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March 22-28, 2017 Vol. 18 Iss. 43

Monteith remembered as man of the people Page 4 Cherokee prepares to unveil mountain biking system Page 34

CONTENTS On the Cover: As North Carolina prepares to commemorate N.C. Beer Month in April, its seems like a good time to check in with the 14 breweries operating west of Asheville to see how they are planning to celebrate and what is next for them.

(Page 22) Boojam Brewing Company serves up a cold one. Margaret Hester photo

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March 22-28, 2017

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Jackson EMS wants more Qualla coverage .............................................................. 3 Monteith remembered as man of the people ..............................................................4 Digging into Dix Hill Cemetery history .......................................................................... 6 Dillsboro river park proposal draws a crowd ..............................................................8 Empowering a new generation of strong women .................................................. 10 Training girls for a 5K, preparing them for life .......................................................... 10 ADA-compliant park coming to Waynesville ............................................................ 12 Candidate list grows for Cherokee Tribal Council ..................................................13 Mainspring close to purchasing Panthertown property ........................................14 One big circle: Folkmoot’s Cultural Conversations ................................................15 Health News ...................................................................................................................... 17

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Proposal would give Qualla area 24-hour ambulance $200,000 in EMS changes would boost services and employee retention, hospital says

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March 22-28, 2017 Smoky Mountain News

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER arris Regional Hospital Emergency Medical Services is asking the Jackson County Commissioners to make changes to its service that would cost about $200,000 to implement.

Most of that cost would result from adding four full-time positions to EMS’s Qualla substation, staffing the ambulance stationed there 24 hours per day rather than the 12 hours per day that it’s currently staffed.

“That area is doing nothing but growing, which I’m sure each of you know better than we do,” Matt Burrell, EMS operations manager, told commissioners during a March 14 work session. “And we want to provide a better service to the area we serve.”

While the changes would cost about $200,000, Burrell said, it’s unknown how much cost would be passed along to the county. It’s possible that EMS could take in enough additional revenue to offset the cost, but it could also find itself in need of more funding.

The current 12-hour Qualla ambulance is a rather recent development, with commissioners approving the truck and the four fulltime positions necessary to run it half the day during last year’s budget talks. Qualla had had its own ambulance at some point in the past, but the truck had been re-assigned to Sylva, which has a higher call volume.

Last year, Jackson commissioners decided to fund the positions for Qualla. That, along with various other equipment purchases and personnel increases at Harris Regional Hospital and the Cashiers-Glenville Rescue Squad, cost an additional $942,000 in the 2016-17 budget and prompted a property tax increase of 1 cent per $100.

The Qualla ambulance has been making a difference, Burrell said. Since adding it, call response times for emergency calls in the Qualla area have dropped from 14.93 minutes to 11.82 minutes. That’s a marked and potentially life-saving improvement, but it still falls short of the organization’s target response time of 10 minutes or less.

“I think the reason we’re not meeting our 10-minute response time in that area is because the 12 hours we’re not in there we’re having our extended response time,” Burrell told commissioners.

Between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m., when the Qualla ambulance is not staffed, emergency calls are typically handled by an on-call crew coming from Sylva, or else attended to by Cherokee Tribal EMS through a mutual aid agreement with Harris. Responses can take a while, as on-call crews have 15 minutes to get ready to leave from the station and from

Burrell estimates it would cost $14,500 to switch existing employees to the 2472 schedule, a difference largely due to there being more overtime built into the proposed schedule. However, he believes that in practice the change would save money. It costs the organization about $2,000 to train and equip each new employee, so the nine people who left over the past two years took about $18,000 of investment with them. Then there is the more difficult-tocalculate cost of lost productivity, as new employees take a while to learn the Last year, Jackson commissioners approved leases for five new ambulances, which are now in use at Harris EMS. ropes and reach maxiHolly Kays photo mum effectiveness.

And, while the new budget would have more overtime hours built into it than the current budget Unlike surrounding counties, Jackson County does not does, Burrell believes that actual overtime own its EMS service but rather contracts with Harris to hours would decrease. Jackson EMS sometimes sees more than 300 hours per twoprovide the service. Therefore, Harris must have week pay period in overtime hours due to commissioners approve any significant expenditure or the difficulty it’s having recruiting new employees. change to the program.

“We’re having to use our full-time employees to fill extra shifts to fill voids that Harris EMS has been having issues lately there must travel to wherever the call origiwe have,” EMS crew leader Kyle Dowling with turnover and retention, and much of nated. Response times are commonly told commissioners. “We project if we have that is due to how shifts are structured, upward of 20 minutes. Harris does have a the schedule change we’ll be able to recruit Burrell said. The organization employs 24 mutual aid agreement with Cherokee, but more, thus cutting down on the overtime we full-time responders, and over the last two Burrell doesn’t think that’s a resource the have on current staff.” years nine people have left. hospital should rely on.

Unlike surrounding counties, Jackson “Everyone said on their exit interview it “We feel as an EMS service it’s our County does not own its EMS service but was the schedule we worked,” Burrell said. responsibility to cover that area,” he said. rather contracts with Harris to provide the “We were trying to think of options. What “It’s not somebody else’s responsibility to service. Therefore, Harris must have comcan we do to fix this?” come in and help us with that.” missioners approve any significant expendiMost area EMS services use a 24 hours Burrell believes that a 24-hour Qualla ture or change to the program. on, 72 hours off schedule. For example, a crew would have plenty to keep it busy.

Commissioners did not make any definiparamedic working 24 hours starting Since 2013, Harris EMS has seen an overall tive statements as to how they might handle Monday would then be off Tuesday, call volume increase of 24 percent. During the requests but indicated sympathy for the Wednesday and Thursday before returning 2016, Qualla saw 289 emergency calls and challenges increased activity in the Qualla for a 24-hour shift Friday. Afterward, the 558 total calls — and the Qualla ambulance area is causing emergency responders. paramedic would be off once more Saturday, County Manager Don Adams asked that was in place for only one quarter of that.

Sunday and Monday. However, Jackson EMS EMS submit some more detailed informaAdding the four full-time positions needcurrently uses a more complicated schedule. ed to bring the Qualla truck to 24 hours tion regarding call volumes in the Qualla During the most demanding weeks, parawould cost about $210,000, Burrell said. area for commissioners’ consideration. medics work a 12-hour shift followed by a However, his plan also calls for elimination Commissioner Charles Elders comment12-hour break, then a 24-hour shift and of the on-call crew, whose members earn $3 ed that he’s seen the increased activity in finally another 12-hour shift before getting for every hour they’re on call plus regular Qualla firsthand on his early morning drives pay when they respond to a call. Eliminating three days off. to work over the years.

“As the years have gone on, the workload that crew would save about $20,000 for a net “At one time I didn’t see a truck but a has increased,” Burrell said, making that cost of about $190,000. milkman that early, and it’s a constant flow Getting rid of on-call will prove a popular schedule increasingly tiring for those workat 3 o’clock (a.m.) there now,” he said. “I can ing it. decision among EMS employees, Burrell see where you’re coming from. The need is “We’ve had numerous people leave for said. Generally speaking, people looking for there.” other EMS services surrounding us that all a job in the EMS field don’t want to pull onCommissioners will likely discuss the work the 24-72 schedule.” call shifts. issue further at a future work session.

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Monteith remembered as man of the people

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR hen speaking to the many people in Swain County and beyond who knew David Monteith either personally or professionally, they all used the same word to describe him — integrity.

“The one word that comes to mind when talking about David is integrity,” said Charlene Hogue, who has known Monteith since she was 16 years old. “And when you have that kind of integrity, you do what’s right for your county and that’s what he always did.

His death is not just a personal loss for me, but it’s a huge loss for Swain County.”

Monteith, 70, passed away March 10 after suffering from a heart attack. He leaves behind his wife and sidekick of 45 years — Ellen — and a long legacy of giving the people of Swain County a voice at the county, state and federal level.

He served as a county commissioner for 19 years and was just re-elected for another four-year term last November. He had a hand in many of the county’s most successful programs and tourism-related projects through the years and was the go-to person for information about the county’s history and heritage. He had a pulse on the community and the needs of his constituents.

Monteith was instrumental in getting the Swain County Heritage Wall, the Swain County Heritage Museum, and the granite tablets outside the doors of the Swain County Administration Building. He helped secure funding to repave Old 288 and create a boat ramp and park area there along the Tuckasegee River.

Swain County Manager Kevin King worked alongside Monteith for the last 19 years. He saw firsthand every day the passion Monteith had for Swain County and its residents. Whether he was fighting to get the federal government to rebuild the North Shore Road or fighting the Tennessee Valley Authority to keep houseboats on Fontana Lake, he said Monteith’s legacy would be his ability to give the people a voice.

“Making the federal government accountable will be his legacy whether it was the national park or the TVA — seeing those issues with those biggest land owners and making them accountable and creating heritage attractions and keeping that going so the people’s story will always be told — that’s his legacy.”

Smoky Mountain News

March 22-28, 2017

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DEEP ROOTS

Monteith had deep roots in the area. Born in 1947, he was raised in rural Swain County in the aftermath of World War II. Monteith’s family came from the Forney Creek area, which was one of the communities flooded in the early 1940s to create Fontana Dam. The creation of the lake and dam also flooded the roads that once accessed old homesteads, cemeteries, mills, schools and other important landmarks.

“His family was one of the families that 4 lost a lot when they didn’t build the road

David Monteith is pictured next to a heritage display at the Swain County Heritage Museum, a project he helped see through to fruition before he died. Donated photo back,” said longtime friend Tony Sherrill.

“People don’t really focus on it but this was Swain County’s sacrifice to the WWII efforts — we left our homes and cemeteries because we were at war,” said Hogue. “David appreciated that heritage and probably knew more than any other person about our history. He’s an irreplaceable treasure.”

But Monteith always tried to make the best of the assets Swain County had, no matter how many times he felt the county was slighted by the federal government. Sherrill said he never let grudges get in the way of what was best for Swain County as a whole.

He was an avid fisherman on Fontana and even owned a houseboat on the lake until he sold it a few years ago.

Sherrill said Monteith knew how important outdoor recreation and tourism was to the county, especially since 87 percent of county land is occupied by national park and forest.

“When he became commissioner, he was looking at the tax base because most the county is government land so any little money he could find was helpful — he knew tourism was important,” he said. “I don’t know if I ever saw David benefit personally from anything he done. It was always for the people — it’s what I really loved about him.”

Monteith worked at Ingles in Bryson City for most of his adult life as the manager of the meat department. That’s where Sherrill first met Monteith 40-plus years ago, though they would go on to be lifelong friends and work together on a number of projects related to Fontana Lake when he became a commissioner.

Once he retired in 2002, Monteith continued to work as a bus driver for Swain County Schools. He had one of the longest routes in the county — out to Tow String — and he started his weekdays at 5 a.m. to get those students to school. He truly enjoyed it though and often said it kept him in the know with the younger generation. When a school issue

would come up before the commissioners, Monteith would poll his students on the bus to get their thoughts on the matter.

And when he was done with his morning route, his day was just beginning. Between his morning and afternoon route, he could be found having breakfast with his wife Ellen, and then at the county administrative building working, volunteering at the heritage museum or attending one of many community board meetings.

ROAD TO NOWHERE UNFINISHED Friends say that once Monteith set his mind to something, he wouldn’t stop until it was done — no matter the obstacles.

“If there was something he believed in he went after it and he went after it hard — he just got things done,” Sherrill said.

“He was tenacious in what he believed,” said fellow Swain County Commissioner Ben Bushyhead, who served with Monteith for the last couple of years. “He would bring that point up many times — sometimes to one’s chagrin — but you knew he was dedicated to that cause no matter what it was.”

The North Shore Road issue has been one issue Monteith has dedicated his political career to resolving. It’s the sole reason he ran for commissioner back in 1998. He wanted to see the federal government live up to its contract and rebuild the road from Bryson City to Tennessee. He wanted it for the people of Swain to be able to access their family history that was lost when the lake was created and he also wanted it for the sake of the county’s tourism economy.

When Monteith was elected, he made it clear he didn’t want to county to accept a cash settlement — he encouraged the other commissioners to hold out for the road to be built.

When Rep. Heath Shuler was elected and wanted Swain commissioners to sign a new

contract with the federal government — one that would provide a $52 million cash settlement in place of building the road — Monteith was the lone holdout.

“He was a staunch advocate for the road — that was his No. 1 priority,” Hogue said.

“And he was the only commissioner that voted no on the new agreement.”

Monteith, Hogue and other supporters of the road had little faith in the new contract and opposed the settlement.

“We might get the $6 million, the rest of it is a promise that we might do this in the 2009 budget. What good is a promise? We’ve been waiting 60 years. They are asking us to trust them again? I have no confidence,” Monteith said back in 2007 when the settlement was still being debated.

Even with his warnings, commissioners approved the new contract for the settlement money 4-1 with Monteith opposing.

Monteith’s skepticism over the settlement might have made him seem overly negative and untrusting at the time, but his predictions were dead on.

The county did receive the first installment payment of $12.8 million in 2010 but hasn’t received another dime since then.

“I think the other side is regretting doing away with the 1943 agreement — it was a firm contract,” Hogue said. “This new contract wasn’t negotiated well on our side and David pleaded with the other commissioners to include more in the settlement for Swain County, but I think they’ve seen the error of their ways now and realize they should have pushed for the road. Now we’re stuck with a weak contract.”

But once the decision was made, Monteith went along with the majority and started fighting to get the money. That fight has included numerous trips to Raleigh and Washington, D.C., to lobby legislators.

With the contract for the settlement money expiring in 2020, Swain commissioners filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Interior last March in a lastditch effort to collect the money. The county is continuing to push for its day in court though the Department of Interior filed for a motion to dismiss.

“I’m saddened by the fact that if we as a county can get the money from the federal government that we are owed, he will not be here to see that achievement,” Bushyhead said. “I see that as the saddest part of his passing — the thing in which he believed most strongly he won’t see come to pass.”

FIGHT FOR FONTANA

Even though he didn’t live to end the fight over the settlement money, Monteith did win a big battle last year over the houseboats on Fontana Lake.

Last May, the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors passed a new policy that stated all floating homes on TVA’s lakes — about 1,900 structures — would have to be removed from the lakes within the next 30 years. The TVA staff

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Question: My son who is 17 years old was recently Swain County Commissioner David Monteith testifies before a U.S. Congressional Committee regarding houseboats on Fontana Lake. Donated photo

“If there was something he believed in he went after it and he went after it hard — he just got things done.”

— Tony Sherill, longtime friend

Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City, said he had much respect for Monteith and his loyalty to Swain County through the years.

“His life really was about service to Swain County, and it will be very difficult to fill the void that is left,” he said. “David was also the brother that I wish I had. He was devout in his love for God, and was a strong encourager to me in my personal endeavors.”

Even though they didn’t always agree on issues, Bushyhead — a fellow Democrat — said he will never forget Monteith’s friendship. He and Monteith knew each other as young boys growing up, but Monteith would never let him forget that Bushyhead was a year older.

“He would always ask me, ‘what would people have thought if they knew us as young boys and now see us governing a county’ and I’d say ‘they wouldn’t have believed it,” Bushyhead recalled. “But we did grow up together and I consider him a friend. He carried himself well and he did well for this county.”

advised by his dermatologist to eliminate some foods to see if they help with a skin condition. Currently he is supposed to avoid wheat, dairy, eggs and oats as well as shrimp. I am at a loss of what to fix for him. Can you give me some ideas?

Answer: I always advise people in this situation to start by looking at what CAN be eaten and not at what can’t. Make a list of everything your son can eat and go from there.

You may want to consider seeing an allergist to see if there is anything that can be done to help your son. This is something that a board certified allergist can do but the dermatologist may not be able to do. Information on food allergy testing and finding a board certified allergist in your area can be found here: http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/testing.

Since there is limited list of foods he can eat, it is important that he gets nutrients that he will likely be missing, especially calcium and vitamin D ( from dairy), and B vitamins (from the grains). It would also be good for him to see a dietitian in your area to help with menu planning and recipes. You can find one by going to www.eatright.org and putting in your zip code.

A good resource for food allergy information including recipe resources is the Food Allergy Network: www.foodallergy.org.

Smoky Mountain News

BIPARTISANSHIP

Another characteristic people admired about Monteith was his ability to work with people from different backgrounds and politA ical affiliations. Even though he was a proud, t lifelong Democrat, Monteith put aside politin cal ideologies to get what was needed for n Swain County.

“Whether you agreed or not, David would explain his position and why he felt as he did y on an issue and then would listen to yours. t When the conversation ended he would tell — e you how he would vote on any given issue and you could believe that was how he would vote,” said Bunny Burnett. “His integrity was

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March 22-28, 2017

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a breath of fresh air when talking with an elected official.”

Hogue remembers in the early ‘80s when she and her mother Linda Hogue, both Republicans, were fighting with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park over getting the North Shore Road built. They formed the North Shore Road Association and started a petition, but she remembers Monteith being hesitant to join forces even though he agreed with the cause.

“David didn’t join immediately because he thought we were a bunch of Republicans,” Hogue laughed. “But he joined us and we worked together and formed an alliance to get the road built.”

As a commissioner, he worked with every U.S. Congressmen elected to get the road and then later the settlement money.

“He worked good with everybody — party lines didn’t matter to him,” Sherrill said.

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argued that the houseboats were creating an environmental hazard by illegally dumping sewage in the lakes and created a navigational problem for other public uses on the lake. e With more than 350 houseboats being - affected on Fontana, Monteith didn’t waste — any time speaking up in their defense.

Besides the issue of private property rights, d Monteith saw the economic benefits Swain . received from those houseboat owners. They t buy gas and groceries in Swain, eat at local restaurants, shop at local businesses and supf port local marinas that are responsible for t mooring the houseboats.

Houseboat owners like Erik and Laura Sneed of Cherokee were instrumental in lobt 9 bying Congress to override TVA’s ruling and n allow existing structures in compliance to t remain on the lakes, but it was the groundh work Monteith laid 15 years prior that saved s the day.

At one time, the water quality of Fontana Lake was poor — fecal coliform levels were s high and people were getting sick from swimt . ming in the water. Recognizing the problem, t Monteith became a founding member of the e Fontana Lake Waste Recovery and helped - write a county ordinance requiring houseboat owners to properly dispose of their waste.

- “He himself was responsible for getting t the fecal coliform in the lake reduced by passing a county ordinance requiring houseboats g to have septic systems that could be a pumped,” Hogue said. “His efforts also were - responsible for getting the ordinance passed d as North Carolina law.” s Being able to show immaculate water n quality reports to the TVA really disproved f the argument that Fontana was contributing e to any environmental problems. a Laura Sneed said the houseboat owners wouldn’t have prevailed in keeping their property if it weren’t for Monteith’s support d and advocacy in Washington. She and t Monteith traveled to D.C. last September to d testify before a U.S. Congressional Committee about the issue and his testimony t went a long way in convincing legislators that - the TVA was overstepping its authority. . “Although he no longer owned one, he - was a strong advocate for our cause and did y everything he could to make sure the resit dents of Swain County didn't lose anything a else to the TVA,” Sneed said. “I honestly believe his passion and relentlessness played a an intricate role in getting the attention of l our North Carolina representatives and ultie mately an act of Congress.”

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The tales the tombstones tell

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER igh atop a knobby bald in central Haywood County sits lonely Dix Hill Cemetery, just yards from Jones Temple AME Zion Church in the heart of Waynesville’s historically African-American Pigeon Street community.

For more than a century, that church and that community sent its members to the segregated burying ground across the street, where today in obscurity languish their forgotten final resting places.

Cemeteries, however, are really full of life, if you know where to look; weathered gravestones offer tantalizing hints about those who’ve come and gone.

A recent effort by the town of Waynesville to fund a survey is currently underway and could lead to recognition of the community surrounding Dix Hill, be its inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places or the creation of a historic district, but even if the grant meant to sop up the bulk of the cost doesn’t materialize, a quick look at some of the denizens of the cemetery — coupled with internet research from freely-available public records — shows Dix Hill to be a place where tombstones tell tales worth investigating further.

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DIGGING DEEPER

Smoky Mountain News

March 22-28, 2017

A 1979 book by George Augustus Miller Sr. called Cemeteries and Family Graveyards in Haywood County N.C. says that Dix Hill is believed to be the first black cemetery in Haywood County and that it has been in use since the early 1800s.

Other than that, not much is known about the town-maintained 3.41-acre parcel located just south of Pigeon Street on McCracken Road.

“We don’t have any deed,” said Amie Owens, Waynesville’s assistant town manager. “We don’t know who’s buried there or who owns plots.”

Waynesville Mayor Gavin Brown is something of an expert on Haywood County history, and not even he could come up with anything solid.

“I believe there’s old minutes, back in the 60s, authorizing the purchase of the cemetery, but it just never got done,” he said.

There are fewer than 250 visible grave markers, but Miller’s book estimates that more than a thousand burials have taken place over the years. The earliest documented is of Mary Langley, an 8-year-old girl who died in 1888.

Human nature is to wonder and to empathize with a life lost so prematurely, but Langley’s 129-year-old grave offers little more in the way of the detail.

The 1880 U.S. Census, however, shows a 35-year-old African-American farmer named Tolbert Langley living with his 21-year-old wife Anne, who kept house for him and their daughter Florrence, 9, and little Mary — 6 who was only a few months old when the

Susan — who was a decade his junior — in 1862 was born on March 6, 1828.

The 1870 census paints a slightly different picture of Welch; it contains a column titled “Deaf and dumb, blind, insane or idiotic” in which a checkmark was placed next to Welch’s name.

Was he illiterate because he was blind? Was he really a blind farmer?

Did he become a landowner despite some other disability? Or was it just a grumpy census-taker?

Such are the deficiencies and discrepancies reflected in recordkeeping of the era. Gravestone inscriptions, however, when available and in conjunction with now widely available U.S. Census documents, are considered solid source material for genealogists and history buffs alike.

The study shows that the majority of documentPvt. Leon Love served briefly with the U.S. Army’s ed burials beginning with first “colored” unit in WWI. Cory Vaillancourt photo Langley in the 1880s and ending in 2011 occurred before 1950, peakEven if Waynesville ing in the 1920s while coinciding with segregation. doesn’t get the State The average age of decedents is 50 years of age. The oldest was 100. The youngest — Historic Preservation in a grim reminder of higher infant mortaligrant, it’s possible the ty rates not long ago — didn’t live a day, and almost 10 percent of documented burials are study of the greater of children less than 10 years old.

Six people have graves with names but Pigeon Street community no birth or death dates, and hundreds more — including Dix Hill — may lie beneath them, but their journeys make them more than just numbers on a might still be undertaken. spreadsheet.

Census Bureau came knocking at their Upper Hominy Township homestead in Buncombe County.

Mary’s story — as sparse as it may now be — is just one of many hundreds buried at the site, but a Smoky Mountain News statistical study of all 231 documented Dix Hill burials listed on the internet memorial site findagrave.com tells far more tales than any tombstone ever could.

Data compiled in a sortable spreadsheet is how Langley was identified as the earliest documented burial, and also revealed the identity of the cemetery’s oldest documented person, Richard Welch.

The starkly elegiac inscription on Welch’s broken tombstone reads “Died Dec. 24, 1900 aged 70 years” but the 1900 census says the illiterate farmer who owned his own land free and clear and married his wife

FROM THE SOUTH TO SPOKANE Dix Hill is full of well-known names from Waynesville’s African-American community — Loves and Lenoirs, Forneys and Smiths — but just one Robinson.

Likely born a slave in Buncombe County in 1853, M.R. “Miles” Robinson’s last name is spelled “Roberson” in some records, making his story difficult — but not impossible — to trace.

According to more than one source, he married Hattie Jane Robins in 1876, when he was 23 and she was 18; their union was certainly fruitful and produced 11 children, all born in North Carolina: Kansas (1877), Alonzo (1879), Jackson (1880), Daisy (1882), Willie (1884), Sterlin (1886), Minnie (1887), Joseph (1889), Flossie Mae (1891), Grover (1894) and Fannie (1896).

The 1900 census lists the Robinson family as living in South Beaverdam Township and lists Miles’ occupation as “farmer.” His two oldest children, Kansas and Alonzo, were listed as “farm laborers.”

Although Miles could neither read nor write, by July 2, 1900, his wife and six oldest children could.

In the 1910 U.S. Census conducted on April 28 of that year, only the Robinson’s four youngest children still lived at the family’s Beaverdam home, which Miles owned.

Joseph, Flossie Mae, Grover and Fannie could all read and write, and were all employed as domestic laborers.

Miles himself would pass away on September 24 of that year, and was carried up to Dix Hill and buried under the handsome obelisk that still bears his name.

Census records show continuation of his family’s journey over the course of nearly a century.

In 1940, Miles’ widow Hattie lived at 1920 East First Avenue in Spokane, Washington, with her son Grover Cleveland Washington, who worked for the Great Northern Railway at the time; Grover’s WWII draft registration card lists his older sister Minnie Thompson, also of Spokane, as his emergency contact.

BUFFALO SOLDIER A standard issue U.S. government upright headstone is 42 inches long, 13 inches wide, 4 inches thick and weighs approximately 230 pounds.

White with slight variations in color and veining, the headstones are immediately identifiable because of their ubiquitousness in cemeteries across the country and the world, including Dix Hill.

Such is the marker of Leon Love, who died in 1970.

Love was born into segregation Feb. 22, 1896 in Waynesville and was a tall, slender, unmarried plasterer employed by his father Henry Love, according to his WWI draft card dated June 5, 1917.

His service card says he was inducted into the segregated United States Army in Waynesville on April 29, 1918, at the age of 22 and was immediately assigned to the 156th Depot Brigade – a common landing spot for African-American soldiers of the time indicative of their social standing.

Depot Brigades generally served as the housekeeping of the Army; they received and organized new recruits, managed and distributed their uniforms, and tended to laundry and equipment before sending those recruits off to fight.

That July, Love — who had a tenth-grade education — was transferred from Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, to Ft. Meade, Maryland, and the 167th Field Artillery Brigade, which was the very first unit of African-American artillery ever organized.

The 167th was part of the 92nd Infantry Division, which was composed solely of African-Americans, but for officers.

Nicknamed the “Buffalo Soldiers” — itself a nickname given to African-American soldiers by Native Americans in the 1800s — the 92nd was one of

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“Just to know we’ve helped somebody find a loved one is very satisfying.”

— Kate Kretchmer

ble bushes, barbed wire, gun-brandishing locals and strenuous hikes encountered by the Kretchmers in their pursuit of the overgrown, overlooked cemeteries in the more rugged stretches of the region; Appalachian cemeteries are often situated on the absolute worst pieces of land available, to avoid utilizing precious and scarce agricultural acreage for perpetual sanctification.

Despite the risk, the rewards reaped far outweigh the occasional guard dog chained to a solitary greying hemlock and brooding over a fading family plot.

“It just happened last year,” Kate said of a message she’d received from an out-of-town man on the website about a headstone she’d

old father on East Street and still working as a plasterer; he earned $624 in 1939, or about $10,000 in 2017 dollars.

LIFE AND LIBERTY Dix Hill looms 125 feet above Jones Temple, but also casts a prominent shadow on another historic African-American church 15 miles away.

Organized in 1871, the Liberty Baptist Church in Sylva has long been one of the most active and prominent African-American cultural assets in the region and boasts detailed records dating back just as far.

When Rev. J.S. Ritchie was called to serve at a different church in 1906, Rev. Amos Copney took over until 1911.

Little more is known of Copney’s life, but he must’ve had roots in the Waynesville area; he rests in Dix Hill next to his wife, Ella Mae, who is listed in the 1962 city directory as living at 521 Pigeon Street.

Liberty’s long list of pastors and Copney’s Dix Hill burial suggest that many more early leaders of that church may also occupy some of the estimated 800-plus undocumented

The gravestone of Miles Robertson in Dix Hill Cemetery.

Cory Vaillancourt photo

gravesites at Dix Hill, but without further research, no one really knows.

The Town of Waynesville expects to hear back about its $6,000 grant application to the State Historic Preservation office sometime in May; in February, town aldermen committed $4,000 in matching funds toward the $10,000 study.

Even if Waynesville doesn’t get the grant, it’s possible the study of the greater Pigeon Street community — including Dix Hill — might still be undertaken.

Smoky Mountain News

just two “colored” divisions during WWI and was the only one to see combat in Europe. It was also the subject of a 2008 Spike Lee movie called “Miracle at St. Anna.”

Although it’s not known why, Love lasted just nine days with the 167th before it shipped out for Europe — a move that may have saved his life.

The 92nd suffered a substantial 25 percent casualty rate during heavy fighting in the Italian theater.

Love spent the rest of the war at Camp Upton in Yaphank, Long Island, New York, with the 152nd Depot Company and may have run across storied American composer Irving Berlin while he was there; Berlin was also stationed at Upton, and wrote the musical review “Yip Yip Yaphank” during his stint.

Discharged honorably on Jan. 17, 1919 — just two months after the November 11, 1918, Armistice — Love suffered no servicerelated disabilities and never left American soil during the war.

It is assumed that Love then returned to Waynesville; the 1940 U.S. Census lists him at age 44 as widowed, living with his 80-year-

Kate Kretchmer (left) and her husband Jack have spent thousands of hours in Haywood County cemeteries. Donated photo.

March 22-28, 2017

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER rom frost-churned fields on steep hills above shadow-soaked coves spring mossy fieldstones, hopelessly eroded and only becoming more so, season by season.

Many such gravesites in the Smokies no longer tell their tales due to the confluence of acidic rain and, like human life, the utter impermanence of even rock.

But as these stones return to the ancient granular bits from whence they came, they’re also being converted into more persistent electronic bits on the internet by volunteers across the country, and across the county.

Hailing from a suburb of South Bend, Indiana, Kate Kretchmer moved to Haywood County in 1996.

While antiquing in South Carolina with her husband Jack some years back, they came upon a 1979 book by George Augustus Miller Sr. called Cemeteries and Family Graveyards in Haywood County N.C. Because of the book, Kretchmer became a sought-after source on Southern Appalachian Rgenealogy message boards by descendants of some of Haywood’s earliest settlers, whose families have spread across the country and the globe in the ensuing three centuries.

“I’ve been doing this for about 15-and-ahalf years,” said Kretchmer, 65.

It’s actually 15 years, 8 months, and 5 days as of March 22, according to her profile on findagrave.com.

Established in 1995, findagrave.com is essentially a database site that started out as one man’s macabre hobby of visiting and cataloguing the final resting places of celebrities.

Over the next decade, it swelled to include

listed from the book. “It was his great-greatgrandmother — a Moody.”

After two or three visits to Dellwood Cemetery, Kate still couldn’t find the gravesite the man was seeking, but after “one last try” they found a weathered, unreadable stone.

Splashing water on it didn’t help reveal the name, Kate said, but rubbing mud on it did.

“He came into town last year and we went out to lunch,” she said. “It was just so nice to meet somebody who came that far, from the state of Washington, for a loved one.“ The people buried at Dix Hill Cemetery had loved ones, too — loved ones who carried them home, up that solemn hill in expensive caskets destined for paid-up plots at a time when unadorned field burials were still common.

And all the more so among AfricanAmericans in a segregated society in a segregated cemetery; at the time recordkeeping was more of an art than a science but never a given, especially for those who’d been born into slavery.

“There are a lot of volunteers in Haywood County, but nobody would do this cemetery,” Kate said. “Then I found out it was the black cemetery and I said I didn’t care.”

Many of the 231 entries on findagrave.com for Dix Hill were made by Kretchmer, but they reflect only a fraction of the supposed thousand graves there.

Some bear only fieldstones as embellishments, but some embrace the mortal remains of a person of which not a scrap of documentation or memory exists that they had ever even lived at all.

Thousands of posts by Kate Kretchmer — and thousands like her — might help retard the inevitable decay not of the tombstones themselves, but of the tales they still tell.

“I just enjoy it,” she said. “I have loved ones that I can’t find their cemetery or their death certificate. Just to know we’ve helped somebody find a loved one is very satisfying.”

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Digitizing the deceased

fully searchable submissions from and about everyday people, including cemetery and gravestone locations, biographical details and headstone photos, all submitted by users like Kretchmer.

In 2013, founder Glen Tipton sold findagrave.com to ancestry.com, which has been quick to augment its own robust primary source information with findagrave.com’s 75 million photos and 159 million records.

Kretchmer found findagrave.com to be an easier way to field those message board requests and fulfill them in a more permanent manner.

“There were so many requests, requests like 10 years old,” she said, recalling her first visits to Haywood cemeteries and her first posts on the website around July 18, 2001.

In the intervening 5,726 days, she’s added 5,629 memorials and an amazing 12,402 photographs, aided by her book and her husband – almost one documented gravesite and just over two pictures a day, every day, for 15 years.

“If the cemetery is small, I just do the whole thing,” she said. “He cleans everything and weeds the headstones and I take the pictures.”

Some of those pictures can be rather unusual; Jack remembers that one family plot they visited was in a cow pasture and had concrete over the graves to prevent them from being trampled.

“The cows used the upright headstones to scratch their sides,” he said.

Another high and lonesome spot visited by the Kretchmers features a gravesite where, apparently, the music never stopped.

“The gentleman buried there had been a banjo player because there was a banjo on his headstone,” Jack said. “There were stumps set up around it and beer bottles everywhere” as though his companions might still let him call the tune.

Pleasant surprises like the posthumous hootenanny aren’t as common as the bram-

“We’d probably look into doing it,” Mayor Brown said. “We’d probably look at doing it a little cheaper, but it’s within the scope of what we’d consider.”

A similar grant request for Waynesville’s Greenhill Cemetery was rejected in 2015, but the town took on the entire $5,700 cost.

Given the rate at which tales of the faces and places of Pigeon Street — like Mary Langford, Miles Robinson and Pvt. Love — are fading into the mists of time, it can’t come soon enough.

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news

Dillsboro river park proposal draws a crowd Speakers voice support for concept, offer caveats for consideration

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER proposed river park development in Dillsboro drew a crowd of roughly 75 people to a public hearing March 20, with 20 people delivering comment on the issue and prompting the Jackson County Commissioners to postpone a final decision until they could fully research all the questions that were asked.

“I wished we’d make a decision on this tonight, but I think to do our due diligence — you have people come and speak for over an hour and I think we need some time to digest for a little bit what they said,” Commissioner Boyce Dietz said during the regular meeting that followed the public hearing.

The comments were overwhelmingly positive. Many speakers tempered their praise with concerns about details of the plan, but only three people were outright against the idea.

“We feel this project will enhance an existing asset we’ve always supported, which is water adventure on the Tuck,” said Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Larry Minton.

“People who are against the project need

March 22-28, 2017

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to bite the bullet and say, ‘We need to do this for the better good of the whole community,’” added Valerie Harrison, a member of the Dillsboro Planning Board. “Jackson County needs it, Dillsboro certainly needs it, and it’s something we can all benefit from in the community.”

Mike Potts, who owns the Dillsboro institution Nancy Tuts Christmas Shop with his wife, Lisa, said that the river park could prove the silver bullet the town needs to get people to stop and experience Dillsboro on their way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Pigeon Forge or any of a number of other regional destinations.

“What I see this as is 30, 40, 50,000 opportunities a year to have customers bring revenue into Jackson County,” Potts told commissioners. “I believe in trickle-down economics, that not only will this bring money into the river club but it will bring money in our hotels, motels, restaurants, our retail stores.”

WORKING OUT THE DETAILS Supporters of the proposal weren’t without their concerns. Chief among them were worries that traffic would prove unmanageable and that plans to connect the riverside development to downtown Dillsboro weren’t solid enough.

“I’m very concerned about our river valley

Roger Clapp, director of the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River, delivers his comments on the proposed river park before a full room. Holly Kays photo and our community not being connected to this riverfront development,” said T.J. Walker, who owns the Dillsboro Inn with his wife Terry. “I’m very concerned about the future guests coming to Jackson County and the town of Dillsboro and their accessibility to the town. Our business owners deserve better.”

The written agreement doesn’t stipulate that a pedestrian connector to be built, though a graphic plan for the site does show a pedestrian bridge and walkway leading to Dillsboro. At this point, said Economic Development Director Rich Price, those are just conceptual plans that have yet to be offi-

cially proposed.

Other folks wanted to ensure that language guaranteeing public access was strong enough to allow them to continue swimming, fishing and boating on the river as they’ve done for generations. And multiple people spoke about environmental concerns, leaning on commissioners to ensure that water quality and wildlife issues were duly considered when finalizing the agreement.

Roger Clapp, executive director of the Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River, also pointed out that Kelly Custer — the Jackson County businessman who wants to

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other rafting company owner?”

Julie Thorner, a Swain County resident who owns a marketing company specializing in outdoor adventure businesses, also had some serious concerns about the proposal. She called the agreement a “sweetheart deal” that would bring some “key problems with traffic.”

She’s also concerned that a pedestrian connection to Dillsboro is not stipulated in the agreement and worried about the viability of the enterprise, calling rafting “a dying industry.”

“Adventure parks are new and exciting, but they’re not for everyone,” she said. “You have to have a certain level of fitness in order to do an adventure park. Some of my clients who have put parks in have noticed they don’t get all the customers they thought they would because they’re not able to do the courses.”

VOTE POSTPONED Despite the questions raised, Custer said he felt the hearing was “very positive.”

“I think that the concerns that we heard are concerns that we share, especially with respect to traffic, water quality and the eco issues surrounding the project, and things we’re working really hard on,” he said in a follow-up interview.

The actual impact of the project will be much larger than what’s been discussed publicly, he added, because in addition to the 7 acres of public land he hopes to buy he’s also purchased 13 additional private acres.

Price, who’s been working on the project from the beginning, said the public hearing was “a very productive conversation” but that he’s “still convinced this is a very worthwhile endeavor” that will “impact Jackson County positively for a very long time.”

Commissioners, meanwhile, said they’d been taking notes throughout the hearing and had several questions they wanted answered before voting on the proposal. A vote is planned for 3 p.m. Monday, April 3.

Though it’s possible that public comment could result in some changes to the agreement, overall the board still seems to feel favorably toward the project.

“I didn’t see anything that would really cause us to not go through with it,” said Commissioner Charles Elders, “but I think we do need to evaluate each one of these.”

Smoky Mountain News

Several speakers — all of them former rafting guides with careers in the industry — warned against doing the project at all.

“I’m not as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed about whitewater as a viable industry and a tourist draw,” said Tom Hughes, a 20-year veteran of the industry who’s lived in Jackson County for the past 15 years. “I have a number of concerns about the project.”

River flows were quite low this year, due to the drought — what if that’s a weather pattern that persists? How could the river park make its seasons long enough to be a viable business?

He also wondered how Custer could promise 10 jobs when he planned to contract services with other vendors. He questioned the strength of the agreement to protect the interests of existing river users as well as the property’s meager $50,000 price tag compared to its much higher market value.

“Why should any private business receive a dime of taxpayer money, especially when budgets are strapped?” agreed Steven Edwards, a resident of Rabun County, Georgia, who works in Jackson County. He is also a 20-year veteran of the whitewater industry. “Is it fair to any

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March 22-28, 2017

develop the river park — would need to work with Duke Energy to ensure sufficient water -flow for rafting. Duke’s daily dam releases vary gto benefit various groups of water users. , “How is that going to change?” Clapp easked. e Karen Davis, who owns Smoky Mountain -Rafting Adventures with her husband, rreminded commissioners that rafting is not a -new industry in Jackson County and asked that they be respectful of existing businesses. eAreas already in use for put-ins and take-outs eare overcrowded, she said. Where would eCuster’s company be planning their take-outs ofor rafters?

“I would like the commissioners to consider expansion of the Dillsboro Park or removal of the dam so it is accessible to local rafters and rafting companies, and also consider what will happen at the end of the trip,” she said.

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The proposal involves a plan to turn 20 acres along the Tuckasegee River near Dillsboro into an outdoor adventure park, with 7 of those acres to be purchased from Jackson County.

The concept of a river park has been kicking around since Jackson County bought the land from Dillsboro in 2014, with multiple studies suggesting that such a development would draw tens of thousands of yearly visitors and bring tens of millions in multiplied spending to the county.

The proposal currently under consideration comes from Jackson County businessman Kelly Custer, who formed the LLC Western North Carolina Outdoor Development in order to bid on the Dillsboro property. Under the proposed 10-year agreement, Jackson County would sell

the property for $50,000 — the appraised value of the 7-acre property is $791,000 — and also provide water and sewer extension, site preparation and a hydrologic study.

Together with the purchase cost of the property, that would amount to a $926,000 investment.

Custer’s end of the deal involves a pledge to construct an adventure park including a rafting and retail center, campsites, concessions, cabins and some combination of zip lines, ropes challenges and climbing apparatuses. He’d be required to create at least ten fulltime jobs as well as more than 50 part-time or seasonal positions, and he’d have to allow continued public access to the river and update the county on salary and wage data.

Commissioners plan to vote on the proposal during their next meeting, 3 p.m. Monday, April 3. Details are available through links on the right-hand side of www.jacksonnc.org.

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news

Empowering a new generation of strong women

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR irls at Junaluska Elementary School seem to have a renewed sense of pride in themselves and their peers after sharing a memorable experience during a recent Girls Empowerment Night.

The inaugural event gave third- through fifth-grade female students a chance to cut loose, get pampered and learn the importance of self-confidence, self-esteem and self-respect.

School Counselor Joy Sollie said she decided to organize the Girls Empowerment Night after teachers expressed concern for the direction some of their female students were heading at an early age.

“I had a third-grade teacher that said she was worried about several of the girls in her class,” Sollie said. “She felt like they were dressing inappropriately and they didn’t even realize that it wasn’t OK.” It may not seem like a big deal on the surface, but young girls dressing provocatively can have many unintended consequences when they get older. The American Psychological Association has reported that sexualization of young girls is a growing concern that can do long-term damage.

Girls are exposed to so many unrealistic images of women — air-brushed models in magazines, scantly dressed celebrities on TV and reality shows glorifying plastic surgery in order to obtain true beauty. All these images send the wrong message to young girls.

“Moms and dads are working more and more and we decided we need to help them out and teach these girls that what they see in the fashion magazines isn’t reality,” Sollie said. “These girls at a very young age are worrying what they look like and devaluing themselves.”

Junaluska Elementary teachers had to find a fun and engaging way to instill some important lessons in these girls. The school partnered with local businesses and donors to put together the Girls Empowerment Night.

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Students at Junaluska Elementary School write kind works about each other on the ‘girl power’ T-shirts during Girls Empowerment Night. Taylor Boyd photo “Some girls that are usually so shy walked up there and said things like, ‘I am beautiful without makeup,’” Sollie said. “At the end of the night, we told them to bottle up this feeling of how awesome you are and take it with you.”

Even though the event is over, the message from Girls Empowerment Night is still resonating through the halls of Junaluska Elementary — the girls continue to wear their Girl Power shirts and continue to talk about all the fun they had.

“I liked how it taught us we’re a star and how nothing can stand in our way,” said fifthgrader Julia Ottie.

“I learned that you don’t let other people push you down or say things that aren’t true about you,” said fifth-grader Penelope McLelland.

Fifth-grade teacher Jennifer Mullins said one of her students even wrote a paper and titled it “Girl Power in the Revolution.” She has no doubt the event had a positive impact

on the girls that will carry on throughout the rest of the year.

“I never had anything positive like that in school but this is something they will remember forever and hopefully the third-graders will get to do it three times before going to middle school,” she said. “I think when we do it next year all 110 girls will be there.”

Now teachers are planning an event for the boys — Band of Brothers Night. The boys sessions will include things like team building, good sportsmanship, wilderness survival, respect and a game of dodge ball to burn off some energy. Speakers will talk to the boys about sticking together, not fighting and how not to be a sore loser or sore winner when competing.

These programs are above and beyond the school’s budget and Sollie said everything was done with donations and community partnerships. If you would like to donate for a future Girls Empowerment Night or Band of Brothers, contact Sollie at jsollie@haywood.k12.nc.us.

Girls on the Run

bringing out the athlete in them at a young age. Hazelwood Elementary had 20 girls participate the first year and 32 girls the next year.

“The one thing I like is the empowerment part — it gives the girls a lot of confidence and even the girls you’d deem non-athletic end up enjoying running,” said Celeste Reyes, a teacher at Hazelwood Elementary who has led the program for two years. “It’s something the girls look forward to every day.”

Over the course of 10 weeks, thirdthrough fifth-grade girls not only train for a 5K race, they develop strategies and skills to help them navigate the unique challenges they may be up against throughout their lives.

“It’s a hard world out there for a girl and this really teaches them to love themselves and help them find their inner beauty,” Reyes said.

Girls on the Run also teaches young girls about responsibility

Training girls for a 5K, preparing them for life

Smoky Mountain News

March 22-28, 2017

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All third- through fifth-grade girls were invited to the free event and about 75 participated.

“They all got a girl power T-shirt and name tags with a different color group and there were pink decorations everywhere,” Sollie said.

The girls rotated around different stations in the school that focused on many different aspects of leading a happy and healthy life with different teachers or community leaders. They got to take a yoga class, learn about proper table manners and etiquette, get a manicure and get their hair styled by girls from Tuscola High School, have a dance party to burn off energy and more.

“The yoga taught them how to relax and center yourself — everything we did was about being healthy mentally and physically,” Sollie said. “Their favorite was the hair and nail session — they really enjoyed talking to the high school girls and getting to know them. They look up to them so much.”

Susanna Barbee — a mother of two boys at Junaluska — volunteered that night to go through the Dove Self-esteem Project with the girls. The program is meant to teach body confidence and raise self-esteem.

“During that session I had a question for them — ‘When you get to middle school, do you think your self-esteem increases or decreases?’ and they all raised their hand that it would be higher in middle school,” Barbee recalled.

“They were very surprised when I told them that a girl’s self-esteem usually drops significantly in seventh grade. But hopefully knowing the statistics they won’t let it happen to them.”

Girls Empowerment Night also focused on creating camaraderie amongst the girls instead of competitiveness. At the end of the night, the girls all took permanent markers and wrote compliments on each other’s Girl Power shirts.

Lastly, the girls had to come up on the stage one at a time and say positive words about themselves. Sollie said it was a proud moment to see the girls have a better understanding of who they are and what makes them beautiful.

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR uch can be learned through the process of training for a 5K race — physical strength, mental health, focus, determination, self-confidence and perseverance.

That’s the idea behind Girls on the Run, a national curriculum-based program to inspire young girls to live a joyful, healthy and confident life by teaching a love for running.

Several Haywood County elementary schools have implemented the program in recent years and are having great success in improving girls’ outlook on life while also

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At the end of the 10-week program, all the Girls on the Run participants join together to run a 5K race in Asheville. Donated photo

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for a girl and this really teaches them to love themselves and help them find their inner beauty.”

— Celeste Reyes, Hazelwood Elementary teacher

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Smoky Mountain News

eing and continue to stay active in track and field or scross-country in middle and high school.

- Fifth-grader Harper Clark said she actually liked erunning and planned to continue in middle school ,athletics.

“I learned to just to go to your happy place and stay true to yourself,” she said. “My favorite part of the program was when we sang patriotic songs to gpeople at the soup kitchen.” s Mullins explained that the GOTR curriculum eincludes a service project students must complete by the end of the semester. Her group of 14 chose to serve ta meal at The Open door Ministry in Frog Level. e “That was the most impactful thing we’ve done so cfar — they cooked and served and sat and ate with ,them,” Mullins said. “They came back and wanted to sdo it again.” g In the end, the program is all about showing girls that they can accomplish whatever they set their -minds to — whether it’s the daunting physical task aof completing a 5K race or the mental challenge of ostaying positive during the trials and tribulations of yadolescence.

Most schools do the program during the fall dsemester. Teachers are always looking for donations sto help participants with the financial needs associatsed with the program, and volunteers are needed as well.

For more information about the program, visit www.girlsontherun.org.

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and commitment. By signing on to the program, girls are committing themselves to not missing more than two practices the entire 10 weeks. The girls are also committed at the end of the program to running a regional 5K in Asheville alongside every other GOTR group in Western North Carolina. Reyes said these kinds of commitments and connections have helped bond these girls together in a way that wouldn’t have been possible without the program. That bond is across class and clique lines.

“It’s created a little sisterhood within the group,” Reyes said. “I think it really helps with kindness. I use to teach third grade and now I’m teaching fifth, so I’ve been able to see some huge changes in confidence in those same girls and how they treat others.”

Junaluska Elementary implemented the program for the first time last fall with the help of School Counselor Joy Sollie and fifth-grade teacher Jennifer Mullins. When Central Elementary School closed last year, students were transferred to Hazelwood and Junaluska. Mullins said it was the Central girls who really pushed to start the GOTR program at Junaluska because they enjoyed it so much at Central the year before.

“We had 14 girls in the group and we meet twice la week after school,” Mullins said. “It’s a guided curoriculum that teaches self-esteem, issues like bullying, some about dress — it’s well-planned lessons, but eway more than we can do in a semester.”

Mullins said many of the girls who participated ndiscovered they had a love of running and were good -at it. Her hope is that they will take the GOTR trains o o “It’s a hard world out there

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ADA compliant park coming to Waynesville

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BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER he Town of Waynesville will soon build a very special playground, thanks to a successful Connect N.C. bond application made last fall.

On March 21, a letter from Governor Roy Cooper notified Mayor Gavin Brown and town officials that $90,300 in matching funds would be provided for the Recreation Park Inclusive Playground project.

“We’ve always tried to be inclusive,” Mayor Brown said. “We don’t marginalize people in Waynesville.”

Because of the approval — and the town’s $22,500 contribution — an existing playset at Waynesville’s Vance Street Recreation Park will become an ADA-compliant playground designed to consider the needs of children with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Last November, Waynesville Parks and Recreation Director Rhett Langston said there was “a very strong need” for just such a park in Waynesville.

At that same time, Jody Miller, community engagement coordinator for Partnership for Children’s region A, said it

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Plans also show a repaved parking lot and a sidewalk leading from it to the playground, as well as an upgraded ADA-compliant picnic shelter and bathrooms.

Brown said he likes how the inclusive park will fit into the wave of recreational improvements Waynesville’s likely to see over the next few decades.

“This is not the first step in the journey, but the first of many steps,” he said.

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The 3rd Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon follows nearly the exact same course as previous years, begining on Main Street in beautiful downtown Waynesville and winding through neighborhoods & scenic farmlands to finish in Frog Level, a revitalized railroad district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Larry East CFP® First Vice President – Investments 52 Walnut St., Suite 6 Waynesville, NC 28786 Office: (828) 456-7407 larry.east@wellsfargoadvisors.com https://home.wellsfargoadvisors.com/larry.east

New this year is the 4-Miler, which starts and finishes at the same place as the Half Marathon.

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was needed “not only here in the county, but probably everywhere.”

A 2015 map from N.C. State University says Haywood County has more than two “exceptional children” per 100 residents, but a rival study puts that number closer to 6 percent.

That translates to almost 3,000 Haywood County children in the county who could benefit from the playground; Langston said he thought the closest inclusive playground was in Hendersonville.

Plastic slides and handrails are just a few of the accommodations to be included in the shaded playground; a smooth rubberized surface will contribute to the mobility and safety of children with autism spectrum disorders, who often find textured, uneven surfaces difficult to navigate.

Before certification, candidate list includes 46 people running for 12 seats

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hree seats will be up for grabs in Cherokee’s 2017 Tribal Council elections, with incumbent councilmembers from Big Cove, Snowbird and Yellowhill not signing up to run for re-election as of the March 15 filing deadline.

Vice Chairman Brandon Jones, of Snowbird; Councilmember Alan “B” Ensley, of Yellowhill; and Councilmember Teresa McCoy, of Big Cove, have decided not to seek re-election when their terms end Oct. 4.

On the other hand, several former elected officials have cast their names in the running to take a seat around the horseshoe.

Terri Henry, who served as Tribal Council Chairwoman 2013-2015, will be attempting to unseat one of the current councilmembers from Painttown — Tommye Saunooke and Marie Junaluska. Junaluska defeated Henry in the 2015 elections following a controversyplagued term during which nine of the 12

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councilmembers voted to give Councilmembers and tribal themselves a raise of about $10,000 effective immediately members gather outside the — many tribal members council house following a decried the action as illegal and meeting. Holly Kays photo contested it in court, where the case was eventually dismissed due to lack of standing. Henry is currently serving as Secretary of State under the administration of Principal Chief Patrick Lambert.

Former Councilmember Perry Shell was also ousted in the 2015 election and this year will be running to regain a seat representing Big Cove.

The races in Birdtown and Big Cove drew Councilmember Richard French, who beat Shell in 2015, is running for re-election but long- the most interest from prospective councilmembers. The lower-population Big Cove time Councilmember McCoy is not.

Over in the Snowbird/Cherokee County area attracted the most candidates, with 10; township, former Vice Chief Larry Blythe — in Birdtown, nine people signed up to run.

Overall, 46 candidates have signed up to who lost his seat in the 2015 election to current Vice Chief Richie Sneed — will be vying vie for 12 seats. However, the candidate list is for a seat on council. Vice Chairman Jones not final. The Eastern Band of Cherokee currently represents Snowbird on council but Indians Board of Elections must first certify will not be running for re-election, though his that all candidates filing are eligible to run for fellow Snowbird Councilmember Adam election. Eligibility qualifications are laid out in Section 161-3 of the Cherokee Tribal Code, Wachacha will be.

Meet Charlotte Figi.

March 22-28, 2017

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Three Cherokee councilmembers decide not to run for re-election

with stipulations based on the candidate’s age, residency and criminal record, among other criteria.

In 2015, 43 candidates signed up to run for Tribal Council with the number winnowed down to 41 candidates after certification. In 2013, 34 certified candidates were on the ballot.

The current Tribal Council term has been a contentious one, featuring open antipathy between the tribe’s legislative and executive branches. Council is currently in the midst of an attempt to impeach Chief Lambert — an effort supported by nine of the 12 councilmembers — and meanwhile the FBI is investigating possible wrongdoing within the Qualla Housing Authority, on whose board six of the 12 councilmembers sit.

Tribal Council members hold two all-day meetings each month, with each councilmember serving on a variety of committees and expected to attend various work sessions, meetings and ceremonies throughout the month. Councilmembers make a salary of $80,600, with the vice chair paid $83,500 and the chair $86,400. The fee to sign up as a candidate is $500. Councilmembers serve twoyear terms, with all 12 seats up for election in each odd-numbered year.

A certified list of candidates will be complete March 30. The Smoky Mountain News will run the official candidate list at that time.

At just 3 months old, she experienced her first seizure, an experience that would send her family on a path that would change the world. Charlotte was suffering from 300 grand mal seizures per week when they met the Stanley Brothers, who had been developing proprietary hemp genetics. Together they created a hemp oil extract that was introduced into Charlotte’s diet in hopes of providing her relief.

Charlotte didn’t have a single seizure during the first seven days of treatment, which was a clear sign that the Figis had stumbled onto something extraordinary.

is open to children ages four and five with age as of April 1, 2017. Parents or another adult must be able to attend one parent meeting on April 4 at 5:30 pm There are 20 spots available. Deadline to register is Tuesday, March 28, at 5:30 pm.

Starts April 18 from 5:30 to 6:30 every Tuesday for six weeks at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

$45 registration which includes: ball & bat set, glove, two koosh balls, t-shirt and sports development participant manual.

For additional information please call Donald Hummel at 456-2030 or email dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov or you may register at the Waynesville Recreation Center located at 550 Vance Street in Waynesville.

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Today she is a nine year old who is thriving and enjoying life. The Stanley brothers assure consumers that the oil maintains a 30:1 ratio of CBD to THC. THC is the psychoactive compound that produces the “high” effect in marijuana. Thanks to Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte can now live life like a normal child. She is able to feed herself and sleep through the night. Her autistic symptoms have virtually disappeared. As such, her mind is clear, and her attention is focused. Her brain is recovering, and she is happy.

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Jackson considers giving toward land conservation effort $86,000 still needed for Panthertown Valley land purchase

The backcountry trails at Panthertown Valley draw more than 20,000 visitors per year. File photo and not part of the national forest.

“When we heard that was going on the market, we all started coveting it,” Carton said. “It would be a little part of a parking lot, it would protect the view. The worst thing we could imagine was a development going in

and putting a big privacy fence there.”

The property was originally on the market for $350,000 — way out of the nonprofit’s price range — but the price has since gone down. Friends of Panthertown is teaming up with Mainspring Conservation Trust to acquire the land, and Mainspring negotiated a price of $191,000 — the land’s appraised value — plus $4,000 in transaction fees.

Mainspring, whose role is to facilitate the purchase and hold title to the land, is scheduled to close on the sale April 21 with a fundraising deadline of March 31. So far, $103,000 has been raised with $86,000 left to go. A private donor has offered to match any donations collected, meaning that $46,000 more plus the match donations would be sufficient to meet the goal.

The Jackson County Commissioners will likely discuss the fundraising issue at their April 3 meeting, gauging how much money is still needed and determining whether to make a contribution from county coffers. The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority has already made a contribution, approving a $2,500 donation at its March 15 meeting that will be doubled through the matching donation.

Help the cause Donations are still needed to purchase a 15.9-acre property adjacent to Panthertown Valley’s Salt Rock entrance.

The purchase would allow for construction of a much-needed parking lot expansion while also protecting the popular backcountry area from encroachment by real estate development. Friends of Panthertown and Mainspring Conservation Trust are joining forces to raise the $195,000 needed to make the purchase but are still $86,000 short. A private donor’s pledge to provide matching donations for money raised means that each dollar given will double in impact.

To donate, visit mainspringconserves.networkforgood.com and select “Panthertown Land Purchase” under the “Apply my donation to” field. Checks can also be mailed to Friends of Panthertown, Attn: Salt Rock Project, P.O. Box 51, Cashiers, N.C. 28717.

“We look for ways as a county to provide opportunities for our citizens to recreate, and we’re building a park in Savannah,” said Commission Chairman Brian McMahan.

“We looked at other opportunities, other different styles and avenues of recreation, and this is just another opportunity for us to be able to contribute and provide an opportunity for citizens to have access to a crown jewel here in our county.”

Smoky Mountain News

March 22-28, 2017

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER The fundraising deadline is drawing nearer for an effort to conserve 15.9 acres adjacent to Panthertown Valley, and the Jackson County Commissioners have indicated a willingness to chip in toward the more than $80,000 still needed.

“That’s probably one of the most beautiful places in this county,” said Commissioner Boyce Deitz during a March 14 work session. “It almost reminds you of being in the West, some of it, and it’s probably one of the best-kept secrets from the citizens of this county.”

Panthertown, part of the Nantahala National Forest, is a 10,000-acre backcountry recreation area near Cashiers. It draws more than 20,000 visitors per year to hike, bike or ride horseback through its 30 miles of trails, which explore a plethora of waterfalls, ridges and rockfaces.

Perhaps the most popular access point is the Salt Rock Entrance off of Breedlove Road. More often than not, need for parking exceeds the space available, an issue that Friends of Panthertown has been working for years to address.

“There are times when people are tucked all into the nooks and crannies along the rhododendron and all down along the road,” said Friends of Panthertown President Margaret Carton.

The organization explored the possibility of installing a small gravel parking lot adjacent to the existing dirt lot but found it would cost more than $75,000 due to rocky terrain.

The land on the other side of the existing lot would be perfect, but it was privately owned

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Folkmoot’s Cultural Conversations program stems from a 2016 luncheon that was conducted by Angela Dove during which dancers and directors from the festival’s international touring groups met at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville and explained their cultures to the public.

“I got to ask them questions, and I want to say it was really brave of those folks because they didn’t know what they were getting into,” Dove said. “There’s a lot of trust that has to come with that.”

Participants talked about social and cultural aspects of their societies, like how a death is commemorated or the status of educational access for women.

“We were really saying, ‘Stop dancing and let’s talk about what you have experienced in your culture, because those of us sitting here at these roundtables don’t know what that walk is like.’”

As soon as Dove and Folkmoot Executive Director Angie Schwab realized the benefit of the event, they began planning what would become Cultural Conversations, which will again be facilitated by Dove.

“We’re basing this on a curriculum that came out of Jacksonville, Florida, in the

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Arriving in Waynesville shortly before last year’s Folkmoot Friendship Festival, I like many who’d come before me had no idea what it was.

That quickly changed, as some of my first assignments for The Smoky Mountain News consisted of covering the performances for the fest, which began in 1983 and has since then has drawn more than 200 international folk dance groups from more than 100 nations to Western North Carolina.

Also like many, I didn’t realize that there’s more to Folkmoot than just dancing.

In the very first sentence of Folkmoot’s Purpose Statement, it says the organization is to encourage “the vibrancy of many cultures into one community.” Its values include finding strength in diversity and recognizing the importance of cultural exchanges “to create peace, prosperity and understanding.”

Certainly, the 10-day festival does much in the way of achieving these goals, but a pioneering new Folkmoot program called Cultural Conversations represents a more enduring effort to help Western North Carolinians heed the timeless square dance call to “all join hands in one big circle.”

mid-’90s where some bad racial events happened,” Dove said. “I don’t know specifics about that, but what we wanted to do was take that curriculum and modify it for Western North Carolina. What we kept was this idea that you put 12 to 15 people in a circle in a room. Those people are from different backgrounds and have different identities, and how they define themselves, and what groups they align themselves with.”

Over the course of the next five weeks, I’ll be part of that circle, in that room. My schedule says each session will last about two hours.

The sessions aren’t open to the public, nor will they be recorded or broadcast.

And while I’m not there to give The Smoky Mountain News readers the blow-by-blow or direct quotations from participants — for to do so might inhibit a healthy dialogue — I will continue to offer a weekly analysis of each session to demonstrate what I hope will be a productive and beneficial exchange.

Dove told me that in the first session we’d be looking inward, before looking outward.

“The foundation of this process is starting out with, ‘Who am I? How do I define myself?’” she said.

“On an individual level, what’s happening to each of those participants in that circle is that they’re getting the opportunity to really look at how they take in what happens to them, how we perceive any set of data, how we filter that based on our own heritage or our own assumptions.”

Logically this leads to the concept of bias.

“For me, that’s worth it right there,” she said. “It’s not about self-flagellation, but I do want to get real about it.”

Dove and Schwab hope up to 50 people a year will “get real” during the program, which will occur quarterly if things go according to plan.

“Each of those people are going to go back into our community with some different ideas and some different self-awareness of where their actions come from and what informs their worldview,” Dove said.

That those “cultural ambassadors” will make a difference in the community Dove has no doubt; like a stone thrown into a pond, the effects of Cultural Conversations will ripple out — in one big circle.

“Already I think we’ve made a difference.

Ultimately I would like to say that we’re accomplishing world peace,” she laughed.

“Ultimately that is pie-eyed and silly, I know. But I would say that my life — each of our lives gets better — because we live in a small community so when members of our society are leading lives with fewer conflicts, that affects all of us. Any step in that direction benefits all of us.”

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Folkmoot’s Cultural Conversations

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Health

Smoky Mountain News

• The Haywood County Health & Human Services Public Health Services Division is now offering a Night Clinic on the third Monday of every month between 4 to 6:30 p.m. Services available include: family planning, immunizations, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment. Make an appointment by calling 828.452.6675.

WCU’s physical therapy clinic expands Western Carolina University’s student-run Mountain Area Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic has set a goal to expand the availability of its services in 2018.

The free clinic provides services to individuals who do not have insurance coverage for physical therapy.

Currently, the clinic is open from 6 until 8:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, but the goal is to open on a weekly basis, a move that could become reality by next fall.

The clinic is held in Harris Regional’s Carolina West Sports Medicine Clinic on the first floor of the Health and Human Sciences Building on Little Savannah Road on WCU’s West Campus.

828.227.3527.

Red Cross volunteers needed The American Red Cross serving Haywood and Jackson counties has volunteer positions open on its Disaster Action Team helping neighbors during times of emergency.

Volunteers are on call to respond to community members affected by house fires by providing comfort, hope and resources when needed the most. Volunteers must have personal transportation and access to a computer.

Red Cross provides classroom and online training and will be hosting introductory training from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Haywood County Public Library and from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday April 22, in Sylva at the Jackson County Public Library.

Complete an application at www.redcross.org/volunteer or call 828.333.9296.

Haywood hosts mental health screenings Haywood County is now home to a MindKare mental health screening kiosk, a touchscreen device that allows residents to learn about behavioral health conditions, participate in confidential assessments and find local treatment resources.

Vaya Health, a public managed healthcare organization, and community partners unveiled the kiosk at the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency, located at 157 Paragon Parkway, Suite 800, in Clyde.

Harris offers free living will planning Harris Palliative Care will provide free living will assistance 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 19, in Harris Regional Hospital’s private dining room on the first floor of the hospital.

The drop-in event is part of a nationwide observance known as National Healthcare

Decisions Day, which occurs annually in midApril. The living will document ‘Five Wishes’ will be available, providing a legal roadmap for personal healthcare decisions. Notary services will also be available. Bring photo identification.

828.586.7145.

New counselor hired to tackle Hep C problem The Jackson County Department of Public Health welcomes Sally Sutton as the new Regional Hepatitis C (HCV) Bridge Counselor, serving the seven counties west of Asheville.

Sutton will work to address the burden of Hepatitis C by providing disease specific education to people infected with HCV, linking people with HCV to treatment providers, and collaborating with the community to build partnerships and resource networks.

For questions regarding the new program, contact Sally Sutton at 828.587.8291 or visit http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/hep_c. html.

WCU to host regional health conference Western Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Sciences will host the 25th annual Cullowhee Conference on Communicative Disorders on Thursday, March 23, and Friday, March 24.

The event will feature a broad range of presentations designed to be of interest to speech/language pathologists, allied health providers and family members of individuals with communication disorders. As a silver anniversary occasion, organizers said they want to make special note of past accomplishments covering a wide range of topics from speech, language and literacy disorders in children to aphasia and cognitive impairment in adults.

Visit learn.wcu.edu. Registration will be managed by WCU’s Office of Personal Growth and Enrichment.

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• An informational session on Medicare with John Chicoine will be held from 1 to 2 p.m.

Thursday, March 23, at Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville. No registration required. 828.356.2833.

ALSO:

• A free prenatal breastfeeding class will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 17, at the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency Training Room 102. Register by calling 828.356.2207 or 828.452.2211.

Health screenings coming to Maggie Valley Residents living in and around Maggie Valley can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening.

Maggie Valley United Methodist Church, located at 4192 Soco Road, will host this community event on April 11. Screenings are affordable, convenient and accessible for wheelchairs and those with trouble walking.

Packages start at $149, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Register by calling 877.237.1287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com.

SCC to open Health Sciences Simulation Lab Southwestern Community College’s new Health Sciences Simulation Lab will soon be open to students after several months of renovation.

SCC will have a Grand Opening for the lab from 10-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28, on the third floor of the Balsam Center on the Jackson Campus. The lab, which features the latest in simulation mannequins for healthcare education, was made possible through funding provided by the Golden LEAF Foundation and The Cannon Foundation as well as a gift from TekTone Sound & Signal.

Angel Medical named Critical Access hospital Angel Medical Center in Franklin, a Mission Health member hospital, recently earned a coveted place on 2017’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospital list, which is created annually by the National Rural Health Association’s Rural

• A free class, Preparation for Childbirth, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday from March 30 to April 20 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. The class will be taught by a certified childbirth educator and prepares a new expectant mother with the facts about labor and delivery. Register at MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or call 828.452.8440.

Health Policy Institute, iVantage Health Analytics, and the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

Critical Access Hospitals are rural community hospitals with 25 or fewer beds that serve as vital safety net institutions, crucial to preserving the health of rural communities. Those communities are often populated by older, sicker, and more complex populations, as is the case with the communities that Angel Medical Center and Transylvania Regional Hospital serve.

Harris hospital’s five new ambulances arrive Harris Regional Hospital has received five new ambulances to serve county Emergency Medical Services, which have been operated by the hospital as Harris EMS in partnership with Jackson County for more than 20 years.

The ambulances replace older trucks in the hospital’s fleet, which have been taken out of service. Harris EMS has a total of seven ambulances stationed at three bases located throughout the county on Old Settlement Road, on Hampton Road in the Qualla Community, and at the hospital.

With the purchase, a truck will be stationed at the Qualla base for 12 hours per day to improve response times. Harris EMS has a mutual aid agreement with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and tribal EMS to provide response in the Qualla community.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

The perfect game come round again I

but he was always delighted to go outside and practice smacking the miniature plastic baseball around the yard with his miniature bat.

From a distance, he might have looked like a tiny, angry chef swatting at a housefly with his spatula. But I saw something else: Kirk Gibson, launching a home run to beat the Oakland Athletics in the 1988 Columnist World Series.

Why not? Who’s to say that Gibson didn’t get his start in some suburban backyard in Pontiac, Michigan, in the early 1960s swinging his own miniature plastic bat with his dad pitching, swatting balls into the neighbor’s yard? When Jack was 5, he hit one of my best breaking pitches over the garage and I was so proud that I had to stop the game and start calling people.

Ever since, when baseball season rolls around, he is ready to play. He’s had flirtations with other sports — basketball, soccer, golf, tennis and snowboarding, to name a few

Chris Cox

found them in the corner of the basement, hidden like Easter Eggs underneath a blue tarp which was itself partially obscured by a couple of discarded boxes. Our basket of baseballs. I cannot recall exactly when or why we started keeping a dozen or more baseballs in an old Easter basket — most likely because it was handy and I couldn’t lay my hands on a bucket just then — but for the past several years, when spring rolls around and chases the frost out of the yard, I make my annual descent into the basement to fetch the baseball basket.

My 12-year-old son, Jack, has been playing baseball practically from the moment he found sufficient balance to stand without tipping over like a drunk sailor. On his third birthday, I bought him a plastic bat about the size of a spatula. It came with a little plastic baseball about the size of a jawbreaker, with these adorable little seams in the plastic just like a real baseball. Very much to my chagrin, I could not get him to wear his miniature Dodgers cap — the minute I placed it on his head, he reached up, snatched it off, and slammed it to the ground in apparent disgust (was he a Yankees fan? I didn’t dare ask) —

— but his interest in these sports waxes and wanes. With baseball, it is a constant. From tee ball on up, he has played every season for the past seven years, including fall ball. He’s been a Cub, a Dodger, an Athletic, a Brave, a Pirate, a Blue and a Black.

When he was much younger — say 7 or 8 — he wanted to be the next Albert Pujols, one of this era’s greatest sluggers. I bought tickets to see Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals play the Atlanta Braves at Turner Field about six years ago so that Jack could see his idol play in person. We were about 10 rows behind the Cardinals dugout, and when Pujols emerged to take the field and Jack got his first glimpse of him, I could see that look in his eyes, that perfect mixture of awe and ecstasy.

At the end of the fourth inning, Pujols tossed a baseball to a very sweet elderly lady in the first row, who had taken notice of Jack’s fairly obvious devotion to the Cardinals’ perennial all-star. Without any hesitation, she walked over to us and presented the ball to Jack to keep. Had he been of legal age, I think he would have married that woman on the spot.

In the winter when the snow is flying, we

What would we really get with a wall?

BY PAUL STROP G UEST COLUMNIST Last summer when we returned to this country, the presidential election was in full cry, and almost every day (it seemed) we heard, “lock her up,” and “build a wall.” The first, I assume referred to the candidate’s opponent, and the second, I assume, referred to the rally-goers’ demand for protection.

Walls have been built for centuries by kings, sultans and dictators for the purpose of protecting their territories and their royal cities from marauding armies who would pillage and destroy these cities. Moulay Ismael in the 17th century built walls to protect his royal city of Meknes. Today, thousands of visitors travel to Morocco to marvel at these structures which still stand. The Great Wall of China was built hundreds of years ago for protection against raiders from Eurasia.

Millions of tourists every year walk on these existing walls.

In our own continent walls were constructed, for example, in Campeche in Yucatan to protect the townspeople from attacks by British, French and Dutch pirates.

In our own country walls were often built around forts to help protect the early settlers.

We all know about ‘remember the Alamo.’

So the idea of building a wall for protection is hardly a new concept. However, with the invention of flying machines in the early

20th century, the usefulness of this concept has changed dramatically. After all, it is pretty useless to build a wall around your castle if the marauders can fly over the wall and drop bombs on your head. Today, we have arrived at the 21st century and walls no longer serve to protect us.

The proposal to build a $50 billion wall, I

Israel–Egypt border wall. Wikipedia photo think, involves building a wall between the United States and Mexico. Such a wall would prevent people from crossing the border in either direction. People cross the border from Mexico every day to pick our tomatoes, to work in meat packing plants, and perform jobs which few Americans want but which must be done if we are to eat. The Mexicans

arrive mostly by foot, so a wall can prevent them from crossing. However, we hardly need protection from those picking our tomatoes.

Our enemies, on the other hand, those who wish us harm, will not arrive by foot.

They will arrive in airplanes, drones and helicopters. They will be preceded by thousands of ICBMs dropping tons of explosives on our heads. The proposed wall may well protect us from the presence of the tomato picker, but it will not protect us from the ICBMs. These destructive devices will not come from Mexico, and the wall will not deter them in the slightest.

Nowadays, many tourists visit the wonderful Wall of China, the sturdy walls of Meknes, the fortifications of Campeche and our own fortress of the Alamo. They marvel at these constructions which have stood for centuries, and they ponder the destructive forces they were designed to prevent.

Thus I can only imagine that one day in a future time, the tourists who come to this country to view the smoking ruins of our cities will also want to view the famous wall.

(Paul Strop lives in Waynesville. He can be reached at arbolitopaul@aol.com.)

play baseball on his PlayStation. Years ago, I used to let him win. Now, he allows me to stay in the game and remain somewhat competitive, though he could clearly beat me by 20 runs if he wanted. He even has the good grace to be discreet about it: “I don’t know WHY I can’t seem to throw a strike!”

Sometime next week, practice for little league will begin again, and then the games.

The postgame victory celebrations at Zaxby’s or Jack the Dipper, or the postgame consolation milkshakes from Arbys.

The key base hit to get the tying run home from third. The disappointing called third strike that was 6 inches off the plate. The low throw, scooped out of the dirt to save an error.

The inside pitch, that little moment between a batter and pitcher who have known each other for six years, smiling at each other and thinking what they’ll say about this in the hall at school tomorrow. Gamesmanship. All the little perfect moments that make up baseball, the world’s most perfect game come around again at last, and not a moment too soon.

See you at the diamond.

(Chris Cox is a writer and a teacher. jchriscox@live.com.)

Writer is right: you can’t fix stupid To the Editor: After reading the letter “You can’t fix stupid” in the March 15 edition of The Smoky Mountain News, I agree with the title. The letter proves it. After all that’s gone on, it’s hard to imagine someone would degrade themselves by writing such.

The reason this is so short? It’s for those in the Trump audience who apparently lose track in their thinking if things are longer than a Trump tweet.

Tom Boyd Iron Duff

LOOKING FOR OPINIONS: The Smoky Mountain News encourages readers to express their opinions through letters to the editor or guest columns.

All viewpoints are welcome.

Send to Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com., fax to 828.452.3585, or mail to PO Box 629, Waynesville, NC, 28786.

Unity instead of division; keep politics friendly

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Smoky Mountain News

because it benefits all Americans.

Did you know that the U.S. debt clock reversed direction for the first time in decades by $68 billion since President Trump’s inauguration? This should have made the headline news, but most did not report on it.

Paying off our debts should be important to all Americans regardless of party. It is estimated it would cost every American roughly $68,000 per person to pay off our debt. I look at my children who are 5 and 9 years of age and this really concerns me.

What American wouldn’t mind paying less taxes or less for better healthcare?

My wife and I are in our 40s and have two children. We are paying almost a mortgage payment for our healthcare with $8,000 deductible before our insurance covers anything. We pray that we will never have to use it. Many Americans are in the same situation.

We admire how Trump helped save more than 800 Carrier jobs in Indiana for Democrats and Republican families before technically becoming President. President Trump has encouraged many companies who have vowed to keep thousands of jobs for Americans.

Since Trump’s win, The Dow Jones Industrial Average just broke a 100-year-old record.

So whomever is America’s President, it only behooves us Americans to support, encourage, pray and be united, not divided.

Wishing our President ill will is like wishing the pilot of our plane to crash just because we don’t agree with him. Let us please try to have proper tone and respect with those who we disagree with.

So please join us in our unity prayer today.

Please God lead us to do what we know is good and right by your word. Allow us to love each other despite our political differences. Keep our little town special regardless of who is our President. Please say a prayer for anyone willing to lead, whether President, congress, governors, majors, policemen, firemen, school faculty or pastors. How about we let President Trump be president and give him have a chance to do some good? Let us always speak out of love regardless of color, sex or religion.

Jesus states in the Good Book, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

We have a challenge for our community.

The next time you find yourself having an opposite view of someone in politics or beliefs within our county, go the extra mile to be nice to them. By doing this, you will preserve love for one another and the “what’s special with our community.” In turn, it could just reach outside Haywood County and impact our state, nation and world!

(Joseph N. Trisha is a Haywood County resident. Reach him at josephtrisha@yahoo.com.)

March 22-28, 2017

BY JOSEPH TRISHA G UEST COLUMNIST So who else is tired of negative politics and the constant negative President Donald Trump reports every time you turn on the news channel? The news media should just stick to the facts — whether good or bad — without the spin or half truths.

Wouldn’t it be great no matter who was in office if the representatives would just concentrate on helping the people who placed them there? Wouldn’t it be nice if the news outlets would just cover the news with truth and without the constant negativity focused on those who are opposite of their party?

We are concerned about how this negativity affects us, our children and our relationships with our neighbors.

The news media paints the other party or side as our enemy for drama and ratings.

This is very unhealthy for democracy, but even more unhealthy for our country and local neighborhoods. Yes, nothing is gained by constant negativity. Nobody wins. Just when you think the news media has posted everything under the sun in a negative way towards President Trump, it begins again.

We would all have to agree that the news media has gotten very nasty since George W. Bush held office.

President Trump could serve as our president for eight years. If this is the case, we can only hope the negativity stops soon.

Frankly, the Democrats are at a crossroads to reinvent themselves. Hopefully, the Democrats and news media will see that Americans do not want constant negativity.

Senators Charles Schumer and Al Franken and Rep. Nancy Pelosi — who criticize and obstruct our President — are continuing to define their party in a negative direction. So why aren’t Democrats demanding more from their party?

So you don’t like Trump? Well we didn’t agree with Obama, yet most accepted that he was our President. We sincerely love Jesus and yes, someone is always offended by something.

Yes, there are many from North Carolina who support President Donald J. Trump but remain the silent majority. Let’s be honest: many of Trump’s supporters are your family, friends and neighbors. So why did so many vote for this man?

Did you know that Obama added almost $9 trillion to our national debt, which was more money than all previous presidents combined? Of course, George W. Bush added $4 trillion, which is just as concerning.

Many voted for Donald Trump because of his promises to grow our economy, which will yield more tax revenue to pay down our debt. America owes roughly $20 trillion, and that debt will be passed on to our children.

President Trump has accomplished many positive things that should be the main focus

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tasteTHEmountains Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251 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.

Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Saturday 12 p.m.-10 p.m.

Closed Tues.

Sun. 12-9 p.m.

Sandwiches • Burgers • Wraps 32 Felmet Street

Smoky Mountain News

March 22-28, 2017

(828) 246-0927

128 N. Main St., Waynesville Hot Appetizers Cold Beer | Warm Sake

BLOSSOM ON MAIN 128 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

828.454.5400. Open for lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Mild, medium, to hot and spicy, our food is cooked to your like-able temperature.

Forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy.

Traditional Thai food is known to be quite healthy, making use of natural and fresh ingredients, paired with lots of spices, herbs, and vegetables. Vegetarians and health conscious individuals will not be disappointed as fresh vegetables and tofu are available in most of our menu as well as wines and saki chosen to compliment the unique flavors of Thai cuisine.

BLUE ROOSTER SOUTHERN GRILL 207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde, Lakeside Plaza at the old Wal-Mart. 828.456.1997. Open Monday through Friday. Friendly and fun family atmosphere. Local, handmade Southern cuisine. Fresh-cut salads; slow-simmered soups; flame grilled burgers and steaks, and homemade signature desserts.

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

Brown bagging is permitted. Private parties,

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Monday through Saturday. Dinner 5 to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic american comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and roast beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own eggplant and chicken parmesan, pork meatballs and hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not preprepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make vegetarian, gluten free and sugar free items.

Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are.

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.

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.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine.

Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events.

Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m.

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

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

828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.

828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95.

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

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

Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed

Dining Room Now Open!

Tuesday March 28th • 6:30-8 pm

BLOSSOM Food and Drink Specials BURGER

Challenge: Weigh-in Maggie Valley

WINE • BEER • SAKE Hours: 11:30-9:00

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

(828) 454-5400

blueroostersoutherngrill.com

BlossomOnMain.com

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

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

NAME THAT TUNE featuring TRIVIA NIGHT THE

Open Monday-Sunday

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

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

catering, and take-out available. Call-ahead seating available.

828-456-1997 Monday-Friday Open at 11am

We’ve got your sports needs covered

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

COME WATCH THE GAME WITH US 3567 Soco Rd. Maggie Valley 828-926-9105

11-11 Sun. – Thurs.

11 – Midnight Fri. & Sat.

tasteTHEmountains down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley.

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. 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. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

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

Open for dinner at 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Worldfamous 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.

JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

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

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

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch.

Beer and wine. Free movies Thursday trought Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows.

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 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.

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

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

Reservations appreciated.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.454.0070. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Breakfast bagels and sandwiches, gourmet coffee, deli sandwiches for lunch with homemade soups, quiches, and desserts. Wide selection of wine and beer.

Outdoor and indoor dining.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska.

Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano.

Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95.

Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available.

Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts. Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar. Catering special events is one of our specialties.

SALTY DOG’S SEAFOOD & GRILL 3567 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.926.9105. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. Full service bar and restaurant located in the center of Maggie Valley.

Featuring daily $6 lunch specials and daily dinner specials such as $1 Taco Tuesdays and 45¢ Wednesday Wings. Backyard Bar is open every weekend thru October. Join us for every NFL game.

SMOKEY SHADOWS LODGE 323 Smoky Shadows Lane, Maggie Valley 828.926.0001. Check Facebook page for hours, which vary. Call early when serving

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.

Open from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. A Waynesville tradition, the Smoky Mountain Sub Shop has been serving great food for over 20 years. Come in and enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere. Sub breads are baked fresh every morning in Waynesville.

Using only the freshest ingredients in homemade soups, salads and sandwiches. Come in and see for yourself why Smoky Mountain Sub Shop was voted # 1 in Haywood County.

Locally owned and operated.

SPEEDY’S PIZZA 285 Main Street, Sylva. 828.586.3800.

Open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday 3 p.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Family-owned for 30 years. Serving hand-tossed pizza made to order, pasta, subs, gourmet salads, calzones and seafood. Also serving excellent prime rib on Thursdays. Dine in or take out available.

Located across from the Fire Station.

TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com.

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville.

828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week MondaySaturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails!

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.

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

828.246.0927. Open Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 9 p.m.; closed Tuesdays. Opened in May 2016, The Waynesville Pizza Company has earned a reputation for having the best hand-tossed pizza in the area. Featuring a custom bar with more than 20 beers and a rustic, family friendly dining room. Menu includes salads, burgers, wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, gourmet pizza, homemade desserts, and a loaded salad bar. The Cuban sandwich is considered by most to be the best in town.

We’re open every evening for dinner until 9 p.m.

Join us for tasty burritos, tacos, quesadillas or crepes!

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

Visit Us and Discover MEDITERRANEAN & ITALIAN CUISINE 1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98 LUNCH & DINNER TUES. - SUN.

www.pasqualesnc.com

Real New Yorkers.

Real Italians. Real Pizza.

Dine-In ~ Take Out ~ Delivery

An Authentic Italian Pizzeria & Restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge.

Just to serve you!

Featuring: Calzones · Stromboli Subs · Pasta and More

Smoky Mountain News

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

PAPERTOWN GRILL 153 Main St., Canton. 828.648.1455 Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Serving the local community with great, scratch-made country cooking. Breakfast is served all day.

Daily specials including Monday meatloaf, chicken and dumplings on Thursdays and Friday fish.

because restaurant fills up fast. Remember when families joined each other at the table for a delicious homemade meal and shared stories about their day? That time is now at Smokey Shadows. The menus are customizable for your special event. Group of eight or more can schedule their own dinner.

March 22-28, 2017

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

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

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

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

NOW OPEN SUNDAYS NOON to 8 P.M. Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

243 Paragon Parkway | Clyde

828-476-5058

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Tapping Western North Carolina Local craft breweries spill onto economy, culture

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER y all accounts, the craft beer business continues to boom in Western North Carolina.

And that’s not just in Asheville with its dozens of breweries and brewpubs. Head west on Interstate 40 and merge onto the Great Smoky Mountains Expressway. You’ll soon come across numerous breweries from Canton to Bryson City, Highlands to Murphy, and seemingly everywhere in between.

“We’re evolving beyond just ‘being local.’

That hyper-local brewing movement is there, and will stay there. It’s very similar to the farmto-table slow food movement [in Western North Carolina],” said Joe Rowland, former president of the Asheville Brewers Alliance and owner of Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City. “I definitely think there’s more room for local breweries, especially in our market, because our market is driven by tourism.”

These locations have either become a beacon of life and an economic heartbeat for longdormant mountain towns, or simply have evolved into another robust branch on a growing community tree. They provide jobs to hundreds of local folks and also a place to sit and soak in Southern Appalachia, converse with neighbors and visitors alike, and sip the fruits of their labors from these artisan beverage makers.

There are currently 14 breweries in eight towns in the region west of Buncombe County. Three more locations are also expected to open this year (in Bryson City, Hayesville and Sylva). Below is a quick snapshot of where we’re at, where we’re going, and what folks can expect as each brewery hones in on the unique magic we’ve come to enjoy from their products.

B

Andrews Brewing (Andrews) Andrew Brewing recently opened its new production facility, which was the old A&P grocery store in downtown. Barrel numbers for 2016 were around 80 (a barrel is 31 gallons), with that number expected to top 100 in 2017.

“For now, we’re only brewing beer there [in downtown]. However, one day, we hope to open it up to the public,” said owner/brewer Eric Carlson. “And we’re grateful for the customer loyalty we already have that is slowly getting us to that point.”

Currently, customers can enjoy The Calaboose, their nearby taproom and live music property. In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, Andrews Brewing will be teaming up with Hoppy Trout Brewing for a day of live music and craft beer at Hall Park in Andrews. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva)

Lazy Hiker Brewing in Franklin.

Though exact details are unknown, BCNC Investments has announced the purchase of the building that formerly held the Evolution Wine Kitchen on Main Street. With the sale, Balsam Falls Brewing Company plans to remodel and open the brewery and tasting room in summer 2017. Further information and an opening date will be announced soon. www.facebook.com/balsamfallsbrewing.com.

Margaret Hester photo

BearWaters Brewing (Canton) After several years of residing in Waynesville, BearWaters relocated to Canton in late 2016, overtaking an 11,000-square-foot, two-level building in downtown right on the Pigeon River. With an expected opening date aimed for Memorial Day Weekend, the brewery will kick things up a notch on its new 20-

SMN toasts NC Beer Month barrel system, which includes five 20-barrel fermenters and three brite tanks.

“We’ll be firing up the equipment next week,” said owner/brewer Kevin Sandefur. “I think this new location is going to work well.

We have a great partnership with the Town of Canton. And, with the recreational side of things, we’ll be building a dock on the river for tubing and kayaking.”

Sandefur also noted that there will be a food component with the new brewery.

Haywood County businessman Richard Miller (of The Classic Wineseller and Church Street Depot in Waynesville) will open a gastro-pub within the facility.

“And with our cellar below, we’ll start a barrel-aging program, with our saisons being available soon,” Sandefur said. www.bearwatersbrewing.com.

Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) Now looked at as the “social hub” of Main Street in Waynesville, Boojum has grown exponentially in its two years in Haywood County.

Not only did it triple the size of the restaurant in the downtown taproom, Boojum also tripled the size of its off-site brewery (3,000 square feet to 9,000 square feet). The updated brewing system can go from a capacity of 3,000 barrels to now around 10,000.

In terms of current distribution, Boojum is in the 13 westernmost counties in Western North Carolina, with plans in the works to expand even further. The products are also

April is “N.C. Beer Month” in North Carolina. All throughout the state, there will be special events, tastings and activities celebrating one of the fastest-growing industries in our own backyard.

With “N.C. Beer Month” upon us, The Smoky Mountain News checked with all the breweries west of Asheville to get an update on their production, special events, and future plans in the growing Western North Carolina industry that is craft beer. Over the next few weeks, we will also look into the economic impact of the brewing scene on our region, as well as what other side businesses have popped up as a result of the needs and growth of the industry.

For a complete list of breweries and events, click on www.ncbeermonth.com. finding their way to Charlotte and points eastward.

“It’s just been a wild ride,” said co-owner Kelsie Baker. “At the brewery, we’ve been canning our beers for a while now onsite, and it’s really taken off. We’ve become maxed out in what we’re producing in our Western North Carolina distribution territory. The demand is there on the store shelves and in the taproom, and we’ve trying as hard as we can to meet that demand. People are spending their hard-earned money in our breweries. Quality is our top priority — you can never compromise that.” www.boojumbrewing.com.

Currahee Brewing (Franklin) Bursting onto the craft beer scene last year with a brand new 10,000-square-foot facility in downtown, Currahee recently purchased a 60barrel fermentor to nicely complement its already robust 15-barrel system. Barrel numbers were 700 for 2016, with the goal for 2017 at 2,000.

“And we’ve expanded into the northern

Georgia market, including Athens and Atlanta.

Our cans are now available full-time in many grocery stores and convenience stores in Western North Carolina,” said Head Brewer Taylor Yates. “Our upcoming seasonals include ‘Burningtown,’ a hoppy dark Belgian-style ale for spring, and ‘Three Mile,’ a kettle sour with tropical and citrus notes. Our foeder and barrel program is maturing nicely, and wild and sour beers are coming soon.” www.curraheebrew.com.

Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville)

As the first brewery to open in Haywood County, Frog Level is expected to once again expand its brewhouse in the coming months.

For 2016, Frog Level brewed upwards of 15,800 gallons (roughly 509 barrels), with that number expected to double in 2017.

“We’ve worked on taste consistency, growing our own yeast, and of course cutting costs without hampering quality in 2016,” said owner/brewer Clark Williams. “[Our new

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March 22-28, 2017

She is still a fox.

Midnight. Last Tuesday morning. Wide-awake and in front of a large HD television at my parent’s Florida rental cottage. I haven’t had cable in several years. But, seeing as everyone was already asleep and March Madness was over for the night, I clicked around the endless channels of nothing.

A midnight viewing of the 1999 teen film “She’s All That” on some random station? Sold. My 14-year-old self became slightly giddy when Rachael Leigh Cook (aka Laney Boggs) appeared on the screen. The outcast art freak turned Cinderella, only to fall prey to the popular kids, eventually getting the glass slipper placed on her foot by Prince Charming (Freddie Prinze Jr.). Out of curiosity, I reached for my smartphone and searched for Cook’s Instagram. She is still a fox.

And it was films like “She’s All No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Sultry That” (and also “Can’t Hardly Sirens Varietease Show & Dance Party at 9:30 Wait,” “10 Things I Hate About p.m. Saturday, March 25.

You” and “American Pie”) where Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Eric the 1990s teen romantic comedy Hendrix & Friends (rock/pop) at 8 p.m. Friday, came to be immortalized — March 24. onscreen at the time and on late night TV forever after.

O’Malley’s Sports Bar & Grill (Sylva) will host I looked at those films — PMA (reggae/rock) at 9 p.m. Saturday, April 1. those unrealistic characters, generic status roles and predictable plots — as something Heinzelmannchen Brewery (Sylva) will host to strive for. Leaving a private Henry Wong (singer-songwriter) and a potluck Catholic school and heading from 6 to 8 p.m. March 23 and 30. into public school for the first The Waynesville Public Library will host time in seventh grade, I was like acclaimed pianist Marquita Someliana at 3 the plague in terms of getting p.m. Saturday, March 25. anywhere near some sort of semblance of being accepted by sion, which in middle school was music — my affluent, beautiful and athletically giftlive in concert, on the radio and in my ed peers. stereo. And in the moments when I didn’t Me? I was skinny as a beanpole.

Hundred pounds soaking wet, as they say. have headphones on or a performance to attend (and enjoy) by myself, I kept my Thick glasses. Gelled hair that was head high, hoping someday I’d find comcombed over. Clothes 10 years out of mon ground with those I wanted to be fashion. An old-soul mindset 10 years accepted by. ahead of my time. I was the fringe of the And yet, the funny thing was, I eventuedge of anyone even knowing I existed. I could count all my friends on one hand by ally did find myself in those upper-level the time I got to the middle finger, which I social circles when high school rolled around. I found my niche as a track and usually dreamt of flipping to those who tormented me in the hallways, classrooms cross-country star, winning races and big meets, where suddenly I’d get asked to sit and locker rooms.

But, I never really let it bother me. I sim- at tables I only squinted at from across the cafeteria. It was getting invited to parties at ply retreated further into my new obses-

amid some epiphany and sympathy “for the little guy,” getting on the microphone and saying, “You know, for a lot of us, this is as good as it gets. We aced the test, made the big shot, got a crown. But the truth is we’re just getting started. We can be anything we wanna be. And I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m hopin’ I never forget that.”

What’s funny is, I don’t remember when I first watched that film. Probably on some old-school VHS tape I rented, on some couch in a now repainted living room, in some town I haven’t thought of in years. And yet, that prom king statement always stuck with me, seeing as it still resonates just as strongly right now. Especially in our current social climate, where we compare ourselves to whatever glitz and glamour we see on YouTube or where wish we had as many followers on Instagram as some fake face, body and image we view as a reality of “the way things are and should be.”

What remains is that adulthood is filled with the same obstacles and social minefields that we thought were safely navigated out of in middle and high school, with the safe haven being college. The minefields are just as present tomorrow as they were yesterday. It’s all a matter of if you dance around them or step on them out of sacrifice for a chance at a place and status that might make you happier than where you currently stand.

But, it won’t, for it’s that smile and sense of self, all while alone and on your own, that matters the most.

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

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

their parents’ house or backwoods gatherings with huge bonfires, where somebody would hand me a beer and actually know what my name was.

It wasn’t some victory, not in my eyes at least. Because, once you find yourself inside the “circle,” you actually realize how lame and ridiculous the circle really is. And that still applies today in adulthood. I’ve always found the higher you reach into the social stratosphere, the more anger, jealousy and bullshit you come across — all spewed by those you had once hoped would give you the time of day, someday.

Way back in the day, pre-Y2K, I held the notion, “we all have our victories in our own time.” I knew one day I’d figure out how to get footing in life, physically and emotionally. But, I was trapped in the body of a teenager. So, I’d just have to wait it out, make the best of high school, and head to college with a blank canvas of possibility and promise.

Heck, rereading that previous sentence I wrote just makes me cringe in how cheesy it comes across. But, that is how I truly felt, and so did (and do) countless other individuals who went through the same things, across the country and around the world. And that’s all because what I felt is a big crossroads of the human condition as a youth — do you let all the noise defeat you or do you let it define your rise above it?

Towards the end of “She’s All That,” when Freddie Prinze Jr. (aka Zack Siler) is awarded the prom king crown, he smirks

23

arts & entertainment

B EER, CONTINUED FROM 22 brewer] has done an outstanding job with that. We’re also getting a larger diverse food truck scene from Asheville, since Waynesville doesn’t have many — yet.”

Key styles for Frog Level in recent months have been the “Frog-Nog,” a vanilla bean port and the “Dragon Fly IPA.” There will also be new selections to be released this summer, with the “Croak-A-Nut Porter” to be canned shortly. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

Heinzelmännchen Brewery (Sylva)

Smoky Mountain News

March 22-28, 2017

As the oldest brewery west of Asheville, Heinzelmännchen celebrates 13 years in 2017. Although its offered live entertainment and games throughout the years, the brewery recently provided a semi-weekly potluck on Thursdays, where beer lovers bring a dish, all while enjoying a pint and live music.

With brewmaster Dieter Kuhn and his wife Sheryl Rudd at the helm, the Germanstyle brewery remains a source of knowledge and friendship within the industry at large. “[Dieter’s] most recent addition is ‘Alpenglühen,’ a pilsner recipe fermented with an ale yeast and brewed with hibiscus and honey,” Rudd said. “This glowing reddish ale has a refreshing crispness with an earthy note from the hibiscus and a sweet finish.”

The couple continues to sponsor and raise funds for several nonprofits around Jackson County, with a special emphasis on The Community Table.

24

“We are proud to have been the first [brewery] in Western North Carolina and are so grateful for our customers,” Kuhn said. www.yourgnometownbrewery.com.

Hoppy Trout Brewing (Andrews) With a one-year anniversary this past Jan. 1, Hoppy Trout spent the winter doing test batches in an effort to expand its already impressive variety. For 2016, the brewery produced 130 barrels, and is hoping to double that in 2017.

“Expect some exciting new beer styles to be released again in the brewpub [and restaurant] this summer,” said owner/brewer Thomas Rodeck. “We’re also planning to attend some major North Carolina festivals this year as well as co-hosting several events in Andrews.” www.hoppytroutbrewing.com.

Innovation Brewing (Sylva) Clocking in at right around 1,000 barrels for 2016, Innovation is expected to do slightly more than that for 2017. With an expanding sour program, and also a physical expansion within the downtown property, the basement brewing facility is filled to the brim with fermentation and conditioning tanks, and also barrels designated for “sour and funky beers.”

“This spring, we’re releasing what we think is our best sour beer yet. It has been aging in conditioning tanks for six months,” said co-owner Nicole Dexter. “We took our sour blonde base and added 130 pounds of local Niagara grape pumice to one batch and

Innovation Brewing in Sylva.

‘Sylva Brew Hop’ The 2nd annual “Sylva Brew Hop” will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, in downtown.

In honor of “NC Beer Month,” join City Lights Café, Heinzelmännchen Brewery, Innovation Brewing, Mad Batter Food & Film, Sneak E Squirrel Brewing and The Cut Cocktail Lounge for the “Sylva Brew Hop.” Ticket-holders will visit each of the six establishments and taste two local or regional beers. Tickets include a souvenir glass and two 4-ounce pours at each location.

Tickets are $25 purchased online by March 30. Day of event is $35. For advance tickets, click on www.citylightscafe.com/ sylva-brew-hop.html.

130 pounds of local Concord grape pumice to another batch. The grapes were added fresh the same day they were harvested from Calaboose Cellars’ vineyard [in Andrews] and it has made for a spectacular beer. You can expect to see Caleidon Niagara and Caleidon Concord for sale in 750-milliliter bottles [by] April 1.” www.innovation-brewing.com.

Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) As Franklin’s first brewery, Lazy Hiker will celebrate two years in operation come June. Barrel numbers for 2016 were around 700, with 2017 expected to brew between 1,100-1,200. The brewery has also begun canning three of its signature pours: “Trail Mate Golden Ale, “Slack Pack IPA” and “Wesser Evil Porter.”

“So, our fans should be able to find those in stores throughout the 38 westernmost counties in North Carolina,” said Head Brewer Graham Norris. “We also just introduced our spring seasonal, ‘Springer Fever Pilsner,’ that kicks off our new seasonal line of beers. You should be able to find these beers in cans as well, beginning with our

upcoming summer seasonal.”

Norris noted that St. Patrick’s Day brought about the release of the “Night Hike Imperial Stout,” with a release of a “Double IPA” expected for the Appalachian Trail Celebration on April 22 at the brewery.

“We are also looking at expanding our distribution area down into Georgia some time this summer, which would increase those production numbers,” Norris added. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City)

Although it has yet to officially pour any of its products, Mountain Layers is expected to have a soft opening at some point in April or late spring. Located just over the bridge from the Swain County Heritage Museum on Everett Street in downtown, Mountain Layers has a seven-barrel brewhouse with four fermenters.

“The styles range from classic American to Belgian-inspired. Once we’re in our groove, we plan to have 10 of our own beers coming through the 12-tap system along with a cider or two rounding things out,” said Head Brewer Noah McIntee. “The space is physically complete except for a few odds and ends.

The main-level bar facing Everett Street is being filled out now with bar equipment, as is the upper-level bar and outdoor patio overlooking downtown and the Tuckasegee River.” www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City)

A pillar of the Western North Carolina brewing industry, Nantahala recently opened a restaurant just down the road from its downtown brewery. Dubbed “The Warehouse,” the eatery combines southern comfort foods and cosmopolitan styles with a keen eye on locally sourced ingredients.

For 2016, Nantahala brewed 5,000 barrels, with around 10,000 expected for 2017. When taking a gander at its gigantic 20-barrel brewing system, Nantahala also has 10 30-barrel fermenters, three 60-barrel fermenters and three 15-barrel fermenters amid its numerous brite tanks (one 60-barrel, one 100barrel and six 10-barrel).

F

arts & entertainment

Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City.

Margaret Hester photo

In terms of distribution, Nantahala is being sold in upwards of 65 counties in North Carolina, all through Eastern Tennessee and Nashville, and last week started selling in Georgia.

“We’re definitely a lifestyle brand. People have emotional connections to the Nantahala brand way beyond just us making beer,” said owner Joe Rowland. “And we’ve always known that, but to really understand the extent of it, that’s something that has come with time — in the taproom, in the restaurant. To see that kind of support is huge for us.” f www.nantahalabrewing.com.

Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) With owner/brewer Jon Bowman continuing to experiment with several varieties of styles and flavors, Tipping Point is aiming to hit 300 barrels brewed for 2017. It also hired Brent Frank as part of the brewery team, a graduate of the Appalachian State University “Fermentation Sciences Program.”

Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) Located just outside of downtown Sylva, Sneak E Squirrel has found an ideal crossroads of pub fare and craft beer selections, with its “Build-Your-Own” burger concoction, and also “IPA” infusion, where customers can select how they want their pint to taste with select hops.

“We are continuing to provide weekly experimental beers, and now offer a dozen flavor infusion options to allow you to create your own beers,” said owner/brewer John Duncan. “We continue to provide fresh hop infusions to allow you to customize your IPA.” www.sneakesquirrel.com.

“We will be doing some self distribution around Western North Carolina,” Bowman said. “We’re going to start a barrel-aging program. Look for the first of those to be out in 2018. We’re also going to be producing a few sours this year, too.” www.tippingpointtavern.com.

Valley Stream Brewery (Murphy) Celebrating its first anniversary in January, Valley Stream brewed 200 barrels in 2016, with 240 expected for 2017. On a 2.5barrel system, the brewery offers Belgian and American-style ales. Plans are currently in the works to open a second location in Hayesville in May. www.facebook.com/valleyriverbrewery.

Editor’s Note: Each of the breweries mentioned hosts an array of live music, activities, tastings, games, ping-pong tournaments, trivia nights, community/nonprofit fundraisers, holiday celebrations, special releases and much more.

For more information on these breweries and their events, make sure to visit their websites.

In continuing with our “Cultural Series,” which celebrates and showcases art events, symposiums and performances throughout Western North Carolina, we here at The Smoky Mountain News welcome popular Vermont Americana/folk duo The DuPont Brothers.

6:30 P.M. SUNDAY, APRIL 2 FOLKMOOT FRIENDSHIP CENTER 112 VIRGINIA AVENUE · WAYNESVILLE

CRAFT BEER AND WINE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ADMISSION: $10 ADVANCE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT FOLKMOOT.ORG DUPONTBROTHERSMUSIC.COM

www.smokymountainnews.com

Smoky Mountain News

Coming in at around 150 barrels for 2016, Satulah also recently bottled several cases of its trademark “Sunset Saison” in 750-milliliter containers to celebrate the New Year.

“I’m in the process of a small expansion and hope to get my beer out in the marketplace a lot more in 2017. So, I hope that a lot more folks will get to try my beer and experience my brand,” said owner/brewer Dale Heinlein. “I also hope to pour at more festivals this year as well. Lots of saisons and hopforward beers are in the works. I hope the expansion will allow me to experiment a little with wild and sour cultures, as well as expand my kombucha projects.” www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

March 22-28, 2017

Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands)

Sunday Soiree The DuPont BROTHERS

25

On the beat Texas Tenors in Franklin The Texas Tenors will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

With their Emmy Award winning PBS special and Billboard chart topping albums, The Texas Tenors are one of America’s favorite new tenor groups. Since their whirlwind debut six years ago on NBC's “America’s Got Talent,” The Texas Tenors have accumulated a long list of awards and accolades.

They have performed more than 1,000 concerts around the world, and were recently named the No. 10 “Classical Artist” in the world according to Billboard magazine.

Tickets start at $24. To purchase tickets, call 866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

March 22-28, 2017

First Methodist ‘Meal & Sing’ The First United Methodist Church of Sylva will hold an “Open Door Meal & Sing” at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, in the church’s Christian Life Center.

The community is invited to enjoy a delicious meal with beverages, lively music, and camaraderie. The Gospel Messengers, a group that ministers with traditional and southern gospel music, will provide the spiritual, inspirational entertainment. Over the years, The Gospel Messengers have traveled extensively throughout the region sharing the word of God through their vocal and instrumental music.

A short devotional will be offered before the meal. The “Open Door Meal & Sing”

.22 Pistol League and Cowboy League Smoky Mountain News

Both are forming soon.

Call to join or inquire about more information.

event is held on the fifth Wednesday in those months that have one. Church members provide the food and beverages. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Sylva gets the blues Popular blues/folk singer Heidi Holton will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Holton began young, leaving Murphy to play in rock bands in Athens and New Orleans before the blues came a-calling. She studied under the great Jorma Kaukonen (Jefferson Airplane) and then disappeared to Alaska’s arctic interior to perfect her craft.

She has recently moved back to Murphy and is touring around the Southeast.

This program is free and open to the public. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. For more information, call the library at 828.586.2016. www.heidiholton.com.

Jackson ‘Pop-Up Play’ The Play Sanctuary's monthly “Pop-Up Play” will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 1, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.

Local musicians will perform family friendly music throughout the morning.

Recycled materials like plastic bottles, beads, and containers will be provided for kids to make and decorate musical instruments. You can also bring instruments from home. Dancing and music making are encouraged for all ages.

The event is free. Rain location is Family Resource Center at 1528 Webster Road. www.playsanctuary.wordpress.com.

Concealed Carry Class: 80/BYO gun 90/gun & ammo provided $

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Pre-concealed carry & post-concealed carry classes also available

Mickey Gilley country soul Country legend Mickey Gilley will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Gilley learned to play the piano at a young age and decided he wanted to pursue a career in music after his cousin, Jerry Lee Lewis, released his first hit. He began recording without much success in the late 1950s.

A few years later, he became a local favorite at area bars and clubs. His first national hit was in 1968.

With an entrepreneur spirit, Gilley opened Gilley’s Club in Pasadena, California, in 1971. The club became a launching pad for country music’s biggest stars and was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest HonkyTonk.” He released another hit in 1974 that reached No. 1 on the country charts and also edged onto pop charts.

That same year, he was named “Top New Male Vocalist” by the Academy of Country Music. This launched a string of hits over the next decade including, “Room Full of Roses,” “I Overlooked an Orchid,” “City Lights” and “A Headache Tomorrow (Or a

Balsam Range Lions Club fundraiser The Lions Clubs of Western North Carolina will be holding a benefit concert featuring Balsam Range at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Stuart Auditorium in Lake Junaluska.

All of the proceeds are going to Brighter

Heartache Tonight).”

In 1978, the film “Urban Cowboy” starring John Travolta and Debra Winger was based on Gilley’s Club. The soundtrack featured many popular artists and a huge hit for Gilley, “Stand By Me.” His remake of this soul hit went platinum and made Gilley a household name.

Tickets are $24. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

Visions, the vehicle that the Lions Clubs use to fund their work for the blind and visually impaired of our communities.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased on the Balsam Range website by clicking the tickets link for the April 1 event.

Tickets can also be purchased at the Clyde Town Hall or by calling the Lions at 828.593.1025. www.balsamrange.com

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On the beat

Balsam songwriter series The “Songwriters in the Round” series will continue with Irene Kelley, Milan Miller and Thomm Jutz at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Balsam Mountain Inn. The inn modeled the series after similar performances at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe.

Balsam’s performers are most often the Nashville-area songwriters who pen lyrics performed by country and western stars.

Many performances feature Grammy and CMA award winners, and all include writers of many top-ranked songs.

Singersongwriter Irene Kelley.

‘Sunday Soiree’ welcomes DuPont Brothers including Grammy award winning artists like Sturgill Simpson, Jerry Douglas and Blake Mills. There’s an EP in the works for 2017.

Tickets for the “Sunday Soiree” cost $10 per person. Craft beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets can be bought online at www.folkmoot.org or at the door.

This performance is expected to garner a great audience, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. A portion of the proceeds will go to the continued activities and events put on

by Folkmoot.

As well, The Smoky Mountain News would like to encourage all art lovers and music freaks to attend this performance. If all goes well with attendance, the idea is to create and showcase similar events around the region (Sylva, Franklin, Bryson City, etc.). But, all of this only happens if the most important ingredient is added — you and yours. www.dupontbrothersmusic.com.

• The Canton Public Library will host The Bull Moose Party (bluegrass) at 3 p.m.

April 2. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Haywood County Arts Council. Free.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Joe Cruz (piano/pop) March 31 and April 8, Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams (piano/guitar) April 1 and James Hammel (singersongwriter) April 7. All events begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

ALSO:

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Doctor Paul April 8. Shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.curraheebrew.com.

• Derailed Bar & Lounge (Bryson City) will have music at 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

828.488.8898.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Max Gross Weight (classic rock) March 25, Marc Keller (singer-songwriter) March 31 and Heidi Holton (blues/folk) April 1. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Harmons’ Den Bistro (Waynesville) will host singer-songwriter Ashley Heath at 8 p.m. March 25. Dinner, wine and beer available for purchase. $5 cover charge. www.harttheatre.org.

• Heinzelmannchen Brewery (Sylva) will host Henry Wong (singer-songwriter) and a potluck from 6 to 8 p.m. March 23 and 30. www.yourgnometownbrewery.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night March 22 and 29, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo March 23 and 30. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Eric Hendrix & Friends March 24 (rock/pop), Soul Rhythms (Latin/soul) March 25 and Troy Underwood (singersongwriter) March 31. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. 828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) March 24, Sultry

• O’Malley’s Sports Bar & Grill (Sylva) will host PMA (reggae/rock) April 1. All shows begin at 9 p.m. 828.631.0554.

• The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Gary Carter (singersongwriter) March 24, Somebody’s Child (Americana) March 25 and DJ Justin Moe 9 p.m. March 31. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic with Jimandi at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, “Funky Friday” with Bud Davis at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Isaish Breedlove (Americana) at 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host Steve Turner (singer-songwriter) March 25 and Red Leg Huskey (Americana) April 1. There will also be line dancing every Friday at 7 p.m. and contra dancing every other Friday at 8 p.m. 828.586.6440.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host be an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. All are welcome.

828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Roshambeaux (rock/Motown) March 25.

All shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Sultry Sirens Varietease Show & Dance Party March 24, Andrew Rickman (acoustic/rock) March 31 and Humps & The Blackouts (psychobilly) April 1. All shows begin at 9 p.m. 828.456.4750.

• The Waynesville Public Library will host acclaimed pianist Marquita Someliana at 3 p.m. March 25. Free.

Smoky Mountain News

The Smoky Mountain News will launch its “Sunday Soiree” concert series with The DuPont Brothers (Americana/folk) at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

In continuing our “Cultural Series,” which encourages and promotes artistic events, performances and symposiums around Western North Carolina, the “Sunday Soiree” will provide a platform for local, regional and national acts, right here in our own backyard.

Based out of Burlington, Vermont, Sam and Zack DuPont have been busy on the road since 2013. Their two records — “Heavy as Lead” (2015) and “A Riddle For You” (2016) — have taken them up and down the Eastern Seaboard and across the Midwest.

The DuPont Brothers have made festival appearances at Grand Point North and South-By-Southwest (SXSW). They also have supported a wide array of national acts,

• The Canton Armory will host “Winter Pickin’ in the Armory” at 7 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. The event includes mountain music, vintage country, clogging and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free. www.cantonnc.com.

Sirens Varietease Show & Dance Party March 25 and Humps & The Blackouts (psychobilly) March 31. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

March 22-28, 2017

• Kelley discovered her flair for songwriting as a teenager and soon found her way to Nashville, where her songs were quickly noticed and recorded by Carl Jackson, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White. While recording an album for MCA, and independently releasing two more records and touring worldwide, she raised two daughters and scored cuts with Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Pat Green, Brother Phelps, Rhonda Vincent,

Claire Lynch, Darrell Scott, The Whites and The Osborne Brothers.

• A Waynesville native, Miller moved to Nashville in pursuit of his music career. He has traveled the world, making appearances at venues ranging from Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater to Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield, California, and from the Grand Ole Opry to Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops Orchestra. The fruits of this labor have yielded eight No. 1 bluegrass songs, a steady stream of others that have graced the top twenty, two nominations for “Song of the Year” by the International Bluegrass Music Association, and nominations for “Songwriter of the Year” by the IBMA and SPBGMA. Miller’s song catalog includes such Balsam Range staples as “Calloway County Flood,” “Burning Georgia Down” (written with Mark Bumgarner), “Caney Fork River,” “Hard Price to Pay,” “The Other Side” and “Papertown,” a song about the resilience of working people in Canton.

• From the Black Forest of Germany, Jutz has won several nationwide competitions as a teenager before studying classical guitar at the University of Stuttgart. At the same time, he played gigs all over Germany and the neighboring countries with blues and rock bands, though his true love has always been country, bluegrass and folk music. Jutz produced volumes one and two of “The 1861 Project,” a collection of new songs about the American Civil War. Marquee artists like Marty Stuart, John Anderson, Jerry Douglas, Maura O’Connell, Connie Smith, Chris Jones, Sierra Hull and many more are featured on these records.

A buffet dinner is included in the $49.50 ticket price, and seating begins at 6 p.m. Live music will follow the dinner. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.balsammountaininn.net or call 828.456.9498.

• Andrews Brewing Company will host Heidi Holton (blues/folk) from 5 to 7 p.m.

March 31. All shows are free. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Guitar Ensemble Recital 7:30 p.m. March 23, Levi Marenda & Jayna Stachurski Senior Recital 3 p.m. March 25, Michael Fohn Senior Recital 7:30 p.m.

March 25, Zach Shatley Senior Recital 3 p.m. March 26, C&E Faculty Recital 7:30 p.m. March 28, Mario Gaetano Percussion Ensemble 7:30 p.m. March 30 and Daniel Myers Senior Recital 6 p.m. April 1 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. There will also be a Clarinet Masterclass with Michael Lowenstern at 3:30 p.m. March 31 in the Choral Room. www.wcu.edu.

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On the street Dine out for a good cause

Smoky Mountain News

March 22-28, 2017

In honor of “Farmworker Awareness Week” (March 25-30), Vecinos Farmworker Health Program and several participating local restaurants will host a weeklong event with a variety of ways to support and learn about local farmworkers.

The event, “Dine Out for Farmworkers,” will showcase a traveling photo exhibit, a movie screening, and a reading from Dana Wildsmith’s new novel. Six local restaurants will each host the exhibit for one evening and a percentage of sales from that day will be donated to Vecinos. The film “East of Salinas” will be shown at Mad Batter Food & Film followed by a panel discussion with Vecinos’ staff and local farmworkers.

The schedule for the week is as follows: • Saturday, March 25: 2 to 5 p.m. City Lights (with Dana Wildsmith) and 7 p.m.

The Cut Cocktail Lounge (with Twilight Craft fair) • Sunday, March 26: Innovation Brewing • Monday, March 27: Speedy’s Pizza • Tuesday, March 28: Guadalupe Café • Wednesday, March 29: Mad Batter Food & Film, movie at 7 p.m.

• Thursday, March 30: Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro For more information on this event or

Vecinos Farmworker Health Program, contact Amy Schmidt at info@vecinosinc.org or visit www.vecinos.org.

Women of Waynesville open house W

‘Pop-A-Cork’ for AWAKE The AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting a “Pop-A-Cork @ the Caddy Shack” fundraising event from 2 to 6p.m. Sunday, March 26, at Lees at the Depot in Dillsboro.

They will be having an afternoon of heavy hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants: Boots Steakhouse, City Lights Café, Guadalupe Café, Lulu’s on Main, Mad Batter Food & Film, and chocolatier, Baxley’s Chocolates. These food items will be paired with either fine wines or craft beers from Heinzelmannchen, Innovation, Oskar Blues, Sierra Nevada and Sneak E Squirrel.

There will be feature auction items by Arsenal Artifacts, Baxley’s Chocolates, Blackrock, Bogarts, Bojangles, City Lights Bookstore, Friends of the Library Used Bookstore, Gilliland Farms, Harold’s Supermarket, In Your Ear Music, Rick’s Car Wash, Riverwood Property, Sassy Frass Consignment, Well House, Wilson’s Chiropractic, and more.

All proceeds will benefit AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets are $50.

Contact 828.586.3574 or awakecacenter@ awakecacenter.org to purchase a tickets.

w Women of Waynesville, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County, invites all interested women to attend an open house and membership drive event.

The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, March 30, at Room 1902 located on 1902 South Main Street in Waynesville. It will give prospective members an opportunity to learn more about WOW and its mission before making the decision to join.

“Our open house events are always a great chance to mingle with existing members and to see if the organization is a good fit for prospective members,” said WOW President Jessi Stone. “It’s also a chance for existing members to celebrate our accomplishments over the last year and become mentors for new members.”

Since forming in 2012, WOW has raised more than $150,000 for Haywood County

Fundraiser for stolen equipment On March 4, the Waynesville Mountaineers equipment trailer was stolen from Jonathan Valley Elementary School, with around $25,000 worth of materials taken. There will be an equipment fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Elevated Mountain Distilling Company in Maggie Valley.

The barbecue dinner is $10 per plate. There will also be live music, silent auction and free tours of the distillery. Any donations are greatly appreciated. All proceeds go to the kids. www.facebook.com/elevatedmountain.

• The Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will hold its eighth annual “Pancake Breakfast” from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 25, in the MVUMC fellowship hall.

All-you-can-eat pancakes will be featured, with bacon, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Cost is $8 for adults and $3 for children under 12. Proceeds from this fundraiser will help support MVUMC mission programs

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charities, including Haywood Habitat for Humanity, Mountain Projects, Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, KARE, REACH, Haywood County Schools Foundation and Meals on Wheels.

WOW members provide much needed volunteer services for community events like Power of Pink 5K, Main Street Mile and Folkmoot’s Halloween fundraiser “Spookmoot.” WOW is also building up its “stealth mission” fund to provide financial support for women and children when resources aren’t available through other government or nonprofit agencies.

The event is free and food and drink will be provided.

For more information about WOW, visit www.womenofwaynesville.org, follow them A on Facebook or call 828.550.9978.

and ministries. Tickets will be available at the door and in advance. Call 828.926.9794.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. March 25 and April 1 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. The will also be a wine pairing dinner with Chef Jackie Blevins ($70 all inclusive, three courses and four wines) 7 p.m. March 30. A “drop-by” wine and craft beer with small plates to order will be from 5 to 8 p.m. March 31. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m.

March 25 and April 1 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.586.6300.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host a wine tasting on Wednesdays and a craft beer tasting on Thursdays. Both events f run from 4 to 8 p.m. There will also be tapas from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. www.classicwineseller.com.

• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro. Eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. All recipes posted online. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.

On the street

MARCH 21-25

LECONTE CENTER, PIGEON FORGE

WCU ‘International Festival’

More than 500 quilts on display and 60 onsite vendors

Free Admission ————————————————————————

No Parking Fee

Classes offered by internationally-recognized quilting instructors Silent auction supporting the families affected by the Great Smoky Mountains wildfire

Visit mountainquiltfest.com for more information

March 22-28, 2017

The Western Carolina University community will come together to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of its international student population during the university’s 38th annual International Festival on Wednesday, March 29.

Hosted by WCU’s Office of International Programs and Services, the festival is designed to foster cultural awareness, appreciation and understanding of the world’s diversity through music, food, dance, arts and crafts.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. with a world flag parade on the lawn of A.K. Hinds University Center and around the Central Plaza fountain. Alison Morrison-Shetlar, WCU provost, and Ling LeBeau, the university’s director of international programs and services, will welcome attendees at 11:15 a.m., and performances will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a salsa and merengue dance lesson, with crowd participation encouraged.

Other performances will feature Sri Lankan and northern Indian music, a karate demonstration and a presentation of anime songs by WCU’s Japanese Program.

The International Festival will offer 48 information booths, with 18 of those staffed by international students and study abroad returnees who will be giving out free food samples typical of the nation they are representing. Other booths will be staffed by representatives of community organizations and campus departments and services, with Aramark, WCU’s food service partner, also providing free food samples. Information about WCU’s Study Abroad and Intensive English programs will be available.

Activities will conclude at 2:30 p.m. The event is free and open to everyone. For more information, contact the Office of International Programs and Services at 828.227.7494.

Mountain Cooking Club in Waynesville Smoky Mountain News

Chef Ricardo Fernandez will be hosting a Mountain Cooking Club class from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

The menu for this class will include: caramelized roasted onions, leeks and shallots bisque; cider-braised turkey legs and thighs, roasted Brussels sprouts, apple wood bacon and balsamic glaze; and baked apples with toffee, bourbon, walnuts and maple syrup.

Class fee is $65 plus a $1 Mountain Cooking Club 2016 membership fee. To reserve your space, mail a check (payable to Ricardo Fernandez) to Suzanne Fernandez at 3553 Panther Creek Road, Clyde, North Carolina 28721. Reservations confirmed upon receipt of payment.

828.627.6751 or chefricardos@gmail.com.

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arts & entertainment

On the wall

Exxceptiioonall Saving n s on Year-Round n Sple lend ndoor!

New Jackson Arts president Gayle Woody has been named the new president of the Jackson County Arts Council.

Woody, a retired art teacher from Smoky Mountain High School and a studio artist, has a long history of involvement in the arts in Jackson County. She follows Claire Collins and Sylvia Smythe as the most recent presidents of the 40-year-old Jackson County Arts Council.

“I am following in some large footsteps, folks who have paved the way for a vibrant and varied arts community in Jackson County,” Woody said.

The Jackson County Arts Council Board of Directors has made it a recent goal to partner with existing programs that celebrate the arts.

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Save $

Want to make a card?

The monthly Creating Community Workshop will be card making, which will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Card making is a rewarding, creative outlet that involves different paper crafting skills such as stamping, watercolor, creative folding, and many other techniques.

Card making can easily fit into your schedule whether you have hours or minutes to craft. In this class, they will make two alloccasion cards.

Instructor Debbie Douglas retired from teaching school in New Orleans in 2010.

She and her husband, Bill, moved to Sylva

Your Annual Pass provides unlimited daytime admission, children 16 and under admitted free, exclusive sa s vings, and d special upcomingg events includ dingg: S Desig ned fo for Drraama: Fa Fashion fr from the Classics Exhibition S Biltmore Blooms

March 22-28, 2017

O F F E R VA VA L I D N OW– M A RC H 31

Purchase your new Biltmore Annual Pass for $99 + tax at BILTMORE.COM/P / AS A SOFFER or call 800-742- 6150 and mention PAS A S OFFER.

• Paint Nite Waynesville will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page (search event: Brush N. Brew) or call Robin Smathers at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

Smoky Mountain News

Savings based on regular $159 B i l t m o r e A n n u a l Pa s s .

Some res t ric tions may apply.

Ashe eville, NC

• Artist Damaris Pierce will offer Zentangle drawing workshops on March 25 and April 8 at her Waynesville studio, and a downtown sketch crawl from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 26. www.drawingitin.com or 828.254.0988.

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• Former Dean from Cranbrook Academy of Art and past Fulbright recipient will be conducting a lecture on Fulbright grant writing at 6:30 p.m. March 28 in the Large Lecture Hall at Western Carolina University. This event is open to all students in the university. It is free and open to the public. Contact Program Coordinator Heather Mae Erickson at hmerickson@wcu.edu.

(Located (Located in in the the NAPA NAPA Auto Auto Parts Parts Center) Center)

• A “Bladesmithing Symposium” (Great Smoky Mountain Hammer-In) sponsored by the American Bladesmith Society and

“We have a rich cultural heritage of talent in all art forms here in Jackson County. Literary artists, musical artists, visual artists, dramatic artists, and dance artists have an important place in our artistic landscape in Jackson County. The arts council is committed to join in supporting arts programming whenever possible,” Woody said.

The JCAC is sponsoring monthly “Artist Talks” on the second Monday of each month in the Community Room of the Jackson County Library Complex. This is an opportunity for local artists to share their art form and engage with the community.

Contact Gayle Woody at 828.507.9820 or info@jacksoncountyarts.org. at this time. She has been involved in scrapbooking and card making for 20 years and currently holds classes at the Jackson Country Senior Center. She has some of her stamped crafts at End of Main in Sylva and Dogwood Crafters in Dillsboro. Douglas is a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator and will use these products in the class.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library (www.fontanalib.org).

This program is free of charge. The class is limited to 10 people. For further information and to sign up for the class, call the library at 828.586.2016.

Haywood Community College (HCC) will be March 24-26 on the HCC campus in Clyde.

The registration fee is $75. For more information contact Ken Hall at 828.400.7815.

• The MFA Thesis Exhibit for Jordan Krutsch will be showcased March 22-31 in the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University.

A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 23, at the museum. www.wcu.edu.

• The “Animal Magnetism” art exhibit will run through April 1 at the Haywood County Art Council’s “Gallery & Gifts” showroom in downtown Waynesville. The exhibit celebrates our fellow creatures with animalinspired artwork. www.haywoodarts.org.

• There will be a “Thursday Painters Open Studio” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public. Membership not required. For information, call 828.349.4607.

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host an art opening with Tyler McKinney at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 23. 828.586.6440.

On the stage Macon ‘Student Talent Showcase’ The “Student Talent Showcase,” a noncompetitive talent show for third to 12th graders, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the Franklin High School Fine Arts Building.

This annual event features talented students chosen from Macon County’s schools, performing a variety of entertaining acts, from vocal and instrumental numbers to dance, gymnastics, and comedy routines.

Admission is $5 adult, $2 youth age 16 and under, and $15 family (two adults and their children). Proceeds support the Macon Arts Council’s Artists-in-the-Schools Program, which brings diverse interactive, instructive arts programs to Macon County Public Schools.

The event is produced by the arts council, and is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For information contact the Macon Arts Council, 828.524.2787 or arts4all@dnet.net.

Kenny Rogers, Patti Loveless, a group performance of “Forever Country” and many more.

Country Western is a long-standing tradition for not only the Tuscola High School Choral Department, but for the local community as well. Many people come to see these performances year after year because of country music’s ability to speak to people, no matter what they’re going through.

The Tuscola Choral Department would like to thank the local community for supporting its program. Attendees will have a chance to win raffles and door prizes raising funds for the Tuscola High School Choral Department.

Tickets are $10 and available through Summit and Chamber Choir Members, at the door, or by calling THS at 828.456.2408.

‘A Picasso’ art mystery

rogation. His questioner: Miss Fischer, a beautiful “cultural attaché” from Berlin. Her assignment: discover which of the three Picasso paintings recently “confiscated” by the Nazis from their Jewish owners are real.

The ministry of propaganda has planned an exhibit, and only the great artist himself can attest to their authenticity.

At first, Picasso agrees to her request, confirming that the three pictures are indeed his own. But when Miss Fischer reveals that the “exhibition” is actually a burning of “degenerate art,” Picasso becomes desperate to save his work and engages in a pressurized negotiation with the equally determined and

wily Miss Fischer to hold on to two of his precious “children” while consigning the third to the flames. A cat-and-mouse drama about art, politics, sex and truth, with a twist at its climax.

Possible hold over on March 31 and April 1-2. Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for students. The Harmons’ Den Bistro will be open for dining before the evening performances and for “Sunday Brunch.”

Patrons do not have to be attending the performance to dine in the bistro.

To make reservations for the play or for dinner, call the HART box office at 828.456.6322 or go online to www.harttheatre.org.

A stage production of the drama “A Picasso” by Jeffrey Hatcher will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 24-25 and 2 p.m. March 26 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

The play is set in Paris, 1941. Painter Pablo Picasso has been summoned from his favorite café by German occupation forces to a storage vault across the city for an inter-

The Highlands Performing Arts Center will continue the “Live via Satellite” series.

• The MET Opera’s production of “Idomeneo” by Mozart at 12:55 p.m.

Saturday, March 25.

James Levine conducts a rare Met revival of Mozart’s Idomeneo, set in the aftermath of the Trojan War. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle’s classic production, which has its first Met revival in over a decade this season, stars Matthew Polenzani in the title

role. The cast also includes Elza van den Heever as Elettra, Nadine Sierra as Ilia, Alice Coote as Idamante, and Alan Opie as Arbace.

• The MET Opera’s production of “Nabucco” by Verdi at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, April 8.

The legendary Plácido Domingo brings another new baritone role to the Met under the baton of his longtime collaborator James Levine. Liudmyla Monastyrska is Abigaille, the warrior woman determined to rule empires, and Jamie Barton is the heroic Fenena. Dmitri Belosselskiy is the stentorian voice of the

oppressed Hebrew people.

There will be a pre-opera discussion hosted by Beverly Wichman before each screening at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 828.526.9047.

‘Charlotte’s Web’ to hit the stage A production of “Charlotte’s Web” by Kids at HART will be performed at 2 p.m.

March 25 and April 1 at the Haywood Arts

“Outlander” by beloved Western North Carolina writer Gary Carden is scheduled for three matinee performances by The Autumn Players of Asheville Community Theatre (ACT), which will be March 24-25 in 35below at ACT and March 26 at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Curtain is at 2:30 p.m. for all three performances.

“Outlander” tells the story of the creation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and deals with the controversies and conflicts between longtime mountain residents and the “outsiders” who advocated preservation through establishment of national park lands.

All tickets are $6 and are available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 828.254.1320 or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre box office. Any remaining tickets will be sold by cash only at the door beginning at 2 p.m. prior to each performance.

For more information or for a full schedule of the 2016-17 Reader’s Theatre Showcase series, visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.

Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

E.B. White’s beloved children’s tale is brought to life on stage in this faithful adaptation, which finds the young farm pig, Wilbur, attempting to avoid a dire fate.

Of all the barnyard creatures, Wilbur's most treasured friend is Charlotte, a thoughtful spider who devises an intriguing plan to keep the gentle little swine out of the slaughterhouse. Although Charlotte's efforts, which involve words written in her delicate web, seem far-fetched, they may just work.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids.

For tickets, visit www.harttheatre.org.

Smoky Mountain News

‘Live via Satellite’ opera

Carden play comes to life

March 22-28, 2017

The Tuscola High School Summit Choir will present the 35th annual “Country Western Show” at 7 p.m. March 24-25 and 2 p.m. March 26 at the Tuscola High School Auditorium in Clyde.

This year’s show, “Country Roads,” will feature a variety of country music.

Audience members will enjoy songs by Martina McBride, Zach Brown Band, Shania Twain, Travis Tritt, Dolly Parton,

arts & entertainment

Tuscola ‘Country Western Show’

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

Pour me a glass of great words, and let’s party aving given up listening to the dreadful music and talk shows available in my car radio, last week I popped the first disc of Pat Conroy’s South Of Broad into my CD player.

Since that auspicious moment, I have driven around town and countryside besotted by words, loop-legged with sentences, schnockered by syntax, blasted, blitzed, bombed and blotto with language.

Were a state trooper to pull me over and administer a roadside test for Writer verbal inebriation, nightfall would find me sleeping off my drunken spree in the local slammer.

Plenty of other writers can pop open the champagne and delight my soul. There’s the charm and urbanity of Fitzgerald: “And so we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” Next in today’s lineup is the barebones Hemingway: “In the fall the war was always there, but we did not go to it any more” (One of the most elegant sentences in a language full of elegant sentences).

Anthony Burgess opens his novel Earthly Powers with this character-crowded line: “”It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite when Ali announced that the archbishop had come to see me.” In A Soldier of the Great War, Mark Helprin offers this gleaming brief dialogue: “And how does God speak to you?” “In the language of everything that is beautiful.”

Since childhood, the prose and verse of a thousand word-vintners — poets and novelists, historians and biographers, essayists and commentators, with works ranging from The Velveteen Rabbit to War And Peace — have frequently left me as roaring as a sailor on shore leave or as tipsy as Aunt Genevieve after her third glass of sherry.

The grand master of such intoxication is, of course, William Shakespeare. Read Will’s sonnets aloud, and those fermented iambs and pentameters can cause the floor to pitch. We drink down the plays, even those scenes or speeches where the dazzling, archaic language seems as foreign as a bishop in a bordello, in great draughts of finely crafted English ales and liquors, dust-cutters that send us reeling to the exits inebriated by the Bard’s wordplay and wishing that such language daily galloped into our ears and so wittily fired our tongues.

One man similarly drunken on language is Peter Bowler, author of a three-volume series: The Superior Person’s Book of Words, The Superior Person’s Second Book of Weird and Wondrous Words, and The Superior Person’s Third Book of Well-Bred Words. In these books, which the author has now collected in a single volume, The Superior Person’s Complete Book of Words (David R. Godine, Publisher, 2016,

Jeff Minick

H

about Bastian being the devil, but given those shoes he wears I wouldn’t be surprised to find that he was bisulcate.” n Prestidigitation n.: Sleight of hand. Literally, “quick fingering.” “My magic skills are getting better, Desiree; how about coming into my room for a little prestidigitation?” n Proem n.: A prolegomenon, prolusion, prelude, introduction, foreword, or exordium. n Williwaw n.: A sudden and powerful downdraft of wind moving violently down the slope of a mountainous coast.

You could so characterize your father’s post-prandial snores as he reclines, comatose, in his armchair before the television. n Zygosis n: The conjugation, or joining together, of two sex cells. “Convince the shy couple that when they sit down with the priest to discuss the wedding ceremony they should check that the zygosis occurs straight after the signing of the vows.” n Lazaretto n.: A hospital or house for the victims of plague or other quarantinable diseases (originally leprosy). Yes, another nice term for The Superior Person’s Complete Book of Words by Peter Bowler. David R. your brother’s bedGodine, 2016. 384 pages. room. n Basta. Enough. If I proceed in this fashion, you might wonder on every page. whether I was suffering from necrencephalus or Below are a few samples of Bowlerisms: stricken with a severe case of logorrhea.

By now, you surely get the picture. Head n Hypnopaedia n.: Training or instruction unbowed, a smile on my lips, a song in my during sleep. “Good morning, class! Are we to heart, I sway before you a self-confessed word start today with the usual half hour of drunkard, a logophile, a bibliophile, a linhypnopaidia?” guaphile who seeks no cure, no Twelve Step n Revetment n.: A sloping structure, of Program to free him from his addiction. Take masonry, timber, etc., intended to act as a umbrage with me if you must, pity me if you retaining wall to support a terrace, the bank of are inclined, reject me as you will. But if you a river, the side of a railway cutting, or other are a fellow traveler, then you know the drill. swelling protuberance. “Ah, Mrs. Zaftig, how I Pour me another glass of verbs, stir in a tonic admire your revetment!” of nouns and adjectives — light on the adjecn Sustentacular adj.: Supporting or maintaintives, if you please — and baby, I’m ready to ing. (From the Latin sustentare, to hold up.) party the night away.

“Ah, Mrs. Zaftig, we meet again! Goodness me, Jeff Minick is the author of several books. your revetment is indeed sustentacular today!” minick0301@gmail.com. n Bisulcate adj.: Cloven-hoofed. “I don’t know 384 pages, $24.95), Bowler introduces us to unusual words and how to deploy them to impress our loved ones, to befuddle those requiring befuddlement, and to insult our enemies, while at the same time leaving us laughing

When two worlds collide Dana Wildsmith will present her novel Jumping at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Her novel portrays the collision of the two worlds of a Georgia schoolteacher and a small charming Mexican boy.

Wildsmith “captures the experiences of what happens when ‘illegals’ try to cross into the United States, ‘jumping’ the border. Cesar, the main character, is especially powerfully portrayed with his humor, intelligence, and desire to provide a better life for his family,” said Jim Minick, author of Fire is Your Water.

National Farmworker Awareness Week is March 24-31. To recognize the week, and to support Vecinos Farmworker Health Program, Wildsmith has requested that a portion of each book sale be donated to the organization.

To reserve copies, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Library peeps diorama contest The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City wants you to create a diorama using peeps that represents a book of your choice.

The contest is open to ages 4 to 16 and judges will choose a winner from three age categories: 4-7, 8-12, and 1316. Entries can be submitted starting Monday, April 10. All entries must be submitted by 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12. Judging will be Monday, April 17.

For more information contact the Marianna Black Library at 828.488.3030.

City Lights writer open mic The NetWest program of the North Carolina Writers Network will host an open mic night at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Folks are encouraged to bring their poetry or short pieces to share in each 10-minute reading session. The North Carolina Writers’ Network connects, promotes, and serves the writers of this state. They provide education in the craft and business of writing, opportunities for recognition and critique of literary work, resources for writers at all stages of development, support for and advocacy of the literary heritage of North Carolina, and a community for those who write. www.citylightsnc.com or 828.586.9499.

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34

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Making it awesome Cherokee prepares to unveil 10-mile mountain biking system

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hen Ed Sutton first came to Cherokee in November to break ground on a new trail system, his directive was clear.

“We told him his marching orders were just make it great. Make it awesome,” said Jeremy Hyatt, Secretary of Administration for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.

“You couldn’t give me a better mission statement than that,” said Sutton, a trail builder for Brevard-based Trail Dynamics.

Five months after construction began, the trail system is 90 percent complete. By the time it opens — likely in early May — the 154-acre property will boast 10 to 12 miles of trail with various segments catering to ability levels from beginner to advanced, all available via a trailhead at the Oconaluftee Indian Village, less than a mile from downtown Cherokee.

With more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain from the top of Mount Noble to the parking lot, the maze of trails weaving up and down the mountainside will offer plenty of challenge for more advanced riders, Sutton said, while tamer loops will let beginners give mountain biking a try without venturing far from home. Runners and hikers will also be welcome to explore the trails.

“I think we have a good entry-level beginner trail,” Sutton said. “I think we have what I would call a very rhythmic intermediate trail, and then we have a slope-style one-directional trail which will be mostly downhill and it will have jumps, big berms, lots of rollers.

W

COMING TOGETHER On a chilly afternoon in March, Tinker Jenks was all smiles as she walked the dirtpacked switchbacks of one of the trail system’s completed sections. Currently a program associate with the Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Jenks has been shepherding the trails project along for years — first as part of the Cherokee Choices diabetes prevention program and then as a planner for the tribe’s Economic and Community Development Office. To see it becoming reality is thrilling.

“They (tribal members) wanted to be active, but there weren’t enough places to be active,” Jenks said. “They wanted more trails within the (Qualla) Boundary. That’s where the idea got started.”

So, during her time with Cherokee Choices

Jenks started working with Economic Development to flesh out the idea, and determine how it might get funded. She applied for a grant from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation to develop a plan for the trail system, which was awarded in April 2014.

Then, just days before the Preservation

Foundation announced the funding, youth in the Junaluska Leadership Council proposed to Tribal Council a resolution to start planning and development for a series of hiking and biking trails on the Qualla Boundary. The resolution passed, and then Principal Chief Michell Hicks signed it the same day Jenks learned she’d received the grant. The grant, together with a 50 percent match from Tribal Council, paid for the planning phase.

“It all came together at the same time,” Jenks said.

Cherokee-based Aniwaya Design & Planning with trail specialist Valerie Naylor was hired to design the trails, and Trail Dynamics was engaged to build them after the tribe’s Capital Committee — a function of the Executive Office — voted to fund construction in June 2016.

Local mountain biker Zach Goings tests out a piece of completed trail. Holly Kays photos

Expanding opportunities for exercise and physical fitness has been a focus area for the tribe in recent years, with tribally funded community centers and gyms popping up throughout the area. If opportunities are more accessible, the thought process is, they’ll be used more and the overall health of tribal members will increase.

Zach Goings, 31, hasn’t let the previous lack of mountain biking facilities deter him from pursuing the sport of his choice, but in the past he’d pack up and drive two hours to DuPont State Forest if he wanted to spend a whole day on the trails. However, he’s ridden around the mountain where the new trail system is going in for the past 12 years, and the road up to the fire tower was one of the first trails he ever rode.

“It’s a little bittersweet because the first time I came up here and saw it, the first bottom section was totally different, but I am really excited that this is available locally,” Goings said.

“I think it’s going to be good for Cherokee,” he added, “and hopefully we’ll be able to add onto it in the future.”

Hyatt has already discussed one possible expansion with the Cherokee Indian Hospital.

The trail system ends not far from where the hospital’s campus begins, and there’s potential for a spur trail that would let people access the trail system from the hospital — giving folks a chance to practice the message the hospital preaches about the importance of physical fitness. Such an extension, if built, would likely come at some future point after the main trail system opens.

DIVERSIFYING ADVENTURE

Trail builder Ed Sutton has spent the past five months developing Cherokee’s Mount Noble into a trail system offering the best mountain biking experience possible.

When completed, Cherokee’s trail system will certainly not be the only mountain biking system in Western North Carolina. The nationally celebrated Tsali Recreation Area lies 23 miles to the west, and Western Carolina University’s trail system is 21 miles to the southeast. Drive a little further, and there’s the Bent Creek Recreation Area in Asheville, trails in the Pisgah National Forest near Mills River, and DuPont State Forest.

Sylva has been discussing someday installing mountain bike trails on its Pinnacle Park property.

Cherokee will be in good company.

The diversity of existing mountain bike offerings in Western North Carolina wasn’t a deterrent in planning Cherokee’s system, however. It was actually an encouragement.

Sutton referred to the Tsali and WCU systems as “complimentary” systems — with the three mountain biking areas existing in such close proximity, they’ll essentially combine forces to create a more powerful draw for out-of-town bikers than any one of them could do alone. Each trail system has its own strengths and weaknesses, its own target demographic.

“Tsali is what I would call the ultimate beginner experience, but for more advanced riders this trail system is

Braving the elements

Spruce up WCU biking trails

The Greening Up the Mountains 5K will return at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22, in conjunction with the 20th annual Greening Up the Mountains Festival in Sylva.

The mostly flat course starts and ends at Mark Watson Park, traveling paved and gravel road sections. More than 100 runners usually participate in this community event. $15 with online registration open through Wednesday, April 19. Proceeds benefit the Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. The free festival featuring more than 200 vendors, craft demonstrations and two music stages will follow. www.greeningupthemountains.com.

been developed over the last 15 years,” Sutton said. “A community like Cherokee could eventually have something on a smaller scale, but become a destination.”

That’s what the Junaluska Leadership Council had in mind when its leaders first presented the idea to Council. The JLC’s resolution spoke of “a need to diversity the

Saturday, April 15, 2017

www.lakejunaluska.com/run

828.454.6680

Smoky Mountain News

local economy” and the potential of ecotourism activities like a trail system to “stimulate economic growth and provide healthy recreational activities for enrolled members.”

From what Hyatt’s been seeing, those hopes aren’t far-fetched. Local runners and riders are nothing but excited about the trail system that’s soon to arrive in their backyard. All indications are that the trails will see a quick rise to popularity.

“They can’t wait to get up here to do it,” Hyatt said. “They can’t wait to ride it, can’t wait to run it.”

Race begins at 9 a.m.

Nanci Weldon Gym, Lake Junaluska Register

by March 31 for a t-shirt!

March 22-28, 2017

FRIENDS OF THE LAKE

5K Road Race & Walk

Tinker Jenks has been working for more than three years to bring Cherokee’s new trail system from concept to reality.

in and do stuff together, and visitors to have another option when they come to visit Cherokee,” Jenks said.

With the Great Smoky Mountains National Park right next door, outdoor adventures are already a big motivator for people to visit Cherokee. But the park doesn’t offer any mountain biking trails, so developing a system in town seemed a golden opportunity.

Sutton, who lives in the mountain biking-crazed town of Brevard, agrees.

“We’ve become a biking town, and a lot of it is because of the local trails that have

Whitewater to wash Nantahala Slalom and downriver racers will converge on the Nantahala Outdoor Center during the Nantahala Racing Club Whitewater U.S. Open March 25-26.

Racers will get in some demo runs beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, with the races kicking off March 25 with slalom runs at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and the sprint at 11 a.m. Demo runs will follow at 5 p.m. On Sunday, March 26, slalom runs will be held at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. with the classic starting at 11:45 a.m. Slalom awards will be presented at 3:30 p.m. and wildwater awards at 1 p.m.

Free for spectators. NOC is located along U.S. 74, 14 miles west of Bryson City.

Volunteers will give the mountain biking trails at Western Carolina University some love beginning 9 a.m. Sunday, April 2, at the WCU Health and Human Sciences parking lot.

The crew will head out to the trail system in search of brush that needs trimming, drainages that need clearing and debris that needs moving. No experience is necessary, but volunteers should bring gloves, close-toed shoes, water and snacks.

The event is a partnership between Nantahala Area Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association and Base Camp Cullowhee.

828.227.8813 or basecamp@wcu.edu.

going to have a lot more excitement and the kinds of features that advanced riders are looking for,” Sutton said.

Of course, it will also include easier sections too, and that’s by design. The goal is appeal to as broad a base of riders as possible.

“We want to encourage families to come

outdoors

Neither snow nor cold stopped 66 disc golfers from congregating at the Waynesville Recreation Center Sunday, May 12, for the Blind Hog Day Light Savings Throw Down Disc Golf Tournament. Golfers from three states — pros and amateurs alike — came to play two rounds of 18 holes. The tournament was a partnership between the Haywood Waterways Association and the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Donated photo

Greening Up the Mountains 5K will jumpstart spring

SPONSORED IN PART BY:

Haywood Regional Medical Center Wells Fargo • Sheppard Insurance Group Smoky Mountain News • RCF Construction, Inc. The Mountaineer • Champion Supply Clark & Leatherwood, Inc. Evergreen Packaging • Haywood Ace Hardware • Haywood Builders Supply • Melrose Law, P.L.L.C.

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Tremont Falls. outdoors

Don McGowan photo

March 22-28, 2017

Scavenger hunt scramble slated for Tremont A mad scramble to complete challenges throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer prizes and exploration on Saturday, March 25, when the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at Tremont kicks off its tenth annual scavenger hunt.

The event will take place over a 25-hour period beginning 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, when teams will receive hunt questions via email. Responses must be turned in by 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Tremont campus. Competitors will enjoy a light dinner while results are tallied.

Each year, Tremont faculty compile a set of about 50 questions based on a variety of park-related facts, with point values assigned based on the degree of difficulty. Each team should have a digital camera with a blank memory card to document their findings. $50 per team of up to five people or $60 for day-of registration. Proceeds benefit Tremont programs. 865.448.6709 or gsmit.org/event/smokies-scavenger-hunt.

Meet Grandma Gatewood and the A.T. experience Appalachian Trail thru-hiker and storyteller Nancy Reeder will talk about her hikes on the A.T. in relation to the experience of Grandma Gatewood during her program “Pushing the Limits of Survival” at 7 p.m.

Thursday, March 30, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Gatewood’s story is told in Ben Montgomery’s book Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail, and Reeder will lead a discussion on the book as part of the program. Copies are available from the library’s reference desk.

Free and funded by Pushing the Limits through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

828.524.3600.

Saturday of each month, meeting at the NHC Club House at 173 Carl Slagle Road in Franklin. Volunteers should wear work clothes, sturdy shoes and work gloves. Youth with adult guardians are welcome.

Register with Bill Van Horn, 828.369.1983 or

Franklin welcomes A.T. hikers Franklin Trail Days is here in Macon County, with a lineup of activities on tap to rejuvenate tired thru-hikers and entertain local trail enthusiasts. n The First Baptist Church of Franklin is offering its annual free hiker breakfast seven days per week through April 9. All-you-caneat pancakes and bacon are on the menu with van pickup from the Budget Inn, Sapphire Inn and Gooder Grove.

828.369.9559. n The Thru-Hiker Chow Down will offer hikers a free chip-dog lunch and locals a chance to meet 2017’s crop of adventurers, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company. Sponsored by the Nantahala Hiking Club and Lazy Hiker.

828.369.1983. n A hiker cookout at Gooder Grove will be held Saturday, April 8, giving folks a chance to relax under the pines and see the newest addition to hiker lodging in Franklin.

828.332.0228. n Easter on the Trail will return Saturday, April 15, with a crew of volunteers hiking the trails to deliver bundles of Easter goodies to thru-hikers. Sign up to make or deliver snacks by calling 828.369.8915. n The Currahee Brewing Hiker Bash will be held Saturday, April 15, at Currahee Brewing. 828.634.0078. n The A.T. Celebration at Lazy Hiker Brewing Company will offer live outdoor music starting at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 22. 828.349.2337. n Beer, Bluegrass and Barbeque will be held all day Saturday, April 29, at Outdoor 76. The N.C. Bartram Trail Society and Nantahala Hiking Club will be on hand to talk about hiking opportunities in Macon County, with Mainspring Conservation Trust firing up the smokers at 5 p.m. Food and beer for purchase will benefit Mainspring. Live music sets will play 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.

828.349.7676.

Help maintain the A.T. A trail work day will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the Nantahala National Forest near Franklin.

The Nantahala Hiking Club maintains 60 miles of the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail and holds a regular work day on the fourth

Thru-hikers congregate during a stop in Franklin. File photo

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Camera traps available at libraries of the Fontana Regional Library System in Jackson, Swain and Macon counties will allow locals to participate in a statewide effort to better understand what wildlife lives where in North Carolina.

N.C.’s Candid Critters is a new research project that aims to monitor up to 30,000 sites across the state over the next three years, which would make it the largest-ever mammal survey of its kind. It’s a collaboration of the NC. Museum of Natural Sciences, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. State University.

Since the project’s launch in December, participants have sent in more than 50,000 images that will ultimately be used by scientists to learn more about the distribution of mammal species across the state, in turn informing future wildlife management and conservation efforts.

Participants must complete a short online training before borrowing a camera trap. Head over to the library to learn how, or visit nccandidcritters.org. Camera traps are available at libraries statewide, not just in the Fontana system.

Mark your calendar

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March 22-28, 2017 Smoky Mountain News

With peak season just around the corner, a passel of events is on the horizon offering opportunity for adventure, competition and camaraderie. Here are just a few of the experiences that might make it on your calendar this year. n The 67th annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage will be held April 11-15 in Gatlinburg, with the program stacked full of professionally guided programs exploring the region’s rich wildflower, wildlife, ecological, cultural and historical diversity through a series of walks, photo tours, seminars, art classes and motorcades. www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org. n The sixth annual Heritage Life Skills event will be held April 21-23 in Waynesville, offering classes in everything from canning to fire starting to cheese making to prepping. The event is organized by Carolina Readiness Supply. www.carolinareadiness.com. n The Tour de Cashiers will offer a menu of challenging but beautiful mountain rides Saturday, April 29, in Cashiers. With 25-mile, 50-mile and 100-mile routes, there are options for cyclists of all stripes, but the climbs can be steep — total elevation gains are 10,500 feet. Register at www.pisgahproductions.com/events/tour-decashiers. n The fourth annual Gran Fondo Asheville will be held Saturday, July 23, in Asheville, offering 30-mile, 60-mile and 100-mile cycling routes with optional competitive, timed sections. Proceeds will benefit Friends of the Smokies, funding projects in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. www.gfncs.com.

S Banking... Simplified

outdoors

Camera traps for new citizen science project offered at libraries

37

outdoors

The Blue Ridge Parkway’s plethora of stunning views drew in more than 15 million people this year. Max Cooper photo

Parkway visitation tops 15 million for 2016 The Blue Ridge Parkway welcomed 15.18 million visitors in 2016, a slight increase from the 15.05 million who visited in 2015.

However, some metrics showed an increase over 2015 use. Tent camping was up by 14 percent in Parkway campgrounds, compared to 4.8 percent in the National Park Service as a whole, and bookstore sales in Parkway visitor centers jumped by 20 percent over 2015. The Parkway is one of only four Park Service sites that saw more than 10 million recreational visits in 2016. “These highlights demonstrate that

Parkway visitors continue to explore this historic motor route, including its cultural experiences and recreational opportunities, in ways that deepen their engagement with park resources,� said Parkway Superintendent Mark Woods.

Parkway visitation has climbed steadily since 2013, but current levels are far from constituting an all-time high. Visitation was consistently higher than current levels in the 1990s and early 2000s, with a peak of 21.5 million in 2002.

Detailed statistics are available at irma.nps.gov/Stats/Reports/Park.

Scientists to discuss eclipse

March 22-28, 2017

The science, safety and significance of the total solar eclipse headed this way in August will be the subject of a gathering 3:30-5 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Transylvania Public Library.

Laura Peticolas, Ph.D., is a senior fellow at the Space Science Laboratory at the University of California and will be the afternoon’s featured speaker — her talk “Eclipse 101� will provide insight into the science of the eclipse. Stephen Saucier, executive director of the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute, and Clark Lovelace of the Transylvania County Tourism Development Authority will also speak.

Free.

Smokies association honored for interpretive work

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Smoky Mountain News

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The Great Smoky Mountains Association took home top honors from the Public Lands Alliance’s annual awards this year. “We take very seriously our commitment to produce the finest, most accurate and innovative interpretive materials about Great Smoky Mountains National Park,� said Laurel Rematore, GSMA’s executive director. “We are honored to receive recognition from our peers as we proceed with the important work of engaging visitors in the stewardship of the Smokies and of all our public lands.�

The organization received the prestigious Publication of the Year award for its large-format book Pictures for a Park highlighting early photographers who helped persuade Congress to create the Great

Smoky Mountains National Park. Its CD “On Top of Old Smoky: New Old-time Smoky Mountain Music,� which includes recordings of traditional songs of the Smokies from two dozen top-tier musicians, won top honors in the Innovative Product of the Year category. And the Southern Appalachian Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Map — which came into existence thanks to a collaboration between GSMA, Partners of Cherokee National Forest and other regional agencies and nonprofits — earned PLA’s firstplace award in the Outstanding Public Engagement category.

The PLA is a network of more than 120 member organizations that serve more than 500 public lands and contribute some $150 million annually to preservation and visitor enhancement. www.SmokiesInformation.org.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Karaoke at the library for tweens, teens and adults is from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin. Submit karaoke YouTube links to maconteens@fontanalib.org.

• The Jackson County Meals on Wheels program celebrates the national 15th annual March for Meals with a march at 11 a.m. on March 24 in downtown Sylva.

Gather at the corner of Mill and Main and march to steps of the Jackson County Public Library. For info on volunteering for Meals on Wheels – or the march – call 586.5494.

• Western Carolina University will hold an open house for prospective students starting at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, in Cullowhee. 227.7317.

• The Sons of Confederate Veterans will host a Confederate Southern Iron Cross graveside ceremony for Thaddeus Dillard Bryson at 2 p.m. on March 25 at the Bryson City Cemetery. Bryson was a Confederate soldier.

342.4913.

• Southwestern Community College will host a grand opening for its health sciences simulation lab at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 28, at the Balsam Center on the Jackson Campus. Demonstrations of new healthcare education simulator mannequins. 339.4000.

• Women of Waynesville, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County, will hold an open house and membership drive event from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, at Room 1902, 1902 S. Main St., Waynesville. www.womenofwaynesville.org or 550.9978.

• A TED talk discussion on “Your elusive creative genius” will be offered on Wednesday, April 5, at the Waynesville Library. 15-20 minute talk followed by discussion. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Haywood Community College is seeking nominations for its annual Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award.

Deadline for nominations is March 31. For a nomination form and more info, call 627.4679 or write dconard@haywood.edu.

• Applications are being accepted for the Haywood County Farm Bureau Scholarship. Students must be graduating seniors, currently enrolled in a Haywood County school or enrolled in a two- or four-year school and a resident of Haywood County. 2.5 GPA or better.

452.1425 or Karen_greene@ncfbssc.com.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health is seeking input from residents who have used its services or who have thoughts on the health needs of Jackson County. http://health.jacksonnc.org/surveys.

• Volunteers will be available to assist area residents of all ages with federal and state income tax preparation and filing through April 14. Hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday and Monday at the Jackson County Senior Center in Sylva and from 3-6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays or by appointment at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. For appointments: 586.2016. For tax preparation assistance in other counties, visit: www.aarp.org.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • A Social Media Marketing Summit for small business owners is scheduled for 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, at Haywood Community College in Clyde.

Features seminars on social media and email marketing. 627.4512 or SBC.Haywood.edu.

• Summer and fall registration for Haywood Community College is underway through April 28. 627.4500 or haywood.edu.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Registration is underway for Local Business Sunday, a reception and learning opportunity offered by Biltmore Church Franklin Campus at 10 a.m. on March 26.

Michelle Myers will offer a brief presentation on successful strategies for social media marketing. RSVP deadline is March 17. franklin@biltmorechurch.com or 651.6133.

• A program entitled “How to Price Your Product or Service” will be presented by Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27, at the Jackson Campus. Part of a business startup series, whichwill meet each Monday through March 27. Registration required: www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc. Info: 339.4211 or t_henry@southwesterncc.edu.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will hold a seminar entitled “E-Commerce Elements for Successful Online Businesses” from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, March 27, in Building 200, Room 203, on the main campus in Clyde. Preregistration required: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• A “Message Mapping” seminar will be presented by the Small Business Center at Haywood Community College from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, in HCC’s Regional High Technology Center, Room 3021, in Waynesville. A message map helps you pitch your product, service, business or idea in a simple and compelling way. Speaker is Tonya Snider, owner of tenBiz. Register: 627.4512 or SBC.Haywood.edu.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will hold its eighth annual pancake breakfast from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, March 25, at the fellowship hall. $8 for adults; $3 for children under 12.

• A BBQ dinner will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 25 at Elevated Mountain Distilling Company in Maggie Valley to raise funds to replace equipment and a trailer stolen from the Waynesville Mountaineer Youth Football and Cheerleading League. $10 per plate.

• The AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center is hosting a “Pop-A-Cork @ the Caddy Shack” fundraising event from 2 to 6p.m. Sunday, March 26, at Lees at the Depot in Dillsboro. All proceeds will benefit AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center. Tickets are $50. Please contact 586.3574 or awakecacenter@awakecacenter.org to purchase a ticket or ask for information.

• The annual Raymon Stovall United Methodist Men’s Poor Man’s Luncheon is set for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, March 31, in the Christian Life Center of First United Methodist Church of Sylva. $8 per plate. Pinto beans, potatoes, cole slaw, drink and dessert. Takeout orders available. 586.2358.

• During April, Frank and Louis Perrone, award-winning father and son chef/proprietors of Frankie’s Trattoria in Maggie Valley, will be sharing their legendary recipes in a cookbook titled Frankie’s Libro di Cucina — Reminiscing and Cooking with Frank “The Kid” Perrone. All proceeds from sales of the book will help fund Richie’s Alliance for Autism and support the Olsen Huff Center of Mission Children’s Hospital in Western North Carolina. www.frankiestrattoria.com

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • An opportunity to help spruce of Western Carolina University’s mountain biking trails is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 2, starting at the WCU Health and

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Human Sciences parking lot. 227.8813 or basecamp@wcu.edu.

• Greening up the Mountains Festival is seeking artists, mountain crafters, environmental and food vendors to apply for a booth in its 20th festival, which is from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 22. www.greeningupthemountains.com, or 631.4587.

• Town of Dillsboro will be hosting three arts and craft shows open to vendors from the surrounding region.

Over 40 artisans for each of these festivals are needed, artisans who will be displaying and demonstrating their hand made arts and crafts from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Family entertainment and festival food will be available during each show. First show is Saturday, June 17 — The 3rd annual “Front Street Arts & Crafts Show.”

Application due April 1. Vendors may apply for these shows by downloading an application from the town’s website, www.visitdillsboro.org. 586.3511 or festivals@visitdillsboro.org.

• The Downtown Waynesville Association is seeking heritage themed vendors for the annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration that will take place Saturday, June 10, on Main Street. 456.3517 or www.downtownwaynesville.com. Applications accepted until April 28.

HEALTH MATTERS • Western Carolina University’s student-run, Mountain Area Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. 227.3527.

• Western Carolina University’s College of Health and Human Sciences will host the 25th annual Cullowhee Conference on Communicative Disorders on Thursday and Friday, March 23-24, in Cullowhee. Register: www.wcu.edu/learn/edoutreach/conted.

• A “Medicare 101” program will be offered from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, at the Waynesville Library.

Led by John Chicoine of the Senior Resource Center, the program will cover the fundamentals of Medicare and choosing the right plan/option. 356.2833.

• The American Red Cross serving Haywood and Jackson Counties is holding introductory trainings for volunteers to assist on its Disaster Action Team. The first training is from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at the Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville, and the second is from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. www.redcross.org/volunteer.

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 Aug. 24 and Oct. 12-Nov. 2 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. 452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • Registration for a spring golf league has begun through the Jackson County Recreation Department. $10 fee to enter and $20 per week to golf course. League is at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Smoky Mountain Country Club.

Register at www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• ZUMBA! Classes, are offered from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, at the Canton Armory. $5 per class. 648.2363 or parks@cantonnc.com.

POLITICAL • A symposium on “Empowering WNC Women to Run for Public Office!” from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Folkmoot Friendship Center in Hazelwood. Panel will feature Jane Hipps, Rhonda Cole Schandevel, Patsy Keever, Terry VanDuyn and more.

• The Swain County Republican Party will hold precinct meetings and its annual county convention starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, at the Swain County Training Center in Bryson City.

• “Democracy for Sale” will be screened at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, at the Strand Theater in Waynesville.

A cooperative effort between the Haywood County Democratic Party and the Haywood Chapter of the NAACP. 45-minute documentary followed by Q&A and discussion.

• A “Memory Improvement” workshop will be offered at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Register: 586.2016.

• Progressive Nation WNC will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27, at the Folkmoot Community Room in Waynesville. Group meets weekly at the same time and day except for the third Monday of each month, when it attends Commission Meetings in each county.

Progressivenationwnc.org or look up the group on Facebook.

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on April 5 at Haywood Regional Medical Center Health & Fitness Center in Clyde.

Redcrossblood.org or (800.733.2767).

• “Are politics and ethics mutually exclusive” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 3, at the Rathkeller Coffe Haus & Pub in Franklin. Dialog, not debate. 371.1020.

• The Haywood County Health & Human Services Public Health Services Division is offering a Night Clinic from 4-6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in Waynesville. Services include family planning, immunizations, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment. Appointments: 452.6675.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health will offer a general clinic from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 587.8225.

• A Food Addicts Anonymous Twelve-Step fellowship group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville. www.foodaddictsanonymous.org.

• Preparation for Childbirth classes will be taught by a certified childbirth educator from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays March 30-April 20, June 1-June 22, Aug. 3,

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • “Grandma Gatewood’s Walk,” a book, will be presented by Appalachian Trail hiker and storyteller Nancy Reeder at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 926.6567.

• Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina – an effort to help area residents commit to a healthier lifestyle, will meet from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

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• Haywood County Senior Resource Center is looking into starting a weekly Euchre Card Group. If interested, contact Michelle Claytor at mclaytor@mountainprojects.org or 356.2800.

• A Silver Sneakers Cardio Fit class will meet from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 60 and above.

Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Book Club is held at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800 • Senior croquet for ages 55 and older is offered from 9-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Vance Street Park in front of Waynesville Recreation Center.

Free. For info, contact Donald Hummel at 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Mondays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons 60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases.

Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2813.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Open enrollment is underway for the 2017-18 school year for Haywood Christian Academy. www.HaywoodChristianAcademy.org. Info: 627.0229.

• Construction Zone! Is at 4 p.m. on March 22 at the Canton Library.

March 22-28, 2017

• Reading Rover Fundraiser will start at noon on

Saturday, March 25, at 170 East Sylva Shopping Center in Sylva. Jack the Dipper and South of Philly.

Percentage of profits will be donated to Reading Rover. Kids activities from noon-2:30 p.m.; ice cream eating contest at 3 p.m.; Philly steak fries eating contest at 4:30 p.m.

• A “Kids Introduction to Fly Fishing” program will be offered from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 27 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• “Resumes and Interviews,” part of the Applications, Interviews & Resumes for Teens series, is scheduled for Monday, March 27, at the Canton Library. Learn to create your first resume and prepare for interviews.

Registration required. 648.2924.

• Registration deadline is Tuesday, March 28, for a Smart Start baseball program for ages 4-5 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Mandatory parent meeting at 5:30 p.m. on April 4 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Parents must also attend all six one-hour sessions. $45 fee includes ball/bat set, glove, two koosh balls, t-shirt and manual. Sessions are at 5:30 p.m. each Tuesday starting April 18. Info: 456.2030 or phummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

Snacks, crafts, activities, guest speakers and adventure. Susan@lakelogan.org or 646.0095.

KIDS MOVIES • “Beauty and the Beast is being shown at The Strand on Main on March 22- 24 at 7 p.m., Saturday March 25 at 1:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9:45 p.m., Sunday, March 26 at 1 p.m., and 4 p.m., and March 27-30 at 7 p.m. Visit www.38main.com for pricing.

• A family movie will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. Movie is an animated Disney classic about a girl named Tiana who has a fateful encounter with a frog prince who wants to be human again. Set in Louisiana bayous. For info, including movie title: 488.3030.

• The new movie “Pete’s Dragon” will be screened at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• The Play Sanctuary’s monthly Pop-Up Play is from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturday, April 1, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Local musicians perform; opportunity for kids to make and decorate musical instruments.

Rain location is Family Resource Center at 1528 Webster Road. www.playsanctuary.wordpress.com.

• Registration has begun for Youth Spring Soccer through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department. Open to players born between 2003-12.

Birth certificates required for first-time players. $55. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Registration is underway for this summer’s Adventure Day Camp at Lake Logan. One-week camps start on June 19. For grades 1-5. $225 weekly fee.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • The Rainbow & Ramps Elder Meal & Horseshoe Tournament is 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on March 25 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds. $12 per meal (fried trout, ramps and vegetables). $30 entry fee for the horseshoe tournament. 359.6492, 359.6471, 359.6473, friehusk@nc-cherokee.com, LisaFrad@nccherokee.com or angehern@nc-cherokee.com.

FOOD & DRINK • Mountain Cooking Club will have a class from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. Menu features a main course of cider-braised turkey legs and thighs, roasted brussels sprouts, apple wood bacon and balsamic glaze. $65 plus $1 for annual club membership fees. Mail to Chef Ricardo LLC, 3553 Panther Creek Road, Clyde, NC 28721. 627.6751.

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Gary Carden is scheduled for three matinee performances by The Autumn Players of Asheville Community Theatre (ACT), which will be March 24-25 at 2:30 p.m. in 35below at ACT and March 26th at 2:30 p.m.at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. All tickets are $6 and are available online at www.ashevilletheatre.org, by phone at 254.1320 or in person at the Asheville Community Theatre box office.

For more information or for a full schedule of the 2016-17 Reader’s Theatre Showcase series, please visit www.ashevilletheatre.org.

• “A Picasso” will be performed March 24-26 at HART Theatre in Waynesville. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on March 24-25 and at 2 p.m. on March 26. $10 for adults; $7 for students. www.harttheatre.org or 452.6322.

• Pianist Marquita Someliana will perform at 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at the Waynesville Library.

Presented by Haywood Arts Council and Friends of the Library.

• The MET Opera’s production of Mozart’s Idomeneo will be presented live via satellite at 12:55 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center at 507 Chestnut Street in Highlands.. Tickets: highlandspac.org, at the door or 526.9047.

• “Charlotte’s Web” will be presented at 2 p.m. on March 25 and April 1 at HART Theatre in Waynesville.

Tickets: $10 for adults; $5 for kids. Reservations: 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• Ashley Heath performs soul and Americana music from 8-10 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at in Harmons Den Bistro at HART Theatre in Waynesville. $5 cover charge.

• Rodney Carrington returns to The Event Center at Harrah’s in Cherokee on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host Levi Marenda & Jayna Stachurski Senior Recital 3 p.m.

March 25 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host Michael Fohn Senior Recital 7:30 p.m. March 25 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host Zach Shatley Senior Recital 3 p.m. March 26 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host C&E Faculty Recital 7:30 p.m. March 28 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• An Open Door Meal & Sing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 29, at First United Methodist Church of Sylva. Performance by Gospel Messengers (Southern Gospel). 586.2358.

• The Canton Armory will host “Winter Pickin’ in the Armory” at 7 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. The event includes mountain music, vintage country, clogging and dancing. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Free. www.cantonnc.com.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host Mario Gaetano Percussion Ensemble 7:30 p.m. March 30 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• There will be an improv show at 5:30 p.m. March 22 in the Niggli Theatre at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Clarinet Masterclass with Michael Lowenstern at 3:30 p.m. March 31 in the Choral Room of the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• Heidi Holton will perform blues standards at 7 p.m. on March 23 in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Guitar Ensemble Recital 7:30 p.m. March 23 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Joe Cruz (piano/pop) March 31 and April 8, Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams (piano/guitar) April 1 and James Hammel (singer-songwriter) April 7. All events begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• The Tuscola High School Department will have its 35th annual Country Western Show at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 24, at the school auditorium. Tickets: $10; available at the door or by calling 456.2408.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host Daniel Myers Senior Recital 6 p.m. April 1 in the Recital Hall of the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• The Texas Tenors will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $24. To purchase tickets, call 866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• The Smoky Mountain News will launch “Sunday Soiree” concert series with The DuPont Brothers (Americana/folk) at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. “Cultural Series,” encourages and promotes artistic events, performances and symposiums around Western North Carolina, the “Sunday Soiree” will provide a platform

• Outlander by beloved Western North Carolina writer

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Smoky Mountain News

newsdesk crafts

March 22-28, 2017

Puzzles can be found on page 46.

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for local, regional and national acts. Tickets for the “Sunday Soiree” are $10 per person. Craft beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets can be bought online at www.folkmoot.org or at the door. A portion of the proceeds will go to the continued activities and events put on by Folkmoot. www.dupontbrothersmusic.com.

• The Bull Moose Party performs bluegrass from 3-4 p.m. on April 2 at the Canton Public Library.

HaywoodArts.org.

• Alice Cooper will perform at Harrah’s in Cherokee on April 29 at 7:30 p.m.

• Chris Rock will perform at Harrah’s in Cherokee on May 25 at 8 p.m.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • A Bladesmithing Symposium sponsored by the American Bladesmith Society and Haywood Community College, is scheduled for March 24-26 at the HCC Campus. Knife-making demonstrations, hands-on blade forging, knife show, auction and battle of the bladesmith. $75 registration fee. Info: 400.7815.

• A card-making workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, in the atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Led by Debbie Douglas.

Info and sign-up: 586.2016.

March 22-28, 2017

• Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain TURBOCHARGED. A six-week course discovering your talent as an artist, and radically improve your ability to draw.

Beginning March 27, and the following 5 Mondays, 9:30-12:00, My Studio in Sylva. $150, Supplies Extra.

Taught by Jan Adams; Professional artist for 40 years, studied at The National Academy of Fine Art and the Art Students League. My work can be found in collections in Virginia, North Carolina, New York, Arizona, DC, Florida and England. www.janadams.org or 558.1234 • Postcard art is being accepted for the Haywood County Arts Council’s 40th anniversary exhibition: “A Ruby Anniversary Show.” Proceeds support the arts in Haywood County. Show is in May. Submissions (at least 3-1/2 inches high X 5 inches long; no larger than 4-1/4 inches high by 6 inches long) accepted through April 10. Questions: info@haywoodarts.org or 452.0593.

• The Waynesville Public Art Commission is sending out a “Call for Artists” for a new piece dedicated to the Plott Hound. Should you have any questions, please contact Amie Owens, assistant town manager at aowens@waynesvillenc.gov.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES

Smoky Mountain News

• The MFA Thesis Exhibit for Jordan Krutsch will be showcased March 22-31 in the Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University. A reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the museum. www.wcu.edu.

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• Through the end of March there will be a display of the Studio Alive Artist exhibition, which will feature founder Catherine Christie at the Hudson Library in Highlands. These exhibitions will continue throughout the year displaying works of one Studio Alive artist at a time in the community room. Studio Alive is a group of artists that meet weekly at the Hudson Library. The group started meeting at the home of Catherine Christie in 1980.

• The “Animal Magnetism” art exhibit will run through April 1 at the Haywood County Art Council’s “Gallery & Gifts” showroom in downtown Waynesville. The exhibit celebrates our fellow creatures with animal-inspired artwork. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Penland Gallery opens its exhibition season by displaying pieces from 32 artists working different styles and materials. Opening reception is from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on April 1 at the Penland School of Crafts near Spruce Pine. The exhibition is on display now and runs through May 14. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery.

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 • “Soft Diplomacy: Quilting Cultural Diplomacy in Liberia” is on exhibit through May 5 at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee. 227.3591.

• The Western North Carolina “Artists Count” project is hosting a series of exhibitions to highlight the rich visual contributions made by area artists. The first such exhibit, “Smoky Mountains Sampler” is now open at the Welcome Center north of Asheville on Interstate 26. Southwestern Community College instructors Ed McIlvaine and Susan Coe as well as SCC student Kari McIlvaine have their pottery on display through July.

• An exhibition by Atlanta-based photographer Chris Aluka Berry will be on display through March in the Rotunda Gallery of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Info: info@survivalpride.com or art@affrilachiastudio.com.

• The “Women Painters of the Southeast” exhibition will run through May 5 in the Fine Arts Museum at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• A showcase on the life and times of Horace Kephart will be on display through March 31 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University. The Mountain Heritage Center’s Kephart Collection is composed of 127 objects, including Kephart’s tent, sleeping bag, backpack and the writing desk. The exhibit will display many of these objects in a campsite setting. 227.7129.

• An exhibition entitled “This is a Photograph: Exploring Contemporary Applications of Photographic Chemistry” is on display at Penland School of Crafts near Spruce Pine. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery.

• As part of the Arts Council’s Integrated Arts initiative, a sampling of works by renowned Macon County sculptor Nelson Nichols (www.nicholssculpture.com) will be displayed at this event. Executed in stone, bronze, and wood, Nichols’ sculptural body of work reflects his unique style, Spiritual Expressionism, encompassing anatomical/figurative pieces in classical realism, a series of abstract interpretations, a series illustrating universal/spiritual concepts, and an environmentally inspired series including sculptures of endangered/threatened species. Admission is by donation; $7 is suggested. arts4all@dnet.net or 524.ARTS (2787).

FILM & SCREEN • “Fences” will be shown on Thursday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m. at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

• “Trail Magic: The Grandma Gatewood Story” – a biographical documentary – will be shown at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin.

• “Sing” will be shown on Friday, Marvh 24 at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva.

• Western Carolina University’s ACE Committee, the Student Art Education Club and the university’s Fine Art Museum will present “Speed Sisters” –a documentary in the Southern Circuit series, at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, in Room 130 of the Bardo Arts Center in Cullowhee. Focuses on the first all-woman race car driving team in the Middle East. Free for stu-

dents; $20 for others. Pre-registration required: tcbowers1@catamount.wcu.edu (students) or hensley@wcu.edu (all others).

Outdoors • Learn about “Spring Wildflowers of Southern Appalachian” with Adam Bigelow in a six-week course that will be offered in two separate sessions: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Mondays through April 24 or on Tuesdays through April 25. Cost is $150 for the series. Singleday rates available. Info or to register: bigelownc@gmail.com.

• A turkey hunting seminar will be offered to all ages and skill levels (16 and under require parental permission) will be offered by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission from 6-9 p.m. on March 22 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org/sbs.

• Aviation Historical Society will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, at the Macon County Airport in Franklin. aeroscribbler@gmail.com or 506.5869.

• A program on “Backyard Birding By Ear” will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on March 23 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• A meeting to provide input on draft routes and recommendations for the Southern Blue Ridge Bike Plan is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on March 23 at First Presbyterian Church’s Tartan Hall in Franklin. sealy@chipleyconsulting.com.

• A program on “Casting for Beginners: Level 1” will be offered from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on March 23 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• Dr. Laura Peticolas, a senior fellow at the Space Science Laboratory at the University of California, will be the featured speaker from 3:30-5 p.m. on Friday, March 24, at a community meeting about this summer’s solar eclipse. Meeting is in the Rogow Room of the Transylvania County Library in Brevard.

• Cherokee’s Annual Opening Day Fishing Tournament is March 25-26. $11 registration fee. $10 fishing permit fee. Enter at www.FishCherokee.com or at businesses within Cherokee. 359.6110 or paprice@nccherokee.com.

• Personalized fittings for boots and backpacks will be offered from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, at REI in Asheville.

• Volunteers are being sought to help sample local streams for water quality, and a training session is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, at UNC Asheville. Topics include basic stream ecology, how to report local water quality programs and more.

RSVP (required) or get more info: 357.7411 or Eqilabstaff@gmail.com. $15-20 donation requested.

River Recreation Area and Campground in Henderson County. Open to women of all skill levels who want to learn more about fly fishing. $125 registration fee.

Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org/bow.

Register or get more info: bb.gillen@ncwildlife.org or 919.218.3638.

• North Carolina residents are invited to participate in the “NC’s Candid Critters” – the largest camera trap survey ever. Residents of Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties can participate in a brief online training process then borrow a camera trap from any Fontana Regional Library location. Info: NCCandidCritters.org or www.fontanalib.org.

FARM AND GARDEN • “Grave Threats Few Are Discussing” will be presented by Bryson City Canners from 7-9 p.m. on March 29 at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

AliceSmith9876@aol.com.

• Wonder Weeds and Hero Herbs. “Not Your Ordinary Herbal Workshop” April 1 and 2: 9-4pm; $244 (supplies extra and optional). If paid in full by March 21 $199.

Contact Jan Adams 828 558-1234 • Food Preservation 101 will be held from 9 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, April 4, at the Swain County Extension Center in Bryson City. Water bath and pressure canning methods, dehydration and freezing will be covered.

Registration required: 488.3848.

• Jackson County Farmers Market is open on Saturdays in March from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Community Table Building in downtown Sylva. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org or jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • The Macon Your Heart Beat 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, at Angel Medical Center in Franklin. Proceeds will benefit the hospital’s cardiac rehab department. $15$35. www.active.com.

• The Nantahala Racing Club Whitewater U.S. Open is Friday through Sunday, March 24-26, in Nantahala.

Demo runs start at 5:30 p.m. on Friday; slalom runs at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

• Registration is underway for the Valley of the Lilies Half Marathon and 5K, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Online fees are $60 half marathon and $25 for 5k. Race-day registration is $80 and $30, respectively. Register: www.active.com.

• The Roaring 5K is at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 1, at South Macon. 369.0796. Proceeds benefit the school’s parent-teacher organization. www.active.com.

• The inaugural Volksmarch 5K Walk is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on April 1 at Deep Creek Picnic Area in Bryson city. Ski-walking poles will be demonstrated and provided. 586.4009 or 488.3848.

HIKING CLUBS

• A program on “Reading the Water” will be offered from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on March 28 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. Info: 877.4423.

• The First Baptist Church of Franklin offers its annual free hiker breakfast seven days per week through April 9. All-you-can-eat pancakes and bacon are on the menu with van pickup from the Budget Inn, Sapphire Inn and Gooder Grove. 369.9559.

• Balsam Mountain Trust will present a program on “Backyard Birding” from 4-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, at the Waynesville Library. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolesn@haywoodnc.net.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 10.4-mile hike with a 2,800-foot ascent on March 22 at Mingus Mill.

Info, or to sign up: 724.4999, 442.8482 or stevepierce50@gmail.com.

• Tricks and tips covering all aspects of hiking will be offered 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, at REI in Asheville. The program will cover trip planning, essential items, equipment, safety and local hiking resources. Free, with space limited. Sign up at www.rei.com/learn.html.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will have a trail maintenance opportunity from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25. Meet at the NHC Club House at 173 Carl Slagle Road in Franklin. Info: 369.1983 or wavh@dnet.net.

• Registration is underway for a women-only fly-fishing weekend, which is April 21-23 at the North Mills

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will have an easy-tomoderate 4-mile hike, with an elevation change of 200 feet, on Saturday, March 25, to High Falls north of Glenville. Reservations: 788.2985.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

LEGAL NOTICES

MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

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

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

- REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL All Trades for Complete Construction • Greenmore Self Help Housing Development The Housing Division of Mountain Projects Incorporated is seeking proposals from Framers, Plumbers, Electricians and HVAC Installers to construct single family homes for low income self-help clients through the USDA Self Help program on the Greenmore project located off Old Clyde Road and James Street in Clyde NC. This project will start NLT May 1st 2017 and be completed NLT September 30th 2017. This RFP will cover the First 6 of the 14 homes to be built in the project. Homeowners have the choice of Five home plans which will be available to the bidders March 20th 2017 upon request and payment of a $100.00 refundable deposit.

Questions about the project should be directed to: Mark Kephart, Construction Supervisor mkephart@mountainprojects.org 828.557.4677 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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WNC MarketPlace

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March 22-28, 2017

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REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

OUR HUNTERS WILL PAY TOP $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a free Base Camp Leasing info packet and quote. 866.309.1507. www.basecampleasing.com

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

18

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HOMES FOR RENT FURNISHED 2/BR 2/BA 1,500 SQ. FT. HOUSE In Tuckaseegee. Appliances Included, Partially Furnished, Creek, Pond, Mtn. Views. $900/mo., First/ Last + $500 Sec. Dep., No Smoking Call 517.375.1189, Leave Message

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CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400

Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS:

with service appointment

Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 4:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Includes Free Multi-point Inspection 860 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC

44

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REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

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Phone# 1.828.273.3639 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 This is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

Section 8 Accepted - Rental Assistance When Available Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Wednesday 12:30pm - 4:00pm & Friday. 8:00am- 4:00pm 50 Duckett Cove Road, Waynesville

Phone # 1-828-456-6776 TDD # 1-800-725-2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

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Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SOCIAL SECURITY Disability Benefits. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1.800.670.4805 to start your application today!

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beverly-hanks.com Ann Eavenson - AnnEavenson@beverly-hanks.com Randy Flanigan - RandyFlanigan@beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy - MichelleMcElroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - MarilynnObrig@beverly-hanks.com Brooke Parrott - BrookeParrott@beverly-hanks.com Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - EllenSither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - MikeStamey@beverly-hanks.com Pamela Williams - PamelaWilliams@beverly-hanks.com

Emerson Group • George Escaravage - george@emersongroupus.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com

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Beverly Hanks & Associates • • • • • • • • •

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Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Haywood Properties - haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox - info@haywoodproperties.com

MOUNTAIN REALTY

Mieko

Keller Williams Realty

Thomson

kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff.yourkwagent.com • Yvonne Kolomechuk - yvonneksells.yourkwagent.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com

BROKER/REALTOR®

Cell (828) 226-2298

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

386-15

Mountain Home Properties

Mike Stamey

mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell - smokiesproperty.com

828-508-9607

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

Realty World Heritage Realty 74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

www.beverly-hanks.com

——————————————

GEORGE

ESCARAVAGE

realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net Mieko Thomson - ncsmokies.com The Real Team - the-real-team.com Ron Breese - ronbreese.com Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

ASHEVILLE, NC 28804

• • • • • • •

GESCAR@BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

Rob Roland Realty

BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

BROKER/REALTOR

—————————————— 7 BEAVERDAM ROAD - SUITE 207

828.400.0901

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

smokymountainnews.com

YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE With Bad Credit and High Interest Rates! Get a FREE Consultation Today, and Start Improving your Credit Now. Call 855.705.7246 Today! SAPA

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March 22-28, 2017

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WNC MarketPlace

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

MEDICAL

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 45

www.smokymountainnews.com

March 22-28, 2017

WNC MarketPlace

Super

46

45-DEGREE DROP

CROSSWORD

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answers on page 41

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Special places define us Editor’s note: This column first appeared in The Smoky Mountain News in March 2006.

George Ellison

O

March 22-28, 2017 Smoky Mountain News

ne never tires of discovering special places here in the southern mountains. Through the years, such places readily become old and reliable friends.

The little cove we live in several miles west of Bryson City is one such place.

Surrounded on three sides by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s secluded and quiet.

We've been here since 1976 and continue to be renewed Columnist by the terrain, plants, and animals.

It’s a pretty commonplace cove. There are no rare plants or birds. The view from the front porch down the creek is comforting, but not sensational. There’s something about this little patch of land that keeps us going.

Back in the early 1990s we had to move everyone into a large house in town for seven months because of my mother's declining health. That's when we found out just how much that spot out in the country, away from street lights and sirens, meant to us — how fully it had become a defining factor in our lives. Once we had returned to the cove after mother’s death, we felt more certain of our place and direction in life. There was quite clearly no place else we wanted or needed to be.

I suspect everyone reading this knows precisely what I’m talking about in regard to the attachments associated with one's home place. Our emotional ties to specific places can sometimes be as ingrained as our ties to certain people; indeed, our most deeply rooted feelings about certain people are often associated with specific places. That’s surely one of the reasons why the families of those moved out of the lands now occupied by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are so reluctant to let the road and cemetery issues die. Those issues are, after all, emblems signifying an attachment to certain old home places and not-yet-forgotten people.

Beyond individual home places, there are special places that we discover and continue to visit because of their intrinsic beauty.

Almost every year, my wife, Elizabeth, and I revisit the Alarka Laurel tract situated high in the Cowee Mountains between Bryson City and Franklin. It was one of the first places we discovered with our then small

BACK THEN (now grown) children back in the early 1970s, when we moved to Western North Carolina. Now on U.S. Forest Service lands, it’s a fairly remote setting, featuring a mountain bog, brook trout, and a nature trail that winds through the southernmost stand of red spruce in North America.

Little Creek Falls, situated above Ela, N.C., off Cooper Creek on the trail to Deeplow Gap, was also discovered back when our children were young. We would often hike there to picnic. It's not a grand waterfall, but it’s seldom visited and just right for a family outing. The trail alongside and across Little Creek switchbacks, spiraling upward through a wonderland of wildflowers: showy orchis, yellow mandarin, bellwort, hepatica, lady rue, umbrella leaf, flame azalea, and more.

Most special places are discovered by chance. Some years ago, while scouting for a good location to take a Southwestern Community College wildflower identification class, I pulled my truck over at an unlikely looking spot on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. But after rock hopping across a creek adjacent to the roadway, I suddenly found myself in one of the most attractive settings one could ever hope to blunder upon.

There was an extensive boulderfield, dating perhaps from the last Ice Age, in which rock after mossy rock was covered with stands of rare walking ferns. The same boulders were covered with moss mats in which various trillium species, Dutchman’s-britches, squirrel corn, cut-leaved toothworth, rockcap fern, wild ginger, northern white violets, and other showy Appalachian plants were flourishing.

Down from the boulderfield in an open area, I wandered into a large colony of dwarf delphinium. It was the first unreported station of that species in Western North Carolina that I’ve ever discovered. If you've never viewed dwarf delphinium in all its purple-blooming glory, your life is incomplete. Farther on was a little glade with plants I’d never previously encountered except in botanical manuals.

It was a fairyland setting of tumbling water, mossy boulderfields, upland glades, and rare wild plants. Elizabeth and I go back there periodically to make sure it was real, not just a dream I'd had. So far, it’s always been there as I remembered it. We’d tell you where it is except that — as a general rule — it’s best to discover special places on your own.

George Ellison is a naturalist and writer. He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.

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