the Basics of Selling on eBay: Techniques for the Serious Seller, 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, Regional High Technology Center, Waynesville. Free.

Offered through the Small Business Center at HCC. Register at 627.4512.

• Setting up your eBay Store, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept.19, Regional High Technology Center, Waynesville.

Free. Offered through the Small Business Center at HCC. Register at 627.4512.

• Annual fall banquet for Western Carolina University’s accountancy program, 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, Waynesville Inn, 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

Featured speaker, Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians who also is a WCU alumnus and certified public accountant. Free for WCU master of accountancy students and members of the WCU chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, and $35 per person for all others. Dona Potts, 227.3383 or dpotts@wcu.edu for reservations by Friday, Sept. 13.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Lunch & Learn seminar, Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Employer, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19, Sequoyah Fund offices, 810 Acquoni Road, Ginger Lynn Welch Complex, Cherokee. $5 admission, includes lunch. Preregistration required, John Ross, 359.5006 or http://www.sequoyahfund.org/classes.html.

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Jackson County Genealogical Society September Program, “Early Engineers and Scientists in the Great Smoky Mountains,” 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Community Room of the Jackson County Courthouse. 631.2646.

• Foster Care and Adoption Awareness Walk, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, First Baptist of Waynesville, 100 S. Main St. Waynesville. Laura Turner, lturner@haywoodnc.net.

• Celebrate Our Nation’s History event, 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14, Poteet Park, 29 Central St., Sylva, to mark the 226th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. Free barbecue and hot dog picnic, speakers, children’s activities and more. Ginny Jahrmarkt, Box547@aol.com.

• Cold Mountain Photographic Society, photography club for amateurs and professionals, meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the conference room on the second floor of MedWest Health and Fitness Center, 262 Leroy George Drive, Clyde. www.cmpsnc.org.

• Yard sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 and 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 14, Eckerd Living Center, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, in the parking lot next to Jane Woodruff Building. Selling old furnishings.

• Pharmacy Technician, 13-week online program, first Tuesday of each month and average 20 hours per week. $180 plus a $5 technology fee. Vita Nations, 339.4656, vitan@southwesterncc.edu or Scott Sutton, 306.7034 or scotts@southwesterncc.edu.

• Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation Adoptions, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, new adoption center at the Waynesville Industrial Park, off Old Asheville Highway.

Pet photos at www.sargeandfriends.org, www.petfinder.com or 246.9050.

• Western Carolina University Open House, Saturday, Sept. 14. Prospective students attending open house can pick up a free ticket to see WCU’s football team play at the Citadel at 3:30 p.m. that afternoon.

Preregister at openhouse.wcu.edu or by calling the Office of Undergraduate Admission at 227.7317 or tollfree 877.928.4968.

• Aviation Historical Society meeting, 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 17, Macon County Airport, Franklin.

Guest speaker is Franklin resident Alan French,, a Russian language interpreter for the United States Air Force, who will talk about bridging the communications gap between Cold War adversaries. Public is welcome.

Fred Alexander, aeroscribbler@gmail.com or 506.5869.

• Free lunch-and-learn seminar, “Loan Options for Small Biz,” to help prospective and current small business owners, 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, Southwestern Community College. Register online at https://www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75490, or contact the Small Business Center, 339.4211 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

• Technical Coordinating Committee of the Southwestern Rural Planning Organization (RPO), 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, Cecil Groves boardroom, Macon County campus, Southwestern Community College.

Philip Moore, coordinator of the Southwestern RPO, phil@regiona.org or 339.2213.

• Basic Word/Resume Preparation, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 18, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva. Class size limited.

Two hour class. Register at 586.2016.

• Seminar, What’s Your Time and Energy Worth?, with accounting professional Gene Hansen, of Hansen & Associates, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, Cashiers Community Library. Chamber members free. Non-members, $20. 743.5191 or info@CashiersAreaChamber.com.

• Free small business taxes seminar, Small Business Taxes, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, Macon Campus of Southwestern Community College. https://www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75490.

Small Business Center, 339.4211 or write to t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

• Transportation Advisory Committee of the Southwestern Rural Planning Organization (RPO) 5 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 23, Chestnut Tree Inn, 37 Tsalagi Road, Cherokee. Philip Moore, coordinator of the Southwestern RPO, phil@regiona.org or 339.2213.

• P.A.W.S. Adoption Days first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn at Charleston Station, Bryson City.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Patron party for the Dazzling Dahlias! Dahlia Festival, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, The Farm at Old Edwards. Fare prepared by award-winning Johannes Klapdohr and his staff. Joyce Franklin, 526.1517.

Proceeds to support Highlands Historical Society.

Smoky Mountain News

• Golf Tournament to raise money for the Smoky Mountain Senior Games and the Jackson County Senior Center Friday, Sept. 13, Smoky Mountain Country Club.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. with a shot gun start at 9 a.m. $65 per person/2-man Captain’s Choice Mulligans - $5. Lunch provided after the tournament.

• Baskets and Bags Bingo, annual charity bingo event, doors open at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Haywood County Fairgrounds. Sponsored by St. John the Evangelist Catholic Women’s Circle. $20 for 21 games. Bingo prizes include Longaberger baskets filled with goodies and Vera Bradley bags, plus door prizes. Organizers still need sponsors for the event. Sponsorship information, Karen Connor, 452.0768. Players may reserve a table of eight. For tickets and information, call Ann Simmons, 456.3901 or St. John Catholic Church at 456.6707.

• The Haywood Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, 9 a.m. check in, 10 a.m. walk, Saturday, Sept. 14, Lake Junaluska. Route is just less than 2.5 miles around the lake, but participants may turn around at any point.

Proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter. Jennie Pressley, 254.7363 or jpressley@alz.org. Register on-line at http://act.alz.org/haywood.

• 3rd annual Dazzling Dahlias! Dahlia Festival, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Highlands Recreation Center, Highlands. $5. All proceeds go to benefit the Highlands Historical Society. Joyce Franklin, 526.9418.

• 8th annual Western NC Run/Walk for Autism, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 14, UNC Asheville. Hosted by the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). Includes a challenging 5K race, a 5K non-competitive run, and a recreational 1K run/walk. All money raised by the Autism Society of North Carolina stays in North Carolina. www.wncrunwalkforautism.org or call 236.1547 to register, join a team, form a team, sponsor, donate, or volunteer.

• 8th annual Music at the Mill, 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept.

14, Francis Grist Mill, Highway 276 South, Waynesville.

Benefit for the preservation of the 126-year-old Francis Grist Mill, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Music by Whitewater Bluegrass Co., Hill Country Band and Frog Level Philharmonic. Advanced tickets $7, available at Elements Salon in Waynesville or Mountain Dreams Realty in Maggie Valley, or by calling 456.6307. Bring lawn chairs. No pets.

• 12th annual Calvin Taylor Toy Run, noon Saturday, Sept.

14, throughout Haywood and Buncombe counties. Ride ends at Stomping Grounds in Maggie Valley. Sponsored by Haywood, Buncombe, Jackson & Swain County Freemasons and the NC State Highway Patrol. $10 donation or $10 new toy per rider. Proceeds given to the NC Masonic Home for Children and the Calvin Taylor Scholarship Foundation.

POC Gene Canter, gkscanter@bellsouth.net, 734.3439, www.Calvinetaylortoyride.com.

• Boots and Bling, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Bloemsma Barn, Patton Road, Franklin. Sponsored by the Zonta Club of Franklin to benefit REACH of Macon County and New Life Women’s Center.

• Free genealogy seminar to assist people in their search for ancestors, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Macon County Library, Franklin. 321.3522, tomeaglenc@aol.com or www.ncssar.org/chapters/Silas.htm.

• Fall Fest and Yard Sale, 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Smoky Mountain Health and Rehabilitation Center, 1349 Crabtree Road, Waynesville. Karaoke, bluegrass music, and lunch available for $5. Proceeds go to the activity department to provide activities for the residents.

Linda Arnold, family council president, stanandlinda@charter.net or 456.5311.

• Macon Aero Modelers 5th annual BBQ Charity Fun Fly, 9 a.m. Sept. 21-22, club’s flying field on Tessentee

45

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 Road in Otto. Radio controlled airplane enthusiasts club. $5 parking, $7 barbecue plates, and $5 hot dog plates. Proceeds to benefit REACH of Macon County, a non-profit organization that works with victims of domestic violence. Rain date is Sept. 28-29.

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • MedWest Harris Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12, 68 Hospital Drive, Sylva. Melissa Southers, 586.7131.

• Lowe’s 2257 Sylva Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20, 1716 N. Main St., Sylva. Leah Crisp, 586.1170.

• Southwestern Community College Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, 447 College Drive, Sylva. Amanda Pressley, 339.4305.

Macon • Prentiss Church of God Blood Drive, 1 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, 59 Church Hill Lane, Franklin.

Jean Crane, 524.4976.

HEALTH MATTERS • Cherokee Healing and Wellness Coalition’s 6th annual Community Day, 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Tsali Manor Pavilion, Cherokee. Bring a traditional Cherokee food dish for the potluck lunch and beverage. Beth Farris, 421.9855 or Carol Long, 554.6222.

Door prizes.

• Southwestern Community College’s Health Fair, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, SCC’s Jackson Campus.

Kimi McMahan, kimi_mcmahan@southwesterncc.edu or call 339.4339, or SCC nursing assistant program coordinator Tneshia Richards, t_richards_southwesterncc.edu or 339.4459.

• Macon County Public Health flu shot clinic, 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, and Friday, Sept. 13, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Macon County Fair. Cost is $25 and $45 for high dose. No appointment necessary; bring insurance card.

• Appalachian Health with Lisa Lefler and Tom Belt, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

RECREATION & FITNESS • 2013 Fitness Challenge starts Sept. 30. Register from Sept. 20-Oct. 4 at various locations. $10. Kickoff, 5:306:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, Waynesville Recreation Center. www.healthyhaywood.org. Megan Hauser, mhauser@haywoodnc.net or 452.6675, ext. 2272.

• Church Co-Rec Volleyball League signup through Oct. 1, Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department. $175 per team. Limited to the first 10 teams to pay the fee. Games will be played on Tuesday nights at the Recreation Center in Cullowhee beginning Oct. 8.

Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department, 293.3053, rec.jacksonnc.org.

wnc calendar

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Laughter Yoga Club introductory session, 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, Jackson County Department of Aging Senior Center, Room 124, Sylva. 586.4944.

• Foster Grandparents needed in Head Start, nonprofit day care centers and public schools in seven county Western North Carolina Region. Meet 200% of federal poverty guidelines and receive a small tax free stipend plus annual and sick leave plus mileage.

Must be 55 or older. Torrie Murphy, Mountain Projects, 356.2834.

• Tai Chi for Health, 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Sept.

24. $10 for participants and $15 for non-participants. Class size is limited. Sign up in the Lobby of the Jackson County Senior Center or call 586.4944.

• Balance Seminar, 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, Room 137, Jackson County Department of Aging Senior Center, Sylva. 586.4944.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Tumbling class, Thursdays, starting Sept. 12, at First Methodist Church in Sylva. Ages 3 to 4, 6 to 6:45 p.m., ages 5 to 8, 7 to 7:45 p.m. $25. Class size limited. Register at Recreation Center in Cullowhee. No phone registration. Information, Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department, 293.3053.

• Youth Art Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

21, Jackson County Green Energy Park, Dillsboro.

Smoky Mountain News

September 11-17, 2013

Artists will work hands-on with children to make pots, weave bookmarks, create glass mosaics, paint and more. Free. Food and drinks available for purchase.

Parking limited. Carpooling encouraged. No pets allowed except for service animals. www.jcgep.org, 631.0271 or email info@jcgep.org.

• Home school activity, 2 to 3:15 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 5, Waynesville Recreation Center. $27 for a family of four who are members of the WRC, $2 for each additional child, and $45 for a family of four who are nonmembers, $3 for each additional child.

456.2030 or email recprogramspecialist@townofwaynesville.org .

Science & Nature • N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission American kestrel exhibit, 3 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Saturday, through Sept. 15, Mountain State Fair, Fletcher. www.mountainfair.org, 687.1414, www.ncwildlife.org.

• Night sky presentation, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, Pisgah National Forest. Reservations required, accepted until 3 p.m. the day of the event. Evening at PARI programs cost $20 per adult, $15 for seniors/military and $10 for children under 14. Register and pay online at www.pari.edu or call 862.5554. PARI Education Director Christi Whitworth at cwhitworth@pari.edu.

• Guided tours of American Chestnut Orchard, 11 a.m.

Wednesdays, Cataloochee Guest Ranch. $15, includes tour, lunch. Self-guided tours anytime. Reservations, 926.1401.

Literary (children) • Children’s story time: Oink! 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, Jackson County Public Library, Sylva.

586.2016.

• Mary Ann’s Book Club, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

524.3600.

• Write On!. Children’s Writing Group, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

• Children’s Story time: Piggie Pie, 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time: Happy Pig Day, 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Jackson County Public Library, 586.2016.

46 • Children’s Story time: Rotary Readers, 11 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 16, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

• Children’s Story time: Pirate Baths, 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Teen Time, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Children’s Story time: Ahoy Matey, 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 18, Jackson County Public Library.

586.2016.

ECA EVENTS • Extension and Community Association (ECA) groups meet throughout the county at various locations and times each month. NC Cooperative Extension Office, 586.4009.

• Noon Thursday, Sept. 12 – Drying Foods, Lunch and Learn ECA, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 – Cancer Drain Bags, Sew Easy Girls ECA, Conference Room of Community Service Center, Sylva.

• 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 – Swedish Weaving, Cane Creek ECA. Call the Extension Office for location.

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS • Republican Party of Haywood County hosts its Fall Harvest Dinner, 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept, 14, Canton Armory, 71 Penland St., Canton. Prime rib dinner, $25.

Chicken or vegetarian penne dinner options available if ordered in advance. Guest speakers include Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, N.C. Sen. Jim Davis and Dr. Greg Brannon, candidate for U.S. Senate. Silent auctions and homemade cake sales. For tickets and reservations, call 246.7021 or email HcGOPevent@yahoo.com.

SUPPORT GROUPS Haywood • Eight-week Grief Education/Support group, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 10-Oct. 29, Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Clyde in the Dugan classroom.

Register at 452.5039.

• Informal meeting for families or individuals who have had children die, 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, Long’s Chapel UMC, 133 Old Clyde Road, Room 102/5 across from the Fellowship Hall. Intent is to establish a local chapter of The Compasionate Friends, a nonprofit self-help bereavement support organization.

John, 400.6480. www.compassionatefriends.org.

Jackson • MedWest-Harris WNC Breast Cancer Support Group, 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, Harris Medical Park conference room, 98 Doctors Drive, Sylva. Mary E. Mahon, RN, 631.8100.

A&E FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS • Macon County Fair, Sept. 11-14, Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center, Franklin. Macon County Cooperative Extension, 349.2046.

• 12th annual RailFest, Sept. 13-15, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Bryson City. Train excursions, railroad food, memorabilia, storytelling, Appalachian music and dance. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• Pisgah Inn Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 2125, Pisgah Inn, Milepost 408, Blue Ridge Parkway.

Free admission.

• Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future, community-based exhibition sponsored by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, through Sept. 17 in the Balsam Building Lobby at Southwestern Community College, Sylva. In partnership with Cherokee Central Schools, Southwestern Community College, and the Cherokee Center and Cherokee Language Program at Western Carolina University.

• Game Day, 2 p.m. third Saturday of the month, Papou’s Wine Shop, Sylva. Bring cards, board games, etc. 586.6300.

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Thursdays at the Library, author and humor columnist Susan Reinhardt will read from her first novel, Chimes from a Cracked Southern Belle, 7 p.m. Sept.

12, Macon County Public Library Meeting Room.

• Eva McCall will read from her mystery novel, Murder on Hain Branch, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva. 586-9499.

• Great Smokies Writing Program classes begin Sept.

16. unca.edu/gswp, 251.6099.

• Coffee with the Poet, Rick Mulkey, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19, City Lights Bookstore, Sylva.

Mulkey is the author of four poetry collections including Toward Any Darkness (recipient of an Eric Hoffer Award and finalist for the Weatherford Award).

586.9499.

• Author Karen Kay Knauss will talk about “The Thorny Truth and Their Civil War, a book of poetry about her Western North Carolina ancestors during the Civil War, 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St., Waynesville. 456.6000.

• Let’s Talk About It, Friends of the Library book discussion, “The World Made Straight” by Ron Rash, 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, auditorium, Haywood County Library, Waynesville. Discussion led by Erica Locklear of UNC-Asheville. Books available free at the Waynesville branch library. See Teresa Glance to check out a book. Linda Arnold, 456.5311 or stanandlinda@charter.net.

• Store-Wide Half-Price Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21, Friends of the Jackson County Public Library Used Book Store, 536 W. Main, Sylva. All proceeds benefit the Jackson County Public Library, Sylva.

• Author Jeff Minick will present his first book, Amanda Bell, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Blue Ridge Books, 152 S. Main St., Waynesville. 456.6000.

• Ready to Read, adult literacy program to help those who are illiterate or need to improve/strengthen their reading skills, 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesdays and Thursdays, Genealogy Study Room on the second floor of Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

• Lost Writers Support Group, 10 a.m. to noon, first Saturday of the month, Zelda Divine, Inc. 1210 S. Main St., Waynesville. Coffee, refreshments, and good company abide.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT

• Impact Wrestler and country singer Mickie James, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Thunder In The Smokies bike rally, Maggie Valley.

• Haywood’s Got Talent finals, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, Waynesville.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for students. www.harttheatre.com.

• Heritage Alive! Mountain Youth Talent Contest, 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 14, during the Great Smoky Mountain RailFest, Bryson City.

• Artist-in-Residence kickoff featuring string musicians from the Asheville Symphony Orchestra and students and faculty from the Western Carolina University School of Music, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, WCU. Music of Mendelssohn, Strauss and Beethoven. $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. Proceeds to support the Artist-in-Residence program. WCU School of Music, 227.7242.

• The Freight Hoppers, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, Southwestern Community College’s Swain Center. Free.

• Tickets are on sale for Western Carolina University’s Stage and Screen Mainstage season opening Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center’s box office. The season features musicals, a tragedy and zombies. Two special events will precede and follow the regular Mainstage season. General information about the Mainstage season and the film festival, 227.7491. For season subscriptions and individual tickets, call the Bardo Arts Center box office, 227.2479 or go online to FAPAC.wcu.edu.

• Series subscription tickets now on sale for The Galaxy of Stars Series at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University.

Single tickets also available. The lineup is Brass Transit, 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29; “Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash,” 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24; “Smokey Joe’s Café,” 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26.; 1964, 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9; The Squirm Burpee Circus, 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 2; and “The Fantasticks,” 5 p.m.

Sunday, April 27. Bardo Arts Center box office, 227.2479 or go online to bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• The hour-long radio show Stories of Mountain Folk airs at 9 a.m. every Saturday on its home station, WRGC Jackson County Radio, 540 AM on the dial, broadcasting out of Sylva. Stories of Mountain Folk is an ongoing all-sound oral history program produced

by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia (CSA), a western North Carolina not-for-profit, for local radio and online distribution.

NIGHT LIFE • Live music with David Mann, Sept. 14; Judy Morgan, Sept. 21; and The Mix, Sept. 28, Mountaineer Restaurant,6490 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. 926.1730.

• Live music: A Man Called Bruce, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14; Liz & AJ Nance, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24; and Tina & Her Pony, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, City Lights Café, Sylva.

• Live music at Alley Kats in Waynesville.

• Sacred Music Sacred Dance, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University, featuring multiphonic singers of Drepung Loseling Monastery of Tibet. $5 for students, $10 for all others. Tickets available at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or at 227.2479. ace.wcu.edu or contact Rotimi Ariyo, 227.3751.

• Eddie Rose and Highway 40, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Smoky Mountain Roasters, Waynesville.

Donations accepted at the door for the band. Proceeds to Project Challenge.

• Gospel groups Primitive Quartet and Mountain Faith, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. Tickets are $15 each.GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Music in the Mountains Free Evening Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 26, Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot, Bryson City. 872.4681.

• Pianist Drew Petersen, 19, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept.

13, Performing Arts Center, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. Tickets available at the Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. www.haywoodarts.org or at facebook.com/haywoodarts.

OUTDOOR MUSIC CALENDAR

DANCE • Pisgah Promenaders “Black and White Costume” dance, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Old Armory Rec. Center, 44 Boundary St., Waynesville.

Plus and mainstream dancing with caller, Ken Perkins. Workshop, 6:15 p.m. 586.8416, Jackson County, or 452.1971, Haywood County.

• Cookbook tasting, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Church Life Center, First United Methodist Church, Sylva. Taste more than 50 different foods from recipes that are included in the newly published church cookbook titled “Feast and Fellowship, 125 Years of Feeding the Body and Soul.” Tickets are $25 and include an advance copy of the cookbook. Betty Screven, 586.1640.

• Cellar Club, 7 to 9 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, Papou’s Wine Shop, Sylva. Membership prices, $50 per person, $75 per couple. Wine tastings, food pairings. 586.6300, papouswineshop@frontier.com.

• “Little Black Dress Night,” every first Friday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva.

Wine glass specials and socializing. 586.6300 or papouswineshop@frontier.com.

• Gathering Table, 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, at The Community Center, Route 64, Cashiers.

Provides fresh, nutritious dinners to all members of the community regardless of ability to pay. Volunteers always needed and donations gratefully accepted. 743.9880.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • Sylva Art Stroll, 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, downtown Sylva. Galleries will feature art exhibits, some hosting artist receptions. Free.

337.3468.

• Artisans wanted for annual Balsam Arts and Crafts Show, set for Oct. 26, at Balsam/Willets/Ochre Fire Department, seven miles east of Sylva. Interested artisans call 226.9352.

• Jackson County Arts Council is now accepting proposals for regional artist exhibitions in the Rotunda Gallery on the first floor of the Historic Jackson County Courthouse, part of the Jackson County Library Complex on Courthouse Hill. www.jacksoncountyarts.org, Norma Hendrix, 342.6913. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Green Biennial Invitational Exhibition featuring nine new sculptures, through Dec. 31, the Village Green Commons, Cashiers. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com, 743.3434.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS • ColorFest artists work displayed, though October 5, Dillsboro shops. www.colofestartblog.com.

• Western North Carolina Woodturners Club meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Blue Ridge School, in Glenville. Drive to the back of the school to the woodworking shop. Visitors welcomed.

• Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild, 6:30 p.m.

• Huck embroidery workshop, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, KJ’s Needle in a Haystack Shop, Dillsboro. $10. Register at 586.2435 or email JunettaPell@hotmail.com by Sept. 20.

• Oil/landscape painting workshop, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, Uptown Gallery, 30 E. Main St. Franklin. Jack Stern, instructor. Preregistration required, 349.4607, uptowngalleryoffranklin.com.

FILM & SCREEN • New movie starring Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, and Analeigh Tipton, 4:30 and 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, Meeting Room, Macon County Public Library, Franklin. 524.3600.

Rated PG-13 for zombie violence and some language; 1hr, 38 min.

• Classic movie starring Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland, 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Meeting Room, Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

524.3600.

• 2013-14 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers, kicks off with “How to Make Movies at Home, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, A.K. Hinds University Center at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee. Free. www.southerncircuit.wcu.edu or 227.3751.

• Family movie featuring the Muppets, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, Marianna Black Library, 488.3030.

• New movie starring Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, and Nicole Beharie, about legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, Meeting Room, Macon County Public Library,149 Siler Farm Road, Franklin. 524.3600. PG-13 for thematic elements including language.

Outdoors OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS • Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, Wednesday, Sept. 11, along the Greenway. Led

by Paula Gorgoglione. Meet at 8 a.m. at Salali Lane. 524.5234 if questions.

• Fall Day Hiking Basics, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 11, REI Asheville. Free.

Register at http://www.rei.com/event/43758/session/77606.

Press Speech Assembly

Religion

Celebrate Constitution Day September 17th!

Smoky Mountain News

• “Contemporary Traditions” new exhibit featuring local artists through Sept. 28, Gallery 86, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville. www.haywoodarts.org, www.facebook.com/haywoodarts.

• Chrismon-making workshop, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, conference room, Community Service Center, Sylva. Offered by the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office.

Taught by Cheryl Beck and Junetta Pell. $15 and each participant will take home three different Chrismons. Call the Extension Office to register, 586.4009.

September 11-17, 2013

• Opening reception for artist Joshua Grant, 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, City Lights Café, 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva, to celebrate and support the work of the Southern Appalachian Office of the Wilderness Society. The series of art prints will be on display through September.

wnc calendar

FOOD & DRINK

Monday, Sept. 16, Tartan Hall, First Presbyterian Church, Franklin. Hands-on demonstration of quilt block construction by Susan Roper and Nancy Shay.

• Parkway Rangers easy-to-moderate two-mile roundtrip hike, 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, Mountains-to-Sea Trail to explore the mighty chestnut tree. Meet at the Mills River Overlook, Milepost 404.5. Bring water, wear good walking shoes, and be prepared for changeable weather.

298.5330, ext. 304.

From your friends & neighbors, the members of NC Press Association Federal Credit Union State Employees’ Credit Union

47

wnc calendar 205-12

of the new Tournament Rules should obtain one from the Tournament Chairman at registration, beginning at 6:30 a.m. Patty Blanton, club secretary, 712.2846.

• Nantahala Hiking Club, Sunday, Sept. 15, Rufus Morgan Trail. Meet at 2 p.m. at Westgate Plaza, Franklin. Kay Coriell, 369.6820, for reservations.

• Eighth annual WNC Run/Walk For Autism, 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, UNC-Asheville Asheville Track Club Grand Prix series. 5K Run/Walk, 1K Fun Run/Walk. Proceeds support the programs and services of the Autism Society of North Carolina in western North Carolina. www.wncrunwalkforautism.org.

• Guided Classic Hike of the Smokies, Tuesday, Sept. 17, along Noland Creek Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) near Bryson City. $10 for current members and $35 for non-members, who will receive a complimentary membership. Members who bring a friend hike for free. All registration donations are tax-deductible and go toward the Smokies Trails Forever program. Register at outreach.nc@friendsofthesmokies.org or 452.0720.

Your Local Big Green Egg Dealer

BEST PRICE EVERYDAY

• Nantahala Hiking Club, Saturday, Sept.14, Little Cataloochie in the Smokies. Meet at 9 a.m. at Waynesville Ingles. Keith Patton, 456.8895, for reservations.

10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN.

• Franklin Bird Club weekly bird walk, Wednesday, Sept. 18, along the Greenway. Led

by Karen Lawrence. Meet at 8 a.m. at the Macon County Public Library parking area.

524.5234.

• Play Day Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, 195 Hemphill Knob Road, Milepost 384, Asheville. Guided hike, book signing, interpretive table display prepared by BRP Rangers, and traditional music. www.blueridgeheritage.com or call

ON DELLWOOD RD. (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.8778 205-09

Amy Hollifield, Blue Ridge National Heritage Area events coordinator, 298.5330 x 303.

September 11-17, 2013

• Nantahala Hiking Club, Saturday, Sept. 21, Jones Gap to Jones Knob on the Bartram Trail.

Meet at 10:30 a.m. at Franklin Bi-Lo. Joyce Jacques, 410.852.7510, for reservations.

Full Service Property Management 828-456-6111 www.selecthomeswnc.com Residential and Commercial Long-Term Rentals 205-70

PREFERRED PROPERTIES ——————————————

George Escaravage B /R gke333@gmail.com 828.400.0901 Smoky Mountain News

ROKER

62 Church Street | Waynesville, North Carolina

Talk to your neighbors, then talk to me. ®

See why State Farm insures more drivers than GEICO and Progressive combined. Great ser vice, plus discounts of up to 40 percent.* Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

CALL CALL FOR FOR QUOTE QUOTE 24/7.

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Chad McMahon, A gent 3 4 5 Wa l n u t S t r e e t Waynesville, NC 28786 Bus: 828 - 452- 0567 chad.mcmahon.r v37@s t atef arm.com

48

EALTOR

1001174.1

*Discounts var y by states.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnit y Company, Blooming ton, IL

• Nantahala Hiking Club, Sunday, Sept. 21, Appalachian Trail from Wayah Bald tower, over Wine Spring Bald, and downhill to Wayah Crest picnic area. Meet at 2 p.m. at Westgate Plaza in Franklin. Mary Stone, 369.7352, for reservations.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS • Afternoon Tea with Llamas, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Cradle of Forestry, Highway 276, Pisgah National Forest The llamas will carry your lunches or snacks on this easy walk along the Forest Discovery Trail at the Cradle of Forestry. Ice tea and cups will be provided. Admission $5 for adults. Youth 15 and younger free. 877.3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.org.

• Highlands Plateau Audubon Society, 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 16, Hudson Library, Highlands.

Guest speaker, Paige Barlow, doctoral candidate in Wildlife Sciences at the University of Georgia. Topic: “Human land use and avian conservation in changing landscapes of southwestern NC.” 743.9670, or www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org.

• Beyond Bike Maintenance Basics: Brakes & Drive Train, next step after basic bike maintenance, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, REI, Asheville. Free. Register at rei.com/Asheville.

• Backpacking Basics II: What’s Inside Your Pack 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, REI, Asheville. Free. Register at rei.com/Asheville.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Pigeon Valley Bassmasters Club Tournament, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Lake Keowee, Gap Hill Marina, Six Mile, S.C. Club members who have not already received a copy

• The Old Cullowhee Canoe Slalom, 9 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14, Tuckasegee River, backside of Western Carolina University campus, just upstream of the Old Cullowhee Road bridge.

Family-friendly competition on calm section of the river. Pre-registration Sept. 12, at WCU’s Base Camp Cullowhee from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday. $5 entry fee per person per category.

Proceeds will go toward a proposed river park.

227.3844 or phipps@wcu.edu.

• Cashiers Trail Mix 5-Mile Mountain Trail Run and 3-Mile Team Adventure Run , 11 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14, The Outpost at Chinquapin on Breedlove Road. www.CashiersAreaChamber.com to register.

• Murphy Medical Center’s “Two Hours from Anywhere” 5-K challenge, two-mile heart walk, and kids’ fun run, Saturday, Sept. 21.

Registration forms online at, murphymedical.org, under the ‘news’ section, and also in the hospital’s lobbies and cafeteria, at area fitness centers, and area doctor’s offices. 835.7506.

FARM & GARDEN • Native Plant Symposium, 1 to 8 p.m. Sept.

13 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 14, Performing Arts Center, 507 Chestnut St., Highlands. $100 members, $135 non-members; $35 for Friday evening only. Patrick McMillan will give a lecture at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, on “Natural Communities at Risk in the Southern Appalachians.” Sonya Carpenter, 526.2221. All proceeds benefit the Highlands Botanical Garden. Register at www.highlandsbiological.org/nps/ or call 526.2221.

• 3rd annual Dazzling Dahlias! Dahlia Festival, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Highlands Recreation Center, Highlands. $5.

All proceeds go to benefit the Highlands Historical Society. Joyce Franklin, 526.9418.

• Blue Ridge Naturally™ Workshop: Connecting Medicinal Plant Growers with Buyers, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, Room 200, Haynes Conference Center, AB Tech Enka Campus, 1459 Sand Hill Road, Candler. $20 in advance; $25 dollars at the door.

Register at https://blueridgenaturally.eventbrite.com/ or contact Alison Dressler via email or at 684.3562 x 150.

• Food Preservation 101, 2 to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 18, Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office, Sylva. Conducted

by Sherrie Peeler, family and consumer sciences agent. Free. 586.4009 to register. Free gauge testing.

• Self-guided farm tours, 1 to 6 p.m. Sept. 2122, at 31 Appalachian Grown™ certified WNC farms, including Haywood County’s Sunburst Trout Farms. Advance passes on sale now for $25 at asapconnections.org and at select area businesses and tailgate markets. One pass per carload to any participating farm both days.

Passes can also be purchased the day of the

tour at the first farm stop for $30, or individual farms can be toured for $10. asapconnections.org.

FARMER’S & TAILGATE MARKETS Waynesville • Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market Fresh, local produce, fresh seafood, baked goods, goat cheese, herbal products, meat and eggs, plants, flowers, preserves, honey and heritage crafts. Live music, 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays. 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville in the parking lot of the HART Theatre. 627.1058. www.waynesvillefarmersmarket.com.

• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market Fruits, fresh vegetables, black walnuts, organic food and other products from Haywood County Farmers. 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 171 Legion Dr., Waynesville, at the American Legion in Waynesville behind Bogart’s restaurant. 648.6323. www.buyhaywood.com.

Canton • Canton Tailgate Market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays at Municipal parking area, 58 Park Street in Canton. 235.2760. www.buyhaywood.com.

Sylva • Jackson County Farmers Market Plant starts, green and other spring veggies, meats, eggs, baked goods, mozzarella, honey, jams and jellies can all be purchased using SNAP food stamp benefits or Credit/Debit.

Locally handcrafted items include pottery, soaps, journals, scarves, kid’s toys, candles, aprons and more. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org, Jenny, 631.3033 or jennywm@buncombe.main.nc.us.

Cullowhee • Whee Farmer’s Market, 5 p.m. until dusk, every Wednesday, Cullowhee United Methodist Church grass lot, behind BB&T and Subway on WCU campus, Cullowhee. www.facebook.com/cullowheefarmersmarket. avantgardenorganicfarm@gmail.com.

Cashiers • Cashiers Tailgate Market Fresh baked goods, jellies, local fruit pies and much more. 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, N.C. 107, Cashiers, in the parking lot at the Cashiers Community Center. 226.9988. www.blueridgefarmersco-op.com.

Franklin • Franklin Tailgate Market Variety of only homegrown products such as cheese, plants, eggs, trout, honey and more. 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, 226 E. Palmer St., Franklin, across the street from Drake Software. 349.2046. www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.

Bryson City • Swain Tailgate Market Organic produce, plants, trout, honey, jams, quail and rabbit as well as an array of local crafts. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, Main Street behind the historic courthouse downtown.

488.3848. www.greatsmokies.com.

Cherokee • Cherokee Farmers Tailgate Market Fresh local, organic and heirloom produce. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, Acquoni Road, Cherokee. 554.6931.

PRIME REAL ESTATE

INSIDE

Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MarketPlace information:

LARGE ESTATE SALE From Maggie Valley.

Thurs., Fri., & Sat. 9am - 4pm.

Lots of Good Furniture, Bedroom Suites, Dinning Room Suites, 3 Park Benches, Outdoor Furniture, Many Antiques, Computer, Art & Prints.

Everything Under the Sun! Rain or Shine!

255 Depot St. Waynesville

The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates: ■ Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads.

■ Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

■ $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad.

■ $35 — 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.

ARTS & CRAFTS 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

AUCTION

Classified Advertising:

184+/- ACRES SILER CITY, NC At Auction Sept. 12th. One Boundary. Long Airport Road frontage.

Zoned Heavy Industrial. Super Investment Property. www.RogersAuctionGroup.com 800.442.7906 NCAL#685

Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

R

DI

SC OV ER E

ATR

PE

INC.

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs 205-59

LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS STEVE WOODS, MANAGER

MON-FRI 7:30-5:30 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

456-5387

AUCTION EXTRAVAGANZA, Friday September 13th@ 4:30pm Some of the nicest items we will sell all year long. You don’t want to miss this one!! Selling over 800 lots of: Early cabin/cottage furniture, fine furniture, LOADS of primitives, cast iron, large selection of glassware, Longaberger Baskets, advertising, clocks, quilts, rugs, guitars, artwork, used furniture, household, box lots, and More!

View pictures and more details @ www.boatwrightauction.com.

Or call 828.524.2499 Boatwright Auction, 34 Tarheel Trail, Franklin, NC. NCAL Firm 9231 GOING, GOING, GONE! Promote your auction with a classified ad published in 100 North Carolina newspapers with over 1.3 million circulation. Only $330 for 25 words. Call this newspaper, or NCPS at 919.789.2083 or visit www.ncpsads.com.

AUCTION TAX SEIZURE AUCTION Wednesday, September 18 @10 am. 2270 US Hwy 74A Forest City, NC. Selling all Restaurant Equipment & Seating from ROLLINS CAFETERIA for Unpaid Taxes. Hobart BBQ Chopper, Hobart Mixer, Nice Seating Package, POS, Gas Ranges, Ovens, Fryers, Refridgeration.

704.791.8825 ncaf5479. www.ClassicAuctions.com

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

WHITE PINE, HEMLOCK, POPLAR Lumber and Timbers, Any Size!

Rough Sawn or S4S, Custom Sawing. Smoky Mountain Timber, 3517 Jonathan Creek Rd., Waynesville, NC. 828.926.4300.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING 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 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

WANTED 10 HOMES Needing siding, windows or roofs.

Save hundreds of dollars. No money down. Payments from $89/mo.

All credit accepted. Senior/Military discounts. 1.866.668.8681.

PAINTING JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Interior, exterior, all your pressure washing needs and more.

Specialize in Removal of Carpenter Bees - Log Homes or Siding! Call Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727.

CAMPERS 2004 36’ COACHMAN CATALINA Camper: Living Room Slide-Out & BR Slide-Out, King Bedroom, Queen Sleeper-Sofa, Fully Eqpd.

Kitchen, Large Bathroom w/ Corner Shower, Solar Panels, Lots of Extras! $18,000. Call for more info 828.734.4624 or 828.734.3480

CARS - DOMESTIC DONATE YOUR CAR Fast Free Towing 24 hr. Response Tax Deduction United Breast Cancer Foundation Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info 888.759.9782. SAPA DONATE YOUR CAR Fast Free Towing. 24 hr. Response.

Tax Deduction. United Breast Cancer Foundation, Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info 855.733.5472 DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

SAVE $$$ ON Auto Insurance from the major names you know and trust. No forms. No hassle. No obligation.

Call Ready For My Quote now!

CALL 1.855.834.5740.

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

AUTO PARTS DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

CLOTHING 4T GIRLS SKI BIBS Pink, fleece lined, Children’s Place ski bibs. Like new $10. Call 828.648.3425.

SIZE 6 GIRLS SKI PANTS Light pink, like new, $10. Get ready for skiing, tubing or just playing in the snow. Call 828.648.3425.

R

WNC MarketPlace

EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATOR/BOOKKEEPER Part-time, Sought for environmental nonprofit (Balsam Mountain Trust).

Email: mskinner@bmtrust.org for a complete job description. $1,000 WEEKLY OR MORE Guaranteed salary mailing our financial company letters from home. NO Experience Required.

FT/PT. Genuine opportunity. Rapid Advancement. FREE Information (24/7): 1.888.557.5539.

SAPA 12 PRO DRIVERS NEEDED! $$$ Up to 50 cpm $$$ Full Benefits + Quality Hometime.

CDL-A Req. For more info call 877.258.8782, or go to: www.ad-drivers.com ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Training Program! Become a Certified Microsoft Office Professional!

NO EXPERIENCED NEEDED! Online training gets you job ready! H.S. Diploma/GED Program disclosures at careertechnical.edu/nc 1.888.926.6057.

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE Get FAA Approved Maintenance Training Financial Aid For Qualified Students - Housing Available Job Placement Assistance. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA ATTENTION REGIONAL & Dedicated Drivers! Averitt offers Excellent Benefits & Hometime.

CDL-A req. 888.362.8608. Recent Grads w/a CDL-A 1-5/wks Paid Training. Apply online at: AverittCareers.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

DRIVERS: Up to $5,000 Sign-On Bonus.

Southeast Dedicated Lanes!

Home weekends. Great Pay. BCBS Benefits. Join Super Service!

888.662.8732, or go to: DriveForSuperService.com EARN $500 A-DAY: Insurance Agents Needed; Leads, No Cold Calls; Commissions Paid Daily; Lifetime Renewals; Complete Training; Health/ Dental Insurance; Life License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020.

DRIVERS: HOME WEEKLY/ Bi-Weekly. Layover/Detention/Short Haul Pay. 70% D&H/90% NO Touch. No Canada/Hazmat or NYC! BC/BS, Dental, Vision, 401K etc.

Class A CDL w/6 mos. Exp. 877.705.9261.

FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Developmental English/Reading Instructors (part-time). Open until filled. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com/ Human Resources Office, Fayetteville Technical Community College, PO Box 35236, Fayetteville, NC 28303. Phone: 910.678.8378.

Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu CRC Preferred Employer. An Equal Opportunity Employer HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR Training! Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. 3 Week Hands On Program. Local Job Placement Assistance. National Certifications.

GI Benefits Eligible. 866.362.6497

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS HOSPITAL Positions now available: Emergency Room and Med/Surg Registered Nurses, and System Administrator.

Benefits available the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. PreEmployment screening required.

Call Human Resources.

828.526.1376, or apply online at: www.highlandscashiershospital. org

EMPLOYMENT

MAPLE TREE VETERINARY Hospital is seeking a Dog Camp leader. Requirements: Work well independently, enthusiasm for & understanding of appropriate dog play, excellent communication skills, strong work ethic, reliable & committed to working with dogs.

Responsibilities: Communicate with dog owners about dog camp experience, provide safe & fun play time for dogs, maintain clean & orderly work environment, answer phones, make appointments & assist in other duties. Submit Resume with References and a Cover Letter explaining why this is the right job for you: kbirthright@mapletreevet.com

NC LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST Needed for established & growing spa in Sylva. Pay based upon experience. Please email for more details: sandra@fusionsspa.com NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! Exp Pays - up to 50 CPM Full Benefits + Quality Hometime.

CDL-A required. 888.592.4752. www.ad-drivers.com SAPA

NEED MEDICAL OFFICE TRAINEES! Train to become a Medical Office Assistant at CTI! No Experienced Needed! Online Training at CTI gets you job ready! H.S. Diploma/ GED & Computer needed.

For more information please call 1.888.512.7122, or go to: Careertechnical.edu/northcarolina.

TANKER & FLATBED COMPANY. Drivers/Independent Contractors!

Immediate Placement Available.

Best Opportunities in the Trucking Business. Call Today 800.277.0212 or www.primeinc.com

NEW TRUCKS ARRIVING! Exp. Pays - up to 50 cpm. Full Benefits + Quality Hometime.

CDL-A Req. 877.258.8782. www.ad-drivers.com FULL TIME RN NURSE SUPERVISOR With active license in the state of NC. Supervisory experience required, Home Care services preferred. Organizational skills, flexibility, ability to evaluate, teach and train CNA’s. Work closely with management a must. Full Time benefits available. For more info or to apply call Gale Anglin at 828.631.1167, or visit us at: www.disabilitypartners.org for employment application and full job description.

PART-TIME JOB With Full-Time Benefits. You can receive cash bonus, monthly pay check, job training, money for technical training or college, travel, health benefits, retirement, and much more! Visit NationalGuard.com or call 1.800.GO.Guard to learn more on how the National Guard can benefit you.

205-57

Puzzles can be found on page 53.

www.smokymountainnews.com

September 11-17, 2013

These are only the answers.

50

Great Smokies Storage 10’x20’

92

$

20’x20’

160

$

ONE MONTH

FREE WITH 12-MONTH CONTRACT

828.506.4112 or 828.507.8828 Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

EMPLOYMENT

CONTRACTORS NEEDED TODAY! Property preservation construction: lock changes, grass cuts, winterizations & more. We have volume, work order basis. Contact Us: 813.936.2221 territories@seasllc.com DRIVERS: HOME WEEKLY/ Bi-Weekly. Layover/Detention/Short Haul Pay. 70% D&H/90% NO Touch. No Canada/Hazmat or NYC! BC/BS, Dental, Vision, 401K etc.

Class A CDL w/6 mos. Exp. 877.705.9261.

LAWN AND GARDEN OUTDOOR EXPRESSIONS

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

Increase Property Value & Protect Your Home! View Trimming, Hazardous Tree & Limb Removal, Wooly Adelgid Treatment, Dead-Wooding & Tree Saving.

ISA Certified Arborist, Josh Landt.

Fully Insured - Free Estimates!

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. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD toll-free 1.800.669.9777

828.400.3959 HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

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

FINANCIAL $$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!

Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++ within 48/hours? Low rates. Apply Now By Phone! 1.800.568.8321. www.lawcapital.com Not valid in CO or NC SAPA

FURNITURE 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

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT

Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 12 Noon - 5pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville, North Carolina

FORECLOSURE - NC MTNS. 1.71 prime acres with stunning mtn views, lg hardwoods, level elevated bldg site and paved access only $34,900 financing avail.

866.738.5522 brkr WESTERN NC Owner must sacrifice 1200+ SF ready to finish cabin on 1.53 acres w/new well, septic and deeded access to beautiful creek. $62,500 call 828.286.1666 brkr.

Ann knows real estate!

Ann Eavenson CRS, GRI, E-PRO

ann@mainstreetrealty.net

506-0542 CELL 205-63

BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net 828.283.2112.

HOMES FOR RENT UNFURNISHED 2/BR 1/BA LOG HOUSE Between Sylva & Cullowhee. 976sf.

Great Room/Kitchen, All Appliances Including Dishwasher. Utility Room, W/D Hookups, Carport, Storage Building. No Pets/No Smoking. First, Last, Dep. $800/mo. For more info call 828.226.2953.

LOTS FOR SALE 2.819 ACRE TRACT Building Lot in great location.

Build your 2nd home log cabin here. Large 2-story building near HCC, was a Hobby Shop. $71,000. Call 828.627.2342

LAND FOR SALE 8 ACRES IN IRONDUFF Includes barn with stream on the property, $50,000. For more info call 828.627.6342

VACATION RENTALS FLAGLER BEACH FLORIDA Oceanfront Vacation Rentals. 1,2,& 3 Bedroom, Full Kitchens FREE WiFi, Direct TV, Pool. 1.386.517.6700

VACATION RENTALS

MEDICAL

NORTH CAROLINA MOUNTAINS Come enjoy a wonderful Fall or winter vacation! Cabins, Condos, Vacation Homes. Bring your pet!

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GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

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HOMES FOR SALE

September 11-17, 2013

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

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REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

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101 South Main St. Waynesville

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MainStreet Realty

(828) 452-2227 mainstreetrealty.net 51

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MEDICAL

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

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PERSONAL

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SAPA

Haywood Properties — haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox — info@haywoodproperties.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Rob Roland — robrolandrealty.com • Ron Kwiatkowski — ronk.kwrealty.com

PERSONAL

FOR SALE

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• Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Mountain Home Properties — mountaindream.com

• Bruce McGovern — shamrock13.com

Preferred Properties • George Escaravage — gke333@gmail.com

Prudential Lifestyle Realty — vistasofwestfield.com

SCOTTISH TARTANS MUSEUM 86 East Main St., Franklin, 828.584.7472. www.scottishtartans.org. Matthew A.C. Newsome, GTS, FSA, SCOT., Curator & General Manager, Ronan B. MacGregor, Business Assistant.

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Career.

FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 877.300.9494.

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ENTERTAINMENT

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty • • • • • • • • •

remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Connie Dennis — remax-maggievalleync.com Mark Stevens — remax-waynesvillenc.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Bonnie Probst — bonniep@remax-waynesvillenc.com

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Mountain Realty

Ron Breese Broker/Owner 2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com Each office independently owned & operated.

The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

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TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 52

828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

STEEL BUILDINGS

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OUTDOOR EXPRESSIONS Increase Property Value & Protect Your Home! View Trimming, Hazardous Tree & Limb Removal, Wooly Adelgid Treatment, Dead-Wooding & Tree Saving.

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828.400.3959 HD CABLE TV DEALS Starting at $29.99 a month!

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Specialize in Removal of Carpenter Bees - Log Homes or Siding! Call Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727.

YARD SALES INDOOR GARAGE SALE: High Quality New & Used Household Items, Furniture, Collectibles, Women’s Apparel, Antiques, Price Half to Third of Retail Value. Saturday Sept 14, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., 96 Studio Lane, Otto, NC (between Franklin & Clayton). Hwy 441 to Coweeta Lab Rd. Take Coweeta for 2 miles.

Studio Ln. on left.

SUMMER PLACE COMMUNITY Yard Sale Sat. Sept. 14, 8 - 1pm.

U.S. 276N from U.S. 19 towards I-40 only 1/2 mile north of Hemphill Lots of great stuff and plenty of household goods.

LARGE ESTATE SALE From Maggie Valley.

Thurs., Fri., & Sat. 9am - 4pm.

Lots of Good Furniture, Bedroom Suites, Dinning Room Suites, 3 Park Benches, Outdoor Furniture, Many Antiques, Computer, Art & Prints.

Everything Under the Sun! Rain or Shine!

255 Depot St. Waynesville

WEEKLY SUDOKU

Super

CROSSWORD

NEW 130-ACROSSES ACROSS 1 Boxing punches 5 Bulk-buying chain 13 Professional copyists 20 Balls 21 Represent as perfect 22 Ballerina Galina 23 Something bad that has to be done 25 Kind of comb 26 Picnic crawler 27 PIN-taking dispenser 28 Sealant stuff 29 One-eighty on the road 30 One-named Deco artist 31 Beastly 33 Actor on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” 37 Samuel with a code 39 Act of keeping watch 40 Arsenal stuff 43 Three-horse carriages 47 Complains 52 Longtime classroom magazine 55 Dutch banking giant 56 Notorious emperor 57 Curry of “Today” 58 Wide-shoe letters 59 Very interested in 61 Turn into a mummy 63 Thither 64 Not far from 66 18-yard box, in soccer 68 Bear, in Mexico 70 Serving several functions 73 - -K (tyke’s class)

74 “Match Game” host 77 Joke-telling Jay 79 Relaxing resort 82 Actor Platt 83 Last Greek letters 86 Antique Olds 87 Ill-bred fellow 88 Head, in Cannes 89 Suffix with east or north 91 Engage in silly play 94 Intimidate 96 Rio de -, Brazil 97 Court partitions 98 Brazil’s first emperor 100 Previously, in poetry 103 Knighted English portraitist 110 Life forms 114 Suffix with launder 115 Hardly rigid 116 Yearbook bit 117 Grazing ground 118 Amazed cry 119 Call to mind 121 “Fosse,” e.g.

125 Neil of the Pet Shop Boys 126 Pep up 127 Put on, as cargo 128 Socks with diamonds 129 Like a fez 130 Word rearranged and hidden in this puzzle’s eight longest answers DOWN 1 - Brothers (boy band) 2 Vying venue 3 “Doctor Who” airer 4 Cleveland-to-Akron dir.

5 Nun 6 Eve’s mate 7 Sea, to Simone 8 “What do you - that?”

9 With 40-Down, erase 10 French for “book” 11 Israeli arm 12 Air or ami lead-in 13 Definite indication 14 Thing shot in skeet shooting 15 - -a-tat 16 Entomb 17 Two-by-four 18 Title role for Patti LuPone 19 Bay State port 24 Starch-yielding palm 29 Ballpark arbiter 32 Crazedly 33 Paltry 34 Pining type 35 Horse kin 36 “Do Ya” gp.

38 Flowing steadily 40 See 9-Down 41 “Ask - questions ...”

42 Akin to Amish 44 Acorn maker 45 Ending for cyan 46 Continuing 48 Open, as a gate 49 Coast Guard coup 50 Detective novelist Stanley Gardner 51 Cell body 53 Poe maiden 54 “- -haw!” (“Whee!”)

55 As a whole 60 Beatle bride 62 “I lost - meatball ...” (“On Top of Spaghetti” lyric) 65 Apply, as ointment

67 Wary about 69 Break off 71 Abner’s radio partner 72 “Johnny -” (1957 Disney film) 74 Attend 75 Height: Abbr.

76 “Is anyone else here?”

78 Teachers’ gp.

80 Huff and puff 81 Appends 84 Gas suffix 85 Do moguls 90 New rough sketches 92 Periods 93 “Finally - know!”

95 Cartoon shopkeeper 96 Great elation 99 Critic Reed 101 Did as told 102 Hindquarters 103 Certain Volkswagen 104 Additional 105 Wasp attack 106 Youngman of oneliners 107 Wind quintet instruments 108 Fibbers 109 Avoid slyly 111 Stellar phenomena 112 Mild cheese 113 Utter 117 Lie around 120 - Kan (old dog food brand) 121 Track wager 122 Cell material 123 Wheaton of TV and film 124 TV Tarzan player Ron

answers on page 50

Answers on Page 50

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Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

September 11-17, 2013

DISH TV RETAILER. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1.800.291.0612 SAPA

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SERVICES

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SERVICES

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L A I C E P S Y RALL

10% OFF

Apparel* thru 9/14/13

e and sale items) (*excludes clearanc 2012 Roadsmith Trike Conversion 2010 Ultra Classic

SATURDAY SIDEWALK SALE Saturday September 14 • Free Coffee & Danish in the morning th

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828.452.7276 SMSH.CO FOR OUR FULL INVENTORY

Smoky Mountain News

September 11-17, 2013

Mon.-Fri. 9-6 | Sat. 9-5 | Closed Sun.

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AFFLICTION • MISS ME • INOX • HOT LEATHERS VOCAL • MEK DENIM • MUSTANG HARLEY-DAVIDSON • BELL EASYRIDERS ROADWARE • ALPINESTARS FULMER • DRAG SPECIALTIES

Buckeyes still beguile nature lovers

A

George Ellison

large yellow buckeye tree overhangs and supports the swinging gate that accesses our property. The tree has started to drop the unique fruiting structures for which it is named. Year around, it always has something interesting going on.

In winter, you can spot a buckeye by the large upwardpointing shinybrown end buds, larger than the buds on almost any other hardwood. In spring, these buds produce the opposite Columnist palmately compound leaves that are the prime identification mark for the tree.

Look for five leaflets radiating from the tip of a single stem, giving the appearance of a hand with fingers. The numerous saplings that spring up around a parent tree from seeds or root sprouts display these distinctive palmate leaves as soon as they are a foot or so high.

Each May, large showy flower clusters composed of bright yellow petals overhang our gateway. By late June, the leaves turn a rosy salmon color. By mid-September, the foliage is clear yellow, and the tree’s starting to drop its large greenish-yellow seedpods.

BACK THEN As these dry, the tri-parted husks open revealing three beautifully crafted mahogany-colored seeds from which the tree’s name derives.

On each lustrous “buck’s eye,� there’s a round gray scar called the “hilum,� where the seed was attached inside the husk.

Nourishment was fed to the seed via this area. Its resemblance to the pupil of an eye is uncanny, even down to the concentric rings inside each hilum.

These seeds are as pleasing to hold as they are to behold. A flattened place adjacent to the “pupil� allows a person’s thumb to settle on it just so. Keep one in your pocket as a good luck charm or talisman. If the fish aren’t biting, rub your buckeye seed, spit on your bait, and hang on. When the home team is behind and driving for the winning score in the last seconds, place your thumb on that flattened area, hold it there, and see what happens.

But don’t get excited and eat the thing. Buckeye contains a glycoside that when combined with moisture — as in your stomach — produces a poisonous derivative. Pigs, horses, sheep, and children have been poisoned by them, with symptoms of inflammation of the mucous membranes, vomiting, twitching, and paralysis.Â

Youth Art Festival Saturday, Sept. 21st 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Rain or Shine!

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These workshops cover all aspects of prose and poetry and are presented in the evening, off campus, under the guidance of published, professional instructors.

Music • Dance • Art Demonstrations

Classes begin September 16 XQFD HGX JVZS ‡

LOCATED AT THE GREEN ENERGY PARK , NEAR THE HUDDLE HOUSE IN DILLSBORO.

828.631-0271

Smoky Mountain News

The Great Smokies Writing Program, 81& $VKHYLOOH¡V FRPPXQLW\ ZULWLQJ SURJUDP is designed for you³offering workshops for the beginning writer, the aspiring writer, even the accomplished, published author.

flowing pools of streams where fish were congregated in fall so as to bring the stunned quarry to the surface for gathering. And they continue to favor the soft, white wood of the tree for carving.

There are four native species of buckeye in the southeastern United States: Ohio, red, painted, and yellow buckeyes.

Horse-chestnut, a native of Asia, was

introduced into this country from Europe as an ornamental shade tree.

Here in Western North Carolina there are two native species: painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica), a shrub that occasionally becomes a small tree, is rarely encountered; and yellow buckeye (A. flava, formerly designated A. octandra), our common species.

In Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (1964), naturalist Arthur Stupka reported a giant buckeye tree 15-feet, 11-inches in circumference growing near Trillium Gap in the Smokies.

Average trees are about 60 feet tall and 3 feet in diameter.

They are encountered from the lowest altitudes to over 6,000feet but flourish in the rich cove hardwoods of the middle elevations.

George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees.

Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.

September 11-17, 2013

Write On!

The Cherokee did once eat quantities of buckeye “meat� after first roasting the nuts, mashing the pulp, and leaching the meal with water for several days. They also threw crushed raw buckeye into the deep, slow-

www.jcgep.org

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Smoky Mountain News September 11-17, 2013