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April 13-19, 2016 Vol. 17 Iss. 46

Cherokee Bear Zoo survives lawsuit Page 13 Triathlete on road to recovery following accident Page 40

CONTENTS

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On the Cover: As traditional public school systems are coming to grips with the fact charter schools are here to stay, the two entities are finding ways to coexist and make the best of it. Well-established charters in Western North Carolina have even found ways to partner with their respective counties for the betterment of all students in the public education system. (Page 6)

News Sylva OKs outdoor alcohol sales ....................................................................................4 Jackson Commissioners grant football field funds ....................................................5 Election offices report smooth primary election ......................................................10 Public hearing set for emergency management changes ....................................11 Cherokee Bear Zoo survives lawsuit ..........................................................................13 Haywood to vote on countywide alcohol ..................................................................16 Casino board member under investigation ..............................................................18 Sylva board faces inevitable property tax increase ................................................20 Franklin hires new fire chief ............................................................................................23 Community Almanac ........................................................................................................25

Opinion Help build a community that fights child abuse ......................................................26

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Local triathlete on road to recovery following accident ........................................40

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Sylva OKs outdoor alcohol sales Town allows one-time permits for special events

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER his year’s Crawfish Boil at Greening Up The Mountains will offer local brews to wash down the shellfish following a vote last week to start allowing alcohol at some special events in Sylva.

The revised ordinance allows the town board to OK alcohol consumption or sale on a case-by-case basis. After a public hearing in which each of the four people who spoke expressed support of the proposal, town commissioners voted 4 to 1 to pass it, with Commissioner Harold Hensley as the sole nay vote.

“We are delighted,” said Sheryl Rudd, coowner of Heinzelmannchen Brewery. “It just adds a whole new level (to beer tourism) to be able to have outdoor events. There’s just endless opportunities that we can do down there at Bridge Park or at other places in town.”

She expressed the same enthusiasm during her comments to the town board at the April 7 hearing, assuring them that Heinzelmannchen — as well as the two other breweries in town Sheryl Rudd — would respect town residents’ varying beliefs about alcohol and that preventing overserving and underage drinking is “something we take very seriously.”

Allowing the alcohol permits would only do good things for the town, the speakers said.

“I grew up in church and I still attend church, and I do not personally see that there is any moral problem with being able to have permitted alcohol at events at the Bridge Park,” said Curt Collins, a self-proclaimed patronizer of all three breweries in town. “I don’t personally believe it will damage the family environment that exists (at town events).”

Bernadette Peters, who owns City Lights Café and Evolution Wine Kitchen, spoke on “the profile of a craft beer drinker,” describing

Smoky Mountain News

April 13-19, 2016

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baby steps. You apply and we decide if it’s going to be appropriate for that particular concert or whatever is going on.”

Rudd said she “totally respects” that perspective and sees the revised ordinance as the perfect baby step.

“I think that is a great way to do it is the way we’re doing it,” she said. “We have to go in front of the commissioners every time we want to do an event. It takes some planning.”

Waynesville has a similar policy, with public consumption of alcohol banned as a matter of course but one-time permits available for special events.

“I just think that these outdoor events should be family events and — I don’t know — when I grew up the family wasn’t getting out and drinking beer together.”

— Harold Hensley, Sylva town commissioner

Town leaders hope Sylva’s new alcohol policy will serve to increase tourism at events like Greening up the Mountains. File photo for commissioners a group of people who enjoy beer for its craft and taste, tend to be physically active and care about the community.

“I’ve never seen a craft beer bottle on the side of the road in Sylva, but I have counted 138 bottles of Budweiser on a one-mile stretch of Cope Creek Road,” Peters said.

John Duncan, owner of The Sneak E Squirrel Brewery, told commissioners that having the ordinance in place would be a boost to tourism, catering to the beer tourists already flocking to Asheville and sending a message that they are welcome in Sylva.

“We have tremendous potential in this area because we sit on the hub of the location people take from Atlanta to go to Asheville to engage in beer tourism,” Duncan said. “We have tremendous opportunity to borrow a little bit of that.”

In the week leading up to the vote, the majority of commissioners had made it clear

that they favored the ordinance, wanting to do anything they could on their end to boost tourism and agreeing with the speakers’ assessment that the craft beer crowd is a community-minded sort.

But that doesn’t mean everybody’s on board.

“I just think that these outdoor events should be family events and — I don’t know — when I grew up the family wasn’t getting out and drinking beer together,” Hensley said.

While Hensley was the only one there last week vocalizing that point of view, there are others in the community who feel the same way, said Commissioner Barbara Hamilton, and the town board should be sensitive to that.

“We represent all of our citizens,” Hamilton said. “I agree that people should be able to drink alcohol. I’m friends with a lot of the people here that have breweries. I want to support them, but … I think we take small

For his part, Hensley’s position is that he’s said his piece and the other board members have said theirs. Going forward, he just wants to see whatever policies are adopted spell success for the town.

“I guess it is a change in times,” he said of the new policy. “I’m satisfied with it. I just hope it goes as well as they say it’s going to go.”

It won’t take long to find out. As soon as the vote concluded, commissioners moved on to the next item on the agenda — an alcohol permit request for Greening Up The Mountains, an annual festival this year scheduled for April 23. It came from Rudd, who had submitted it on behalf of Heinzelmannchen, Sneak E Squirrel and Innovation Brewing to serve beer at the crawfish boil Eric’s Fresh Fish Market is planning during the festival.

The boil would take place on Mill Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., spreading from the 10-minute parking sign to the old Cope’s building.

The vote on that request came down the same way as the vote on the ordinance itself — 4 to 1, with Hensley opposed.

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$21,025 in public contributions and $600 in uniform sales. The commissioners themselves had already pledged $200,000.

But, along with their fundraising efforts, Simmons stood in front of the board and asked for the remaining $205,635 to complete the project.

“As we began this journey back in February, the very first thing we did was go out and involve our stakeholders, groups and organizations that utilize the field. We checked things out and there is a need here,” Simmons said. “We’ve reached out to the public, and they’ve responded very passionately and united to see this project through — individuals and businesses are stepping up.”

“As we began this journey back in February, the very first thing we did was go out and involve our stakeholders, groups and organizations that utilize the field. We checked things out and there is a need here.”

— Cindi Simmons, athletic director for Jackson County Public Schools

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Smoky Mountain News

And with the ongoing public support, Commission Chairman Brian McMahan noted that if the board were to vote in favor of the additional funding that the school would continue to fundraise in an effort to chip away at the county’s financial obligation to the project.

“This is a lot of darn money. It’s outrageous how much it’s going to cost. But, to look back to at least 1960, and you see the reasons to spend this. You couldn’t predict all these teams that have come down through the line through the years,” added Commissioner Boyce Deitz, a highly regarded former educator and football coach in Jackson and Swain counties. “I’d vote against this if it wasn’t for all the use we’ll get out of this. Sometimes you’ve got to go first class and need to bite the bullet for the kids, and I’m willing to bite the bullet.”

Following Deitz’s comments, the board voted unanimously to grant the school the $205,635 needed.

“It’s been a little over a year now we’ve been talking about this, and Boyce here talking about how little we as a government have supported athletics in this county,” McMahan said. “This is more about one sport, this is about kids in the band, soccer and physical education classes.

There are so many good things that will come about from this.”

April 13-19, 2016

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER uring their meeting last week, Jackson County commissioners granted additional funds needed to help replace the football field at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva.

“The field is terrible, and it’s no secret it’s the worst field there is,” Smoky Mountain Mustang Youth Football & Cheer President Jason Clark told commissioners. “As a parent, a health provider and football organizer, I wouldn’t feel right putting a child on that field and have them be safe. There’s a lot of history up there on that field. It’s something to be proud of, and we want to take it back to where we want it to be.”

For years, the natural sod field in question has been notorious for flooding out football games, disrupting practices and physical education classes, on top of being an obvious eyesore for a school that prides itself in gathering together as a community under the Friday Night Lights. Not to mention, the 19 sports and organizations that rely on the field for their practices and events, only to question its safety each time they step foot on the ripped up fsurface.

As it stands, the school estimated it costs over $20,000 annually just to keep the field at its current condition. With the new proposal, the school would build a stone foundation and lay atop it the latest in organic Astroturf, a modernized take on the rubber substance that is safer when it comes to “G-force” involved in falling and fimpacting the ground. Between the two current bidder contractors (Medallion and Sports Construction Management), the project has a total estimated cost hovering around $945,000.

“You did know commissioners that these fields have a 10- to 15-year lifespan and you have to replace them? You did know that, didn’t you commissioners?” said Carl Iobst, the lone dissenter in the audience. “Buy fschool supplies for the teachers and the classrooms. I suggest everybody, instead of donating your money to this boondoggle, donate the money to a teacher and supplies for their classrooms.”

Addressing Iobst’s concerns, the board pointed out that the money would come from capital campaign funds that can only used on brick and mortar projects, and not for anything classroom related. Iobst would later be escorted from the room by the sheriff in anger of the board’s eventual vote on the matter.

Approaching the microphone stand, Cindi Simmons, athletic director for Jackson County Public Schools, gave an update to the commissioners about where recent fundraising efforts stood.

According to Simmons, JCPS has pledged $315,000, with the National Football League donating $200,000, as well as

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Jackson Commissioners grant football field funds

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Shining Rock Classical Academy students participated in the Polar Plunge to benefit Haywood Waterways Association as a way to give back to the community.

Donated photo

Charting a new course Upstart schools face animosity that usually softens over time

Smoky Mountain News

April 13-19, 2016

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR small group of parents had been working quietly for about three years to get the first charter school established in Haywood County, and they were beginning to think they would make it through the process without experiencing the backlash everyone told them was sure to come.

“Everyone warned us it’s going to be hard, but we thought everything was going great until August,” said Anna Eason, a Shining Rock Classical Academy board member. “We bragged about our community being so wonderful and accepting, but then it came out with vengeance.”

Shining Rock leaders have been shocked by the community outcry since opening last August, but their school isn’t the only charter school that has gone through that difficult transition. A number of factors have played into the turmoil between charters, the community at large and local school boards. Charter schools have become a politically charged issue as the state legislature continues to tighten funding for traditional public schools while opening the door for more money to flow into charters and private school vouchers.

While supporters of charters say they simply want more choices for their children’s education, opponents argue that the alternative public schools take funding and resources away from the traditional public schools without holding charters to the same 6 accountability levels.

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“There are times I look at how the state is embracing choices and not creating an even playing field — we should all be under the same accountability standards,” said Michael Murray, superintendent of Jackson County Schools. “Legislators are doing everything they can against public education. They act like public schools are broken, but just because there are now choices doesn’t mean we’re a bad choice.”

Even though it’s become a frustrating issue

“All we need is a starting point. The first step is mutual respect, and from there you can grow.”

— Anna Eason, Shining Rock Classical Academy board member

for people on both sides, the reality is that charter schools aren’t going anywhere and local school systems will have to find a way to work amicably with their charter school counterparts for the benefit of all students.

Charter schools that have been around a while have already forged a path toward mutual respect and cooperation with their local school districts, but Haywood County still has a ways to go before reaching that point.

Nancy East, Shining Rock board chairwoman, said she understands it’s difficult for Haywood County Schools to lose students to another school, but she hopes one day the “us against them” attitude will subside and the two entities can find ways to work in tandem to improve education in the county. The public school system lost more than 150 students to Shining Rock during the charter’s first year of operation. Shining Rock enrolled more

than 230 students this year and anticipates more than 300 next school year as it adds seventh-grade classrooms.

“When our enrollment caps out I think things will smooth over and bring positive change — I feel like we’ve seen some positive already,” she said. “Hopefully it will be more visible in the future because we should celebrate each other’s successes.”

IN THE BEGINNING The North Carolina Legislature had a cap on the number of charter schools allowed in the state until Republicans took over in 2012.

A majority of the 100 permitted charters were found in the big cities, but it didn’t take long for them to move westward once the cap was lifted. As of 2015, 160 charter schools were operating in North Carolina, and 40 more applied to open in 2016.

Yet there are still only three charters located in the seven westernmost counties — Summit Charter School in Cashiers has been in operation for almost 20 years, Mountain Discovery Charter School in Bryson City has been operating for 14 years, and Shining Rock Classical Academy in Waynesville is about to wrap up its first year.

With so many mixed feelings about charter schools, all of these schools’ founders knew it would be an uphill battle. Dismantling the way things have always been often meets opposition and resistance. After all, they would be pulling students, and therefore funding, away from the traditional school systems.

SUMMIT’S STORY Summit was the first to open in the west and now has a permanent campus location serving kindergarten through eighth-grade students in Jackson and Macon counties. Kim Coward, a founding board member of Summit, said charter schools were almost unheard of when a small focus group of par-

ents began meeting in 1995 to discuss the future of education options in their community. At the time, Blue Ridge Community School was the only education option in the isolated area of Jackson County.

“It’s not that anything was bad with the school, but there was no alternative,” Coward said. “Capitalism thrives on choice, and we thought having another school would be beneficial for the entire community.”

About that same time, the N.C. Legislature was considering a bill to allow charter schools and being the lawyer on the board, Coward followed the legislation. Once it was passed, the focus group decided to start the process of opening a charter school.

“Our goal was not to take over — we didn’t even know if we’d have the minimum of 64 (students) needed to start a school,” she said. “But we all rolled up our sleeves and divided up projects … and we ended up having 110 kids when the school first opened.”

The number of initial students and the support from parents told Coward and other founding members that the community did want more school choice and that Summit would thrive. That doesn’t mean everyone was on board. Of course there were people who didn’t understand that charter schools were also tuition-free public schools.

“There was a small contingent that said, ‘you guys are going to kill Blue Ridge School’ but the opposite has happened,” Coward said. “A little competition between the schools has benefitted everyone.”

Some people thought the charter school should operate under the current Jackson County school system.

“We liked it because it’s not run by the board of education — not that there’s anything wrong with them, but there’s only so much a countywide school board can do,” Coward said. “They don’t have the freedom in noncharter schools to be as creative as charters.”

Coward understands why the relationship between charters and the traditional school systems has been strained. Charters are given more leeway with teacher credentials, classroom size, curriculum and the school calendar, while other school systems are held to stricter state regulations. On the other hand, charters school students still have to take the same required testing and the schools receive only per-pupil funding from the state, not the capital improvement money that typically comes from the county. They have to fend for themselves when it comes to funding for facilities and operations.

“You’re your own educational entity. You have to fund everything public schools do but you don’t get the funds for it,” Coward said.

“You have to figure out a way to get a building, which is a huge disadvantage.”

Charters are not required to offer bus service or provide lunch for students like the public schools, though many try to provide some sort of transportation and options for students who can’t bring their lunch to school.

Even with a demanding full-time career, Coward said she made the choice to pack her children’s lunches and take them to school in order to go to Summit. While it’s been years since she’s involved with the school, she is happy with her decision and takes great pride in the school she helped create.

MOUNTAIN DISCOVERY’S STORY

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WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

Mountain Discovery Charter School students in Bryson City line up after an outdoor physical education class. Jessi Stone photo to garner some good will from the local school system.

“We had legal recourse to sue them for the funds… but the board decided not to pursue it, and I think that was huge,” Petty said.

“Ethically it just wasn’t the right thing to do.”

SHINING ROCK’S STORY

Smoky Mountain News

All was going well. Shining Rock received its charter from the state to operate a K-6 school and signed a contract in June to purchase a 32-acre tract in the Francis Cove community to begin building its permanent campus.

When it came time for Shining Rock to apply for a special permit from the town that would allow the school to place modular classrooms on the property, the surrounding farming community made it clear the charter school was not welcome. Their request for a special permit was denied after more than 100 people packed a Waynesville planning board meeting to oppose Shining Rock moving into their neighborhood. Some neighbors said they didn’t want the additional traffic and wanted to preserve their cultural heritage, but others were just outright opposed to charter schools in general. They saw the charter school as an affront to the Haywood

County school system. The opposition was political, and Shining Rock folks couldn’t help but take it personally.

Nancy East, Shining Rock’s board chairwoman, said she was taken aback with the resistance that seemed to come out of nowhere. She said the founding board did everything it could to inform the school system and the Francis Cove community of the its plans, but nothing seemed to make a difference.

It looks like Shining Rock has worked out its facility problems for now, but the charter school was hit with another public relations nightmare earlier this year when Haywood County Schools decided to close down Central Elementary School. Between budget shortfalls and several years of diminishing enrollment numbers, the HCS board made the tough decision to close Central and divvy up more than 200 students between Junaluska and Hazelwood elementary schools. Only 20 students relocated from Central to Shining Rock when it opened, but the charter school became the scapegoat.

Political candidates used Central’s closing to exemplify why charter schools are killing public education.

Shining Rock’s board had spent almost three years learning about how to open and

Jim Dunn knows for a fact that the adversarial relationships between charters and traditional school systems can be mended. As a founding board member at Summit and the school director there for five years during the early years, he worked hard to create a bond between Summit and Blue Ridge.

“It was always my desire to have them work together,” he said.

At one point, neither Blue Ridge nor Summit had enough students to form a middle-school baseball team. The simple solution was to have students from both schools merge together to form one team — the Blue Ridge Bears. Playing sports together and having parents from both schools interacting together eventually led to a more united school community.

“They grew to appreciate one another,” Dunn said. “And it created a friendly competition as both schools grew into their own.”

Eason and East have a number of ideas about how the two school systems could work together to benefit both sides. They could share the cost of a grant writer to go after education funding or share the cost of a specialty teacher that isn’t needed full-time at either school.

Shining Rock and Haywood County Schools might be playing sports against each other one day, and perhaps that could help bridge the gap being felt in the community right now.

“All we need is a starting point,” Eason said. “The first step is mutual respect, and from there you can grow.”

For Haywood County school leaders, it’s going to take more than friendly sports competitions for them to feel comfortable sharing resources with a charter school. The current relationship between Shining Rock and Haywood County Schools is fairly non-existent, according to HCS board chairman Chuck Francis.

“I don’t know if there’s a relationship whatsoever,” he said. “I guess it’s one of just trying to get along.”

It’s nothing personal, but it’s hard to want to be friendly with folks who are funneling money away from your school system. It’s even worse when you feel like the General Assembly is making it harder and harder for a public school system to survive. It’s bad enough public schools are losing per-pupil funding, but Francis says the legislature is also looking at making school districts share other pots of funding with charters.

April 13-19, 2016

With 16 years in the rearview, Mary Ellen Hammond, a founding board member of Mountain Discovery Charter School in Bryson City, said that getting the school started was an amazing experience.

“We had an amazing group of really motivated people — mostly parents — willing to put a lot of time into writing the charter application,” she said. “It was a huge undertaking.”

The process was not without conflict though. Hammond said people in the community were uncomfortable with the new concept of charter schools and Mountain Discovery was met with public opposition.

The cap on charter schools was still in place when the school opened in 2001 and people had a hard time understanding that Mountain Discovery was also a free, public school.

“You can look at old letters to the editor in the newspaper and get a sense of how concerned people were about it,” Hammond said. “And there were concerns about the (traditional) school system feeling like, ‘are we not good enough?’”

Hammond said a little competition is a good thing to ensure all schools are operating and educating students to the best of their abilities. Looking at the big picture, she said having more school options is a good thing for Swain County because educational opportunities can be a deciding factor for families looking to relocate to another area.

“In some ways that’s happened in Swain County,” Hammond said. “In general there are some things happening in the traditional public schools that weren’t happening then.”

School Director Carter Petty, who has been involved in Mountain Discovery since the beginning, said the Bryson City charter school met more resistance from the local school board and central office than from the community at large.

“I’ve been working to cultivate that relationship ever since,” he said. “And we’ve had a lot of success — they (Swain County Schools) service our buses when they can, they send the fuel truck over and I’ve got a key to the middle school gym because it’s our shelter in case of emergencies.”

Petty said part of the good relationship it now has with Swain and Jackson counties can be attributed to the natural progression of time — new school leadership has taken over and the community has gotten used to it. But part of it can also be attributed to a decision Mountain Discovery made several years ago.

In 2008, Sugar Creek Charter School sued Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for a portion of the school system’s operational funding and the courts ruled in favor of the charter school. A similar ruling was made in 2011, and Rutherford County had to dole out more than $700,000 to Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy.

While Mountain Discovery could have gone after that same funding from Swain, Petty said they board decided not to pursue legal action against the school system. Even though Mountain Discovery had legal rights to that funding, Carter said he didn’t believe it was the right thing to do. That decision had

operate a charter school, but no one taught them how to deal with angry residents who didn’t want them in their community.

“I reached out to others (charter schools) to see what they went through, but I never imagined we’d have to deal with this much pushback,” East said. “It wasn’t on my radar — I didn’t know how to react.”

The difference between tolerance and acceptance is a sense of understanding and a willingness to cooperate. Eason and other charter school leaders have chalked all the contempt up to a lack of understanding.

S EE CHARTERS, PAGE 9 7

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36 WESTGATE PLAZA · FRANKLIN, NC Summit Charter School in Cashiers is the longest-standing charter in the region and has several established sports teams. Donated photo CHARTERS, CONTINUED FROM 7

“It’s given us the opportunity to say why ours is the best choice with the resources we have, and our strength is our highly qualified teachers — they are the best in the state and the best in the world in my opinion,” Murray said.

Swain County School Board Chairman Gerald McKinney said Swain County has a great working relationship with Mountain Discovery Charter despite his personal feelings about charter schools in general. They are in communication on a regular basis and are open to any opportunities to partner together and share resources.

For example, Mountain Discovery is going

“There are times I look at how the state is embracing choices and not creating an even playing field — we should all be under the same accountability standards.”

— Michael Murray, superintendent of Jackson County Schools.

Smoky Mountain News

after a large grant to help fund a new gymnasium, and it partnered with Swain County commissioners on the project. Mountain Discovery agreed to make the future gym open to the community, and commissioners agreed to sell the charter school an acre of county land on which to build the gym.

Only time will tell how the relationship between Haywood County Schools and Shining Rock will develop, but school leaders remain hopeful.

“Over time things will probably improve just as we’ve seen with the other charters,” Francis said.

East said Shining Rock is actively working to be good members of the community by participating in community events like Haywood Waterways Association’s Polar Plunge, and several Shining Rock families participated in Waynesville Middle’s twomiler fundraiser earlier this month.

“I want us to support each other’s mission,” East said. “The diversity we’re creating will only help our county thrive in the future, so it’s a win-win for all schools.”

April 13-19, 2016

“There’s a growing divide between charters and traditional schools because of the fact charters are coming after monies we feel they’re not entitled to,” Francis said. “It’s my opinion they shouldn’t have access to that, but it’s taxpayer money — we want it for our traditional public schools, but if the state says they’re entitled to it, we’re going to hand it over.”

From the very beginning, Francis said the school board would have been open to allowing the Shining Rock group to open a charter or magnet school under the public school umbrella. That would have allowed the charter a lot of flexibility, but ultimately the county school board would still have controlled the charter school.

But that isn’t want Shining Rock wanted — its founders wanted independence from the school board. East and Eason said they are sympathetic to Haywood’s position, though. They agree that it is unfair charters get the flexibility from the state not afforded to traditional schools.

“Charters were created to be a breeding ground for new ideas, and it’s turned into an ‘us against them’ situation,” East said. “It’s unfortunate they don’t have the options — I think local schools should have more control over what they do.”

Jackson County has about 150 students attending Summit and another 100 going to Mountain Discovery. When Murray became superintendent of Jackson County Schools five years ago, he decided to work with the charter schools instead of against them. The reality is that his school system loses money when it loses students to charter schools, but he said the blame should not be placed on the students or the parents choosing to send their child to a charter school. “ I don’t think it’s productive when people in education badmouth each other,” he said.

“A lot of these kids will end up coming to us in high school anyway, so it’s not wise to say anything derogatory about either of them.”

If there has been a positive out of more charter school competition, Murray said it’s that the public school systems now have to focus more on educating the public about why Jackson County Schools is the best choice for their child. Now that parents have more school choice, Murray said his staff has been trained to be more customer service oriented.

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Election offices report smooth primary election

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ocal election officials say the March 15 primary election ran fairly smoothly despite having to implement the new voter ID law for the first time.

Passed in 2013, the new laws require voters to show proper ID at the polls, but the legislation also eliminated same-day registration, shortened the number of early voting days and cut the pre-registration program for 16- and 17-year olds. While the other provisions are being challenged in court, the voter ID portion of the law was in effect during the primary.

Opponents of the new voter ID laws claim the new requirements were discriminatory to minorities and senior citizens who may have a hard time getting a photo ID or college students who attend school outside the county where they are registered. An additional layer of regulations may have resulted in a few lines at the larger precincts and more provisional ballots needing to be vetted, but election officials say their goal was to follow the new laws — not suppress votes. Haywood County Elections Director Robert Inman said his staff and poll workers would always err on the side of the voter.

“I know most of the 100 elections directors in the state and they know it’s not our place to do anything other than implement the laws as written,” Inman said. “I understand completely how many people feel about these laws, but it’s our job to help voters.”

Jackson County’s local NAACP chapter distributed a letter March 22 claiming the new voting laws associated with House Bill 589 resulted in unprecedented long lines, confusion and “invalidated” ballots during the primary election.

However, Jackson County Election Director Lisa Lovedahl said a little back-up at the Cullowhee precinct is to be expected because of the number of college voters from Western Carolina University. She said she wouldn’t call the lines “unprecedented.”

Lovedahl said higher numbers of college students also results in more provisional ballots, but not because they didn’t have photo ID. Jackson County had a total of 287 provisional ballots during the primary; 74 of those ended up being fully counted and 24 more ballots were partially counted. Of the 189 rejected ballots, Lovedahl estimated that 40 percent were college students who were registered in other counties.

“The problem with Western is we have a lot of students registered in another county who come to vote in Cullowhee on Election Day and they can’t do that,” she said. “So there’s nothing we can do but give them a provisional ballot.”

Lovedahl said college students could avoid that problem by casting their ballot during early voting because they can still change their registration during that time.

She said about 1,000 college students took

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advantage of registering this year before the primary deadline.

While Jackson County NAACP is concerned about the new laws’ implications for students, minorities, senior citizens and people living in poverty, the chapter is especially concerned about 14 ballots rejected by the local board of elections due to insufficient voter ID. “These ballots would most likely have been counted in the state primary had H.B. 589 not come into effect,” said Dr. Enrique Gómez, president of the Jackson County branch of the NAACP, in a press release. “If this aspect of the law is not overturned by the courts, the NAACP is concerned that the number of rejected ballots will be high at the November general election, adding to the uncertainty and confusion about the outcome of these elections in addition to violating people’s voting rights under the U.S. Constitution.”

The North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP filed a lawsuit to challenge the HB 589 provisions under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the 14th and 15th Amendments of the Constitution immediately after the bill became law, but a ruling is still pending from the U.S. Federal District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

The ban on counting out-of-precinct ballots and the elimination of same-day registration are not currently in effect due to a ruling from the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals last year, but poll workers were making sure a voter’s face matched their photo ID before they cast a ballot.

Inman said he had not received a similar letter from the Haywood County chapter of the NAACP and was pleased with how the election process went during the primary.

Even with another layer of checks and balances and more poll workers to handle the new requirements, he didn’t experience any unexpected delays or problems.

“Were there lines? Of course there were — there are lines in every election — but our lines were minimal given the turnout,” Inman said. Haywood County had a 40 percent voter turnout in the primary.

Inman said provisional ballots could be rejected for a number of reasons besides the voter ID issue. He said poll workers are responsible for researching provisional ballots and the board of elections makes the decision whether to count it or reject it if it doesn’t meet the requirements.

He said Haywood County had about 104 provisional ballots and less than half of them were approved and counted.

“Provisional ballots are a fail-safe — they’re not a burden to make things more difficult — they’re for the safety of the voters so it gives us time to research them,” Inman said. “We had more provisions this year than ever and that tells me poll workers were going to the lengths required of them.”

While voters are still getting familiarized with the new voter ID laws, Inman said the

elections office fielded more questions over the deadline for registering to vote than it did about providing proper photo ID. Joan Weeks, election director for Swain County, said the new voter ID law didn’t cause any problems during the primary.

Swain County had only 28 provisional ballots, and 15 were counted.

“Only one of those ballots not counted was because they didn’t have voter ID,” she said. “The rest were people actually from Jackson County that came to the Birdtown precinct to vote.”

Weeks said her staff informed them they were at the wrong precinct — and the wrong county — but the rules let anyone vote provisionally so that’s what poll workers let them do.

With each county having additional poll workers at the precincts to greet people at the door and tell them to have their ID ready, Macon County Elections Director Debbie George said very few people were turned away because they didn’t have ID. Macon County had 96 provisional ballots and 45 were counted while another 23 were partially approved.

Only nine of those provisional ballots were because voters didn’t have an ID. “The others that went unreported were because they moved out of precinct, were at the wrong precinct or we had no record of their registration,” George said. “But if they feel like they registered, they fill out a provisional and we can have time to search for it.”

PREP BEGINS FOR JUNE 7 ELECTION

Without much time to regroup, local election agencies have already started to prepare for the June 7 congressional primary. The congressional races were moved from the March 15 primary to their own June 7 primary because of several federal lawsuits making their way through the courts challenging North Carolina’s district mapping.

An additional election means additional costs for counties throughout the state. Inman said he is still crunching the numbers, but between paying poll workers, testing machines and printing ballots, Haywood County could spend $60,000 on the June 7 primary.

Weeks said the June 7 primary was already causing confusion because the congressional races did appear on the March 15 ballot. Many people did vote in those elections, but the March 15 results were not calculated. Even if people voted for those offices March 15, they need to return to their precinct on June 7 or during early voting for that vote to count.

“It’s a completely new election. It’s a waste of money but at the end of the day, we’re ordered to do it and we’re going to do it,” she said.

Lovedahl said the June 7 primary would probably cost about $50,000 — the average cost of any election in Jackson County. Even if only one race appears on the ballot, the same number of ballots has to be printed and the same number of precinct workers will be needed for early voting. In addition to the congressional primary, Jackson County will also have a sales tax referendum on the ballot.

Early voting for the June 7 election begins Monday, May 23.

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“I think some of the questions a few members of the public had have been answered — we toned it down some.”

— Kevin Ensley, Haywood County commissioner

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Sound off Haywood County Commissioners will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the Historic Courthouse to receive feedback on a rewrite of the county’s emergency management ordinance.

To read the entire ordinance being proposed, visit www.haywoodnc.net/files/ BOCC/proposed-Haywood-EMordinance.pdf.

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The former ordinance stated that the county could purchase, condemn or seize materials and facilities for emergency management “without regard to the limitation of any existing law.” That language was taken out and replaced with language stating the county’s actions must be lawful and allowed under state and federal law.

The Haywood County Libertarian Party took an official stand against the county’s ordinance, claiming it was unconstitutional.

“I’m glad that the commissioners have heard the people and begun to reform the EMO, but we as Libertarians believe that there is no situation where the Constitution should be suspended and that especially in a crisis situation the Constitution should reign supreme,” said Jess Dunlap, chair of the Haywood Libertarian Party. “The previous and current EMOs potentially suspend what are considered to be inalienable rights. The sheriff and the commissioners have been adamant that the worst case scenario would never manifest itself — that the people running the show are indeed good people, but who is to say that the next round of folks that gain power would be as noble as the current folks?”

Ken Henson, chair of the Haywood County Republicans, said he hadn’t had a chance to review the proposed language yet but would do so before the April 18 hearing so he could provide feedback.

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April 13-19, 2016

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR t’s been a year since the Haywood County commissioners agreed to make changes to the county’s emergency management ordinance to tone down some overbearing language that didn’t sit well with an adamant group of civil liberty watchdogs.

The proposed update to the ordinance is now available on the county’s website, and the commissioners have scheduled a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the Haywood County Historic Courthouse to receive feedback on the revised language.

“I think it’s a good document,” said Commission Chairman Mark Swanger. “I feel confident we have a good workable document to move forward with.”

The emergency management ordinance outlines the county’s plan and powers in the event of any major crisis, whether it’s a natural disaster or a terrorist attack. Last February, County Manager Ira Dove said he would begin work on rewriting the ordinance, but the rewrite was to focus only on cleaning up the language for more clarity.

Commissioner Kevin Ensley said the state also made some revisions to its emergency management statutes in 2012, and the county’s ordinance needed updating to reflect those statewide changes.

Ensley said the rewrite took a bit longer than expected because Dove sent it for review to someone with the Institute of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill.

“It took several months to make sure it met all the statutes, which they are very familiar with,” Ensley said. “I think some of the questions a few members of the public had have been answered — we toned it down some.”

The ordinance was passed in 2009 without much fanfare, but Republican and Libertarian candidates running for commissioner in 2014 made it a main platform.

Opponents of the ordinance picked it apart, claimed it gave too much power to the county manager during emergency situations, including the ability to dismiss public officials for failure to obey an order, control all resources (food, materials, services, fuel and wages), and force people off their property.

Language particularly worrisome to the critics was a section that stated that the county manager had the authority to “perform and exercise such other functions, powers and duties as are necessary to promote and secure safety and protection of the civilian population.”

While that language is broad, critics interpreted that to mean the county manager or anyone he delegates the duty to could confiscate guns from civilians.

Ensley said the current ordinance does

not have language allowing the county to confiscate weapons from private citizens.

“It specifically says firearms are subject to federal and state regulations, so that’s just not true,” he said. “Some took offense to the language in the ordinance, but really it’s there to save lives and protect people’s property.”

In times of emergency — whether it’s a major landslide or a flood like the ones Haywood County experienced in 2004 — it’s important for emergency personnel to be able to access people’s property or keep residents from entering their property to keep them safe.

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Public hearing set for emergency management changes

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Judge says that conditions are ‘not ideal’; plaintiffs contemplate appeal

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DEFINING ‘TAKING’

bear zoo for violating the Animal Welfare Act, and the bear zoo has promptly responded to any corrective actions the USDA has ordered in its 24 years of existence.

Thus, the ruling. In addition to dismissing the charges, Reidinger ordered the plaintiffs to cover the defendants’ court costs.

NOT GIVING UP But they’re not giving up just yet, Walker said. Though no decisions have yet been made, there’s a good possibility she and Hill will appeal the case.

“We’re not finished yet,” she said. “It ain’t over till the fat lady sings.”

Indeed, while Reidinger’s ruling didn’t come down on Walker and Hill’s side, the decision brought some encouragement, said Brittany Peet, deputy director of captive animal law enforcement for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Though PETA did not litigate this case, the organization has been following the Cherokee Bear Zoo case carefully as part of its active campaign to close facilities keeping bears in concrete pits.

It has sued the bear zoo in the past.

“After looking at this ruling, there are a couple of really bright spots,” Peet said. “Two of the most difficult physical hurdles to cross in this case the elders actually prevailed on.”

For one, the court ruled that the plaintiffs did have standing. The bear zoo had argued that Walker and Hill didn’t even have a right to bring the lawsuit, as they hadn’t been directly injured by anything happening to the bears there. But the two women had responded that seeing the bears’ condition caused them emotional pain, especially considering the bears’ revered place in Cherokee culture.

They would have liked to visit the bears again, they testified, but couldn’t while they were being held in that condition.

The plaintiffs “suffered aesthetic and emotional harm from observing the bears living in virtually barren concrete pits and being subjected to public feeding,” Reidinger wrote.

“The Plaintiffs have established that they have a spiritual and cultural connection with the bears and developed a strong personal and emotional attachment to them.”

The second hurdle that Walker and Hill had to overcome was to prove that the bears

in question were, in fact grizzlies. The bear zoo contains about 35 animals, according to court documents, including bears, monkeys, lemurs, goats and a tiger. The bear zoo had identified four of the bears as grizzlies, including a grizzlies page on its website and posting signs at the zoo to identify at least three of the four as grizzlies. Veterinary records also refer to the bears as grizzlies.

However, when the suit was filed, the bear zoo claimed that the bears weren’t grizzlies at all — they were Eurasian brown bears, they said, a species not protected by the ESA. “The Defendants presented no credible evidence that the subject bears are anything other than grizzly bears,” Reidinger wrote.

Peet considers those two points of Reidinger’s decision to be wins for the bears and thinks the case could turn out differently in a higher court.

“I think there is a great chance for this case on appeal,” Peet said.

THE BEARS’ FUTURE In the meantime, however, Peet wants to see the bears moved from the pits immediately.

“The most important thing is that the bears are out of the pits without delay and that they are removed to large, naturalistic enclosures where they can act like bears for the first time in their lives,” she said. “The best way for that to happen is for the tribe to allow the bears to be relocated to a reputable, existing animal shelter. And that could happen in a matter of weeks.”

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Smoky Mountain News

While Reidinger agreed that conditions might well be lower than what many people might call “good enough,” he ruled that they weren’t poor enough to meet the definition of “harming” or “harassing” the bears — actions that can cause the ESA to kick in.

“Harm” is defined as an action that actually kills or injures the wildlife; “a mere potential for future injury is insufficient to establish a ‘harm,’” Reidinger wrote. Likewise, “harassment” applies to situations in which animal husbandry practices fall below the minimum standards of the federal Animal Welfare Act. The Cherokee Bear Zoo meets those minimum standards, having never had seen its license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture suspended or revoked, but the

The bear zoo had argued that Walker and Hill didn’t have a right to bring the lawsuit, as they hadn’t been directly injured by anything happening to the bears there. But the two women had responded that seeing the bears’ condition caused them emotional pain, especially considering the bears’ revered place in Cherokee culture.

One of the key points in the lawsuit was whether the bears in question were, in fact, grizzly bears. The judge ruled that they were. Donated photo

April 13-19, 2016

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER fter two-and-a-half years of litigation, the verdict is in on the Cherokee Bear Zoo — the case is dismissed, and business may continue as usual at the controversial menagerie.

But the decision, U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger wrote in his March 30 decision, shouldn’t be interpreted to mean that all is well at the bear zoo. In fact, Reidinger wrote in no uncertain language, all evidence suggests that the concrete pits where the bears live out their days are subpar at best.

“It appears to be the general consensus of nearly all involved that the pit enclosures at issue are not ideal,” Reidinger wrote. “While such enclosures may have been the standard practice twenty years ago, they are now generally considered archaic … The issue before the Court, however, is not whether the bears could be in a better environment.

Undoubtedly they could.”

The suit, which tribal members Peggy Hill and Amy Walker filed against bear zoo owners Barry and Collette Coggins, contended that conditions there were so deplorable that they amounted to a “taking” under the Endangered Species Act — the bear zoo houses black bears, which are not protected under the ESA, and four grizzly bears, which are.

The concrete pits, devoid of shade and vegetation, are inhumane, Hill and Walker testified.

“The bears were pacing,” Hill testified as she recounted her visit to the bear park. “And one was just lying there unable to get up — or it would look like to me not having the energy to get up or was overcome with heat, I don’t know. The other was begging for food.”

The animals were “listless,” she said, and “their eyes, their spirit, all were just empty.”

plaintiffs did their best to show that the zoo fails when set alongside industry standards considered “generally acceptable.” For instance, testified animal behaviorist Else Poulson, the enclosures aren’t large enough to meet North Carolina’s state standards — those standards don’t govern facilities on tribal lands. Public feeding, which is allowed at Cherokee Bear Zoo, is prohibited under standards from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, but the bear zoo is not accredited with that organization. The lack of shade structures, high walls preventing airflow from wind and lack of enrichment activities also fall outside of what would be considered “generally accepted” by those in the industry, Poulson testified.

Poulson also took issue with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s assessment that the zoo is in compliance with the intent of the Animal Welfare Act. “That’s a disagreement that the captive community as a whole has with the USDA and their interpretation of the law … Congress is currently in the process of trying to set up bear-specific regulations. So it’s not just me who disagrees with that, it’s many other organizations, zoos, people who work with bears and maybe Congress,” she testified.

However, Reidinger noted, the fact remains that the USDA has never cited the

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Cherokee Bear Zoo survives lawsuit

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Cherokee debates captive bear laws Proposed legislation would outlaw concrete bear pens

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ays after a judge ruled that conditions at Cherokee Bear Zoo, while “not ideal,” fall within federal regulations, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians began to talk about legislation that would make the concrete, shadeless enclosures illegal under tribal law.

“I think a lot of us realize these are sentient beings. These are animals that deserve respect,” Principal Chief Patrick Lambert, who introduced the legPatrick Lambert islation, told Tribal Council. “To now belittle ourselves to the point of allowing the animals to sit in a concrete pit to me in today time’s is unconscionable.”

“Our tribe has spent years cultivating a pro-Cherokee experience,” Lambert said, and conditions like those found at Cherokee Bear Zoo undermine that.

The law, as introduced by Lambert, would amend Cherokee code governing captive black bears to apply to all bear species and mandate that bears live “without caging under conditions simulating a natural habitat.” So, no concrete floors, no metal bars, no flushing of the enclosure with disinfec-

DEBATING THE LEGISLATION

April 13-19, 2016

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Smoky Mountain News

Chairman Bill Taylor, Vice Chairman Brandon Jones, and Councilmembers Alan “B” Ensley, Anita Lossiah and Travis Smith, meanwhile, voted to kill it.

Cherokee’s Tribal Council is considering legislation that would outlaw concrete enclosures for bears, which some see as inhumane. Donated photo tant. Natural vegetation, running water and an area of at least 50 square yards per bear would be required. Caregivers would also have to do their homework, documenting at least 100 hours of training in care of captive bears. Violations could result in a fine of up to $5,000 the first time and, after that, revocation of license, seizure and relocation of the bears at the owners’ expense, and a fine of up to $20,000.

The proposal brought mixed reaction from Tribal Council, with some members

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expressing wholehearted agreement that the legislation was sorely needed, some questioning its timing and necessity, and still others asserting that, while the intent was good, it needed some more work before a vote would be appropriate. Ultimately, council opted to table the legislation to hold a work session.

Councilmembers Tommye Saunooke, Marie Junaluska, Albert Rose, Adam Wachacha, Bo Crowe, Teresa McCoy and Richard French voted in favor of tabling.

For Smith, at least, opposition to the rules was couched in the repercussions they’d likely have on Collette and Barry Coggins, who own the bear zoo. The zoo has long been the subject of criticism and litigation due to the unnatural, unstimulating environment it offers the bears. But, Collette argued to Tribal Council, that’s not how she and Barry wanted it to be.

“I myself have been coming to council for the last three-and-a-half years trying to expand my facility,” she told councillmembers. “I came to council with three different pieces of property and have been denied all three times for absolutely no reason.”

In other words, Coggins said, she wanted to build a more natural environment for the bears but has been blocked by bureaucracy.

In a follow-up interview, she also cited attorneys’ fees from the litigation as diverting the cash she would have needed to carry out any plan for expansion.

“I don’t think Ms. Coggins has ever been opposed to building a natural habitat for her animals or her bringing anything up to any new standards,” said Smith, of Birdtown.

“That’s never been the problem. The problem has been that the tribe never allowed her to purchase property, lease property to build these things.”

“I know Collette (Coggins). She has been to business committee several times and we have kicked this project around all over town, and that’s one of the things Collette offered to do was put her own money up to build this facility,”

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Event E vent e location: Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center Leroy George George Drive, Clyde, N.C. 75 Leroy Child care care available for a nominal fee

RSVP SVP b byy calling 800.424.DOCS (3627)

Smoky Mountain News

According to Peet, PETA has offered to relocate the bears to a sanctuary where they could live out their days in a large, natural environment, but the Coggins haven’t taken them up on it.

Collette Coggins tells a different story.

“They’ve never reached out to me, period,” she said. “They’ve always just wanted to go the media route and the trouble-causing route.”

David Perle, senior media coordinator for PETA, emphasized that’s not the case. PETA relayed the offer directly to Coggins, he said, through an attorney.

“That’s Collette Coggins trying to use semantics to justify her continuing unjustifiable confinement of bears in archaic concrete pits,” he said.

Moreover, Coggins claims that the lawsuit and PETA’s involvement are actually the reason the bears are still living in concrete pits.

Before the suit was filed, she said, she and Barry were making plans to build a new, more

natural facility, but attorney’s fees totaling in the tens of thousands of dollars have sidelined those plans.

“I love my animals and I take very good care of my animals, and they would be in a different facility now at this time if we had not gotten sidebarred and then the whole distraction,” she said. “The reality of it is that PETA and their cronies have hurt the animals moreso. It’s their fault that we haven’t expanded by now.”

If PETA wanted to help the animals, she said, why not help the bear zoo update its facility rather than insisting on taking the bears — which are her livelihood — away?

From PETA’s perspective, the Cherokee Bear Zoo has already had its chance — 24 years’ worth of it.

“Barry and Collette Coggins have abused the bears in the Cherokee bear pits for years,” Peet said.

“All I know is that we’re trying to get those bears out of those pits to a decent habitat,” Walker added.

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April 13-19, 2016

A TRIBE-RUN BEAR PARK? The discussion also took a turn toward the possibility of the tribe undertaking the bear zoo enterprise itself. Bears occupy a special place in Cherokee culture, the

thought process goes, so it makes sense to have some kind of park or attraction paying homage to that fact. But who besides the tribe would have the combination of money and inclination to make sure it’s done right?

“I’m not going to support anybody doing this. I’m doing to support the tribe doing it because for once in our lives we need to be tribal people and show the world that the animals we claim we revere, that we care enough about them to display them to the world in a healthy, creative way,” said McCoy. Moreoever, McCoy asserted, “I’m not giving Collette downtown property anywhere to make her buck off suffering animals anymore.”

Years ago, added Saunooke, of Painttown, the tribe had priced out what it would cost to build a safari-type park that would showcase the splendor of bears and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. The number was somewhere around $42 million.

But, some other councilmembers said, but is it fair for the tribe to come in and essentially sweep Coggins’ business away from under her?

“I think we should work with her,” Rose said.

“If she (Coggins) is willing to put her own money up and build a facility, I think all of us want to see the bears come out of these facilities and put into an outdoor facility,” Taylor said. “I’m in full support of our local businesspeople.”

What will wind up happening with the legislation remains to be seen, but council will likely continue the discussion sometime in the near future.

“It’s only fair to the people that want the bears out and Collette (Coggins) to go to a work session, get this worked out as soon as possible,” Rose said.

For her part, Walker is happy to see a serious discussion about outlawing the concrete pits happening. She’d already planned her next step after the court case wrapped up to involve pushing for just such a law.

“The chief has picked up on this one, so now we’re not going to have to deal with it,” she said.

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said Taylor, of Wolfetown.

While Rose, of Birdtown, voted to table rather than kill, he agreed that Coggins hadn’t been given a fair shake in the past.

“I still don’t agree with them being in pits, but I think we should give her a chance to come to business committee, work with her so she doesn’t lose her business,” he said.

Other councilmembers, however, focused their comments on the bears’ present situation and the need to improve their lot as soon as possible.

“The Big Cove community will not support bears in cages,” said McCoy, of Big Cove. “The Big Cove community will not stand for it. It takes a pretty special, unique person to profit off the suffering of another human or animal that can’t defend itself.”

“Concrete pits is a thing of the past. It’s antiquated,” agreed Lossiah, of Yellowhill.

“The time is ripe. We need to move forward with appropriate legislation for appropriate facilities but not sacrifice the safety of our visitors, of our tourists, of our bears.”

Lossiah was of the opinion that Lambert’s resolution needed some more work before it could become law. For instance, she said, the new law should better address visitor safety requirements, and the enclosures should be required to include enrichment opportunities for the bears — that is, ways for them to keep their brains busy and curious.

Lambert himself suggested one needed addition to the draft ordinance — a timeframe for existing facilities to come into compliance. And according to Peggy Hill, one of the two tribal members who had sued Cherokee Bear Zoo for its treatment of the animals, the space requirement shouldn’t be 50 square yards — it should be 50 yards by 50 yards, or 2,500 square yards.

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V Haywood vote on countywide alcohol to pit business interests against religious convictions A

Smoky Mountain News

April 13-19, 2016

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Beer is good for business.

That’s the message supporters of countywide beer and wine sales in Haywood County are hoping to get across in the run-up to a ballot question in November’s election.

Alcohol sales are allowed in the town limits of Waynesville, Maggie Valley and Canton only — not out in the county. That would change if a local ballot measure passes in November’s election to allow the sale of beer and wine countywide in Haywood.

Alcohol as an economic engine has already emerged as a central theme among supporters.

“It opens the door of possibilities for any business outside the town limits,” said Suzanne Fernandez, the former owner of the upscale Lomo Grill in downtown Waynesville. “There are so many good businesses that really bring charm and value to Haywood County, that I think that it just is a no-brainer.”

Now retired from the fulltime restaurant business, Fernandez and her husband Chef Ricardo dapple in an eclectic mix of culinary adventures these days, including cooking classes, wine and food pairings, culinary tours and outdoor grilling classes — occasionally hosting special food events at their farm in Fines Creek.

On-farm culinary experiences have a huge draw these days, but in a county where alcohol can’t be sold out in the country, it’s a limiting factor.

For Sandra Steffani, an Italian chef who recently moved here from Miami, her vision of a gourmet, farm-to-table boutique dining venue set in the countryside hinges on being able to serve wine.

“Of course, it would have been a deal killer,” she said. “You don’t make money on food. It would be totally limiting yourself, and limiting revenue.”

Steffani is launching her new restaurant — more of an intimate culinary experience — on the property of Grandview Lodge, a small rustic inn outside Waynesville. It’s outside the town limits, so alcohol sales normally would be off the table there. But past proprietors of Grandview got around the county’s rules using a state exemption for tourist resorts, and Steffani has just waded into the process of reactivating it.

She would rather be devoting her creative energies to her new menu, however.

“I think the county should vote ‘yes’ to serving beer and wine,” Steffani said.

“If they want to serve ice tea that is up to them, but restaurant owners should be the ones to make that choice,” she said.

Whether it’s a country diner or exquisite mountaintop dining room, restaurants located outside town limits are stymied by the county’s ban on alcohol sales, which puts 16 them on an unfair footing compared to those

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A cooking class led by Chef Ricardo Fernandez, front right, toasts as they sit down to the meal they made at the Fines Creek Community“ Center kitchen. Countywide alcohol sales in Haywood could expand boutique culinary ventures and farm-to-table restaurants out in the coun-p tryside, but could also open the door for package stores and pool dives popping up. Donated photo

“We thought it did represent some potential inequity to allow a person to sell package alcohol in one location and a half-mile down the road they couldn’t.”

— Mark Swanger, Haywood County commissioner

inside town limits.

Gas stations without a beer cooler are likewise at a disadvantage to their in-town counterparts.

“We thought it did represent some potential inequity to allow a person to sell package alcohol in one location and a half-mile down the road they couldn’t,” Commissioner Mark Swanger said.

Swanger said county leaders had been asked by merchants outside the town limits, including convenience store owners, to put the issue to a vote.

“There is an issue of economic fairness,” said County Manager Ira Dove.

Debbie Milner, the owner of Sentelle’s fresh seafood and specialty foods market in Clyde, said she loses customers almost daily who want a bottle of wine to go with their seafood dinner, but have to head down the road to Canton or Waynesville to get it.

“It would greatly benefit us, especially with the clientele we have. It is the missing link for us,” said Milner.

Sentelle’s is located in the town limits of Clyde, the only town in Haywood County that doesn’t allow alcohol sales.

If the ballot measure passes, the sale of beer and wine would become legal in Clyde by default, according to state statute.

Milner said she had repeatedly asked Clyde leaders to hold a vote on alcohol sales in town, but they never have. The countywide

vote now gives her hope that Sentelle’s won’t have to play with one hand tied behind its back anymore.

“I certainly hope it will pass. I don’t see why not. It is all over the county anyway,” she said.

The prospect of financial gain thanks to beer and wine sales prompted Commissioner Mike Sorrells to abstain from the vote when it came up at the commissioners meeting last week. As the owner of a gas station and general store in rural Jonathan Creek, using his position as commissioner to cast a vote in favor of something that would reap personal benefit would violate conflict of interest rules.

Commissioner Kevin Ensley, a devout Christian, was the only commissioner who voted against putting it on the ballot, for a final outcome of 3 to 1.

THE DARK DOWNSIDE OF ALCOHOL Mark Caldwell, the pastor of North Canton Baptist Church, said many in the Christian community are planning to campaign against the countywide alcohol vote.

Caldwell said he has seen firsthand the heartache and societal ills caused by alcohol, from the families of alcoholics ending up homeless on the street to teenagers killed in drunk driving accidents.

s “They may be saying that it will help ourf economy, but is it worth it?” Caldwell asked.s “When you expand the territory where it canl be accessed to the far reaches of our county,w people don’t have to drive into town to get it,i and it will be more available.”

Caldwell said instead of pushing alcoholI into more communities, the county should bec focused on ways to help families sufferingl from an alcohol addiction.

“Instead of the commissioners focusingt on how to help our economy sell more alco-m hol, I think we need to focus on the childrenb who are homeless and have nowhere to go,”i Caldwell said.

Caldwell also questioned the idea of com-w munities being subjected to the will of theh majority countywide, even if their own com-l u munity doesn’t want it.

In other counties where countywide alco-C hol votes have been held, it’s normal to see the vote fail in precincts in outlying ruralh a areas, but pass in the county as a whole.

“If they put it on that ballot and it goesc in, even if some precincts don’t want it, theya will have it come in anyway,” Caldwell said.s “I enjoy going into the restaurants that are in the county and being able to sit down with my family and enjoy a meal and notr having to worry about my kids being a exposed to drinking.”

A popular election is the only way forq alcohol sales to be legalized in any givenp town or county. But first, local leaders have to put the issue on the ballot and allow a votes t to happen.

As little as 20 years ago, it would haveb been brazen at best and political suicide at b worst to call for an alcohol refert endum in rural mountain couna ties, where the population is more

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religious and socially conservative.

But the mountains aren’t quite so rural anymore, not quite so religious and not quite as socially conservative today compared to then.

Nonetheless, counties that ban alcohol sales outside town limits still outnumber those that don’t in the mountains — but barely.

Voters in Clay and Cherokee counties — both arguably more rural and conservative than Haywood — have approved countywide alcohol sales recently. Meanwhile, the only

truly dry county in the state is Graham, two doors over from Haywood.

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THE BREWERY BUSINESS Another major factor that led commissioners to put countywide alcohol sales on the ballot is economic development, and more specifically, the brewery industry.

Asheville has proven that beer can be a big business, and big employer. The brewery industry employs nearly 1,000 people in the greater Asheville area, including more than

had already prepared what the sample ballot would look like accordingly — namely that the ballot measure would be limited to beer and wine but not liquor or mixed drinks.

The public had short notice, if any, that the topic was coming up. The first public revelation that commissioners were contemplating a countywide alcohol vote came midday Friday, April 1, when the county published the agenda for its upcoming meeting.

By the time the agenda was made public

dozen homegrown microbreweries along with large-scale, big name breweries.

While Asheville is the beer-brewing epicenter, neighboring Henderson and Transylvania counties have laid claim to their own piece of the beer pie, each landing major breweries of their own.

Getting in on the brewery action has been brought up several times in recent months during economic development strategy sessions by county leaders. But the county is limited in its ability to court breweries unless alcohol sales are legalized throughout the

county, given that most of the large tracts of land suitable to site a brewery are located out in the county.

Aside from courting breweries to come in to Haywood, homegrown, start-up breweries that have proven successful are limited in where they can go if they want to expand their operations.

“You already have breweries here,” Dove said, rattling off the names of four breweries located in Waynesville’s town limits.

“What if they want to expand out into another area?”

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Haywood County is the latest in steady wave of communities across the mountains to shed its long-standing political and cultural hang-ups over alcohol by allowing a countywide vote this fall on whether to legalize beer and wine sales in the county at large.

Prohibition ended more than 80 years ago, but it was left up to each town or county to decide whether, where and what type of alcohol sales to allow — and only by a majority vote.

The result: a muddy patchwork of alcohol laws that vary from town to town and county to county.

While most towns in the mountains now allow alcohol sales in some form or fashion, the majority of counties in the region are still dry once you get out of town. But that’s been changing rapidly in recent years.

Until 10 years ago, Buncombe was the only county in the mountains with countywide alcohol sales. Now the list includes: • Clay County, since 2009.

• Jackson and Henderson counties, since 2012 • Transylvania County, since 2014.

• Cherokee County, since 2016.

More counties than still ban it, which includes: Macon, Swain, Graham, Madison, Yancey, Mitchell, Watauga, Ashe and Haywood — at least for now.

The last time Haywood County voters weighed in on countywide alcohol sales was 1952, when the measure failed. Liquor and mixed drinks won’t be on the ballot, only beer and wine.

Smoky Mountain News

ty will fuel alcohol addiction and abuse, and that’s why Caldwell believes the public should at least have had a chance to make that case to commissioners before it was thrust on the ballot unbeknownst to the public beforehand, he said.

“I agree in the public having a vote and having a say. But I also believe we put those people in those positions to be leaders,” Caldwell said.

Commissioner Kirk Kirkpatrick said there was little to gain by engaging the public in a debate on whether to hold an alcohol vote. Even if 200 people packed the courtroom opposing a ballot measure, commissioners would be no closer to knowing where the majority stands on countywide alcohol.

The only way to know for sure is to hold a vote, so why not cut to the chase and let the debate between for and against forces play out in the venue of an election?

“They can start debating now and can lobby the voters however they want,” Kirkpatrick said. “This was a pretty easy decision for me. We’ve had some tough ones lately because we have been the ones making the decision. With this, we can let the people decide. They can vote it up or down.”

Commissioner Kevin Ensley, the only commissioner who voted against putting alcohol on the ballot, said his family convictions and Christian convictions wouldn’t let him vote for anything that promoted alcohol consumption.

“I feel like the more we make it available, the more chance there is for abuse,” Ensley said.

While Ensley disagrees with the direction the county took, he isn’t upset with the other commissioners for pressing onward.

Commissioners first broached the idea of a countywide alcohol vote in public at their meeting last Monday, April 4, and voted on the spot to go through with it after only a brief discussion.

How long commissioners had been holding behind-the-scenes conversations prior to the meeting is unknown, however. But commissioners had clearly been talking about it privately amongst themselves, even arriving at a general consensus of what type of alcohol sales to include on the ballot.

The county manager and county attorney

April 13-19, 2016

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER n announcement by Haywood County commissioners last week that a vote to legalize beer and wine sales countywide will appear on the November ballot came as a surprise to the public, with the news still making the rounds.

It’s unclear how long commissioners had been pondering the idea of a countywide alcohol vote, which was kept under wraps until the eleventh hour. Commissioners had made no intimation — not even the slightest hint — that a historic vote on alcohol sales was in the offing until they voted to put it on the ballot last week. By then, it was too late for the public to weigh in.

Commissioner Mark Swanger said the public still has plenty of time to weigh in, however, since the issue is being put to a majority vote on the ballot in November.

“The best public hearing or meeting in the world is the ballot box,” Swanger said.

“We thought we would leave it up to the taxpayers to vote on. It’s that simple.”

Opponents to legalizing beer and wine sales countywide would no doubt have preferred a chance to weigh in before commissioners pulled the trigger to put it on the ballot. But Swanger said the proper venue for weighing in is at the polls — rather than trying to stop a vote from being held.

“That’s not my job to make that decision.

It would be arrogant of our board not to give citizens a say,” Swanger said. “If you don’t like it, vote against it.”

However, opponents to the idea of countywide alcohol sales feel blindsided by commissioners’ decision to put alcohol on the ballot without any inkling such a thing was in the works.

“I feel like we should have been prewarned. I feel like the commissioners should have gotten this information out to the public to hear from us, because they work for us,” said Mark Caldwell, the pastor at North Canton Baptist Church.

Caldwell said alcohol is a dangerous and harmful drug in society, with alcohol abuse at the root of homelessness, violence, fatal crashes, broken homes, abandoned children, abuse and more societal ills. Expanding the sale of alcohol into every corner of the coun-

Lifting spirits: New attitudes toward alcohol move across region

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Vote on Haywood alcohol sales comes out of left field

Friday — less than 36 hours before the commissioner meeting at 9 a.m. Monday morning — local media outlets had no way of getting an article before the public in time to let them know what was coming.

Only the most astute followers of local government — those with enough gumption and curiosity to visit the county’s website over the weekend and intentionally look up the agenda for Monday morning’s meeting — would have learned of the impending vote to put alcohol on the ballot.

The meeting incidentally coincided with spring break for school children and families, making it even less likely word would get out to the masses before the commissioners’ vote to put alcohol on the ballot had come and gone.

But County Manager Ira Dove said there will be maximum public input at the ballot box in November, given the coinciding presidential election.

“The main thing not to be lost here, this is going to a vote when high voter turnout is expected,” Dove said.

“It is not going under the radar. People will have a long time to gather their thoughts before it goes to a vote.”

Cherokee County voters had a countywide vote on alcohol sales on the ballot during the March primary. There, however, commissioners had openly debated the merits of holding a countywide alcohol referendum.

“It had been talked about for quite some time,” said Randy Wiggins, Cherokee County manager.

There, a citizens group supporting countywide alcohol sales appealed to commissioners to put the issue on the ballot, a position openly championed by the local newspaper in Murphy, the Cherokee Scout.

“There were also several representatives of various religious organizations that came to the board and ask them not to put it on the ballot,” Wiggins said.

In the end, even though Cherokee County commissioners said they personally planned to vote against countywide alcohol at the polls, they agreed to put it to a vote.

“In other words, as commissioners agreed to place it on the ballot, but as citizens when it came time to vote at the polls, they suggested they would not support it individually,” Wiggins said.

A similar vote on countywide alcohol sales in Cherokee County had been defeated three years previously. By statute, there’s a three-year waiting period before a vote can be held again. This time, it passed with roughly 55 percent of the vote.

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Casino board member under investigation and files charges, he’s never going to Tribal Council member court have to work again,” she said. highlights questionable KEPHART’S STORY behavior at concert Kephart, however, gave a different

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER member of Cherokee’s Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise board is under investigation following a public uproar surrounding her alleged behavior at a Jennifer Nettles concert Feb. 6 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

“The behavior that I observed and probably 11,000 other people have observed was inappropriate for someone that represents this tribe on a board,” said Councilmember Teresa McCoy, of Big Cove, who introduced a resolution to relieve board member Angela Kephart of her duties. “That casino is what we rely on.”

The behavior that McCoy referred to was recorded on casino security footage. After Louise Reed, the mother of a casino worker who had complained of ill treatment from Kephart, made a complaint to Tribal Council last month, McCoy and Councilmember Albert Rose, of Birdtown, requested the footage from the casino.

Portions of the footage also appeared like wildfire on Facebook, though both McCoy and Rose staunchly denied having anything to do with that part of it.

According to McCoy, the full version of the video shows Kephart and a group of her friends using the Chief ’s Suite at the casino and wearing wristbands that would give them, as VIPs, access to free alcohol. Tribal code prohibits TCGE members from accepting anything free from tribal gaming operations.

Kephart, who former Principal Chief Michell Hicks appointed to the board in the last year of his term, also works as a satellite clinic manager for Cherokee Indian Hospital and is a former Tribal Council member.

“Those bracelets, the mere fact that she allowed one to be placed on her hand is a violation,” McCoy said. “She conducted herself extremely unprofessionally.”

Reed’s daughter Samantha Hinojosa, McCoy said, had originally been the server for the group but was reamed out by Kephart after offering to start a tab rather than serving free alcohol.

“She’s worked there a long time, and she’s had bad days, bad nights before, but nothing compared to what they done to her, the way they talked to her,” said Reed of her daughter Hinojosa. Hinojosa called her that night, crying, Reed said — something that had never happened during the 25-year-old’s five years working at the casino.

Jose Arellano replaced Hinojosa as the group’s server, and the video clearly shows evidence of sexual harassment against him, McCoy said.

“When that young man goes to that

Smoky Mountain News

April 13-19, 2016

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account of the night — if anybody’s being harassed, she told council, it’s her.

“This video was intended to disparage me and compromise my reputation, but in fact it clearly demonstrates that at no time was my conduct inappropriate,” she said.

“This unlawfully obtained video has unfortunately harmed innocent people.”

Kephart told Tribal Council that she was told the wristbands were to let casino personnel know who was allowed into the suite.

As soon as she discovered they were for

Much of the talk surrounding the video has centered on the physical interactions between the people on camera — the portions posted on the Facebook page Cherokee Rants and Raves show two women making out, with one of the women at a different point in the video dancing up on the male bartender and kissing him as other people intermittently occupy the background of the shot, making out. According to McCoy, the portions of the video not posted on Facebook are even more salacious.

Kephart did not participate physically nearly as much as her guests, McCoy said, but that is beside the point.

“She knew that room was going to be available, and she gained access to that room. She invited her friends, and even though she may have participated physically a little, she still did,” McCoy said. “She was within arm’s reach of her guests while they were behaving reprehensibly with a young male employee of the casino.”

Kephart, however, disagrees with McCoy’s assessment of the video’s contents and with the judgment of her behavior.

“The illegal video clearly demonstrates to any rational observer that my behavior as above reproach,” she said.

In fact, Kepart says, she feels that she is “being harassed and bullied by people who have positional power.” For evidence of that, she points to October, when the newly seated Principal Chief Patrick Lambert requested her resignation from the board and included her husband in the list of people to lose their jobs with the start of his administration.

“I think most would agree that I have been mistreated and subjected to a significant amount

“This video was intended to disparage me and compromise my reputation, but in fact it clearly demonstrates that at no time was my conduct inappropriate. This unlawfully obtained video has unfortunately harmed innocent people.”

— Angela Kephart, TCGE board member

drinking, she said, “I got the scissors from the host and cut every one of those bracelets off.”

McCoy doesn’t believe a word of that.

“She’s a board member,” McCoy said.

“She knew full well what those bracelets were for.”

“Not one time inside that suite did I take one drink. One drink. When you say you watched that entire tape, you need to watch it again,” Kephart told McCoy.

of harassment,” she said.

Lambert, meanwhile, says that he “asked her to resign because I know the character of the person. She chose not to.”

Kephart said she is resigning from her hospital job because she fears her association will “bring adverse effects” to the hospital. However, she is adamant that she will not resign from the board.

Kephart also pointed out that neither of the employees in question filed a formal

complaint against her, which she interprets to mean that nothing untoward happened.

“This is maliciousness,” she said. “This is an attack on me as a person, on my friends and family and my coworkers, but most importantly my children.”

WHAT WEIGHT SHOULD A STATEMENT RECEIVE? Becky Walker, a tribal member who keeps a close watch on tribal politics, sees it a different way.

When Reed first voiced her complaint last month, Chairman Bill Taylor replied that an investigation was underway. The investigation he spoke of was performed by the TCGE board itself, which Kephart sits on, and in a letter dated March 11 the board’s vice chairman Richard Sneed reported that there was no cause for action against Kephart.

The letter explained that the TCGE and Harrah’s General Manager Brooks Robinson reviewed the tapes and took written statements from Hinojosa and Arellano.

“There were only a few, brief interactions between Ms. Kephart and Samantha Hinojosa. There was virtually no interaction between Ms. Kephart and Jose Arellano,” the letter reads. “Without audio, we cannot know what was said during these interactions, but based on the video, findings are inconclusive to support the severity of the complaints made by Samantha Hinojosa.

There were possible inappropriate actions by other individuals in the suite concerning Jose Arellano, but none of these actions, according to surveillance tape provided to the TCGE, involved Ms. Kephart.”

But does that mean the employees’ statements carry no weight, Walker asked?

“It says here the employees have a statement, right?” Walker asked. “So does that mean that the TCGE didn’t even take into account what they said at all? They just totally ignored what they said? … how do employees feel like they can have any type of recourse when that’s the type of response you get?”

As Walker concluded her comments, applause broke out from the audience.

LITIGATION AND INVESTIGATION But anyone can say anything, Kephart said, and what Reed said in council last month was defamatory and untrue. As a result, Kephart has filed a lawsuit against Reed in tribal court.

In the lawsuit, filed April 6, the day before the April council meeting, Kephart alleges that, as a result of Reed’s statement and “subsequent reactions by the tribal community,” she has “suffered monetary and economic loss since Plaintiff (Kephart) may have to resign from her position as a professional in the medical field and may lose her position as a board member for the TCGE.” She’s asking for damages in excess of $10,000 in addition to

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attorney’s fees and court costs.

As Reed stood to make her own comments during the April 7 council meeting, Taylor advised her that the suit had been filed and she may want to refrain from commenting. But Reed declined, maintaining that she had “every right” to say what she said last month.

“We allow people to get away with stuff they shouldn’t be getting away with,” Reed said. “We need to stand up for what’s right for our people.”

There was no shortage of emotion and conviction-filled statements in council last week. But, according to some councilmembers, there was a shortage of facts.

“Everybody talks about Facebook. I don’t do Facebook. I think it’s a gossip mill,” said Councilmember Tommye Saunoooke, of Painttown. “I haven’t seen the tape, don’t want to see it, but I do want the facts.”

Councilmember Adam Wachacha, of Snowbird, agreed that there was more factfinding yet to do and said he doesn’t want a repeat of what happened with the Tribal Gaming Commission board. Tribal Council passed a resolution, introduced by Lambert, on the day they were inaugurated to remove the three members sitting at the time. A protest hearing held in March upheld the decision, but Wachacha believes more of that discussion should have taken place before the initial decision.

“I didn’t feel like we provided them due process up front,” he said. “I feel like we put the cart before the horse.”

McCoy nevertheless moved to pass the resolution on the spot, with a second from Councilmember Bo Crowe, of Wolfetown.

Councilmember Albert Rose, of Birdtown, made a competing move to table the resolution for further investigation, which Wachacha seconded.

The move to table prevailed, with support from Rose, Wachacha, Taylor, Vice Chairman Brandon Jones, and Councilmembers Travis Smith, Anita Lossiah and Alan “B” Ensley. McCoy’s move to pass drew support from Crowe, Saunooke and Councilmembers Marie Junaluska and Richard French.

Following the vote, McCoy grilled Taylor on his intentions going forward.

“I requested an investigation. I’m going to go ahead and charge you with sometime in the next couple of days I would like for you to hire an investigator,” she told Taylor, specifying that the investigator should be someone independent, not tied to the tribe or the casino or the TCGE in any way.

“We’ll get to the bottom of it,” Taylor responded.

“There will be an investigation?” McCoy responded.

“Correct,” said Taylor.

McCoy said in a follow-up interview that she was not disappointed with the vote.

“The move to table did keep the issue alive,” she said. “It is open and on the floor as we speak. I think the public will place enough pressure on this council.”

The casino declined to comment on the situation or to provide documents related to the initial investigation.

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news

Pondering a tax increase Sylva board faces inevitable property tax increase

fund balance and lessening the hit property owners would no doubt take later, when the revaluation was complete and taxes were forced to increase. Hamilton and Lynda Sossamon, who was then a commissioner and is now mayor, voted in favor of the increase, while Commissioner Harold Hensley, Commissioner Mary Gelbaugh and thenCommissioner Danny Allen voted against it.

MAINTAINING THE BUDGET

BY HOLLY KAYS This year, all board members, including STAFF WRITER those seated after the 2015 elections, agree s Sylva’s leaders work toward a new that the rate will have to go up. The question budget for the new fiscal year, there’s is by how much, and to what end. Should it one big question on everybody’s mind — how much will taxes increase?

When Jackson County wrapped up its revaluation for 2016, properties in Sylva town limits came back with a value more than 6 percent lower than they’d held in 2008, the last time a revaluation was completed.

It wasn’t an unexpected outcome — though revaluations typically result in increased property values, this one came following an economic crash that had been preceded by a real estate boom. The 2008 values were based on an alltime high, and the 2016 values measure values midrecovery after the recession. Macon County, which completed its revaluation last year, had to up its tax rate from 28 cents per $100 to 35 cents, and Jackson County will likely Sylva’s leaders are pondering a property tax increase, the make a similar leap, movtown’s first in 13 years. File photo ing from 28 cents to somewhere between 35 and 36.

When property owners pay the same tax rate on a lower property value, overall revenue goes down. When property values went down after the economic crash, tax Local governments have revenues resulting from the diminished values went down. As a been opting to boost the result, Sylva and Jackson County are looking at upping their rate enough to keep its property tax rates to make up for the shortfall. There is not currently discussion of a tax increase in Dillsboro, Webster or overall intake the same.

But in Sylva, there’s an Forest Hills. extra element at play. The .........................................JACKSON COUNTY..........SYLVA town’s budget was already 2008-2015 tax rate ..........28 cents per $100 .........30 cents in trouble last year, before 2016 (projected) ..............35-36 cents...................36-37 cents the revaluation was complete. In 2015, commissioners pulled $140,000 from fund balance just rise enough to cover the tax revenue lost — akin to the town’s savings account — to to the revaluation? Should it increase cover basic budget needs they couldn’t enough to cover the budget shortfall that meet with tax revenue. last year came from fund balance? And what The tax rate, set at 30 cents per $100, has- about the budget itself? It’s pretty baren’t changed in 13 years. bones right now — should the rate increase “We’re in a real bind,” said Commissioner enough to fund some of the many projects Barbara Hamilton. “We’ve not raised the tax commissioners would love to get done if the rate in 13 years, and your town can’t run that money were available? way.”

Commissioners seem to agree that those Last year, commissioners wrangled with first two on the list — covering losses from the possibility of a 2-cent tax increase to pre- the revaluation and preventing vent their spending that $140,000 from the further borrowing from the fund

April 13-19, 2016

A

Smoky Mountain News

Impact of a revaluation

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FUNDING FUTURE PROJECTS During a four-hour planning retreat in February, commissioner gathered to map out some ideas for Sylva’s future, projects to benefit Sylva in the long term. Public restrooms and water fountains for tourists. A skate park and teen center. Buried power lines downtown. Spruced-up entrances to town. The list goes on. They might be good ideas, but they all cost money.

By boosting the tax rate 11 cents, to 41 cents per $100, the town would have enough money coming in to tackle some of those extras. But an 11-cent hike would amount to a 37 percent increase — pretty significant.

For now, said Commissioner Greg McPherson, the best thing to do is probably to boost the rate enough to maintain the current budget and look for low-cost improve-

ments the town could tackle without requiring extra funding. Like planting flowers on Main Street, or doing some piecemeal cleanup on Mill Street.

“There’s a lot downtown right now that can be done in-house,” McPherson said. “We just need to focus some of our energy on some of those little projects.”

Nestler agrees that it’s best not to raise taxes above the budget-neutral rate — at least not this year. Down the road, he said, the rate might need to rise again to make improvements to Sylva a reality.

“You have to raise it intelligently,” he said.

“You can’t raise it on everyone in one year.”

Hamilton is undecided on the potential of an increase to fund projects. She acknowledged the value of some of the projects now gathering support among town board members but also stressed the hardship tax hikes place on citizens.

“I don’t have all the answers, and I’m still open to listen to the other board members about how they feel,” she said.

The board also contains some staunch opposition to any kind of tax hike outside of what’s needed to stay budget-neutral.

“I don’t support anything except enough to cover the loss,” Hensley said. “That’s the only way I know to say it.”

Commissioners will gather for a work session at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 28, to discuss the issue, driving toward completion of a draft budget May 5.

“I know we’re going to have to raise taxes,” Hamilton said, “but that’s when we’re going to have to hammer out how much.”

What they said “We have dipped into the fund balance one too many times, and it is time to get back on track. I support an additional increase to move forward on some of the projects we have long put off. I will be conservative in that increase, but we have to start somewhere.”

— Commissioner Mary Gelbaugh

“I know people don’t like to hear, ‘Your taxes have to go up,’ but with the revaluation we knew we would have to. I don’t want to hurt anybody, but I also think that if they want services provided we have to come up with the money from somewhere, and I just don’t feel we can use fund balance as a piggy bank to balance our budget. I just don’t think that’s being fiscally responsible.”

— Commissioner Barbara Hamilton

“I’ll support a modest tax increase to cover the losses that we’re going to incur because of this revaluation, they’re going to have to cover the whole town, but I don’t believe in raising them above what’s needed,

and that’s been my stance all the time. I feel the taxpayers are hounded enough by both the county and the city.”

— Commissioner Harold Hensley

“It’s going to be somewhere between 35 and 37 (cents) to stay revenue-neutral and pay for all the things we had promised to pay for, and that’s not really getting anything that this board wants accomplished, accomplished.”

— Commissioner Greg McPherson

“What I’m looking at right now is an increase to remain revenue-neutral from the property revaluation and an increase to cover the money we’ve been taking from fund balance every year … Services have been cut to the extent they can’t be cut anymore.”

— Commissioner David Nestler

“We need to be forward-looking and not taking from savings.”

— Mayor Lynda Sossamon

Contact information for commissioners is online at http://bit.ly/1NlsHxJ.

April 13-19, 2016

Pisgah Pavement Pounder 5K SATURDAY April 23rd 9 a.m.

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Contact: jmccall@haywood.k12.nc.us

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balance — are almost certainly a given. That will mean a tax increase of 6 or 7 cents per $100, upping the rate to 36 or 37 cents, said Town Manager Paige Dowling. That would result in a total tax rate — counting town and county taxes — of 71 to 73 cents going forward, up from the current rate of 58 cents.

Jackson County currently has the lowest county tax rate in the state.

“You can’t operate without increasing your revenue for very long. The board went for 12 years without doing so. That’s why there’s going to be those two large tax increases,” said Commissioner David Nestler, referring to the hikes to cover revaluation and inherent budget shortfalls.

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NO DOC FEES.

Franklin hires new fire chief

Food safety class offered in Haywood

ations, retail stores, local governments, local school districts, architects, colleges, universities, vendors of materials used to make wood products and the general public are invited to attend.

704.880.5034 or harry_watt@ncsu.edu.

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Meetings held to promote local wood products

Dr. James Guerriere, a pediatrician with the Mountain Pediatric Group, will be presenting the Dinner with a Doc seminar “First Aid Every Parent Should Know” at 6 p.m. Thursday April 21, at the Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center.

Guerriere will speak while patrons enjoy a healthy meal. Afterward, he will circulate to visit with guests and answer questions. To attend this complimentary dinner seminar, call 800.424.DOCS (3627). Childcare will be available for a nominal fee.

Free Roger Brooks seminar offered in Franklin The Franklin Chamber of Commerce joins with Smoky Mountain Host and Entegra Bank to offer a free Roger Brooks Video Seminar entitled “Big Success Starts with a Plan” from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, April 20, at Entegra Corporate Center at 14 One Center Court, Franklin.

Danish, fruit, biscuits, coffee and juice will be served. Registration is requested.

828.524.3161 or facc@franklinchamber.com.

See the complete schedule of events for the week at www.maconedc.com.

April 27, 2016 9:00am – 4:45pm

Experience a one day conference specifically designed to address the needs and challenges faced by current and prospective craft business owners. This one day event will provide the tools needed to move your business forward. $20 Registration Fee Sessions include: Image, Sell, Money, Plan, People, Protect

Register at sbc.haywood.edu by April 25th

If you spend time in the backcountry you need to be prepared. Fast paced and hands-on, this two or three-day Wilderness First Aid course covers a wide range of wilderness medicine topics for people who travel and work in the outdoors.

APRIL 16TH - 17TH

The Wilderness StarGuard® is a cutting edge aquatic rescue course designed to meet the needs of wilderness trip leaders with a focus on prevention. Wilderness First Aid is a Prerequisite for Star Guard.

APRIL 23RD - 24TH

Register Now at landmarklearning.edu For more information, call the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department at 456-2030 or email tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov

Smoky Mountain News

The Wood Products Extension Department at North Carolina State University has been awarded two support grants to promote North Carolina made furniture and other wood products sold to retail stores, local governments and schools, colleges and universities. Our goal is to support the state’s economy and grow jobs.

A meeting will be held at 10 a.m.

Thursday, April 28, at Jackson County CES Office, 538 Scotts Creek Rd., #205, Sylva, to provide information about two NCSU grant projects that are promoting NC made furniture and purchased by NC businesses, schools, governments and higher education institutions.

Wood shops and factories, lumber oper-

Dinner with a Doc to be held April 21

moving beyond the now

April 13-19, 2016

North Carolina food service managers seeking “Certified Food Safety Manager” certification in order to meet the NC Food Code requirement component of the food establishment’s inspection can register for the upcoming NC Safe Plates class.

The two-day class will take place 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 25-26. The exam will be administered from 3 to 5 p.m. on the second day of class. The fee for the course is $125 and the registration deadline is Friday, April 15. For more information or to register call 828.456.3575 or julie_sawyer@ncsu.edu.

CRAFT ARTIST summit

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our combination department into the future. We look forward to having him on board, and we are excited to welcome his family to our beautiful town as well.”

Rohrer began his firefighting career in 1995 as a volunteer firefighter with Graham Fire Department, located in Alamance County. Rohrer’s professional career started in Wake County when he joined Morrisville Fire and Rescue Department in 1999, serving as a firefighter and promoted through the ranks, becoming a Captain in 2008.

During his tenure, Rohrer designed and implemented the first firefighter agilitytraining program in the department and was a mentor to volunteers.

Rohrer holds an Applied Science degree in accounting from Alamance Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in fire science administration from Waldorf University and a Master of Arts degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in fire/rescue executive leadership, also from Waldorf University.

Meet Rohrer during a meet and greet scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the Franklin Fire Department.

news

evin Rohrer, a captain with Morrisville Fire and Rescue Department, has been hired as Franklin’s fulltime fire chief to replace former interim chief Warren Cabe.

Rohrer was selected for the position from a field of 26 applicants following a three-month search and interview process.

He will officially begin his duties on May 9.

The selection committee, comprised of Alderman Patti Abel, Town Manager Summer Woodard, Human Resources Officer Chad Simons and Franklin Fire and Rescue’s member at large Brian Leopard, brought in nine candidates for the first round of interviews. The selection committee narrowed the field down to two candidates, bringing both of them for a meet and greet session with volunteers and career staff at Franklin Fire and Rescue before making a final decision.

“We are pleased with what Mr. Kevin Rohrer has to offer the Town of Franklin and Franklin Fire and Rescue in particular,” Woodard said. “We believe his experience as a volunteer in Graham and as a Captain with Morrisville Fire and Rescue, along with his education, makes him well suited to lead

WAYNESVILLE

PARKS AND RECREATION 828.456.2030 or email tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov

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Smoky Mountain News

April 13-19, 2016

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Operational Hours Mon-Fri 6am - 5:30 pm Reservations are required — Call 24 hours in advance

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Community Almanac

Smoky Mountain News

• Relay for Life of Haywood County will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday April 23 on Main Street in Waynesville. Along with the survivor and caregiver walks, there will be a DJ, live entertainment, food and games.

Waynesville Police honored in Raliegh Officers from the Waynesville Police Department traveled to Raleigh on Friday, March 11, to receive the 2015 LawEnforcement Agency of the Year Award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

Recipients of this award have shown dedication and involvement in their community; innovative and creative program involvement; belief in MADD’s mission; and dedication to the ideals of law enforcement and criminal justice. Nominations are collected from across the state and award winners are determined by a nomination committee comprised of local/state law enforcement officers, attorneys and law enforcement liaisons.

Comfort items donated to kids in need Asheville-based nonprofit Sleep Tight Kids donated hundreds of comfort items for Jackson County children March 30.

Newly purchased blankets, stuffed animals, and toothbrush kits were delivered to the Jackson County Department of Social Services and AWAKE (Adults Working and Advocating for Kids’ Empowerment). Both agencies say the donations will go a long way to help children in need. The blankets will be given to the children who have onsite child medical evaluations as a way to keep them warm and help them feel more secure. The stuffed animals help to make a traumatic occurrence a bit less difficult. www.sleeptightkids.org or 828.674.5300.

WCU students promote ‘Black Lives Matter’ The Student Social Work Association hosted a protest April 4 in the heart of Western Carolina University to promote the Black Lives Matter movement.

Some students posted negative reactions to recent campus support for the Black Lives Matter movement on YikYak, a social media site that allows posts to be made with complete anonymity. The peaceful protest was an attempt at opening conversations between students about the racial rift on campus. The age range of protestors was 4 to 70 and included a diverse group of individuals within.

Nominations being taken for Heritage Calendar AT&T is accepting nominations of individuals to be honored in the 2017 edition of “The Heritage Calendar: Celebrating the NC African-American Experience.”

The project honors men and women of all races who have contributed significantly to the

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• The Swain County Democratic Party County Convention will be held at 10 a.m.

Saturday, April 16, at the Swain County Chamber of Commerce. Delegates will be selected to attend the District Convention scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at Haywood Community College in Waynesville.

Volunteer Lauren Shell collects ducks after the conclusion of last year’s Ducks on the Tuck event in Bryson City. Donated photo

Ducks on the Tuck scholarship fundraiser Southwestern Community College’s annual Ducks on the Tuck event will return to Jackson County on Saturday, April 23.

Now in its 16th year, the single-largest fundraiser for SCC’s New Century Scholars program is set to start at 2 p.m. during the Greening Up the Mountains festival in Sylva. It costs $5 to adopt a duck (or get a “Quack Pack” of six for $25), and the first duck to cross the finish line will win the grand prize — a 40-inch flat-screen television.

More than 30 other prizes will also be up for grabs. All money raised goes to supporting New Century Scholars, which provides last-dollar tuition assistance and extra support to SCC students in Jackson, Macon and Swain counties.

Email k_posey@southwesterncc.edu or call 828.339.4227 to adopt a duck. lives and experiences of African-Americans in the state. In addition to monthly honorees, the calendar highlights dates of significance in North Carolina and nationally.

To nominate an individual for consideration, visit www.ncheritagecalendar.com/nominate. Nominations for consideration for the 2017 edition must be received by April 15.

Western Carolina University is joining The Heritage Calendar project this year. A team of WCU students will interview the honorees and write profiles to be published in the printed edition of the 2017 calendar and on the project’s website.

HCC to hold nonprofit seminar series A free seminar series entitled, “The Three Pillars to Transforming YOUR Nonprofit,” will be hosted in April by the Small Business Center at Haywood Community College.

“Gearing Up for Strategic Planning,” will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14.

“Becoming a Change Agent in Your Organization” will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21.

“Developing a Culture of Philanthropy” will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 28.

Each session is held in Room 1510 on the HCC campus.

Visit sbc.haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512 for additional information or to register.

Clean Slate Coalition to host open house The Clean Slate Coalition will hold an open house from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 17, to celebrate the donation of the Eliza B. Gray House, recently given to Clean Slate by Jim Gray and family.

Supporters and the public will have a chance to observe the current state of the house renovations and to see ways the community can help Clean Slate.

A shuttle service will be available from Motion Makers parking lot and from the former City Hall building located beside the Sylva Pool.

828.586.3939 or cleanslatenc@gmail.com.

Macon foundation offers scholarships College scholarships are now available through the Macon County Community Foundation.

Scholarships are available for students meeting various eligibility requirements detailed and found on: www.nccommunityfoundation.org/scholarships. The deadline for submitting applications is posted on the NCCF website.

The Macon County Community Foundation is an affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation.

828.538.4299, slelievre@nccommunityfoundation.org or www.nccommunityfoundation.org.

• REACH of Macon County will hold its eighth annual American Girl Tea Party fundraiser from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Cowee Baptist Church in Franklin.

Hot teas and refreshments, American Girl doll raffle, door prizes, silent auction and other activities. $10 for children, $25 for adults and $150 for a table of eight.

828.369.5544 or 828.586.8969.

ALSO:

• Macon County’s Relay for Life Team will have a Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Macon Program for Progress in Franklin.

Adult trays are $7 and children $5. Visit MPP’s office at 350 Orchard View Drive, Franklin, to purchase tickets.

• Cerebral palsy survivor David Ring will be the guest speaker at 6 p.m. May 1 at Maggie Valley First Baptist Church. The event will feature a musical performance

by Mountain Joy. 828.926.0065.

• The Holly Springs Community Development Club in Macon County will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the community building at 2720 Cat Creek Road. Guest speaker will be Kim Shuler of Macon County Transit.

• A free financial aid workshop will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at the Waynesville Library at 678 S. Haywood St. Laura Misner of the College Foundation of North Carolina will talk about how to apply for financial aid and how to find available grants and scholarships. Registration is required.

828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• The Haywood Regional Medical Center Gift Shop is hosting a Mother’s Day Sale event from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, May 2. Proceeds from sales in the gift shop benefit scholarships for students in nursing or medical related fields of study at Haywood Community College.

• Cherokee will hold a tourism marketing presentation from 8:30 to 10 a.m. April 19 at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, 568 Paint Town road. Breakfast will be served. RSVP to the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce. 828.788.0034.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

Help build a community that fights child abuse A

years in abuse reports. KARE, Haywood County’s Child Advocacy Center, received more than 200 reports in the same time period. More than 98 percent of those Haywood County children knew their offender.

Numbers tell a story and are important to frame the expansiveness of child abuse.

However, when you listen to a child tell you they are being hurt by someone they know and probably love, or when an elementary school child explains about a Writer “secret game” they are made to play, the numbers become unimportant. Taking care of that child becomes paramount.

We are fortunate in WNC to have people and organizations dedicated to the physical and emotional healing of these children and the prosecution of those at fault. But how do we as a community start to make a change in lives of kids? Each person 18 years or older is

Julie Schroer

s April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, I want you to hang in there with me and to think about child abuse. Or do I? It is two sides of the same coin.

The reality is that it is not a topic that most people want to think about. And if you have thought about child abuse, it may be because at some point child abuse has affected you, your family or maybe your friends. If you haven’t thought about child abuse, it’s possible that you have not been faced with knowing that a child you love has been hurt.

So, given those options, I choose this: think about abuse now so that each day we as a community and nation just might see fewer kids and families forced to think about abuse.

From the national view, approximately 185,000 kids were physically or sexually abused in 2014. That is an enormous number of kids. The Child Advocacy Center of North Carolina reports 7,706 cases in 2014. It is easy to think that these kids are somewhere else, but Haywood County has been in the top five of North Carolina’s counties for the past 25

N.C. conservatives go off the deep end

BY MARTIN DYCKMAN G UEST COLUMNIST There are two major strains of conservatism in American politics, economic and social, and the former takes hideous advantage of the latter.

A case in point: North Carolina’s House Bill 2.

For the first time in the history of the world, a legislative body was called into emergency session to address the question of who may use public bathrooms.

The City of Charlotte, a beacon of humanity, had amended its laws to say that transgendered persons may use the facilities in which they feel comfortable.

This offended some people who don’t understand or don’t care to understand the agonies of people trapped in alien bodies.

And in Raleigh, the leaders of the General Assembly — a gang experienced in exploiting prejudices for political gain — promptly called the special session to forbid Charlotte, or any other city, from enacting a similar policy.

Transgendered people are now condemned to use the bathrooms corresponding to the sex on their birth certificates, which can be changed only after the considerable expense and travail of sex-change surgery.

But the General Assembly didn’t stop there. The legislation also forbids local governments from enacting minimum wage policies. It bars them from adopting any legal protection for gays and lesbians. And it also renders toothless the existing state law against workplace discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex or handicap by employers that regularly employ 15 or more employees. It does this by denying victims of such discrimination the right to sue

a mandated reporter in North Carolina. That means that if you have a reasonable suspicion that abuse or maltreatment is taking place, you are obligated to report it. It does not mean you have to know for sure. Also, it does not mean you have to investigate. Just report it.

I know the next question. “But what if it isn’t true?” And to that I say what if it is true?

What if the child will go home to the abuser tonight? Your report can absolutely change a child’s life. Leave the investigation to those that are trained to do so. Ending the abuse should be your goal.

Let’s get on the front side of it. Talking to each other and demanding of our society that abuse is not acceptable are key to ending child abuse. And an even better way is to model behavior that is acceptable for our children. Abuse is often generational; learned behaviors from our parents. While it is not guaranteed that a child of an abuser will become an abuser, it is more likely. And if you think kids don’t learn behaviors from their parents, next time you are in a restaurant just watch the 3-year-old at the table

in state courts.

So if you are fired because you are too old, or because the boss doesn’t like your race or religion, you can appeal only to an essentially impotent state agency or to the bureaucratic and tedious processes of the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

No member of the public was warned of this consequence. No one had an opportunity to oppose it during the less than 10 hours that was the entire span of its introduction, “debate,” and passage. Pat McCrory, the most ineffective governor in North Carolina’s recent history, signed it before public opinion could be brought to bear on him.

In the guise of addressing a social issue — which was a phony one to begin with — the legislature stripped vital economic protection from millions of North Carolinians.

Even as business interests as diverse as Wells Fargo and the NCAA have railed against the act, the state chamber of commerce was and remains conspicuously silent. Its silence appears to have been bought by the sneak attack on workers’ rights.

This is how the stooges of the right-wing business and anti-tax lobbies have beguiled voters all across the country. With one side of their mouths, they exploit prejudices. With the other they serve the selfish agendas of the 1 percent.

In the national arena, Ted Cruz poses as the savior of social and religious conservatives. He’s also the author of a tax scheme that would cripple them — and all middle-and low-income people — in order to grant billions of dollars in tax cuts to the very rich.

It is said that you can’t fool all of the people all of the time. That remains to be seen.

(Martin A. Dyckman lives in Western North Carolina and is a frequent contributor to The Smoky Mountain News. He can be reached at dyckmanm@bellsouth.net.)

next to you taking selfies with a cell phone.

Talk to your kids and the kids you know.

Teach them what an unsafe touch is. Finding the language to speak to kids about unsafe touches doesn’t have to be scary or difficult.

Any touch that hurts, makes you uncomfortable or gives you a “funny tummy” feeling is unsafe. Teach kids that their private areas are “between your knees and your nose where your bathing suit goes.” Teach kids that if they are being hurt or touched unsafely to follow these three rules: “Say No, Get Away and Tell a Trusted Adult.” Teach them again and again, even when they roll their eyes. Make it a conversation they can bring to you if they need.

In any room of people it is likely there are survivors of child abuse. And it is possible that there are offenders as well. So I ask you to think about child abuse and help build a community that prevents abuse when it can and a community that responds, with every resource available, to abuse when it must.

Julie Schroer is the executive director of KARE (Kids Advocacy Resource Network). (jschroer@karehouse.org)

Who would want to lead Waynesville?

To the Editor: I read your article on the hiring of a new town manager with some amusement and dismay. Amused at the idea of any professional wanting the job after the town’s lack of support for the previous manager and dismayed at the thought of time and cost of recruiting.

If you are going to let the employees run the show, then why bother with a manager? You cannot have your cake and eat it. Do we want ETTERS to move ahead in Waynesville or do want to appease the “we’ve always done it this way” employees?

I would have thought it easier to replace the monkeys than the organ grinder. I hate to think of the money wasted ... again!

Leon Vinson Waynesville

L

Manage forests for wildlife, too To the Editor: With recent news stories of elk doing damage to farms and the surprising number of bear living in Asheville, why, with millions of acres of national forest land, is wildlife not living in the woods? Over the past 20 to 30 years, wildlife has largely been forgotten in favor of tourism and environmental interests. Almost all timber harvests and controlled burns have been eliminated. Yes, the views are beautiful, but otherwise a wasteland for many species of wildlife.

Ideally, our forest would be managed to have everything from early successional habitat to old growth with maintained food plots scattered throughout the forest and at all elevations. If this was how our forests were managed, it would benefit everything — monarch butterflies, songbirds and all kinds of other wildlife.

Some environmental groups are now pushing for more and more of our forests to be placed in wilderness or national recreational areas where no land management for wildlife is allowed. Having lived beside the Shining Rock Wilderness all my life, I remember what it was like

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Stuttering, understanding race and Merle Haggard

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To the Editor: I would like to request of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission that you stop referring to the hunting of bears as a “harvest” and call it what it is, the slaughter of these magnificent creatures.

David L. Snell Franklin

BY STEPHANIE WAMPLER G UEST COLUMN As a North Carolina woman who may or may not have a vagina (noyb), I have several concerns about our new law requiring transgender individuals to use bathrooms different than those of their gender identity.

First, I am concerned about basic respect and human dignity. Urination (such a formal word — how about peeing?) seems a somewhat private act, and any legislator or governor dictating where I can pee seems problematic.

Seriously? I am a decent, tax-paying person who has not yet spent time in jail. I don’t think it’s appropriate for our legislators and governor to tell me where I can relieve myself. The fact that they would want to get involved in that decision is more than a little creepy. Are they really that interested?

My next point of concern is about North Carolina itself. As a native Mississippian, I felt somewhat progressive when I moved here 20 years ago. It seemed a state that grown-ups lived in. But then I learned about this state’s role in the Civil Rights movement (didn’t hear much in Mississippi about the Civil Rights Movement, surprise, surprise). I learned about the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins that didn’t end until Greensboro businessmen finally called enough.

Seriously, N.C.? It took the business community to do the right thing and call for an end to discrimination? OK, so it did. But that

was in the past. More than 50 years ago. Surely N.C. has grown up since then. Surely our moral compass is more finely tuned now … or not. Maybe not.

I was just reading an article about this fiasco of a law in the British newspaper The Guardian. It was very gratifying. North Carolina has made international headlines for leading the way in hate. What a great way to lure in tourists: come to us, all who are white and have brought your birth certificates, and our state government will (maybe) allow you to eat lunch and pee (in gender-appropriate toilets, that is).

But what about those of us who live and vacation in the mountains — a lot of outdoor urination goes on here. I wonder how this law applies to trees. Are there birth-certificate female-only trees around here? Because apparently those are the only trees that are safe for me to pee behind. I might be assaulted behind other trees.

The mention of birth certificates brings up my final concern. Paperwork. Do I really have to have paperwork in order to pee? Do I really have to find my birth certificate in order to go to the bathroom? What if it’s an emergency?

What if I don’t have time to go to the safe deposit box to retrieve my birth certificate?

If it’s even in my safe deposit box, because actually I have no idea where it is. Will I have to send off to Mississippi to get a new copy of my birth certificate just to go to the bathroom? I don’t know if I can hold it that long … I drink a lot of water.

Can I use a copy of my birth certificate or will I need the original? Will a notary public

need to be involved in my figuring out where I can pee?

And, how will they know that the person described on the birth certificate is even me? Will I have to bring my governmentissued picture ID? (Thank goodness they’ve made me get one in order to vote.)

But my name on my picture ID is different than my name on my birth certificate. Will I need also to bring the paperwork I filed to change my name when I married? I think that that will be the case. Otherwise how will they know that person listed on the birth certificate is the same as the person on the ID? A paperwork trail is the only possible proof.

And even if all that gets resolved, what if I am one of the people born with the genitalia of both genders and I don’t remember and can’t find my birth certificate and when I do find it, it has both listed? Where should I pee? What should I do? What would McCrory do?

OMG. I don’t want to end up in jail. Diapers are looking better and better.

Apple, your handy-dandy flashlight saves me all the time when it’s dark and I can’t find my way to the bathroom. N.C. has gone dark again, civil rights-wise, and I’m hoping that you can help us N.C. women find our collective way to the bathroom. Help us, Obi-Wan Apple. You’re our only hope. (You and Dow Chemical and PayPal and American Airlines and Facebook and Starbucks and Lowes and Pepsi and Hewlett Packard and Bank of America and Wells Fargo and IBM and Microsoft and Duke University and on and on. Long live American businesses!)

(Stephanie Wampler lives in Haywood County. stephaniewampler@aol.com) 27

Smoky Mountain News

Call the hunting of bears what it is

My adopted state is an embarrassment

during the trip were playing hide and seek in the hotel room and pretending like he was the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos. I’m enjoying these last couple of years before I have two little ones asking deep, complicated questions.

On the way home, we heard that Merle Haggard had passed away. The voices of Merle Haggard, George Jones, Johnny Cash, Hank, Willie, Waylon and the boys were all a huge part of my childhood. My dad still listens to their records when driving and tinkering in the garage, so it really did break my heart to hear another one of the gang had died. This announcement on the radio spawned a brief conversation about country music and Nashville.

I’m not sure how I started out talking about stuttering and concluded with a tribute to Merle Haggard. I guess that’s just part of being a writer, the freedom to let my mind take me where it must.

The truth is both stuttering and Merle Haggard shaped my personality. And I know the experiences we provide our boys will shape their minds and hearts for years to come. Seemingly simple, logical conversations are laying a foundation for more complicated conversations in the future. My goal as a mom is to help my children navigate and understand their world in a way that hopefully fosters understanding, compassion and tolerance.

Because if there was ever a time those traits are needed, it is now.

(Susanna Barbee lives in Haywood County and can be reached at susanna.barbee@gmail.com.)

April 13-19, 2016

before it was placed into wilderness compared to what it is now — trails that have eroded waistdeep and parking lots that look like Wal-Mart on Black Friday.

Do we really need more of that?

If we want to have large animals like elk and bear, we must change the way the forests are being managed now or these animals will become even more of a nuisance in the future due to lack of food sources in our national forests. We must educate the public that harvesting timber, using controlled burns, and planting food plots helps all wildlife. After all, I like wildlife in my views.

Mark B. Rogers Canton

visited Boston and California. Every time this occurs when I’m away from home, it brings to light regional differences.

A variance in accents wasn’t the only discrepancy brought to light during our most recent trip to the capital city.

We’ve been traveling to D.C. since our 7-year-old was a baby, and for the first time he noticed the many colorful faces of our nation’s capital. With fervid Columnist curiosity, he asked a multitude of “why” questions about hair color, skin color, languages, women’s head scarves, etc.

When he asked about skin color, I said something like, “The reason for different skin colors is based on how close their ancestors lived to the equator. Darker skin can handle more heat and ultraviolet rays.

That’s why a lot of Hispanic students in your class have dark skin and dark hair. And that’s why we have lighter skin and hair.

Our ancestors are from England, Germany and France.”

He responded with, “Hmmmm.”

Susanna Barbee

hen I was a little girl, I had a stuttering problem. The memories of struggling with words that started with “S” or “N” are vivid in my mind. Sometimes I would try to come up with ways to completely avoid saying anything that started with those letters.

When my mom asked the doctor for advice, he told her that a young child often thinks of a word faster than the mouth can articulate it. He said the brain usually figures out a way to compensate and things would straighten out eventually. By first grade, the stuttering had decreased significantly, and while it would flare up occasionally throughout childhood and adolescence, it had basically subsided.

And the doc was right; I found a way to compensate. I became a really fast talker.

People in the South often tell me I don’t have a Southern accent. A sugary sweet drawl has never been part of my persona, so to a fellow Southerner, it seems like I don’t speak as a typical North Carolinian should.

In actuality, I just talk so quickly that the long, lazy vowel sounds are cut off before an accent is detected.

Last week we were in D.C. visiting my sister, and a couple of people asked if I was from the South. This also happened when I

I continued. “Most of the time, skin color is the only difference. We all have the same color of blood, the same-sized brain and the same number of organs and bones. So really, skin color is just a side-effect of living close to or far from the sun.”

So that was that. I decided it wasn’t the time to get into a complicated sociological conversation about centuries of racial strife, misunderstandings, conflict, ignorance, stereotypes, unfair legislation and biases.

Our oldest child is very logical by nature, so I decided to start with the logical answer.

Traveling with the boys exposes them to the world at large. Our small town is rather homogenous and consequently, there isn’t much variety in the way of race and ethnicity.

Traveling also stretches their comfort level. In D.C., it’s not so easy to hop in a car and quickly arrive at one’s destination. Big cities are masters at public transit. We always use the Metro when we visit my sister, which shows the boys a different, more environmentally-friendly way to travel.

We also talked about the cost to live in a large, populated Northeast city compared to a small Southern town. Our oldest boy is pretty good about understanding money and when we got our bill one night at a Hibachi restaurant, his eyes bugged. We ordered the same thing as we do at Ichiban in Asheville, but the bill was double. This started a conversation about cost of living, downsizing, etc.

And not to neglect mentioning our 4year-old in this column, but his concerns

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MEDITERRANEAN

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

ITALIAN CUISINE

Join Us on Our Dog Friendly Outdoor Patio 1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98

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

LUNCH & DINNER TUES. - SUN.

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

Smoky Mountain News

April 13-19, 2016

www.CityLightsCafe.com

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www.pasqualesnc.com

5-YEAR ANNIVESARY CELEBRATION Saturday 6-9 pm • Door Prizes• • Specials • Live music by Oliver Padget

tasteTHEmountains

APPLE CREEK CAFE 111 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.456.9888. Tuesday through Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to midnight. Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. We are excited to be on Main St. serving lunch and dinner with a full bar. Our menu includes items such as blackberry salmon, fettuccine alfredo, hand-cut steaks, great burgers, sandwiches, salads and more.

Join us for live music every Friday and Saturday nights. Friday 6 to 9 p.m. live piano music. Saturday 6 to 9 p.m. live jazz music. No cover charge.

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

BOGART’S 303 S. Main St., Waynesville. 828.452.1313.

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic old-time setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band

music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal festival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

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

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 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.

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

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

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30

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APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

LIVE MUSIC TUESDAY NIGHTS! 7-9 P.M. Upcoming Bands: April 19th - Wyze Guys April 26th - Tonology SAGEBRUSH OF CANTON 1941 Champion Dr. Canton

828-646-3750 Sun-Thur 11 AM - 10 PM Fri-Sat 11 AM - 11 PM

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828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com

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

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

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

GANKO EXPRESS 1896 S. Main St., Waynesville 828.246.9099 Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Serving a variety of Hibachi, Chinese, Thai and Sushi dishes.

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

Winter hours: Thursday through Dunday 12 to 4 p.m. for lunch and 4 p.m. to closing for dinner. Daily luncheon special at $6.99.

World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours: FridayMonday 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966.

Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites.

Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

JUKEBOX JUNCTION U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

THE LUNCHBOX CAFE 100 Spicewood Dr., Clyde, 828.246.6296 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Serving up scrumptious breakfast, lunch and dinner all made with care in a welcoming environment. Subs, salads, sandwiches and more.

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.

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,

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

ROB’S HOT DOG SHACK 42 Montgomery St., Waynesville 828.707.7033. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rob’s serves gourmet hot dogs and has homemade side items. Outdoor and indoor dining, café style restaurant. Locally owned and operated.

Family oriented business.

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive. Canton 828-6463750 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. Local acoustic music on Tuesday nights.

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 .

Pick Up & Go Lunches 11:30-1:30

Call ahead or walk in MON.-SAT. 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

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

Call for delivery info

144 Industrial Park Dr. Ste. D 1 Waynesville

(828) 246-9815

Mad Batter Food & Film Presents: BREAKFAST & DINNER DAILY SUNDAY LUNCH BUCHANAN BOYS

COLBY DIETZ BAND

LIVE@MAD BATTER 16th $

April DOORS @ 8:30

by reservation

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BOTH BANDS!

828.586.3555

Beautiful Downtown Sylva

7.

456.9498 • www.balsaminn.net

#

TWIN MAPLES FARMHOUSE 63 North Hill Street, Waynesville.

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

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

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

Join us at the

Smoky Mountain News

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.

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.

April 13-19, 2016

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

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch.

Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

dine indoors, outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations appreciated.

2nd Annual Cheese Fest April 24, 2016 Highland Brewery, Asheville, NC Get tickets at MountainCheeseFest.com

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Smoky Mountain News

Greening Up The Mountains welcomes spring

rawing thousands of visitors each year, the 19th annual Greening Up The Mountains Spring Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in downtown Sylva.

The daylong event is a celebration of renewal, of revitalization, and a time of reconnecting with friends, relatives and neighbors. Browse the more than 190 vendors, representing arts, crafts, demonstrators, culinary delights, local schools, business, community, environmental, health, safety, children’s activities, and more.

More than 60 arts and crafts booths and displays will be on Railroad Avenue as well, plus a full Farmer’s Market. Families can visit the “Kid’s Zone” where children can enjoy an inflatable slide, a candle-making workshop, balloons, arts and crafts workshop, a mini covered wagon drawn by two donkeys, and much more. Law Enforcement of Jackson County will be out to meet the public, the “DARE” car will be on display, with more in the “Safety Zone.”

Two music stages will host live, local music all day. The schedule is as follows:

crafters will be demonstrating and selling their traditional arts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

D

DUCKS ON THE TUCK

Featuring an array of craft and food vendors, live music and more, the 19th annual Greening Up The Mountains festivals returns to downtown Sylva on April 23.

ROAD RACE

BRIDGE PARK STAGE • 10-10:45 a.m. — Sugar Barnes & Dave Magill (folk/blues) • 11-11:45 a.m. — Red Honey (Americana) • 12-12:45 p.m. — PMA (reggae/funk) • 1-1:45 p.m. — Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats (rock/blues) • 2-2:45 p.m. — Buchanan Boys (country/rock) • 3-3:45 p.m. — Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) SIGNATURE BREW STAGE: • 9:30-11 a.m. — Mountain Youth Talent Contest • 11-11:45 a.m. — Marshall Ballew (Americana/folk) • 12-12:45 p.m. — Henry River Honey (Americana) • 1-1:45 p.m. — The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/bluegrass) • 2-2:45 p.m. — Kim Shuler (Americana) • 3-3:45 p.m. — Dirty Soul Revival (rock/blues)

Before the festival officially begins at 10 a.m., there is a 5K Run and Walk starting at 9 a.m., at Mark Watson Park, this Jackson County Parks & Recreation event has a $15 pre-registration fee through April 16. Register online at www.imathlete.com or stop by the Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Race day registration begins at 8 a.m., and the cost will be $20.

Get in the tub

be performing on the Bridge Park Stage during the Greening Up The Mountains festival at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in downtown Sylva.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER ne of the true beauties of living in the mountains of Western North Carolina is the sheer fact that you can’t throw a rock in any direction without hitting someone who is a picker and a grinner.

And as a handful of local musicians came together last year for summer barbecues, front porch gatherings and any means of melodic escape from quiet winter days, so came to be the formation of Ol’ Dirty Bathtub.

A mix of bluegrass aficionados, string maestros and old-school rock-n-rollers from Haywood and Jackson counties, the band will

O

YOUTH TALENT SHOWCASE To showcase the musical and vocal talents of our children, 4-H in association with Catch the Spirit of Appalachia will again produce the Mountain Youth Talent Contest during the festival on the Signature Brew Stage. Contest time is 9:30 a.m. To enter, complete an online entry form

by April 15 at the Jackson County 4-H blog: jackson4-h.blogspot.com. For more information contact Kerri Rayburn, 4-H Administrative Assistant, 828.586.4009 or kerri_rayburn@ncsu.edu or

Garret K. Woodward: How you would describe the Bathtub?

Brad Boulet (banjoist): I don’t guess we aim for much other than a good time. People seem to want to call us bluegrass because we play traditional string instruments, but, out of respect for bluegrass players, we don’t claim that. I guess we’re kind of known for taking tunes we like — which might be 90s pop or classic country tunes — and playing them our way on stringed instruments. We play a good number of originals, too.

GKW: When you’re playing live, and

Heather Gordon, Jackson County 4-H at 828.586.4009 or heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.

CRAWFISH BOIL For the second year, this festival will also feature a crawfish boil, giving a nod to a favorite coastal tradition, on Back Street directly across from Eric’s Fresh Fish Market.

The price will be determined depending on the cost of crawfish, but there will be plenty. Eric Hendrix (Fresh Fish Market) and Chef Devin McCardle (Lulu’s Restaurant) will also be working with nearby Heinzelmannchen Brewery to provide beverages for the event.

Southwestern Community College’s annual Ducks on the Tuck event will return to Jackson County for the festival.

Now in its 16th year, the single-largest fundraiser for SCC’s New Century Scholars program is set to start at 2 p.m. It costs $5 to adopt a duck (or get a “Quack Pack” of six for $25), and the first duck to cross the finish line will win the grand prize — a 40-inch flat-screen television donated by Custom Sound and Security of Franklin. More than 30 other prizes will also be up for grabs.

All money raised goes to supporting New Century Scholars, which provides last-dollar tuition assistance and extra support such as dedicated advising to help deserving, high-potential students in Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties attend Southwestern Community College.

Ducks can be adopted for $5 apiece at Southwestern Community College from Kathy Posey (k_posey@southwesterncc.edu or 828.339.4227) or from any New Century Scholar. Program coordinators at high schools in each county are also selling tickets.

AFTER PARTY

There will be an after party at 5 p.m. at Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro. Featuring seasonal craft beers and giveaways, there will also be live music from Mactown Gap, Ol’ Dirty Bathtub, Darren & The Buttered Toast and Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats.

TRADITIONAL HERITAGE WALK

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Taking a step back in time to appreciate the heritage of craftsmanship of the mountains.

Catch the Spirit of Appalachia Inc., is brining back its Traditional Heritage Walk to the Sylva Herald parking lot during the festival. All of the

A shuttle service for the festival will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jackson County Justice Center in Sylva. The ride is $1 per boarding, including children. www.greeningupthemountains.com.

GKW: As the Bathtub has gone along, where are y’all aiming to go with this project?

BB: We have specifically discussed not having real goals other than playing and having a good time. We may write some more originals and we may set aside a few nights to learn the entire Beastie Boys catalog.

everything is clicking along perfectly, what are you feeling, thinking?

BB: There are those nights when you’re 15 seconds into the first tune and you can tell it’s going be a good night. All of them are good because we get to play music together, but those nights you just try to let go and enjoy the ride.

GKW: And how does one “get in the tub” as a listener?

BB: It’s definitely not a situation where you want to execute a beautiful swan dive. The tub is more of a cannonball deal. Just climb on in the tub. We’re having a blast and will be glad to have yah. www.facebook.com/olddirtybathtub.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

K

seems to stray awkwardly from the rest of the days of the week. I sit in the baby-poop-green recliner, staring blankly onto Russ Avenue, questioning just where everyone is going, and why they’re in such a hurry? Going faster doesn’t mean you can outrun time. It only means it’ll take that much more brake power to slow down and maybe, just maybe, smell those roses you keep hearing about.

I’ll put on my boots and jump into the rusty pickup truck, throwing it into drive and coasting around Western North Carolina.

Slide onto a back road, crank up the tunes and ponder in amazement of just where all that time went. Faces appear on the dashboard, many of which not seen in years. I’m tempted to reach for my cell-phone and call’em up, saying, “Well, hey darling, remember me?” But I decide against it, for the last time I was directed right to voicemail.

Sunday afternoons are a lot quieter these days, due in part to my own silence that occurs when clarity is found at the bottom of a cup of coffee at the start of another week in this universe all too big for my comprehension. On the outside, this appears to be a rambling, a manic chatter of sputtering thoughts, words and sentiments. But, upon closer inspection, it’s the sincere notion stemming from someone with an unquenchable thirst for just what lies outside their door.

Open the paint-peeling door and look around. I’ve yet to actually find what I’m searching for, let alone know exactly just what “it” is. But I do know, however, that’ll when I do come across it I’ll know.

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

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

and yet still can’t seem to comprehend what was just said. I’d rather sit, and think, maybe do some writing, some contemplation of my own state of affairs rather than dive down into that of others.

Thirty-one. When I was 18, the thought of being 31 seemed so far away, like the other side of a vast canyon that I had years to find the correct path to the other side. Down into it and back up the hard way, or take the long way around in an effort to be safe than sorry. Throw John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme” into the headphones and let my fingers do the talking, gliding across the keyboard like a rolling wave emerging from the unknown ocean, ready to crash onto the shores of reason.

Sunday used to mean sitting in church with my family, my legs dangling and dancing over the edge of the old wooden pew out of sheer boredom and anxiousness to be outside playing with my friends. It meant a red alert to finish my homework or else I wouldn’t graduate, wondering just when in the hell would I ever use algebra in my soon-to-be adult life? It meant sitting in my childhood bedroom and listening to the radio, staring out the window onto the empty, endless cornfields surrounding my house in rural Upstate New York. It meant driving my old Plymouth Acclaim an hour down the road to visit my high school sweetheart, to perhaps steal a smooch that would surely hold me over during our time apart.

Nowadays, if I’m not regretting my bar tab from Saturday night, then Sunday becomes more of a day of mischief, one that

Garret K. Woodward photo

JOIN US FOR ARTS EVENTS AT WCU APR. 14-16 AT 7:30 & APR 17 AT 3PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | $

Musical: Gypsy APR 16 | SAT 5PM-7:30PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER LOBBY| FREE

Fundraiser: Friends of the Arts Benefit and Silent Auction APR. 21 | THUR 7:30 | COULTER RECITAL HALL | FREE

Concert: Gamelan, Low Tech Ensemble APR 29 | FRI 7PM| BARDO ARTS CENTER | $

Film Festival: Controlled Chaos Film Festival SAVE THE DATE: MAY 1 AT 3PM | BARDO ARTS CENTER | $

MIKE SUPER- MAGIC & ILLUSION

Smoky Mountain News

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

April 13-19, 2016

That space between freedom and responsibility.

Sunday afternoons. While some of us nurse throbbing headaches from the shenanigans Legendary country/folk singer Emmylou Harris of the prior evening’s libations, will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April others are headlong into the 23, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the backwoods of Mother Nature, Performing Arts in Franklin. trying to escape just a little bit Bosu’s Wine Shop and Feline Urgent Rescue further away from the trials and (FUR) present the “If I have not but nine lives, tribulations of tomorrow. let me fill them with wine” fundraising event For me, it is a safe haven of from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the shop in time where the idea of “time” Waynesville. falls into some kind of daze, a flexible state of mind that makes The production of acclaimed southern comedy the seconds on a clock tick away “The Red Velvet Cake War” will be held at 7:30 a tad slower. I wake up and p.m. April 14-16 and at 2 p.m. April 17 at the remember where I am, usually in Haywood Regional Arts Theatre in Waynesville. my quiet, unassuming apartThe “Beer, Bluegrass, BBQ Spring Celebration” ment. Staring up at the everwill kickoff at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at evolving water stain on the ceilOutdoor 76 in Franklin. ing tile above my bed, I try to focus my vision on the dark The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host blotch. Perhaps I can see some Soldier’s Heart (folk/rock) at 8 p.m. April 16. kind of figure or symbol within it, maybe even the face of Jesus, which can command a pretty Russ Avenue in downtown Waynesville. penny for public viewing, or at least some Turning to my bookcase, I peruse the attention from the local media. shelves of novels. Bukowski. Kerouac.

No Jesus today. Rats. Hopping out of bed, Thompson. McInerney. McMurtry. I’ve read I pull up the dusty blinds and welcome the world into my window. Plopping down on the them all, but the timeless words can feel fresh again after a few years of neglect from squeaky baby-poop-green recliner, I hoist my their owner. I feel like reading, but I can’t feet up onto the windowsill and gaze out the window. Cars filled with people up already for seem to focus on the sentences, as I reread each paragraph for the second or third time hours zoom by, filling the fast-paced lanes of

VISIT THE FINE ART MUSEUM FOR ONGOING EXHIBITS | FINEARTMUSEUM.WCU.EDU

EVENTS ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE COLLEGE OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AT WCU. JOIN FRIENDS OF THE ARTS TODAY!

828.227.7028 | ARTSCALENDAR.WCU.EDU

31

Smoky Mountain News

April 13-19, 2016

arts & entertainment

On the beat

32

WCU jazz festival returns

Low Tech Ensemble gamelan concert

Western Carolina University’s 14th annual jazz festival will feature an afternoon and evening of music, special guests and celebration from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in the recital hall of the Coulter Building.

Special guests for WCU Jazz Festival 2016 are two renowned jazz musicians, alto saxophonist Jim Snidero and pianist Dan Haerle, performing individually and together, and with faculty and students.

Haerle is a regents professor emeritus of jazz studies at the University of North Texas, where he taught 35 years. He has performed with jazz legends Pat Metheny, Clark Terry and Freddie Hubbard, among others, and recorded numerous albums.

He currently serves as the artistic director of the Dallas Jazz Piano Society.

Snidero is an adjunct music instructor at New School University and formerly was a visiting professor at both Indiana Acclaimed alto saxophonist Jim Snidero will be one of and Princeton universities. He the performers during the jazz festival April 23 at has recorded numerous albums and his “Blue Afternoon” is Western Carolina University. Donated photo included in “The History of Jazz in 1001 of the Best Recordings.” A onetime WCU Jazz Ensemble saxophone students.

• 3:15 p.m. WCU Jazz Ensemble with member of the famed One O’clock Band, he also was a sideman with the Mingus Big Snidero dress rehearsal and sound check.

• 4:30 p.m. Featured artists sound Band and Frank Sinatra. Snidero is an check and duet rehearsals. active clinician for the Conn-Selmer • 7:30 p.m. Snidero with the WCU Jazz Company.

Pavel Wlosok, WCU associate professor Ensemble, then with WCU Jazz Combo.

• 8:30 p.m. Snidero and Haerle duet, of jazz and organizer of the campus festifollowed by Wlosok and Snidero duet. If val, calls the event a celebration of a “true American art form.” Wlosok, a Czech-born time allows, a Haerle and Wlosok duet.

• 9:45 p.m. Reception with guest pianist, composer, arranger and educator, artists, with location to be announced. also will perform during the evening.

All classes, rehearsals and performancThe tentative festival itinerary: es will be open to the public free of charge.

• 1 p.m. Haerle jazz masterclass on For more information, contact Wlosok at improvisation, harmony and jazz theory.

828.227.3261 or pwlosok@wcu.edu.

• 2 p.m. Snidero masterclass with

The Western Carolina University Low Tech Ensemble will perform a concert of gamelan music at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, in the recital hall of the Coulter Building on the WCU campus.

Although some form of gamelan music can be heard in many regions of Indonesia, selections for this concert will be traditional music in the style of Central Java. Most of the instruments are made of iron and are metallophones (sarons, slenthem, gender), racked gongs (bonangs and kenongs) or hanging gongs (gong ageng, kempuls). Javanese gamelan music is an integral part of the arts of Java and it is used to accompany theater, dance and puppet performances. www.wcu.edu.

Franklin welcomes Emmylou Harris Legendary country/folk singer Emmylou Harris will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

As North Carolina native, Harris has spent several decades recording hit music blending pop, folk, gospel, and blues with a strong dose of pure, traditional country. She is blessed with a smooth, distinctive voice and an edgy, creative spirit that has had a profound impact on contemporary music.

Harris released her first major label solo album in 1975 under the direction of producer Brian Ahern. Together, they produced Harris’ next ten albums and enjoyed the growth of a very successful country star. Over the next several decades, Harris made a great career for herself. She has won a total of 13 Grammy awards. Her first Grammy was in 1976 for Best Country Vocal Performance by a Female and her latest was in 2014 for Best Americana Album.

She has also won multiple Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, and Americana Music Association awards as well.

She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1991, and in 2008 she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Some of her hits include, “I Still Miss Someone,” “Tennessee Rose,” and “Together Again.”

Tickets start at $42 and can be purchased by clicking on www.greatmountainmusic.com or calling 866.273.4615.

Rowan returns to Cataloochee

Bluegrass legend Peter Rowan will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley.

Ac c l a i m e d for his work with bluegrass godfather Bill M o n r o e , Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia and other musical icons like David Grisman and V a s s a r Clements, Peter Rowan Rowan is a renowned, Grammy award-winning performer, who is considered one of the torchbearers of bluegrass and folk music.

Tickets are $65 per person, which includes a dinner buffet before the show a 6 p.m. www.cataloocheeranch.com or 828.926.1401.

The best prices everyday!

ON DELLWOOD ROAD (HWY. 19) AT 20 SWANGER LANE WAYNESVILLE/MAGGIE VALLEY 10-5 M-SAT. 12-4 SUN. 828.926.8778 tupelosonline.com

On the beat PORCH 40 AT SOUL INFUSION

• Sagebrush Steakhouse (Canton) will host Wyze Guys April 19 and Tonology (acoustic/rock) April 26. All shows begin at 7 p.m. 828.646.3750.

• Andrews Brewing Company will host Kevin Fuller (Americana/folk) April 15, Jubal April 16, Heidi Holton (blues/folk) April 22 and The Liz Nance Trio (Americana/folk) April 23. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Apple Creek Café (Waynesville) will host an evening of jazz on Saturdays.

• BearWaters Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host The Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/bluegrass) at 6 p.m. April 14. www.bwbrewing.com or 828.246.0602.

• The City Lights Café (Sylva) fifth anniversary party with Oliver Padget (singer-songwriter) will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. April 16. New menu items, selfie contest, freebies, door prizes, and more. Five dishes for $5. The Freestylers will also be performing at 6 p.m.

April 23. 828.587.2233. www.citylightscafe.com.

• Evolution Wine Kitchen (Sylva) will host Ol’ Dirty Bathtub (Americana/bluegrass) during their anniversary celebration from 5 p.m. to midnight. April 20. Beer and food specials.

828.631.9856.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Ben Morgan & Jesse Stephens 6 p.m. April 15, Heidi Holton (blues/folk) 8 p.m. April 16 and Ben Wilson 8 p.m. April 22. All shows are free. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Heinzelmannchen Brewing (Sylva) will host Henry Wong (singer-songwriter) during their

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host The Big Deal Band (bluegrass/Americana) April 16 and The Get Right Band (rock/funk) April 23. All shows begin at 8 p.m. in the taproom. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com or 828.349.2337.

ALSO:

• Mad Batter Food & Film will host The Buchanan Boys (country/rock) album release party and performance at 8:30 p.m. April 16. $10 per person. www.madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (Sylva) will host a jazz evening with the Tyler Kittle & Michael Colling Duo (with special guests) every other Tuesday, with the next installment at 7 p.m. April 26. www.soulinfusion.com or 828.586.1717.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host Soldier’s Heart (folk/rock) at 8 p.m. April 16.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Dirty Soul Revival (blues/rock) April 15, Ashli Rose (singer-songwriter) April 16 and Humps & The Blackouts (psychobilly) April 23. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host the H.A. Hoffman Senior Recital April 17, Phi Mu Alpha Recital April 18, Faculty Composition Recital with Damon Sink April 19, Brass Ensemble Recital April 20 and clarinetist Cesar Sanchez at 2:30 p.m. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) in the Coulter Building. There will also be an “Electric Soul” concert with the CAT singers at 7:30 p.m. April 22 in the Bardo Arts Center. www.wcu.edu.

PETER ROWAN

, Tuesday, April 26 .

• Nantahala Brewing Company (Bryson City) will host The Paper Crowns (Americana) April 15, Fritz Beer & The Crooked Beat (rock/folk) April 16 and The Dirty Soul Revival (rock/blues) April 23. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Russ T. Nutz & The Punknecks (Americana/punk) April 15, Profits of Time (jam/funk) April 16, Humps & The Blackouts (psychobilly) April 22 and PMA (reggae/funk) April 23. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. www.nonamesportspub.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. April 16. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen.

• The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host John Phillip Brooks (singer-songwriter) April 15, Herb & Hanson (Americana) April 16, DJ Justin Moe April 22 and Brother Bluebird April 23. All shows are

On Tuesday night, April 26, Grammy winner Peter Rowan will return to Cataloochee Ranch for a rare solo performance.

This will be the legendary singer-songwriter’s sixth appearance at the Ranch, and the performance is expected to be a sellout.

So come join us for a memorable evening of music, food and fun, with dinner at 6 pm and music beginning at 7:30. Tickets for dinner and the show are $65, and reservations are required.

To reserve your space for this not-to-be-missed event, just call the Ranch at 828-926-1401.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Kevin Lorenz April 15, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) April 16, Tina & Her Pony (Americana) April 22 and Sheila Gordon (folk/rock) April 23. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night April 13 and 20, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo April 14 and 21. All events begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.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.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Grandpa’s Cough Medicine (outlaw/bluegrass) April 16 and High 5 (rock/R&B) April 23. All shows are at 9:30 p.m. There is also a weekly Appalachian music night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays with Nitrograss.

April 13-19, 2016

• The Canton Public Library will host Richard Hurley (bluegrass/Americana) at 3 p.m. April 17. Free. www.haywoodarts.org.

12th anniversary party from 6 to 8 p.m. April 21. The celebration will run from noon to 9 p.m. with craft beer specials, prizes, and more. www.yourgnometownbrewery.com.

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Mile High (rock) at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Andrew Rickman (rock/acoustic) will also perform on Saturdays. All events begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

• Tipping Point Brewing (Waynesville) will host Ashli Rose (singer-songwriter) April 15 and Kevin Fuller (Americana/folk) April 22. Both shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. www.tippingpointtavern.com.

Photo by Bill Harbin

Popular funk/rock act Porch 40 will headline the annual ‘420 Fest’ starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro in Sylva. Other performers include Log Noggins and Georgie Tumagne. www.soulinfusion.com or 828.586.1717.

Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day-of-show. www.38main.com or www.soldiersheart.com.

arts & entertainment

free and begin at 8 p.m. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

Cataloochee Ranch 119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 • www.CataloocheeRanch.com

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arts & entertainment

On the street Taste of Chocolate returns to Maggie The 17th annual Taste of Chocolate Plus will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Maggie Valley Country Club.

This year’s categories are Amateur, Bed and Breakfast, Professional and Bakers Choice. The Taste of Chocolate Plus is a fundraiser for the Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center with all proceeds going to connect volunteers in the community and assist seniors with the NC SHIIP program.

Sponsored by First Citizen Bank.

Tickets now on sale at the Senior Resource Center, Quilter’s Quarters, Blue Ridge Books, Chocolate Bear and Maggie Valley Club or call John at 828.356.2833.

Dog show at Haywood fairgrounds The Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association annual show will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 23-24 at the Haywood County Fairgrounds, 758 Crabtree Road, Waynesville.

An area AKC kennel club, the event will include conformation, obedience and rally competitions. An expected 800-900 preentered dogs will compete for Best In Show

each day. Non-entered dogs should not attend the event, but the public is welcome to come view the many breeds that will be competing.

Admission is free, but a small parking fee will be collected for visitors to the event.

Food concessions will be available for breakfast and lunch items, and several dog supply vendors will be onsite. www.wcdfa.org.

BBQ, craft beer and bluegrass The “Beer, Bluegrass, BBQ Spring Celebration” will kickoff at 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 23, at Outdoor 76 in Franklin.

Express your inner artist with Macon County Arts Council, learn more about trail systems in Macon County while visiting with the NC Bartram Trail Society and Nantahala Hiking Club, and enjoy lunch served by Smoky Mountain Bicycles. All proceeds go to the proposed Macon County Bike Park.

The food will start at 5 p.m. when local conservation group Main Spring Conservation helps us fire up the smokers.

Food and beer will be available. Proceeds will benefit Main Spring Conservation.

Music will be at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact 828.349.7676.

FAMILY FUN AT THE CHEROKEE FAIRGROUNDS

The Young Children’s Fair will be held from to 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Cherokee Indian Fair Ground. Parents and children are welcome to come and enjoy fun, food, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free to the public. www.visitcherokeenc.com or 828.359.6592 (ext: 2212).

April 13-19, 2016

Ready for ‘Designer Bag Bingo’?

FAMILY FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT

Smoky Mountain News

TVs • Spas • Swim Spas • Pool tables Storage Sheds • Car ports

Know your WNC Scots-Irish history

DAVID’S

Home Entertainment & Recreation 452.5534 | 2566 Asheville Rd. | Waynesville 34

“Designer Bag Bingo” returns at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Cat Creek Lodge in Franklin.

There are 12 new designer bags to play for. Each of the 12 bingo games will play for one bag. The bag that will be played for will be announced at the beginning of that game.

Players can play as many cards as they would like in any particular game. Your ticket will get you five cards to play. Additional cards will be available at the event.

Only 100 tickets are available and will be sold on a first come basis. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. www.franklin-chamber.com.

(formerly Plemmons Plumbing)

340-80

As part of the “April Live and Learn Program,” the “Scots-Irish in the Southern Appalachians” presentation will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 21, in the Bethea Welcome Center at the Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center.

The unique culture of our Southern Highlands is in large part due to the immigration of the Celtic Scots-Irish people. They brought with them their music, food, liquid refreshments and many other aspects of mountain living. The program will explore this remarkable heritage with the help of a uniquely qualified speaker, Flora MacDonald Gammon.

Gammon grew up in eastern North Carolina. She has lived in Haywood County for 46 years. She has performed at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games

since her teens, and is director of music of the games. She has been elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (FSA, Scot), and is an honorary member of Celtic Women International.

Gammon also has served on the board of directors of Folkmoot USA, and currently is an ambassador for the festival. For a number of years, she has been active in teaching Road Scholar classes, lecturFlora MacDonald ing on Scottish history, Gammon working as an artist-inresidence in the public schools of North Carolina and South Carolina, and performing. She was named an “Exceptional Celtic Woman” by the Conference of Celtic Women in 2008, the only American to receive this award.

This event is free and open to the public.

On the street

Sponsors

Jackson celebrates NC Beer Month Whether you enjoy sipping a smooth golden ale, something hoppy or a dark IPA, Jackson County’s craft breweries have you covered for N.C. Beer Month this April.

MULTIPLE DATES: • April 18, 25 – Sneak E Squirrel Brewery IPA Mondays • Throughout April – Pint and a Pie. Throughout April enjoy a pint of beer and an individual size pizza for only $10 at Sapphire Mountain

ALSO:

• The 22nd annual “Southeastern Mini Truckin’ Nationals” will be held April 23-24 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Open car and truck show.

For more information, contact Jason at Bell’s Rod Shop, 865.742.7403. minitruckinnats@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/southeastern.nationals.

• A “Sacred Dance” with Amai Clarice Munchus will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 15-17 at the Illuminated Heart Sanctuary in Whittier. A movement ritualist and facilitator for Venus Rising Association for Transformation, the

class also offers a weekend workshop and also a full certification course. To register, 678.628.6548 or amai.clarice@gmail.com.

• F INE A RTS & C RAFTS • G REAT F OOD • E ARLY M ORNING 5-K R ACE • L ARGE FARMER ’ S M ARKET

• The “Mines and Mining in Western North Carolina” presentation will be held by the Franklin Gem & Mineral Society at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. www.fgmm.org.

• F UN A CTIVITIES

FOR

• L IVE M USIC

T WO S TAGES

• The “Lessons in Mindfulness” presentation will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at the Waynesville Public Library. The introductory workshop will be hosted by Dodi Christiano, LPC, which is designed to improve overall mental and physical wellbeing. Free. To register, 828.356.2507.

• T RADITIONAL H ERITAGE WALK

• A wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. April 16 and 23 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.586.6300.

ON

K IDS & A DULTS

• Y OUTH TALENT S HOW • F RIENDLY M OUNTAIN T OWN S HOPPING • S HUTTLE FROM J USTICE C ENTER

19th Annual Smoky Mountain News

• The next installment of the “Murder f Mystery Dinners” will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at The Sneak E Squirrel brewery in Sylva. Because it’s NC Beer Month, the dinner will be f craft beer themed alongside a threecourse meal. Vegetarian options available. There will be eight roles to play. For reservations, call 828.586.6440.

For more information, visit www.mountainlovers.com.

Saturday, April 23, 2016 10am—4pm

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. April 16 and 23 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. April 13 and 20 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Free with dinner ($15 minimum). 828.452.6000.

• There will be a “Tasty Tuesday: Winter Seasonals” at 7 p.m. April 19 and 26 at Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden.

April 13-19, 2016

• Bosu’s Wine Shop and Feline Urgent Rescue (FUR) present the “If I have not but nine lives, let me fill them with wine” event from 5 to 8 p.m.

Friday, April 22, at the shop in Waynesville. Wine tasting and finger foods. Tickets are $30 and available at Bosu’s, with all proceeds going to FUR. Buy wine that night and get a 15-percent discount per case, 10-percent per bottle or a free cat. 828.452.0120.

EVENTS: • April 16 – Murder Mystery Dinner at Sneak E Squirrel • April 20 - Evolution Birthday.

Music from Ol’ Dirty Bathtub.

Great beer and food specials all night long. Evolution will remain open until midnight.

• April 20 – Earth Day Celebration at Innovation Brewing. Live music from Bird in Hand and a special IPA release.

• April 21 – Heinzelmännchen Brewery Anniversary Celebration.

Food, entertainment and craft beer. Live guitar music with Henry Wong. This year’s celebration includes a special release of Kirsch Bock. 4 to 9 p.m.

• April 29 – Foothills Brewing Tasting Session at Evolution Wine Kitchen

Come and Experience Sylva

arts & entertainment

Brewing Company located at the Sapphire National Golf Club.

Greeningupthemountains.com 828-586-2719 This project is funded in part through a grant made possible by the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority

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arts & entertainment April 13-19, 2016

On the stage

On the wall

Country Western Show returns to Tuscola

Mural unveiling in Asheville

The Tuscola High School Summit Choir will present the 34th annual Country Western Show at 7 p.m. April 15-16 and 2:30 p.m. April 17 at the Tuscola High School Auditorium in Waynesville.

The theme for this year’s show is “Boot Scootin’ Barn Dance.” While country music embraces the human existence, it also is excellent music to celebrate with. This year’s theme celebrates our country heritage in a theme that everyone can relate to — a dance. Much of this year’s show features older country music. Audience members will

enjoy throwback songs by Garth Brooks, John Michael Montgomery, Brooks & Dunn, Martina McBride, Patty Loveless and Johnny Cash, to name a few.

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

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

TTPAA students win big

scoring soloist of the entire competition. The Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior, and All Boys Teams of TTPAA also competed, earning high-scoring accolades for each of their routines.

Triple Threat also earned the Studio Spirit Award, and two routines took home two judges’ choice awards, “Most Inspirational” and a “Personality Award.” www.ttpaa.com.

The students of Triple Threat Performing Arts Academy of Sylva traveled to Columbia, South Carolina last weekend to compete in the Inspire National Dance Competition.

Sixteen soloists competed earning high gold, platinum, and platinum elite awards, and several placing in the top five of their categories. Mary Cooper, age 10, was the highest

• The production of acclaimed southern comedy “The Red Velvet Cake War” will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 14-16 and at 2 p.m. April 17 at the Haywood Regional Arts Theatre in Waynesville. It is a Southern Fried fast paced romp set at the most dysfunctional family reunion you’re ever likely to attend. Special discount tickets are available for Thursday performances throughout the season. Ticket reservations can be made through the Box Office by calling 828.456.6322, Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., or by going on line to www.harttheatre.org.

Smoky Mountain News

ALSO:

• “Gypsy,” a musical loosely based on the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, will be presented at 7:30 p.m. April 14-16 and at 3 p.m.

April 17 in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. This musical fable about family and show business depicts Mama Rose propelling her younger daughter June toward a successful vaudeville career. After June elopes, Mama turns all her attention on her older, less talented daughter, Louise. As the vaudeville era fades, Louise ends up 36 blossoming in its seedier version: burlesque.

Single event tickets are $21 for adults; $15 for senior citizens, faculty and staff; and for students, $10 day of show or $7 in advance.

828.227.7491 or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• The MET Opera “Live via Satellite” presents “Roberto Devereux” at 12:55 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. England, 1599. Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex and favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, is sent to Ireland to defeat the rebellious Irish chieftains. After an unsuccessful campaign he returns to England, where his actions are deemed a desertion of duty. A pre-opera discussion lead by Beverly Wichman will begin at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.highlandspac.org or at the door or by calling 828.526.9047.

• The Haywood Dancers Ballroom Dance will be held at 8 p.m. Friday April 15, at Angie’s Dance Academy on 115 Glance Street in Clyde. Enjoy an evening of music, Ballroom Dancing, Waltz, Rumba, Tango, Swing, Cha Cha and more. Free refreshments and the floor will be wide open for dancing until 10 p.m. Admission is $10. For more information, call 828.734.8726 or 828.734.8063.

A 6x12-foot interpretive art mural showcasing the cultural heritage of the “Shindig on the Green” at Pack Square Park will be added to the Western North Carolina Mountain Heritage Mural Trail with an unveiling ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Pack’s Tavern adjacent to the park in downtown Asheville.

Young musicians Carley Arrowood, Jonah and Grayson Riddle, Lillian Chase, as well as Rhiannon Ramsey and the Relics, who were part of the inspiration for the mural, will “step out of the mural” to perform. The project has been funded in part by a grant from the Asheville Arts Council and Asheville Art in the Park.

Created by Jackson County mural artist Doreyl Ammons Cain of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, Inc., the project included interviews and research into the traditional music culture of Western North Carolina, ensuring local musicians’ stories were designed into the mural.

The mural will be installed on an outside wall of Packs Tavern, where it will be

Learn photography at The Bascom The Bascom’s Photography Resident Byron Tenesaca will instruct students in a variety of helpful techniques for the beginning photographer during from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays in April at the center in Highlands.

• Saturday, April 16: Introduction to Digital Photography: Level I Learn the basics of DSLR photography. Students will gain a better understanding of DSLR camera modes and functions, and work with manual settings including ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

• Saturday, April 23: Waterfall

Craft series to feature basketmaker Faye Junaluska will demonstrate the craft of creating white oak baskets on Thursday, April 14, and offer a workshop for participants who would like to weave a basket of their own on Sunday, April 17, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

The first of the two hands-on programs in the Appalachian Living series featuring Cherokee basket weaving will begin at 3 p.m. April 14 in the center’s gallery at 161

within yards of Shindig’s Bascom Lamar Lunsford Stage.

The “Golden Threads” Shindig on the Green mural will be the first historical mountain music mural in Western North Carolina. There are mountain music murals in Johnson City, Tennessee; Knoxville, Tennessee; Marion, Virginia; and Maryville, Tennessee. The one in Maryville depicts the Grand Ole Opry and the others depict various aspects of mountain music heritage.

A portion of the large mural painted by Doreyl Ammons Cain, which will be unveiled April 21 in Asheville.

Photography: Level I Learn techniques and tips for taking images of moving water while improving your understanding of composition and visual balance. The course will begin in the Adult Education Studio, and will continue at Dry Falls near Highlands for instruction in the field.

• Saturday, April 30: Retouching Old Photographs: Level I Learn a few key basics in Lightroom photo editing software while restoring a family heirloom. Bring a photograph that needs restoration, learn techniques for retouching photographs, and take home an archival print of your restored image.

Tuition: $100 per class, $275 for a three-class package. www.thebascom.org.

Hunter Library on the campus.

The demonstration program and is free and open to the public, continuing until 5 p.m. The workshop program on April 17 will be offered from 2 to 5 p.m., and there is a cost to participants of $70.

To sign up for the workshop, call 828.227.7129. The event, part of a series of hands-on programs at the center celebrating crafts in Southern Appalachia this spring, is sponsored in part by Dogwood Crafters of Dillsboro.

For more information, contact the Mountain Heritage Center at 828.227.7129 or mhc.wcu.edu.

On the wall

STUDENT ART ON DISPLAY IN MACON The South Macon Elementary School ‘2016 Student Art Exhibit’ reception will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Pictured is ‘Exploring Dessert,’

by Wayne Thiebaud. jessica.carpenter @macon.k12.nc.us.

• Riverwood Pottery will have a wheel-throwing pottery class beginning on Thursday, April 21, and continuing for eight weeks from 6 to 8 p.m. at their studio in Dillsboro. Cost is $160. For more information or to register, please call 828.586.3601.

ALSO:

• The final presentation of the 2015-16 Arts and Cultural Events series will be the Southern Circuit Film “Kings, Queens & InBetweens,” a documentary about gender, that will be screened at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, in the UC Theater at Western Carolina University. Through the personal stories of eight drag performers and their troupes, the film seeks to make a complex subject approachable for mainstream audiences, inviting viewers into a conversation about

• “String Pieced Quilts” will be the topic of the High Country Quilt Guild meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at the First Methodist Church in Waynesville. Elsie Orrel will host the presentation, and also hold a workshop on the same topic the following day. For more information, click on highcountryquilters.wordpress.com.

• The Pinch and Press class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon April 13 and 20 at The Bascom in Highlands. For ages 5 to 10, this class will explore the ancient technique of pinching pots. Tuition is $60 per student. www.thebascom.org.

• Local crafter Junetta Pell will be teaching a new basket making class for the Jackson County Extension Craft Club in Sylva. The class will be held at the extension office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21-22. The basket she has chosen is a beautiful large tote with a wooden bottom and leather straps. Seating is limited for this class. Cost is $35 payable at time of registration. Bring your basket making material and snack/lunch. To register, call the Sylva Cooperative Extension office at 828.586.4009.

• After-School Art Adventure will be on from

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Haywood Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task force is sponsoring three free screenings for the public, with special invitation to high school and college students and their parents, of the award-winning documentary about rape on college campuses, “The Hunting Ground.”

“This powerful documentary should be seen by every high school senior and college transferee, as well as their parents, before

3:30 to 4:45 p.m. on Tuesdays at The Bascom in Highlands. For ages 5 to 10, Art Adventure is a class that explores the creative process of drawing, painting, printmaking, clay, sculpture, fiber art, and crafts by utilizing a variety of media. The students will investigate some of the most popular techniques and theories in art history and will be exposed to contemporary as well as folk art traditions. Tuition is $40 for a fourclass package. www.thebascom.org.

• The Imagination Station children’s program will be held from 10 a.m. to noon April 16 and 30 at The Bascom in Highlands. Wake up to art. Bring your friends each Saturday to create a new art project. Projects include painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, and clay — the sky’s the limit. For ages 5 to 10. $20 per class. www.thebascom.org.

• The “Come Paint with Charles Kidz Program” will be at 4 p.m. April 14 and 28 at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City. $20 per child. Materials and snacks included. 828.538.2054.

• A “Superhero Poster” contest is currently underway at the Canton Public Library. You can use the library supplies to create your own poster. Deadline to submit a creation is Wednesday, April 20, with winners announced during “Library-Con” on Saturday, April 30. All ages welcome to

Want to learn blacksmithing?

There will be a handful of blacksmithing courses taught by Brock Martin at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

They include the following: • Viking Round Shield — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 16-17.

• Bladesmithing: Seax Knife Class — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 14-15.

• Viking Axe Making — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

June 18-19.

For more information on class fees, the JCGEP, and more, visit www.jcgep.org.

attend. 828.648.2924.

• “Stitch,” the community gathering of those interested in crochet, knit and needlepoint, meet at 2:30 p.m. every first Sunday of the month at the Canton Public Library. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.haywoodlibrary.org.

• The fourth annual Birdhouse Bash is currently underway. Bring complete birdhouses to the Second Blessing Thrift Shop in the Frog Level District of Waynesville by May 5.

The birdhouses will be part of the silent auction at the “Whole Bloomin’ Thing” festival.

For more information, call 828.476.4231 or 828.734.1570.

• A community art group meets at 10 a.m. every Wednesday at the Hudson Library in Highlands. 828.526.3031.

• The film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will be screened at 7 p.m. April 13-15 and 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. April 17 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. There will also be a free screening of “The Peanuts Movie” at noon and 2 p.m. April 16 and 23. www.38main.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• A reception for the 48th annual “Juried Undergraduate Exhibit” will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 21, in the Fine Arts Museum at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

the distinct and important differences between gender, sex and sexuality. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for all others. www.wcu.edu.

Film sheds light on assault, violence

April 13-19, 2016

• An “Alcohol Ink Course” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville.

Learn to mix and play with vibrant colors on any non-porous surface. Instructor will be Sharon Sandel. Class fee is $75, which includes materials. To register, contact Sandel: sharsand46@gmail.com.

The Mud Dauber (Didanisisgi) Pottery Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 16, at the Cherokee Fairgrounds.

The event will feature Cherokee potters who will be selling their work as well as participating in a variety of roundtable discussions about Cherokee pottery including: family traditions, tools used, patterns, etc. Food will be available for purchase. Open to the public, this is a great opportunity for Cherokee art collectors and pottery enthusiasts to meet and talk with potters.

423.930.5837.

they leave for college,” said Task Force Facilitator Buffy Queen.

The free, one-hour screenings, appropriate for high school students and older, are scheduled as follows: • 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. April 14 at the Haywood Community College Auditorium in Clyde.

• 7 p.m. April 21 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

Following the screenings, members of the Task Force as well as trained sexual assault counselors will be available for questions and answers. For more information, call REACH of Haywood at 828.456.7898 or 30th Judicial District Alliance, 828.452.2122 or go to REACH’s Facebook page.

arts & entertainment

Cherokee pottery festival

• The film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (April 14-16) will be screened at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Screenings are at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. with a special 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. Free.

37 www.madbatterfoodfilm.com.

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

Chaos erupting into beauty tephanie Storey’s Oil and Marble, which was released this spring, is not only a page-turner but an eye-opener.

Taking place in Florence, Italy, in the years 1501 to 1505, it is the story of the artistic rivalry between two creative giants — Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti.

During a period of turmoil and warring factions in Italy, Leonardo and Michelangelo find themselves in Florence and working on commissions that will secure their places as legends in the annals of artistic history.

Leonardo is painting his portrait of the Mona Lisa.

Writer Michelangelo is working on his sculpture of David. Storey’s preamble sets the stage and takes us into the streets of Florence where we meet both artists and have a studio-side seat as they work tirelessly on their respective projects — blow by blow, brushstroke by brushstroke — and are then witness to the ardent competition between the two to become the toast of Florence and masters of the Italian Renaissance.

A youthful Michelangelo is a virtual unknown when he returns to Florence and wins the commission to carve what will become one of the most famous sculptures of all time. He lives impoverished at the foot of the misshapen block of marble, feverishly carving yet struggling to find the sculpture’s form and identity amidst impossible circumstances and an impossible deadline.

Meanwhile, the elder Leonardo’s life is falling apart: he loses the hoped-for David commission, he can’t seem to finish any project, he is obsessed with the creation of a flying machine, he almost dies in war, his engineer-

Thomas Crowe

S

ing designs fail disastrously, and he is haunted by a woman he has seen in the market — a merchant’s wife, whom he is finally commissioned to paint. Her name is Lisa, and she will become his muse.

Storey gives us so much detail that we feel we are in the cramped unventilated space Michelangelo has built as an ad-hoc studio as he hammers away at the large block of white Carrara marble while constantly inhaling the swirling stonedust.

Likewise, we sit beside Leonardo as he struggles, stroke by stroke, to paint his unique masterpiece.

“Sketch, burn, sketch, burn. Day after day, week after week he Oil and Marble by fought with Stephanie Storey. Arcade his sketchPublishing, 2016. 345 pages. pad, the chalk, the stone, himself, and all under the scrutiny of the public. All around him, carpenters and stonecutters tended to the cathedral’s constant repairs. Every day the men hung new tiles, replaced crumbling marble, and cleaned the exterior, struggling to keep up with the perpetual wear and tear. Michelangelo enjoyed the hum of the workshop, but he regretted not asking the city for a private space. Florentines camped out with loaves of hard rye bread and fiaschi of Chianti to watch him toil and to take bets on whether he would finish. The locals called the stone ‘Il Gigante,’ not only because of its enormous physical

Burnette releases story collection Beloved Southern Appalachian columnist Edie Hutchins Burnette will read from her new collection Mountain Echoes at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. The book extensively chronicles the life and history of Haywood County and Western North Carolina.

You can purchase a copy of the book (from Jan-Carol Publishing) at the reading (www.blueridgebooksnc.com) or online at www.amazon.com.

Rice to join ‘Coffee with the Poet’ The “Coffee with the Poet” series continues with Charlotte poet visual artist Jonathan K. Rice at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Rice will read from his latest collection, Killing Time. He has

dimensions, but also for its outsized problems.”

Meanwhile, across town Leonardo sits in the studio of his posh residence and contemplates the small canvas sitting on his work easel.

“He had already rendered her facial features precisely: the shape of her eyes, the turn of her cheek, the silky curve of her lips.

Usually, such a realistic representation of a subject would have satisfied him, but this time, he yearned to go further. He didn’t want to only capture the lady’s physical features or the glint in her eye or even her energy in a gesture or movement. No, he wanted to know the lady, as fully as anyone, and communicate her whole person to the world. He wanted to capture her soul … There in front of Lisa’s portrait he stared at her expression, but still could not feel her there. Over the next two hours, he added three more tiny brushstrokes to the dark silk of her gown.”

And so the story goes, chip by chip, brushstroke by brushstroke, until the unveiling of Michelangelo’s David and of Leonardo’s Mona Lisa. In the end this book is as much a love story as it is an historical narrative of time and place. Leonardo’s love for the muse Lisa and Michelangelo’s loving obsession to create something of great beauty from a block of imperfect stone. Stephanie Storey perfectly describes this artistic love as she paints her own masterpiece in the character of Leonardo.

“As with love itself, when a person pulled back to study it, the very thing they were trying to understand was destroyed. Because love doesn’t thrive under scrutiny from a distance, but flourishes from closeness and unquestioning faith. It blooms in the deep parts of the heart, in the silence where no thought is allowed. The only way to be truly in love is to be fully in it, just as the only way to feel the secret of the Mona Lisa was to give the heart absolutely to it.”

And then she chisels this passage with the

also written a chapbook titled Shooting Pool with a Cellist and another full-length collection, Ukulele and Other Poems.

The series is cosponsored by the NetWest program of the North Carolina Writers Network and gathers the third Thursday of each month. For more information about Coffee with the Poet or to reserve copies of Killing Time, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Little Free Library in Macon The Macon County Public Library, a member of the Fontana Regional Library, and the Friends of the Library have installed their third Little Free Library at the Holly Springs Community Building, located at 2720 Cat Creek Road in Franklin.

The first Little Free Library was installed at the Franklin Town Hall in October 2014, and has been a great place for people of all ages to find good things to read. The second Little Free Library was

words of Michelangelo amidst an intense conversation between the two artists.

We are like lovers, aren’t we, we artists?”

Michelangelo dragged his fingers across the rough stone. “Timid at first, skeptical about what we might find beneath the surface, but the more time we spend with the objects of our desire, the more we start to understand them. We find their flaws but also their possibilities. And when we connect, our hearts beat in time, and when we speak, our voices come from one mouth. Through love, we dialogue with our own souls.” Michelangelo opened his eyes and stared into the gray stone. “Love defies planning, doesn’t it? There is no reason and no answer and no rhyme that can recreate it. But in an instant we feel it, a tingle on top of our heads, down our necks, into our fingertips. And we don’t know why or how it’s there, but it is, existing because of us, in spite of us. We don’t know what it is. We don’t know, and in the very act of not knowing, we feel everything.”

As Elizabeth Cobbs, author of the historical novel The Hamilton Affair, writes on the back jacket of the book: “With every chip of the chisel and stroke of the brush, Stephanie Storey fashions a mesmerizing tale of the envy, ambition, and artistic genius that drove an epic rivalry. Oil and Marble will make readers long for Florence and to see David in the morning light.” All this reader/reviewer has to say in addition is: Amen to that! and look for this novel to be made into a major motion picture very soon. Or as Storey writes from the perspective of her two main characters in a would-be final exchange, deftly putting masterly touches on her own masterpiece: “Emotion without intellect is chaos,” Leonardo sneered. Staring into Leonardo’s golden-colored eyes, Michelangelo countered, “Chaos erupting into beauty. That’s art.”

Thomas Crowe is a frequent book reviewer for The Smoky Mountain News. His most recent publication is an historical novel set in the Shaker community of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, in the 1840s entitled The Watcher (Like Sweet Bells Jangled).

His books are available at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva and the Jackson County Library. He can be reached at newnativepress@hotmail.com

installed at Iotla Methodist Church in May 2015. Its convenient location near the Iotla Valley Elementary School makes this a great site for families. If you’re not familiar with Little Free Libraries, visit www.littlefreelibrary.org.

Everyone is encouraged to use the Little Library to find something to read, where they can “take a book and return a book.”

Richardson to present new work Kim Michele Richardson will read from and sign her new novel GodPretty in the Tobacco Field at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

This novel is the story of a young girl living in rural eastern Kentucky in the ‘60s. Subjected to grueling labor by her God-fearing uncle, she strives to find a ray of hope in her poverty-stricken town through her own tobacco patch, a forbidden first love, and her homemade paper fortunetellers.

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Smoky Mountain News

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

What matters most in life Local triathlete on road to recovery following accident

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER All he heard was the sound of an engine.

“I came over the rise, a place I’d ridden hundreds of times before,” Kevin FitzGerald recalled. “I remember seeing a flash of brown, the roar of a truck and…boom…lights out.”

Sitting in Smoky Mountain Roasters one recent morning, FitzGerald leans back into his chair quietly, looking out onto the busy midmorning traffic zooming back and forth on Hazelwood Avenue in Waynesville. To some, July 28, 2015 was simply eight months ago. But, for FitzGerald, it almost seems like a lifetime ago, some dream he awoke from in a haste of confusion and pain.

“I remember wondering what in the heck happened,” he said. “And, in many ways, I’m glad I don’t remember what happened. Then, I started to wonder if I’d ever be normal again?”

On that fateful day, FitzGerald was in the middle of a road cycling workout, all in preparation for the upcoming Ironman World Championship that was to be held in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii some two months or so down the calendar. It was a longtime dream for the ultra-athlete, one that came crashing down with his own body flying up into the air after smashing into a pickup truck crossing across his lane to enter a driveway.

“A friend of mine said, ‘You must’ve been devastated.’ Well, that’s a pretty strong word.

I was more disappointed, and happy to be alive. I mean, this is a race at the end of the day, we’re not curing cancer,” the 57-year-old said modestly. “We were just out having fun, and there was some good lessons that came out of it, one being the realization that I was way too focused on that and not on everything else in life — there’s way more to life than just getting on a bike and riding everyday.”

CITY TO COUNTRY Growing up in Winston-Salem, FitzGerald led a pretty normal life for a kid of the late 1960s and 1970s, He got involved in sports in middle school, only to soon find a love for track and field and cross-country.

“My father ran cross-country in New Jersey in the 1930s and 1940s, and I was

always intrigued by it,” FitzGerald said. “I’ll never forget how sore I was after those first couple of practices. But, once I got over that initial pain and soreness, I liked it, it was fun and I had a great coach.”

And a great coach he was, leading FitzGerald to two state titles during his junior and senior year at R.J. Reynolds High School.

The same coach won three more consecutive championships in a row following FitzGerald’s graduation.

That love of running and being outside

it was onto Washington, D.C., and a six-year stint as chief ranger at the Chesapeake & Ohio National Park, only to wander up to Cape Cod as a ranger for few more years.

“There are two kinds of people who work for the park service, those born in the area who stay cradle to grave, and those who are nomads and like to travel around,” FitzGerald chuckled.

And while he was working in the Everglades, FitzGerald started to pick up road biking, even though his first “road bike” was a

Want to run?

The Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon will return for its second year on Saturday, May 14, in Waynesville. The route winds through tree-lined streets before ascending for mountain views, starting on Main Street and ending at Frog Level. For more information on the race and to register to compete, click on www.smokieshalfmarathon.com.

fied for Boston,” FitzGerald said.

Boston as in the “Boston Marathon,” the sacred Holy Grail of running. FitzGerald ran Boston four times in recent years, capturing his personal record time of 02:52 in 2013.

Those initial races became a springboard for him, ultimately pushing him into his first Ironman in Wilmington in 2009. Although it wasn’t the prettiest of debuts, FitzGerald persevered in his training, only to win his age group at the Chattanooga Ironman in 2014, which qualified him for the pinnacle of triathlons — the Hawaiian championships.

“I qualified for Kona,” FitzGerald marveled. “I had the plane tickets bought, the condo rented. Training was going well. I won the Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon (in Waynesville) that spring, and also placed well at the Asheville Marathon — everything was happening right when it should be.”

ROAD TO RECOVERY FitzGerald crossing the finish line to victory at the inaugural Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon in Waynesville last spring.

Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon photo

slid into FitzGerald’s subconscious, to which he found himself majoring in forestry at North Carolina State University in Raleigh.

During the summer of 1978, he got a job working on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Mount Mitchell. Fitzgerald fell in love with Western North Carolina, and also his wife (a N.C. State grad, too), when they crossed paths while he was collecting site fees at a campground during his gig as a park ranger in Linville Falls in 1980.

“She and her sister came into the campground,” FitzGerald smiled. “She recognized me, we started talking, and after a month, and a lot of letters back and forth, I went to Raleigh and we got engaged, only to marry a year later.”

INTO THE WILD Following their wedding, FitzGerald transferred to work as a district ranger in the Everglades National Park for nine years. Then,

Kevin FitzGerald. mountain bike with “slick tires,” as he said.

But, the biking bug bit FitzGerald as he began taking the sport seriously when he landed in Denver as the regional chief for 89 parks in eight states within the Rocky Mountains and beyond.

“With road biking, you can just go so far, and cover so much ground,” FitzGerald said.

“And I looked forward to those rides every time.”

Soon, the idea of doing an Ironman triathlon (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, 26.2-mile run) started floating around in his head. FitzGerald wasn’t sure when that would ever become a possibility. He loved running and road biking, but what about the dreaded swimming component, what about the amount of time and commitment needed to just be in shape enough to even step up to the starting line of an Ironman competition?

That curiosity shifted into a daily reality following FitzGerald’s first marathon in 2006, a race he ran to show solidarity with his nephew, who also was running the race as a fundraiser. FitzGerald ran 03:14, but already had sights set on breaking three hours during the 26.2-mile journey.

“I ran that first marathon in Green Bay. I had no expectations. I was 46, and someone told me I had a good enough time that I quali-

July 28, 2015. After an extended swim training session at Lake Junaluska, FitzGerald and a friend grabbed their bikes and decided to do a five-hour road bike workout, one that did multiple loops along the Lake Logan triathlon course, which meandered through Bethel and Canton.

Riding down N.C. 110 into Canton, FitzGerald peddled hard through the circuit, a road map of miles and hills he’d known for years. Coming over one particular hill, a pickup truck crossed over the centerline to turn left into a driveway. FitzGerald was full speed and too late to stop by the time the two made contact. He shot off the bike, into the air, and landed like a ragdoll on top of the hard pavement of N.C. 110.

“The guy that was driving behind me saw the whole thing,” FitzGerald said. “He told me later he thought I was dead. I wasn’t moving and I was just laying there in the road.”

But, by sheer coincidence, a couple of medics on vacation from Florida stopped.

They grabbed their medical kits and worked on FitzGerald until emergency help arrived.

All told, FitzGerald had multiple skull fractures and a traumatic brain injury (the helmet saved his life), a ruptured eardrum, broken scapula, collapsed lung, broken femur, ruptured and torn quadriceps, broken fibula, and hundreds of stitches and staples to various cuts around his body.

“My left leg was killing me when I woke up in the hospital,” FitzGerald spoke of his broken bones. “And I asked that

All about fish at HCC

Run for reading Jog for a cause with Reeves’ Readers Run at 9 a.m., Saturday, April 16, at Haywood Community College in Clyde, a 5K to benefit the Junaluska Elementary School Parent Teacher Association.

The event, held in honor of Kimberly Nichole Mathis Reeves, will raise money to buy books for the students, with the route beginning outside Building 1500 on campus. $25, with a $5 discount for children under 13, students at Western Carolina University and HCC, HCC staff and teachers and Haywood County Law Enforcement.

Pedal to support Good Samaritan Clinic

outdoors

A youth fishing clinic — and chance to show off angling skills with a tournament — will accompany a fish fry Saturday, April 16, at Haywood Community College in Clyde.

The clinic, free for children 6 to 12, will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., with the fish fry and tourney to follow from 4 to 6 p.m. $8 tournament entry fee and $8 fish dinner charge. Proceeds benefit the HCC Wildlife Club. 828.627.4560.

Online registration closes April 13, with day-of registration starting at 8 a.m. www.racesonline.com/events/reevesreaders-run-5k

A bike ride to support Jackson County’s free clinic will take off at noon Friday, April 15, looping through Sylva to begin and end at Good Samaritan Clinic.

The ride will feature stops at various Jackson County organizations that support the clinic, highlighting how they all work together to serve the community. Western Carolina University Cycling Club will attend, riding a collective 627 minutes to represent the number of patients Good Samaritan served last year.

Last year, the first for Good Samaritan Cycle, the event raised $5,000 to fund care and medication for Jackson’s economically disadvantaged. Donate at www.goodsamcares.org/donate.

Located on 293 Hospital Road, in Sylva.

Rebecca Mathis, 828.631.8711.

Fling on spring at NOC

I love it.”

And in recent months, FitzGerald has come full circle in two moments of his life.

He recently ran a 5K (3.1-mile) road race in Lake Junaluska, where he clocked a time of 19:19 (just 27 second slower than before the accident last year). FitzGerald is already making plans to return and try to, perhaps, defend his title at the upcoming Gateway to the Smokies Half Marathon. He also has met face-to-face with the driver of the truck, a man who will forever be connected to FitzGerald through an unfortunate incident.

“I knew where he lived and I just decided to stop by randomly one day,” FitzGerald said. “I wanted to stop by and tell him I was OK. I wanted to let them know it was an accident, and that I don’t know where I’ll ultimately be, but I’ll be OK — I’m here, and alive, and talking to you.”

Getting ready to head out of Smoky Mountain Roasters, it’s another bluebird sky high above Haywood County. With the mountains in the distance, FitzGerald says goodbye and enters into his unknown day, another day he’s grateful to be alive.

“I’m able to live in the house I love, in a community I love, with my best friend, my wife,” he said. “We’re able to do great things here, and look forward to doing more — I’m lucky, I really am.”

Smoky Mountain News

they put my leg in traction heading before surgery, but it was already was in traction — it was that painful.”

And so, the long road to recovery began for FitzGerald. With a seemingly second chance in life, he and wife decided to put the road bike away for good, not out of fear, but from the simple notion this wasn’t his first time getting hurt.

“This was my second accident. A couple years ago I hit a roll of insulation that fell off the back of a truck and broke some bones,” FitzGerald said. “It’s not easy because I love biking, and I’ve made a lot of great memories and friends through it. But, for the time being, I’m not giving it a thought.”

It was time to move on, into new endeavors. Since the accident, FitzGerald has officially retired from road biking and from Ironman events. And yet, it still hasn’t stopped his deep love of competition. These days, he helps coach local high school swimming and youth cross-country teams, sharing his knowledge and passion of sports, discipline and working hard to achieve goals.

“It’s about building that love for fitness, more so that just the results, to enjoy the journey rather than the destination,” he said. “And working with these kids has given me way more than I’ve given them —

April 13-19, 2016

Three days of family-friendly fun in the Nantahala will mark Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Spring Fling April 22-24.

The weekend will kick off with a vendor fair from 2 to 5 p.m. and an open mic night at 5 p.m.

Friday, April 22, and things will get going Saturday with the Hometown Throwtown freestyle event — a community event hosted by World Kayak — Kids Surf! At the Founders Bridge surf wave, plenty of family activities, the ongoing vendor fair and a special whitewater release of the Cascades and Upper Nantahala. Live music will follow, and a second whitewater release will cap things off Sunday.

Free. www.noc.com/events.

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outdoors

NOW’S THE TIME TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS!

Count the birds Get the 411 on how to help with bird monitoring in Macon County with a presentation at 7 p.m. Monday, April 18, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Mark Hopey, director of Southern Appalachian Raptor Research, will present on an international program to monitor population trends in breeding birds throughout the hemisphere, which includes two stations in Macon County at Cowee

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Tips for growing great roses will be dispensed at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Bethea Welcome Roses abound at Lake Center at Junaluska. Donated photo Lake Junaluska, given by the Lake’s horticulturist Roddy Ray. The lake’s rose walk is under Ray’s charge, and she’s recently finished choosing and planting 75 new bushes there. She’ll discuss how to amend the soil, choose the best rose for the climate and explain which types have the longest-lasting blooms and sweetest smells.

Free. A program of the Tuscola Garden Club. 828.246.0437.

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

Mound and Tessentee Bottomland Preserve.

The Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship program includes more than 500 stations in North, Central and South America, which contribute data annually to the Institute for Bird Populations database.

Hopey will examine trends in the neotropical migrants breeding in the area and invite volunteer participation in the project. The presentation is a program of the Franklin Bird Club.

828.524.5234. offering educational materials to help them choose and care for bird-friendly native plants.

To find local bird-friendly plant retailers and learn more about bird-friendly native plants, visit nc.audubon.org.

Kyle Pursel, kkppursel1@gmail.com or 908.283.4546.

The plant doctors are in Green and brown thumbs alike with questions in need of answering can come to the Haywood County Plant Clinic, staffed

by Master Gardeners capable of answering a range of plant-related questions.

Open during business hours at the Haywood County Extension Center on Raccoon Road, everything from lawns to veggies, insects to weeds and soils to frost are fair game.

828.456.3575.

Orchids coming to Asheville Nearly 10,000 people are expected to show up for the Asheville Orchid Festival 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 15-17 at the N.C. Arboretum, an annual showing of hundreds of orchids exhibited by world-class orchid growers and regional orchid societies.

A full slate of experts will be on hand to offer a daily repotting clinic, guided tours and a variety of lectures. Orchid judging, completed by a team of American Orchid Society judges, will be completed at the beginning of the festival, and a variety of specialty classes and lectures will be offered at the Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park. $5 admission in addition to the stan-

Volunteers to get nurseries excited about creating bird-friendly habitats are sought for an education campaign spreading through the Highlands area on Monday, April 20, led by Kimberly Brand of Audubon North Carolina.

Planting the right set of native plants can go a long way toward bolstering struggling bird populations, and Audubon N.C. is now in the secOrchids aplenty ond year of its Bird-Friendly will be on Communities effort aimed at display in encouraging planting of these Asheville this species. So far, 500 citizens, about weekend.

70 retail partners and 2 municipalMike Mims photo ities have signed on statewide to join the program and commit to growing and planting bird-friendly native plants recommended by the organization.

By joining the Bird-Friendly Native Plants of the Year Program, retailers encourage the planting of dard $12 parking fee, with children 12 and bird-friendly natives while also benefiting under admitted free. from active promotion of their business A full schedule is available at from the Audubon Society. The program www.wncos.org. also includes a component for gardeners,

Synchronous firefly viewing goes to lottery system visitation — first in 2006 by limiting access to the Elkmont area where the show is best to shuttle service only during peak activity and then, in 2011, by initiating a first-comefirst-serve online reservation system.

In recent years, the demand for parking

Fireflies fill the Elkmont area with light. Radim Schreiber photo light show each year as the males fill the forest with simultaneous blinks at night, have surged in popularity since news of their presence spread by word of mouth over the past decade or so. As interest surged, the National Park Service had to start managing

passes has far exceeded the number of passes available. Passes have sold out within seconds, frustrating both online and phone users.

“Last year, we had so many people log in online, almost simultaneously, to attempt to

reserve a parking pass for the firefly event that the online system and phone system were maxed out,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash, who arrived at the park in 2015. “I quickly learned that trying to reserve a parking pass was like trying to get a ticket to a popular rock concert!”

The lottery system, which is used for other popular Park Service events such as the White House Easter Egg Roll and the Half Dome cable system in Yosemite National Park, will attempt to make the process more equitable and convenient.

Applicants can apply anytime during the three-day period from noon Friday, April 29, to 8 p.m.

Monday, May 2, at www.recreation.gov. Dates for this year’s eight-day peak show will be announced on Tuesday, April 26, and lottery results will be announced on Tuesday, May 10, with a total of 1,800 passes available.

Lottery winners will be charged a $1.50 reservation fee and awarded a parking pass for Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, where they will catch a shuttle to see the fireflies at Elkmont.

1.877.444.6777 or www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/fireflies.ht m.

The night sky will give a show with the return of the Lyrid meteor shower around 2 a.m. on Friday, April 22.

The meteor shower will reach its peak at that time with up to 20 meteors per hour. To best see the meteors, look to the northeast where they will appear to radiate out of the Lyra constellation. While the full moon will be in the sky at almost the same time as the peak, the peak will occur after midnight, when the light of the sun is fully gone.

The meteors will also likely be visible in the early mornings of April 21 and 23.

Help clean up Richland Creek A pair of clean-up activities will mark Earth Day weekend in Waynesville, rooting out invasive species and removing litter from Richland Creek.

■ From 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, April 22, an invasive species removal will attempt to get rid of undesirables like Japanese knotweed, multiflora rose and oriental bittersweet along the creek’s stretch at Vance Street Park near the Waynesville Recreation Center. Participants should be prepared to get dirty.

■ From 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, April 23, an assault on trash built up along the creek near Vance Street Park will commence. Besides being ugly, trash is bad for wildlife and can clog stormdrains and pipes, causing flooding.

Participants should be dressed to get wet and muddy. RSVP by April 21 to Christine O’Brien, Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 828.476.4667.

April 13-19, 2016

Catch a meteor shower

outdoors

Those wanting to get a peek at the famous synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will have to enter a lottery this year for a chance at tickets.

The coordinated insects, which put on a

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outdoors

Hike week returns to Fontana Village A week of guided hikes and educational programs will celebrate all that’s great about hiking with Spring Hike Week April 17-21 at Fontana Village Resort. Here’s a look at what’s happening: ■ April 17. An overview of the week’s events will begin at 7 p.m., with a few Appalachian Trail hikers stepping off the

April 13-19, 2016

trail to share their experiences so far.

■ April 18. Two hikes will be offered — an 8-mile loop starting from the TwentyMile Ranger Station with opportunity to extend it to 9 miles by hiking up Shuckstack Fire Tower, and a 7-mile hike on single-track up Yellow Creek Gap and

down the Stairway to Heaven, ending up back at the resort. A 7 p.m. presentation on edible and medicinal plants by Swain County resident Ila Hatter will follow.

■ April 19. Two hikes will be offered — a 2-mile loop to take in the wildflowers in Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest and a more strenuous 7.5-mile hike following the Benton MacKaye Trail from Old Field Gap Road to Fontana Village. A 7 p.m. presentation on happenings in the U.S. Forest Service’s Western North Carolina lands will follow.

■ April 20. An easy 3.5-mile hike at Lewellyn Cove sporting multiple views and a variety of wildflowers will be offered, with an option to add 3 miles hiking Gold Branch Loop. An evening of country covers and originals

by Hannah Styles and Ethan Pendergrass will follow from 7-9:30 p.m.

■ April 21. An easy hike along Hazel Creek will follow a boat ride across Fontana Lake, offering exploration of the abandoned town of Proctor. A fire complete with s’mores will follow at 7 p.m.

Free, with discount lodging available.

Jonathan.Peoples@fontanavillage.com or 828.498.2122.

Your Y our o R Roadmap to Success Begins Here!

Visit HarrahsCherokeeJobs.com or call 828.497.8778

Shoot the Smokies A crash course in outdoor photography will give shutterbugs an excuse to explore the Smokies’ beauty in a four-week program beginning April 19.

The Spring Field Photography Program, organized by the Lens Lugger Photographic Association, will include four consecutive Wednesdays of outdoor shoots and three Tuesday evening sessions to discuss the Wednesday shoots and review participants’ images. Topics including composition, equipment and field techniques will be discussed, and classroom sessions will cover computer use and post-production procedures.

Wednesday field days will be held April 20, April 27, May 4 and May 11, leaving at 7 a.m. from the Waynesville Old Armory Recreation Center to carpool to shoot locations. Tuesday sessions will be offered 6-8 p.m. April 19, May 3 and May 17, also at the Old Armory.

Wednesdays are $45 each and Tuesdays are $15 each, with a 20 percent discount for

A yellow lady slipper sheds a drop of rain.

Bob Grytten photo

all seven days.

Led by Bob Grytten. All skill levels welcome. Space is limited.

Grytten, 828.627.0245 or bobgry@aol.com. www.lensluggerworld.com

Help Maggie get green Maggie Valley will hold its inaugural Earth Day Planting Celebration at 10 a.m. Friday, April 22, putting bushes and flowers along the town’s newly constructed greenway on Mountain View Drive.

Help make Maggie beautiful by putting a few in the earth yourself. The greenway is located off Moody Farm Road next to the golf course.

Haywood Waterways Association and town staff will assist in the planting. 828.926.0866.

Garden space up for grabs in Macon Garden space is available in Macon County’s community garden, and the Macon County Community Garden Committee is taking applications.

Spaces are 500 square feet each and tilled, with gardeners providing the fertilizer, seeds and plants. A portion of each gardener’s produce should go to Macon County Care Net to help those in need.

$25 per plot. Macon County Cooperative Extension, 828.349.2046.

Celebrate Earth Day in Cherokee A day of fun, Earth-friendly experiences and learning opportunities will make up Gadugi Earth Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 22, at the Acquoni Expo Center in Cherokee.

Tammy Jackson, 828.359.6934.

Smoky Mountain Field School gears up for spring Smoky Mountain News

For anyone who’s wanted to learn how to forage for food, understand Smokies wildlife, take the perfect wildflower photo or get savvy to the mountain culture that’s grown up in the region, the Smoky Mountain Field School’s list of April offerings provides plenty of opportunity.

A cooperative effort between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the University of Tennessee, the field school draws from more than 30 experts teaching more than 80 diverse sessions, with classes held in locations throughout the park.

Most daylong courses are $79, with increased cost for multi-day courses. Prices vary.

Check out the full schedule at www.smfs.utk.edu. 865.974.0150.

Show your stuff in disc golf WE W EA ARE RE LOCATED LOCATED A AT T 777 CASINO CASINO DRIVE. DRIVE. APPLICANTS APPLICANTS C CAN AN PARK PARK ON ON LEVEL LEVEL 1 IN IN THE THE CASINO CASINO GARAGE. GARAGE.

44

IIff yyou ou ha have ve aalready lready ssubmitted ubmitted yyour our aapplication, pplication, iitt will be cconsidered onsidered aactive ctive ffor or 6 months ffrom rom tthe he date of of ap application. plication. To qqualify, ualify, app applicants licants must bbe e 21 years or olde olderr (18 (18-21 -21 yea years rs eligible for non non-gaming -gaming positions), positions), mus mustt ssuccessfully uccessfully pa pass ss aan n RI RIAH AH hhair/drug air/drug ttest est and uundergo ndergo aan n inves investigation tigation by TTribal ribal Gaming Gaming Commission.

Commission. Preference Preference for Tr Tribal ibal membe members. rs. This pro property perty is oowned wned by the Eas Eastern tern Band of the Cherokee Cherokee Na Nation, tion, m managed anaged bbyy C Caesars aesars EEntertainment. ntertainment. TThe he H Human uman R Resources esources De Department partment accepts applications applications M Mon. on. - Thur Thur.. ffrom rom 88am am - 4:30pm. Call 828.497.8778, or ssend end rresume esume to Human Resources D Department, epartment, 777 C Casino asino D Drive, rive, C Cherokee, herokee, NC 28719 or or fax fax re resume sume tto o 828.497.8540 828.497.8540..

A disc golf tournament will be held Saturday, April 16, at the Jackson County Recreation Park in Cullowhee.

Singles will play at 11 a.m., doubles at 11:30 a.m. and parent/child teams at noon. $10 for doubles and $5 for singles.

828.293.3053.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Beginners Chess Club is held on Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 8-108 invited to participate. 648.2924.

• Coloring Club will be hosted on April 13 at 4 p.m. at Canton Library. Color pencils and color pages supplied.

For ages 8 to 108. This program will take place on the second Wednesday of each month. 648.2924.

• The second World Series of Poker Circuit stop of the season starts April 14, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. www.wsop.com/2015/Circuit.

• “Back Porch Old-Time Music Jam,” two hours of traditional Appalachian music, will return at 2 p.m. on April 16, May 7 and May 21 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

Visitors with an acoustic instrument to play are welcome to join this old-time jam.

• As part of National Library Week, Haywood County Public Library (Waynesville and Canton branches) is offering raffle tickets to anyone who attends a library program the week ending April 16. Prizes are for adults and children. For a listing of events during the week – and all other upcoming events – visit www.haywoodlibrary.libguides.com/events.

• The Clean Slate Coalition will hold an open house to celebrate the donation of the Eliza B. Gray House from 12:30-5 p.m. on April 17. Clean Slate serves in traditional housing. Tours and refreshments. Info: 586.3939 or cleanslatenc@gmail.com.

• The Holly Springs Community Development Club will meet at 7 p.m. on April 18, at the community building.

Guest speaker will be Kim Shuler of Macon County Transit. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items.

• “Nothing Matters (and so do we)” is the topic at 11 a.m. on April 17, at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Franklin. Presented by David Novak, storyteller and guest speaker.

• DIY program will be held to make a library superhero poster for the Library-Con Poster Contest is being held on April 20 at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. All ages. 648.2924.

• A presentation on the “Scots-Irish in the Southern Appalachians” will be offered by Flora MacDonald Gammon at 2 p.m. on April 21, as part of the “Live and Learn” series in the Bethea Welcome Center at the Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center.

• “Designer Bag Bingo” returns at 2:30 p.m. April 23, at the Cat Creek Lodge in Franklin. There are 12 new designer bags to play for. Each of the 12 bingo games will play for one bag. The bag that will be played for will be announced at the beginning of that game.

Players can play as many cards as they would like in any particular game. Tickets are $25, gives you five cards. Additional cards will be available at the event.

Only 100 tickets are available and will be sold on a first come basis. Tickets can be purchased at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. www.franklin-chamber.com.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Haywood Community College’s summer and fall registration is underway through April 22 for new and continuing students. 627.4500.

• Job Interview Skills Workshop is being offered on April 13 at 10 a.m. at the Canton Public Library. Call Kristy at 648.2924 or email her at aksartain@haywoodnc.net to sign up.

• Western Carolina University will host a Global Spotlight Series event on “Africa in World Affairs” from 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 13, in the Multipurpose

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Room of A.K. Hinds University Center in Cullowhee. Free; open to the public. 227.3336 or michelsen@email.wcu.edu.

• A free seminar series for nonprofits entitled “The Three Pillars to Transforming YOUR Nonprofit” will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursdays, April 14-28, in Room 1510 on the HCC campus in Clyde.

For info or to register: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• A “Women in Business” luncheon is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on April 14, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Presented by the Haywood Chamber of Commerce. Members and community at large invited.

Guest speaker is Taylor Foss, senior vice president of organizational transformation at Mission Health.

Tickets: $25 for chamber members; $30 for nonmembers. Details and reservations: 456.3021 Sponsored by Stanberry Insurance Agency, Inc. • A presentation on marketing initiatives intended to help local businesses grow will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. on April 19 at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in Cherokee. RSVP: 788.0034 by April 15.

• Registration deadline is April 15 for the N.C. Safe Plates Food Safety Manager certification course, which will be offered April 25-26 in Haywood County. Class meets from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Exam is administered from 3-5 p.m. on April 26. Course fee is $125.

For info or to register: 456.3575 or julie_sawyer@ncsu.edu.

• Tickets are on sale for the Swain Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet, which is scheduled for 69 p.m. on April 21, at the Fryemont Inn. Advance tickets are $30 per person. Week of the event, tickets are $35.

Tickets available at the chamber.

• A women’s business networking luncheon will be offered through Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 18, at SCC’s Macon Campus in Franklin. t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• “Strengthening Leadership Ability by Improving Emotional Intelligence” will be the topic of a workshop presented by Southwestern Community College from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on April 18, at SCC’s Macon Campus in Franklin. Info: t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• “Supervision in the Workplace” will be the topic of a workshop presented by Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center from 3-5 p.m. on April 19, at SCC’s Macon Campus in Franklin. Designed for business owners and senior managers. Info: t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• A small business seminar entitled “Marketing Your Business” will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 6-9 p.m. on April 19 in Clyde. For more info or to register, visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 627.4512.

• Blue Ridge Hospitality Training is scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on April 19, at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Designed for employees and management in the hospitality industry in Haywood County. $35 per person, including lunch, a reference manual and prizes. 298.5330, ext. 303, or amy@blueridgeheritage.com.

• A small business seminar entitled “Doing Business with the Government” will be offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 9-11 p.m. on April 20 in Clyde. For more info or to register, visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 627.4512.

Smoky Mountain News

• A Roger Brooks seminar entitled “Big Success Starts with a Plan” will be offered courtesy of Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce, Smoky Mountain Host and Entegra Bank from 8-9:30 a.m. on April 20, at Entegra Bank Corporate Headquarters in Franklin. Register: 524.3161.

• “How to Create Your Message Map” will be the topic of a workshop presented by Southwestern Community College from 2-5 p.m. on April 20, at SCC’s Macon Campus in Franklin. Info: t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• BizWeek Banquet is scheduled for 6 p.m. on April 21, at Bloemsma Barn. Annual Bizweek honorees as well finalists and winner of the 2016 Macon County Young Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced. Keynote speaker is John E. Skvarla, Secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce.

• Tickets are on sale for the Swain County Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Membership Banquet, which is from 6-9 p.m. on April 21, at the Fryemont Inn in Bryson City. Advance tickets are $30 per person; $35 on week of event. Stop by the Chamber to purchase tickets.

• Training on the Library E-Resources – NC LIVE available on April 25 at 11 a.m. at the Canton Public Library.

Bring your electronic device if you have one. 648.2924.

• A financial aid workshop will be offered from 5-6 p.m. on April 26, at the Waynesville Library. Laura Misner of the College Foundation of North Carolina will cover topics like applying for financial aid and finding available grants and scholarships. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• “Stones and Bones’ will be presented by Mr. Richard Hightower on April 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• A creative business plan series, offered by Southwestern Community College’s Small Business Center, will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Thursdays through May 26. Each seminar is aimed at addressing needs and challenges of craft artists who have, or are thinking about starting, a business. Registration required: www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc. Info: t_henry@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4211.

• RSVPs are being accepted for a Group Travel Workshop for tourism owners and operators. The program, held by Haywood County Tourism Authority, starts at 10 a.m. on April 26, at the Waynesville Inn. Open to all tourism partners. Approximately two hours. RSVP: Ron@VisitNCSmokies.com.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Western Carolina University’s School of Stage and Screen continues its spring Mainstage theatre season when the musical “Gypsy” opens April 14. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on April 14-April 16 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 17. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for senior citizens and WCU faculty and staff and $10 for students. Tickets available by calling 227.2479 or online at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• The Cruso United Methodist Church Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser is set for 4:45-7 p.m. on April 15. $7 a plate.

Eat-in or take-out.

• The second annual Good Samaritan Cycle, benefitting the Good Samaritan Clinic of Jackson County, is scheduled for noon on April 15. Donations may be made online at www.goodsamcares.org/donate. Info: 631.8711 or www.goodsamcares.org.

• The Rotary Club of Sylva will have its annual pancake fundraiser from 7-11:30 a.m. on April 15, at the First United Methodist Church in Sylva. All proceeds go directly to the club to fund local and international service projects. 676.9901.

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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 • MPP’s Relay for Life team will hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on April 15, at Macon Program for Progress in Franklin. Adult trays are $7; children $5.

• Relay for Life will have spirit nights on April 18, at the Waynesville Pizza Hut and Tuesday, April 19, at Zaxby’s in Waynesville. Pizza Hut will donate 15 percent of sales; Zaxby’s will give 10 percent of each sale.

• The inaugural Shining Rock Classical Academy Open golf tournament is scheduled for April 21 at Maggie Valley Country Club. Captain’s choice foursome. Hole-inone prize is Ford Focus from Taylor Ford. Other prizes and raffle. Sponsorships available. http://srca.teamcfa.school/school/shining-rock-classical-academy-open/ or srcaopen@srca.school.

• Tickets are now on sale for the 16th annual “Ducks on the Tuck.” The fundraiser for New Century Scholars is scheduled for 2 p.m. on April 23, at Bridge Park in Sylva. Adopt a duck for $5; first rubber duck to the finish line wins the grand prize – a 40-inch flat-screen television donated by Custom Sound and Security of Franklin. Ducks can be adopted from any current New Century Scholar or from Kathy Posey at k_posey@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4227.

• Relay for Life is from 6 p.m.-midnight on April 23, on Main Street in Waynesville. Volunteers can decorate their window or a portion with purple and let customers know when Relay event will be; sell Relay footprints or cupcakes for $1 and stop by the night of the Relay to show support and walk with survivors and their families. Track signs and luminaries available for donations.

Info: 627.6137.

• The “Beer, Bluegrass, BBQ Spring Celebration” will kickoff at 1:30 p.m. April 23, at Outdoor 76 in Franklin.

Express your inner artist with Macon County Arts Council, learn more about trail systems in Macon County while visiting with the NC Bartram Trail Society and Nantahala Hiking Club, and enjoy lunch served by Smoky Mountain Bicycles. The food will start at 5 p.m.

Food and beer will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit Main Spring Conservation for the proposed Macon County Bike Park. Music will be at 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. 349.7676.

• Birdhouse Bash, an opportunity to create or decorate birdhouses for charity, is underway throughout April.

Presented by Daydreamz project and Open Door Community Gardeners. Birdhouses will be auctioned off through a silent auction during “The Whole Bloomin’ Thing” festival on May 7 in Waynesville. Drop off birdhouses between 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Monday through Saturday at the Second Blessing Thrift Store in Frog Level of Waynesville. Info: 476.4231 or 734.1570.

VOLUNTEERS • Folkmoot USA is seeking up to 20 guides to provide group support for the 33rd annual Folkmoot Festival.

The 2016 guide duty begins July 15 and is complete on Aug. 1. Guides reside at the Folkmoot Center for the entirety of the festival. Applications are available at www.folkmootusa.org and are due by April 23.

wnc calendar

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney 340-18

340-73

Is a Will Enough?

FREE LUNCHEON SEMINAR

Didanisisgi Pottery Festival April 16 • 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cherokee Fairgrounds (545 Tsali Blvd.)

———————————————————————————————————————————

Pottery Vendors and Demonstrations Food For Sale by N.A.I.W.A. Speaker Presentation on Cherokee Pottery at 11 a.m.

Roundtable Discussions at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m.

———————————————————————————————————————————

FREE ADMISSION

April 13 & May 11 11:30 AM

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828.586.4051

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More Info: Tara McCoy 828.359.6783 • Hope Huskey 828.359.5005 • Tonya Carroll 828.359.6489

April 13-19, 2016

28 Maple St. • Sylva

From your co-workers, neighbors and friends, all members of State Employees’ Credit Union.

Smoky Mountain News

A shout-out to our hardworking Department of Transportation Employees...

Thanks for all you do!

Photos courtesy of the North Carolina Department of Transportation

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www.ncsecu.org

VENDORS • The Downtown Waynesville Association is seeking heritage themed vendors for the 6th annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration that will take place Saturday, June 11, on Main Street. 456.3517 to request an application or visit the event calendar at www.downtownwaynesville.com. Applications accepted until April 18.

HEALTH MATTERS • A free introductory workshop on mindfulness, presented by Dodi Christiano, LPC, will be offered from 12:30 p.m. on April 14, at the Waynesville Library.

Learn skills to improve overall mental and physical well-being. Sign-up required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• The Macon County Cancer Support Group will meet at 7 p.m. on April 14, in the cafeteria of Angel Medical Center. Free gifts and light refreshments.

• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 8 a.m.-noon on April 16, at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee. Make an appointment by calling 800.733.2767.

• “Spring Into Spring and Rejuvenate Your Mind and Body,” a six-week mindfulness skill-building workshop designed to reduce stress and anxiety,” is scheduled for 6:30-7:45 p.m. on Tuesdays from April 19-May 24 at 166 Branner Ave., Suite C, in Waynesville. Led by Dodi Christiano, Licensed Professional Counselor. $15 per person or $25 per couple, per session. Register: 703.609.9107.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • The Haywood Dancers Ballroom Dance is from 8-10 p.m. on April 15, at Angie’s Dance Academy in Clyde. $10. 734.8726 or 734.8063.

• A disc golf tournament is scheduled for 11 a.m. (singles) and 11:30 a.m. (doubles) on April 16, at the Jackson County Recreation Park in Cullowhee. $10 for doubles; $5 for singles. 293.3053.

• The second cornhole qualifying event for the 2016 Championships of Bags (COBS) will be held on April 23. It’s part of a Qualifying Series for players to earn points and automatic bids into big cash tournaments.

The championship events are July 21-24 with a minimum guaranteed prize pool of $50,000. www.iplaycornhole.com/cobs or info@iplaycornhole.com.

POLITICAL • The Jackson County Democratic Party will hold its annual county convention from 10 a.m.-noon on

• NAACP of Jackson County will hold its membership meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, at Liberty Baptist Church in Sylva.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Gilbert-Chappell Distinguished Poet Brent Martin along with 16-year old Franklin High School student/poet Sydney Giaquinto will give a poetry reading in front of the fireplace from 5:30-6:15 p.m. on April 19, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Canton Book Club will be held on April 21 at 3:30 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. The club will meet on the third Thursday of each month. This month’s book is The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult, copies available at the library. 648.2924.

• Author Edie Burnett will read from her book “Mountain Echoes” at 3 p.m. on April 23 at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 456.6000 or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

• The Coffee with the Poet series is cosponsored by the Netwest program of the North Carolina Writers Network and gathers the third Thursday of each month at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Charlotte poet visual artist Jonathan K. Rice at 10:30 a.m. April 21. 586.9499.

• City Lights Bookstore and The Jackson County Public Library will co-sponsor a reading with New York Times bestselling author Ann B. Ross at 3 p.m. April 16, in the Community Room of the library. 586.9499 or www.citylightnc.com.

• Kim Michele Richardson will read from and sign her new novel GodPretty in the Tobacco Field at 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 23, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

KIDS & FAMILIES • The Pinch and Press class will be held from 10 a.m. to noon April 13 and 20 at The Bascom in Highlands.

For ages 5 to 10, this class will explore the ancient technique of pinching pots. Tuition is $60 per student. www.thebascom.org.

• The “Come Paint with Charles Kidz Program” will be at 4 p.m. April 14 and 28 at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City. $20 per child. 538.2054.

• Full STEAM Ahead, a program for children ages 5-12 to allow them to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through fun hands-on activities. Program open to the first 15 participants.

Program takes place on the third Tuesday of the month. 648.2924.

JOIN WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY

FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL NURSING NG MENTORING DIVERSE STUDENTS & CE CULTURAL DIVERSITY CONFERENCE Supporting Academic Success for Diverse e and Minority Students FRIDAY, APRIL 29 8:45 A.M. — 3:45 P.M. WCU at Biltmore Park 28 Schenck Parkway | Asheville, NC

Faculty.wcu.edu/ceevents/

Guest Speakers:

Louise Jacubik & Frank Castelblanco Participants can earn 5.25 CNE hours.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS JOIN US AS WE WELCOME

Taylor Foss Senior Vice President, Organizational Transformation at Mission Health Foss, 63, has more than 25 years of Human Resources executive leadership experience. Prior to joining Mission Health, Foss worked at LifeBridge Health as Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (LifeBridge is a regional health care system based in the greater Baltimore area). Prior to that, she spent many years in financial services, managing both Human Resources as well as serving as the Chief Administrative Officer. Foss recently served on the National Women's Leadership Council Board for the United Way of America, where she chaired the Leadership Committee. She also currently serves as Chair of the Economic Development Coalition Asheville-Buncombe County and is on the Asheville Chamber Board.

————————————————————————— The Women in Business series consists of luncheon meetings with topics of current interest for both men and women in the areas of business, leadership, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

P L AT I N U M S P O N S O R :

LAUREL RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB

Tuesday, April 14 • 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $25/Chamber Members

$30/Non-Members

• A DIY “Library Superhero Posters” event is set for 4 p.m. on April 20, at the Canton Library. Create your own library superhero poster to enter in the Librarycon poster contest. Poster due on April 30. Library will provide supplies. All ages welcome. 648.2924.

340-17

• The Young Children’s Fair will be held from to 4 to 7 p.m. April 21, at the Cherokee Indian Fair Ground.

Admission is free. www.visitcherokeenc.com or 359.6592 (ext: 2212).

• NC Science Festival event will be held April 21 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library for grades K-6. Children will enjoy hands-on activities, such as building 3-D geometry, shopping with funny money, and making math music. Family Story time at 10 a.m. will focus on “It’s Never Too Early to Get Excited about Math and join the library for a “It’s Math Party time at 6:30 p.m. for all ages. Ncsciencefestival.org or kmoe@fontanalib.org or 524.3600.

• Sing and Sign Storytime is offered on April 25 at 10 a.m. at the Macon County Public Library. Ages 0-5.

524.3600.

WNC's Largest Selection of Granite & Quartz.

Smoky Mountain News

• Registration is underway for Appalachian Dance Class 101, which will be offered at Folkmoot in Waynesville. Instruction on square dance formation and basic flat-foot and clogging styles unique to Haywood County will be provided by Kim Rose, director of the J. Creek Cloggers. Four-week classes cost $40 and are offered from 6-7 p.m. at the Folkmoot Community Center. Classes start April 19 for ages 6up; and May 17 for Ages 16-up. Register: 452.2997 or elizabeth@folkmoot.org.

• The Swain County Democratic Party Convention is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 16, at the Swain County Chamber of Commerce.

April 13-19, 2016

• “First Aid Every Parent Should Know” will be the topic of a Dinner with a Doc seminar presented by James Guerriere, M.D., at 6 p.m. on April 21, at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center.

800.424.DOCS (3627). Guerriere is a pediatrician with the Mountain Pediatric Group (452.8878 or www.mountainpediatric.com). Childcare available for a nominal fee.

Saturday, April 16, at the Council on Aging Senior Center in the County Services Park in Sylva.

wnc calendar

Individuals interested in guide work should attend the Folkmoot Guide Leadership Workshop on from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 23. To register for this workshop please contact Elizabeth Burson at 452.2997 or elizabeth@folkmoot.org.

Solid Surface Specialists

62 Communications Dr., Waynesville • Appointments Suggested

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

47

will also be required to pay $12 parking fee. Info: www.wncos.org.

wnc calendar

KIDS MOVIES • Free screening of “The Peanuts Movie” at noon and 2 p.m. April 16, 23 & 30 at The Strand on Main in Waynesville. www.38main.com.

• The film “Star Wars – The Force Awakens” (April 1416) will be screened at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Screenings are at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. with a special 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. Free. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• A family movie about an Indian boy raised by wolves will be shown at 3:30 p.m. on April 19, at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. For info, including movie title, call 488.3030.

• The film “Star Wars – The Force Awakens” (April 1315) will be screened at The Strand in Waynesville.

Screenings are at 7 p.m. and April 17 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. www.38main.com.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • Western Carolina University will celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of its international student population during the university’s 37th annual International Festival starting at 11 a.m. on April 13, on the lawn of the A.K. Hinds University Center. Free; open to everyone. 227.7494.

• The 18th annual Asheville Orchid Festival is scheduled for April 15-17 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville, which is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $5 per person; children 12 and under are free. Nonmembers

• Habitat for Humanity’s second-annual Spring Bloom and Build festival is from 2-7 p.m. on April 16 at the Great Smoky Mountain Depot in Dillsboro. Events and entertainment include 5K run/walk, silent auction, face painting, scavenger hunt, live music, food vendors and more.

• A Fish Fest Youth Fishing Clinic, Fish Fry and Fishing Tournament will be held by Haywood Community College’s Wildlife Club on April 16, at the college’s Millpond. Fishing clinic is for ages 6-12 years old; it’s free and from 1-4 p.m. Fish fry and tournament are from 4-6 p.m. Entry fee is $8 for tournament with a grand prize of a $100 Bass Pro Shop gift certificate. Dinner is $8. Proceeds benefit the club.

627.4560.

• A Healthy Living Festival is scheduled for 9 a.m.noon on April 16, at the Cullowhee Recreation Center.

Free event for all ages. Screenings to be announced; various health and wellness related booths. American Red Cross Blood Drive Blood Mobile available from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Greening Up the Mountains Festival will host artists, mountain crafters, environmental and food vendors in the upcoming 19th annual event, which is April 23 in Sylva. Crawfish boil, musical performances, traditional heritage walk and more. www.greeningupthemountains.com, 586.2719 or at Sylva’s Town Hall. Info: 631.4587.

• The Mud Dauber (Didanisisgi) Pottery Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 16, at the Cherokee Fairgrounds. Food will be available for purchase. Open to the public. 423.930.5837.

• Tickets are on sale for the 17th Annual Taste of Chocolate event, which will be held from 6-8 p.m. on April 23 at Maggie Valley Club. Tickets available at the Senior Resource Center, Quilter’s Quarters, Blue Ridge Books Chocolate Bear, Maggie Valley Club or by

calling 356.2833. Proceeds go to connecting volunteers in the community as well as helping people on Medicare through the N.C. SHIIP program.

• Western Carolina University’s 14th annual jazz festival will feature an afternoon and evening of music, special guests and celebration from 1-10 p.m. on April 23, in the recital hall of the Coulter Building in Cullowhee. 227.3261 or pwlosok@wcu.edu.

• Clyde First Baptist Church will hold its Spring Fling from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on April 23. Live music, cornhole tournament, BBQ, hot dogs, biscuits and coffee. Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show registration starts at 7 a.m.; $15 entry.

FOOD & DRINK • Jackson County’s craft breweries are celebrating N.C. Beer Month throughout April. Breweries include Sneak E. Squirrel, Heinzelmännchen and Innovation.

For more information about each one’s promotions in April, visit: www.yourgnometownbrewery.com; www.innovation-brewing.com and www.facebook.com/TheSneakESquirrel.

• Throughout April enjoy a pint of beer and an individual size pizza for only $10 at Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company located at the Sapphire National Golf Club.

• The next installment of the “Murder Mystery Dinners” will be held at 7 p.m. April 16, at The Sneak E Squirrel brewery in Sylva. Because it’s NC Beer Month, the dinner will be craft beer themed alongside a three-course meal. Vegetarian options available.

There will be eight roles to play. For reservations, call 586.6440 • Mad Batter Food & Film will host The Buchanan Boys (country/rock) album release party and performance at 8:30 p.m. April 16. $10 per person. www.madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• The City Lights Café (Sylva) 5th anniversary party

with Oliver Padget (singer-songwriter) will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. April 16. New menu items, selfie contest, freebies, door prizes, and more. Five dishes for $5. The Freestylers will also be performing at 6 p.m.

April 23. 587.2233. www.citylightscafe.com.

• Tickets are available for a wine-tasting and fingerfood event presented by Bosu’s and FUR from 5-8 p.m. on April 22, at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. 15 percent discount per case; 10 percent per bottle or a free cat. Tickets are $30 each; available at Bosu’s 421.1290, 452.0120 or www.facebook.com/furofwnc.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • HART Theatre will kick off its main stage season on April 18 with the Southern Comedy “The Red Velvet Cake War” in Waynesville. Comedy. Performances at 7:30 p.m. on April 14-16; and at 2 p.m. on April 17.

456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• Guitarist Kevin Lorenz will perform pop, jazz, Bossa nova and Latin tunes at 7 p.m. on April 15, at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Apple Creek Café (Waynesville) will host an evening of jazz on Saturdays.

• A “Sacred Dance” with Amai Clarice Munchus will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 15-17 at the Illuminated Heart Sanctuary in Whittier. To register, 678.628.6548 or amai.clarice@gmail.com.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host Soldier’s Heart (folk/rock) at 8 p.m. April 16. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day-of-show. www.38main.com or www.soldiersheart.com.

• Tuscola High School Choral Department’s 34th Annual Country Western Show is at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 16-17 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, at the school’s auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or by calling 456.2408.

April 13-19, 2016

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Smoky Mountain News

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• The MET Opera’s presentation of “Roberto Devereux” will be shown live via satellite at 12:55 p.m. on April 16, at the Highlands Performing Arts. Pre-opera discussion will be led by Beverly Wichman starting at 12:30 p.m. Tickets: highlandspac.org, at the door or 526.9047.

• Soldier’s Heart (Southern Appalachian Folk/roots) will perform at 8 p.m. on April 16, at The Strand in Waynesville. Tickets: $15 advance/$18 day of show. www.38main.com.

• Joe Cruz (piano) performs the music of the Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel at 7 p.m. on April 16, at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host the H.A. Hoffman Senior Recital April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coulter Building., Phi Mu Alpha Recital April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• The Canton Public Library will host Richard Hurley (bluegrass/Americana) at 3 p.m. April 17. Free. www.haywoodarts.org.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host Phi Mu Alpha Recital April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host a Faculty Composition Recital with Damon Sink April 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host the Faculty Composition Recital with Damon Sink April 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

• Popular funk/rock act Porch 40 will headline the annual “420 Fest” starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro in Sylva. Other performers include Log Noggins and Georgie Tumagne. www.soulinfusion.com or 586.1717.

• The Western Carolina University Low Tech Ensemble will perform a concert of gamelan music at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 21, in the recital hall of the Coulter Building on the WCU campus. www.wcu.edu.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host the a “Electric Soul” concert with the CAT singers will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 22 in the Bardo Arts Center. www.wcu.edu.

• Tina and Her Pony will perform American folk music at 7 p.m. on April 22, at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• There will be a Album release Party for the “Call it Joy” album by Renee Allsbrooks at 4 p.m. on April 24 at The Strand in Waynesville. Tickets are $5. www.38main.com.

• Bluegrass legend Peter Rowan will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley. Tickets are $65 per person, which includes a dinner buffet before the show a 6 p.m. www.cataloocheeranch.com or 926.1401.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

• Lens Luggers will meet at 7 a.m. on Wednesdays from April 20-May 11, at the Waynesville Old Armory and car pool to field venues as part of the spring field photography program led by Bob Grytten. Each shoot is $45. The group will also meet every other Tuesday (starting April 19) to discuss the morning sessions and to review participants’ images. Each session is $15. Info about the association: www.lensluggerworld.com and http://bobgrytten.com. Reservations: 627.0245 or bobgry@aol.com.

• The ‘Whee Market, offering locally produced crafts and food, is from 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday at the intersection of North and South Country Club Drives in Cullowhee. Info: cullowheemarket@gmail.com.

• The “Mines and Mining in Western North Carolina” presentation will be held by the Franklin Gem & Mineral Society at 7 p.m. April 14, at the Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum. www.fgmm.org.

WilD

flower

A FIVE-DAY EXPLORATION OF PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE IN THE SMOKIES April 19-23, 2016

Pilgrimage

W.L. MILLS CONFERENCE CENTER,

GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

Choose from 144 guided walks and indoor talks led by 110 professional leaders!

GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

Learn about wildflowers, birds, bears, medicinal plants, butterflies, ecology, plant identification, nature photography and sketching, natural and cultural history and more in the Smokies. For detail go to:

springwildflowerpilgrimage.org

• The Jackson Rangers Camp 1917 will hold monthly meetings (except July) at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Barkers Creek Community Center. Members are being sought to participate in honor guard graveside events and honor Confederate soldiers. The Confederate Rose, a ladies auxiliary group that supports active members, meets at the same time and location. 736.6222 or jrcamp1917@hotmail.com.

• Submissions are being accepted from professional artists through April 15 who wish to participate in “Artists Count” – a project of Jackson County Arts Council to document the vibrancy of visual arts in Jackson County. Application available from ArtistsCount@gmail.com.

• “Stitch,” the community gathering of those interested in crochet, knit and needlepoint, meet at 2:30 p.m. every first Sunday of the month at the Canton Public Library. All ages welcome. www.haywoodlibrary.org.

• Riverwood Pottery will have a wheel-throwing pottery class beginning on April 21, and continuing for eight weeks from 6 to 8 p.m. at their studio in Dillsboro. Cost is $160. 586.3601.

• An “Alcohol Ink Course” will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Learn to mix and play with vibrant colors on any non-porous surface. Class fee is $75, which includes materials. sharsand46@gmail.com.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • Artist John Kenneth Melvin will break ground on a new site-specific sculpture at the entrance of The Bascom art center’s campus on April 15, in Highlands.

787.2897. www.thebascom.org.

• A student art reception will be held for South Macon Elementary School from 6-7 p.m. on April 21, at the Macon County Public Library’s Living room.

Jessica.carpenter@macon.k12.nc.us.

• A free Pandora and Spotify class will be offered at 5:45 p.m. on April 13, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 90 minutes. Register: 586.2016.

• A reception for the 48th annual “Juried Undergraduate Exhibit” will be held from 5 to 7 p.m.

April 21, in the Fine Arts Museum at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• Faye Junaluska will demonstrate the craft of creat-

• “String Pieced Quilts” will be the topic of the High

Smoky Mountain News

• Emmylou Harris will perform her blend of pop, folk, gospel and blues at 7:30 p.m. on April 23, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $42 each.

GreatMountainMusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Blacksmithing courses taught by Brock Martin at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro will include the following: Viking Round Shield — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 16-17, Bladesmithing: Seax Knife Class — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 14-15 and Viking Axe Making — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18-19. For more information of these workshops, class fees, the JCGEP, and more, click on www.jcgep.org.

2016 Spring

April 13-19, 2016

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host the Brass Ensemble Recital April 20 and clarinetist Cesar Sanchez at 2:30 p.m. in the Coulter Building. www.wcu.edu.

ing white oak baskets from 3-5 p.m. on April 14, and offer a workshop for participants who would like to weave a basket of their own from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 17, at Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center. Thursday’s demonstration is free; Friday’s workshop costs $70. Sign up: 227.7129.

wnc calendar

• Tickets are on sale for a Sandy Patty concert, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. on April 16 in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. Packages include lodging, meals and reserved concert seats. http://lakejunaluska.com/sandipatty.

49

wnc calendar

Country Quilt Guild meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 21, at the First Methodist Church in Waynesville. highcountryquilters.wordpress.com.

• The unveiling of a Frederick Law Olmsted sculpture will be held at 5 p.m. on April 22 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Parking fee will be lifted at 4 p.m.

FILM & SCREEN • The film “Star Wars – The Force Awakens” (April 1416) will be screened at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Screenings are at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. with a special 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. Free. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• The film “Star Wars – The Force Awakens” (April 1315) will be screened at The Strand in Waynesville.

Screenings are at 7 p.m. and April 17 at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. www.38main.com.

• Adult movie time, 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Three screenings of “The Hunting Ground,” an award-winning documentary about rape on college campuses, will be offered in April (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) by the Haywood Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Task Force. The first showings are at 2:30 and 4 p.m. on April 14 at Haywood Community College Auditorium in Clyde. The third is at 7 p.m. on April 21 at the Strand Theater in Waynesville.

456.7898, 452.2122 or visit REACH’s Facebook page.

• A new documentary narrated by Meryl Streep delves into the realm of flowers and their pollinators and will be shown at 6 p.m. on April 13, and at 2 p.m. on April 14, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

524.3600.

April 13-19, 2016

• A classic movie starring Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak will be shown at 2 p.m. on April 15, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Movie’s about a charming, handsome, funny, talented, first-class heel who meets a former chorus girl who’s now a rich widow. 524.3600.

• The film “The Revenant” will be shown on April 1922 at 7 p.m. and April 23 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. at The Strand in Waynesville. www.38main.com.

• Morning Movie being held at Canton Public Library on April 27 at 9:30 a.m. Coffee, doughnuts and a new movie starring Tom Hanks. 648.2924. Morning movie occurs on the third Wednesday of the month.

Outdoors • Bird walk along the greenway is set for 8 a.m. on April 13. Meet at Salali Lane in Franklin. 524.5234.

Smoky Mountain News

• A Franklin Gem and Mineral Society Program will have a presentation entitled “Mines and Mining in

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

• A clean-up of Speedwell Cemetery is scheduled for 9 a.m. on April 16. Info: 423.257.2264 or chadfredb@gmail.com.

• An “Introduction to Fly Fishing” class will be offered for ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 18 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Transylvania County. Free. Pre-registration required at http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. 877.4423.

Western North Carolina, How Gem Stones are Cut & Polished, and What is The Gem & Mineral Society” at 7 p.m. on April 14, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Franklin Bird Club will hold its meeting on the topic of “Bird Monitoring in Macon County” at 7 p.m. on April 18 at Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

524.5234.

• A program about WNC Wilderness with Michelle Ruigrok & Brent Martin will be held on April 14 at 7 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. 524.3600.

• A “Casting for Beginners: Level 1” class will be offered for ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 19 at Lake Imaging in DuPont State Recreational Forest.

Free. Pre-registration required at http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. 877.4423.

• The 18th annual Asheville Orchid Festival is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 15-17 at the N.C. Arboretum’s Education Center in Asheville. $5 admission fee in addition to Arboretum’s standard parking fees. www.ncarboretum.org.

• “Wilderness & The Anthropocene,” an evening of discussion with a panel of the region’s foremost writers and scientists, will be presented by the Southern Appalachian Office of the Wilderness Society from 6-9 p.m. on April 15, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Free; open to the first 100 attendees. RSVP https://wilderness-and-the-anthropocene.eventbrite.com. 587.9453.

• The Highlands Plateau Greenway will conduct its monthly work day from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, April 16th. highlandsgreenway@nctv.com or 482.1451.

• “Science at the Market Day” will be presented by Western Carolina University from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on April 16, at the Jackson County Farmers Market in Sylva. Learn the chemistry of making cheese, dying wool naturally and discover the world of bees. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org.

• An introduction to Tenakara (form of traditional Japanese fly-fishing) will be offered from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 16 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Transylvania County. Free. Classroom and hands-on learning. Pre-registration required at http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3.

• Trout Unlimited-Cataloochee will have a fishing day trip on April 16 at the Nantahala River. $5 per participant. Each member may bring a friend or friends that are not TU members. If you plan to participate, notify tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

• The 32nd annual Tuck River Cleanup, hosted by Western Carolina University’s Base Camp Cullowhee, is scheduled for April 16. Volunteers are welcome to meet from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on the A.K. Hinds University City lawn. The first 600 get a t-shirt.

We are proud to accept insurance plans from these local employers:

• The 66th annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is April 19-23 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Info and register: www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org.

• Audubon NC’s Kimberly Brand will lead volunteers to recruit local nurseries to support ANC’s native plant initiative on April 20. kkppursel1@gmail.com or 908.283.4546.

• A Bird walk along the greenway is scheduled for 8 a.m. on April 20 in Franklin. Meet at the Macon County Public Library parking area. 524.5234.

• A new documentary about photographer Sebastião Salgado’s discovery of pristine territories will be shown at 2 and 6 p.m. on April 20, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• Salt of the Earth photographic documentary from around the world will be hosted on April 20 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library.

524.3600.

• Living simply with a lighter touch on the environment will be the topic of a program offered by Robert Franz at 6:30 p.m. on April 21, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016.

• An easy ride aiming to help people ease into a healthier lifestyle through cycling leaves at 9:30 a.m.

Thursdays from the Canton Recreation Park, beginning April 21 and covering 8-10 miles. Road bikes are preferred. Nobody will be left behind. mttrantham@hotmail.com.

• Danny Bernstein, hiker & author of Forests, Alligators, Battlefields: My Journey through the National Parks of the South will be at the Macon County Public Library on April 22 at 10 a.m. 524.3600.

• A day of fun, Earth-friendly experiences and learning opportunities will be part of Gadugi Earth Day, which is

from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on April 22, at the Acquoni Expo Center in Cherokee. Info: 359.6934.

• PARI will hold a presentation on the upcoming transit of Mercury, along with an evening of night sky observing, at 8 p.m. on April 22, in Rosman. $15 per person; children 10-under free. Reservations required: www.pari.edu or 862.5554.

• An Invasive Plant Species Removal will be held from 2-4 p.m. on April 22. Meet at Vance Street Park in Waynesville.

• The Nantahala Outdoor Center’s Spring Fling is set for April 22-24. Vendor fair and open mic night (Friday); Hometown Throwtown freestyle event; Kids Surf!, vendor fair, special whitewater release, live music (Saturday); second whitewater release (Sunday). www.noc.com/events.

• The 22nd annual “Southeastern Mini Truckin’ Nationals” will be held April 23-24 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Open car and truck show. For more information, contact Jason at Bell’s Rod Shop, 865.742.7403. minitruckinnats@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/southeastern.nationals.

• A pasture management demonstration field day will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 23 in Glenville.

Major themes include improved profitability, improved animal health and well-being and improved environmental sustainability. Info: 586.4009, 488.3848 or Robert_hawk@ncsu.edu. Caravan leaves Jackson Extension Center at 8 a.m. for the event.

• Earth Day Event is April 23 at the Nature Center for local environmental organizations. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org.

• A stream clean-up of Richland Creek is scheduled for 9:30-11:30 a.m. on April 23. Meet at Vance Street Park in Waynesville. RSVP: Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com or 476.4667.

• Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association, associated with the American Kennel Club, will hold its annual dog show from 8 a.m. to approximately 3 p.m. on April 23-24 at the Haywood County Agriculture and Activities Center in Waynesville. Info: http://wcdfa.org or http://infodog.com.

• The documentary “Appalachian Impressions: Hiking the Appalachian Trail” will be shown at 2 and 6 p.m. on April 23, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

FARM AND GARDEN • Rain barrels are on sale for $90 apiece at the USDA Agricultural Service Center in Waynesville. 476.4667 or info@haywoodwaterways.org.

• The Haywood County Plant Clinic is open every business day till May 15 at the Haywood County Extension Center on Raccoon Road. Master Gardeners are available to answer questions about lawns, vegetables, flowers, trees, ornamental plants and more. May 15.456.3575

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

Call today to learn more about your specific coverage

50

• “Backyard Birding by Ear: For Beginners” will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on April 16 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Transylvania County.

Free. Pre-registration required at http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3. 877.4423.

828.456.3211 smokymtneye.com

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

AUCTION

MarketPlace information:

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Bid 4/13 - 4/19. Located: Ashton, WV & Manassas, VA. www.motleys.com 804.232.3300x4 VAAL#16/WVA1944

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.

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Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

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EMPLOYMENT

BE A PART OF THE TEAM THAT BRINGS BACK STEAM IN 2016!

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OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

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Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity 340-83

LAWN AND GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com LAWN MAINTENANCE/MOWING Service, Based out of Whittier.

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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 an equal opportunity basis.

MOUNTAIN CABIN NEAR Lake Lure, NC. $154,900 2 bed/2 bath on 1.68 acres w/stone fpl, large deck, mtn views, loft.

828.286.1666 broker.

LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

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REAL ESTATE WANTED TO BUY WANTED: OLD BARN - HOUSE To Salvage Rough Cut Lumber, Flooring, Antiques, Vintage Materials, Etc. Terms Negotiable.

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HOMES FOR SALE

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE FOR YOU 1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

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by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

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Hours:

Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

MEDICAL

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Beverly Hanks & Associates • • • • • • • •

Residential Broker Associate

beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy - MichelleMcElroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - MarilynnObrig@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - MikeStamey@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - EllenSither@beverly-hanks.com Brooke Parrott - BrookeParrott@beverly-hanks.com Randy Flanigan - RandyFlanigan@beverly-hanks.com Pamela Williams - PamelaWilliams@beverly-hanks.com Ann Eavenson - AnnEavenson@beverly-hanks.com

Emerson Group

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Mountain Home Properties

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mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell — smokiesproperty.com

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340-43

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remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Brian K. Noland — brianknoland.com Mieko Thomson — ncsmokies.com The Morris Team — maggievalleyproperty.com The Real Team — the-real-team.com Ron Breese — ronbreese.com Dan Womack — womackdan@aol.com Catherine Proben — cp@catherineproben.com

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April 13-19, 2016

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

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The Seller’s Agency — listwithphil.com • Phil Ferguson — philferguson@bellsouth.net

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

www.smokymountainnews.com

April 13-19, 2016

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CROSSWORD

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT? ACROSS 1 Gallery events for buying works 9 Acting in a Broadway show, e.g.

16 “High Voltage” rock band 20 Most calm 21 Exposed to danger 22 Shift course 23 112-Across, #1 25 German river 26 Toothed tonsorial tool 27 Punker/folkie DiFranco 28 French for “summer” 29 Trample (on) 30 112-Across, #2 37 Sidekick 39 Olds of old 40 Uplifting poems 41 “Go, toreador!”

42 Ultimatum concluder 44 Inedible orange type 46 Son of Adam 48 Timber tree 51 112-Across, #3 55 Ruhr industrial city 56 Pro Bowl org.

57 Former GI 58 Spay, say 59 Bring to court 60 Lorain’s lake 63 Paige of the stage 64 112-Across, #4 71 2006-12 Mexican President Calderón 72 Like seams 73 - room (Ping-Pong place) 74 Make right 75 Nothing 77 Skull section

tice Samuel 14 “- while they’re hot!”

15 Joseph who co-founded an ice cream company 16 Indisposed 17 Tabloid topic 18 Prohibit 19 Set of beliefs 24 Espionage org.

29 Fish story 31 Firing crime?

32 Bog plant 33 Kvetch 34 Chisel part 35 Tolls, e.g.

36 Garden implements 37 With 78-Down, seventh-century pontiff 38 Eros’ father 43 Commit perjury 44 Bid 45 Pine- 46 Log splitter 47 Comic shtick 48 Ludicrous 49 Script unit 50 Present DOWN 52 “Move - a Little 1 “Hold on -!”

Higher” 2 Nevada city 53 Nights of anticipation 3 Ones quivering 54 Verve 4 - -Croatian 59 “Isn’t - Lovely” 5 With 6-Down, Best 60 Relative of “-speak” Director of 2012 61 Sudoku part 6 See 5-Down 7 Misisipi or Nueva York, 62 Place to stay the night por ejemplo 63 And other things: 8 Wasp wound Abbr.

9 N-R linkup 64 All upset 10 Modern, in Germany 11 Married Mex. woman 65 “Half - is better than none” 12 Bathroom floor 66 Skating area installers, often 67 Velocity increases 13 Supreme Court jus78 Milk: Prefix 83 112-Across, #5 89 UV blockage stat 90 All 52 cards 91 Alarm 92 Turn around 93 Lemon 94 Be alarmed by 95 Tippler’s hwy. offense 96 - Paulo 97 112-Across, #6 105 Tiny skin openings 106 Place to buy tkts.

107 “Total Recall” director Wiseman 108 “It happens to the best -” 111 Be a drifter 112 This puzzle’s theme 118 Price to play 119 1970s cop show 120 Mechanic’s crowbar 121 Not brush off 122 Nothing-but-net sounds 123 Least lenient

68 Kauai, e.g.

69 Obliterate 70 Lizardlike amphibian 71 Web pages for newbies 75 “Siberia” network 76 Really pester 77 Shake up 78 See 37-Down 79 Singer Garfunkel 80 Truce 81 “So long!”

82 Spread in the dairy section 84 Start over on 85 Totally lost 86 Chrysler line of the 1980s 87 Do field work 88 Santa 93 Viewed to be 94 Blaze features 95 “Shoot!”

97 Winfrey of “Beloved” 98 Not a soul 99 Packing box 100 “Hogwash!”

101 Fetal homes 102 1970s foe of Frazier 103 Chaps 104 “Baywatch” actress Gena Lee 109 Aliens’ craft 110 Shipped off 112 About half of a fluid oz.

113 Numerical suffix 114 Noshed 115 Repeated syllables in “Hey Jude” 116 Tantalite, e.g.

117 - -de-lance

answers on page 50

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WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 50

Adult red-shouldered hawk (Florida race - note the pale gray face) along the Weeki Wachee River. Don Hendershot photo

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Mystery solved was having my morning coffee on the small floating dock in the narrow, clear Weeki Wachee River about three miles upstream of the Gulf of Mexico and watching for manatees. The girls and I had discovered that early morning was a good time to catch these unique creatures headed in or out of the river. The loud, incessant calling of a red-shouldered hawk from the woods across the river suddenly shattered the morning quiet.

The area across the river — a state of Florida wildlife management area — looked like ideal red-shouldered habitat and I had heard a call or two from them as we paddled the day before. But there was an urgency to this calling and it was repetitive. I was going over, in my mind, the likely scenarios that could induce such a ruckus when I saw a couple of crows in the treetops. Ah, I thought, mama red-shouldered was concerned about these nest-robbers in the neighborhood.

The crows lounged around for a couple of minutes then vacated the area. But the calling didn’t stop. Suddenly there was a responding loud “keee-yeerrr” from behind

I

me. The two birds appeared to be communicating and out of nowhere a hawk, screaming, soared across the river and lit in a large sweet-bay at river’s edge. The hawks “talked” back and forth and the recently arrived bird left the sweet-bay, flew downriver about three hundred yards and into the woods. I hadn’t expected all this theatre with my morning coffee but it was intriguing.

The screaming is still going on when a mature bald eagle explodes from the woods downriver with a red-shouldered in hot pursuit. Now, there is little doubt about the gravitas of this situation. The red-shouldered hawk is intent on chasing a threatening interloper from its territory. That said, if someone had just come upon this scene at this point, it would have looked a bit comical to see a huge adult bald eagle beating a hasty retreat while being dive-bombed by a raptor about half its size.

As I was watching this play out, everything began to fall into place. Yesterday we were on the dock chatting with our neighbors. I mentioned that I had seen bald eagles. ‘Oh,” was the response, “we just saw one come by with a bird in its talons.”

That piqued my curiosity but I didn’t think a whole lot about it. American coots

are pretty much a staple as far as bald eagles are concerned, but there were no coots around. Well, eagles are quite opportunistic when it comes to prey — an unsuspecting shorebird or even a dead bird scavenged somewhere could easily become a meal. But the red-shouldereds were telling a different story.

Both parents were out hunting yesterday morning to feed fledglings. An eagle happened by, saw an unguarded nest and

availed itself to the opportunity. This morning the red-shouldereds, alerted to the danger, did not leave the nest unguarded. Mama stayed to keep an eye on things while dad went out for breakfast. The eagle, remembering where its yesterday’s breakfast came from returned for a replay. Mama was there and started calling out for help – which is where I entered the story.

(Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist.

He can be reached a ddihen1@bellsouth.net.)

We are open to becoming your primary health care center.

We accept most medical insurance, Medicare & Medicaid plans.

Smoky Mountain News

We are open to everyone!

April 13-19, 2016

THE FAMILY CARE CENTER

Call 828-554-5565 to make an appointment.

77 Painttown Road (Hwy. 19) • Cherokee, North Carolina

55

Saturday, April 16th - 9am-5pm

CELEBRATION

April 13-19, 2016

This year we’re joining forces with Relay for Life, Gary’s Warriors Team, for the 6th Annual “Ride for Life” Cancer Poker Run. Ride starts & ends at SMSH Registration starts at 10 • First Bike out at 11

Smoky Mountain News

$10 per person for poker run $250 Grand Prize & Tons of Door Prizes Poker Run, 50/50 and all donations will benefit the American Cancer Society

Anniversary Celebration with Free BBQ & Live Entertainment 1:00 – 4:00

Free BBQ, Free Entertainment, Relay for Life Poker Run, 50/50, Super Sales & More!

Exit 100 off U.S. 74 82 LOCUST DRIVE | WAYNESVILLE | NC

SMSH.CO FOR OUR FULL INVENTORY

828.452.7276

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 - 6:00 Saturday 9:00 - 5:00 56

For more information about the Relay for Life Poker Run, please contact Jenny Stamey (828) 734-3552 or Gail Paxton (828) 231-3166.