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May 1-7, 2019 Vol. 20 Iss. 49

New chancellor selected to lead Western Carolina Page 6 McCoy once more a candidate for principal chief Page 14

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CONTENTS

STAFF EDITOR/PUBLISHER: ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: ART DIRECTOR: DESIGN & WEBSITE: DESIGN & PRODUCTION: ADVERTISING SALES:

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ACCOUNTING & OFFICE MANAGER: DISTRIBUTION: CONTRIBUTING:

Scott McLeod. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . info@smokymountainnews.com Greg Boothroyd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . greg@smokymountainnews.com Micah McClure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . micah@smokymountainnews.com Travis Bumgardner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . travis@smokymountainnews.com Jessica Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessica.m@smokymountainnews.com Susanna Barbee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . susanna.b@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Bradley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jc-ads@smokymountainnews.com Hylah Birenbaum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hylah@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jessi Stone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jessi@smokymountainnews.com Holly Kays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . holly@smokymountainnews.com Cory Vaillancourt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cory@smokymountainnews.com Garret K. Woodward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . garret@smokymountainnews.com Amanda Singletary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smnbooks@smokymountainnews.com Scott Collier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . classads@smokymountainnews.com Jeff Minick (writing), Chris Cox (writing), George Ellison (writing), Gary Carden (writing), Don Hendershot (writing), Susanna Barbee (writing).

CONTACT WAYNESVILLE | 144 Montgomery, Waynesville, NC 28786 P: 828.452.4251 | F: 828.452.3585 SYLVA | 629 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779 P: 828.631.4829 | F: 828.631.0789

On the Cover: Famous banjo picker and Maggie Valley’s own Raymond Fairchild recently celebrated his 80th birthday with a bluegrass jam at his Opry House. With no signs of slowing down, Fairchild was also presented with two state honors from Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin. (Page 28) Garret K. Woodward photo

News Entegra merges with First Citizens Bank ....................................................................4 Waynesville cemetery committee chosen ....................................................................5 New chancellor selected to lead WCU ........................................................................6 Haywood Habitat embarks on second subdivision ..................................................8 Residents continue push for Waynesville park ..........................................................9 Franklin board still set to vote on deed transfer ......................................................11 Waynesville’s iconic sculptures to get upgrade ......................................................12 McCoy once more a candidate for principal chief ................................................14 Ground breaks on crisis unit in Cherokee ................................................................18 Education News ................................................................................................................23

Opinion With title, Nikwasi Initiative can move forward ........................................................24

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Outdoors Killdeer nest prompts shuffle for Sylva festival ........................................................42

CONTENTS In the April 24 issue of SMN, a story incorrectly stated that an expansion project at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort will result in 150 additional hotel rooms. The correct number is 750 rooms. SMN regrets the error.

May 1-7, 2019 Smoky Mountain News 3

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Entegra merges with First Citizens Bank Previous merger plans with SmartFinancial off the table

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR fter announcing in January that Franklin-based Entegra Bank would be bought out by SmartFinancial Inc. out of Knoxville, the deal is being called off and Entegra now has plans to merge with Raleighbased First Citizens Bank instead.

On Jan. 15, Entegra announced it had entered into a definitive agreement to merge with SmartFinancial in a strategic merger of equals. However, First Citizens approached Entegra and its advisors with a significantly better offer after the announcement was made. According to a press release, under the agreement with SmartFinancial, Entegra’s Board of Directors exercised its right to enter into discussions with First Citizens and ultimately determined that the cash consideration offer of $30.18 per share was a superior proposal to the agreement with SmartFinancial for $22.36 per share.

“As you know, earlier this year, we announced a merger of equals with SmartBank. Under any agreement of this nature, there is always the potential that another acquirer sees value in either company and decides to make a better offer. That is what occurred in our case, with First Citizens proposing a transaction that would provide significantly more value to our shareholders,” stated a press release from Entegra.

“Our Board of Directors had a fiduciary obligation to shareholders to accept this superior proposal. First Citizens has a 120-year track record of working to help families and businesses make more of their finances.

Beyond our similar roots as community banks, we share the same core values, philosophies, and commitment to excellent client service, consistently striving to exceed

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May 1-7, 2019

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customer expectations by building lasting relationships.”

Under the terms of the First Citizens Bank agreement with Entegra, First Citizens Bank will pay a termination fee of $6.4 million to SmartFinancial on behalf of Entegra, which Entegra was obligated to pay under its agreement with SmartFinancial.

The total transaction value, including termination fee, is anticipated to be about $219.8 million.

According to an article in the Times Free Press, the merger between SmartFinancial and Entegra would have been the seventh and largest yet for SmartBank and would have doubled its size. However, SmartBank officials chose not to counter First Citizens’ offer and said they would look for other acquisitions in the market.

As of Dec. 31, 2018, Entegra reported $1.6 billion in consolidated assets, $1.2 billion in deposits and $1.1 billion in loans.

“As a disciplined acquirer and having already completed a number of recent successful acquisitions, we simply felt it was in the best interest of our shareholders to not move forward with a matching offer,” SmartFinancial Chairman Miller Welborn told the Free Press.

The First Citizens-Entegra agreement has been approved by the boards of directors of both companies, but the transaction is anticipated to close during the second half of 2019, subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals, the approval of Entegra’s shareholders and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

First Citizens has over $35 billion in assets

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Entegra Bank, which has branches all over Western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina and North Georgia, has entered into an agreement to merge with First Citizens Bank. File photo and more than 550 branches in 19 states.

“First Citizens has a long and proud history in nearly all of these communities. We also share many core attributes with Entegra, including a commitment to service excellence and relationship banking. We look forward to building on the solid foundations both banks have established so that, together, we can better serve even more individuals and businesses,” said Frank B. Holding Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of First Citizens.

As of Dec. 31, 2018, Entegra reported $1.6 billion in consolidated assets, $1.2 billion in deposits and $1.1 billion in loans.

“We are pleased to announce this combination with First Citizens, which shares our customer focus and community banking approach. Not only does this represent a significantly higher price for our shareholders, we also believe that First Citizens’ size and resources will present more opportunities in the future for our customers and communities,” said Roger Plemens, president and chief executive officer of Entegra Bank.

Entegra Bank opened in 1922 under the name Macon Bank and is a state-chartered, full-service commercial bank with 18 offices and two loan production offices throughout

Western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina and North Georgia. As the bank grew outside of Macon County and throughout the region, it changed its name to Entegra Bank in 2015. Around the same time, Entegra acquired locally-owned Old Town Bank in Waynesville to the tune of $13.5 million.

“Customers should bank as they normally do at their existing branches, which will become part of First Citizens upon the completion of the merger,” the press release stated. “As part of this much larger, growing institution, we will be able to continue providing a highly personalized experience, while also offering our customers access to more products, services, and resources over time.”

The documents filed by Entegra with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at Entegra’s Investor Relations website at www.snl.com/irw/corporateprofile/429050 5 under the heading “SEC Filings.” The documents filed by Entegra with the SEC can also be found at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

The Entegra documents may be obtained free of charge from Entegra by requesting them in writing to Entegra Financial Corp., 14 One Center Court, Franklin, NC, 28734, or by telephone at 828.524.7000.

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Cadets from the Tuscola High School AFJROTC place wreaths in Green Hill Cemetery the morning of Dec. 16. Cory Vaillancourt photo

Waynesville cemetery committee chosen

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Smoky Mountain News

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER onths after a proscribed cleanup in Waynesville’s Green Hill Cemetery outraged residents who felt they hadn’t been given adequate notice, the town has followed through on its pledge to establish a committee designed to foster more collaborative care of both Green Hill and Dix Hill cemeteries.

On April 23, Town of Waynesville aldermen appointed five people to the committee — Elizabeth Atkinson, Sandy Giles, Randy Mathis, Bill Revis and Scott Ybanez.

“I think it worked out for the best. They picked an unbiased committee,” said Ybanez, who was among the most outspoken critics of the town’s cleanup and declared his interest in serving on the committee months ago, while also participating in an ad-hoc advocacy committee formed by concerned citizens in the wake of the controversy.

Two additional spots on the committee were filled by a vote of aldermen from among several candidates who had applied for the slots. One went to James Burke, a Waynesville resident since 2017 who gained experience in the funerary industry during his previous residency in Vermont. The other went to nurse Barbara Freeman, who had to resign abruptly due to what Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites called “family issues.”

Aldermen will vote soon on Freeman’s replacement, likely from the list of candi-

dates who were not initially selected April 23.

The committee also has two institutional members; Waynesville’s Assistant Town Manager Amie Owens will serve as the town’s representative, and someone from Wells Funeral Homes will eventually be appointed to serve as an industry expert.

Ybanez is hopeful that the committee will be able to come to some consensus on how people can honor their relatives buried in Green Hill while meeting the town’s cemetery rules — as well as Dix Hill, which was historically Waynesville’s segregated cemetery for African-Americans.

“I think it’s great that now we have an outside voice as well as a town voice,” said Ybanez. “I feel like now we can start to work together, instead of working against each other.”

Cemetery regulations have been in place in the Town of Waynesville since at least 1966, but probably even for 80 years earlier than that; town ordinances were revised in 1987 and then again in 1995 after Hazelwood became part of Waynesville.

That didn’t stop complaints about Green Hill Cemetery’s appearance, like those of former alderman Sam Wiggins in 1999. More than a year later, Mayor Henry Foy established a cemetery committee, and five years after that, in 2005, signage regarding prohibited items was erected.

In 2009, changes to the ordinance proposed by then town manager Lee Galloway were discussed at the board of aldermen’s annual retreat and in April of that year, the original “ordinance 18,” as it’s now known, was passed.

In that ordinance, specifically section 20, it declares unlawful “anything, including trinkets, toys, shells, glass vases, jars, tin cans, sand or other artificial material on any marker, plot, space or columbarium unit with the exception of cut flowers or artificial flowers, and approved flags on spaces of soldiers, sailors or Marines.” The ordinance further prohibits floral arrangements, benches, fences and lights.

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Next WCU chancellor selected

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER new chancellor has been chosen for Western Carolina University, with the University of North Carolina Board of Governors unanimously electing Kelli R. Brown, Ph.D., to the position during a special session Thursday, April 25.

“Being selected as the 12th chancellor of this incredible institution is the opportunity of a lifetime,” Brown said upon her election.

“I am impressed by the university’s passionate focus on student success and its ongoing commitment to access while also delivering the absolute highest quality education. I am inspired by WCU’s efforts to prepare students for life through experiential education and career preparation — especially students from the western region that this university was founded to serve.”

Brown will start her job as WCU’s 12th permanent chancellor on July 1, ahead of the fall 2019 semester beginning in August. She will be the first woman to hold that position in the school’s history.

“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am thrilled to announce the selection of Dr. Kelli R. Brown to lead WCU into the future,” UNC Board of Governors Chair Harry L. Smith, Jr. said. “Western Carolina has seen tremendous growth, particularly now as an N.C. Promise institution. Now, under Dr. Brown’s leadership, it is poised to see even greater success.”

According to a terms sheet provided by UNC, Brown will receive a salary of $325,000 with any future changes in compensation determined by the Board of Governors upon recommendation from the UNC System president. She will live in the chancellor’s residence on campus, and WCU will provide her with a vehicle, club memberships for conducting university business and “all reasonable moving expenses.” The position comes with 26 days of vacation leave and 12 days of sick leave per year.

Kelli R. Brown, Ph.D., has been chosen as Western Carolina University’s 12th permanent chancellor. Donated photo

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BROWN’S BACKGROUND

Brown, 60, most recently served as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Georgia College & State University, Georgia’s public liberal arts institution, and has more than 30 years of higher education experience. At Georgia College, which she joined in 2013 as a professor in the School of Health and Human Performance, Brown’s achievements included revitalizing a Center for Student Success, centralizing academic advising and increasing the four-year graduation rate by 25 percent.

She served as interim president of Valdosta 6 State University from July 2016 through

“I am inspired by WCU’s efforts to prepare students for life through experiential education and career preparation — especially students from the western region that this university was founded to serve.”

— Kelli R. Brown, Ph.D.

January 2017 and was interim dean and professor in the College of Health and Human Performance at the University of Florida 2012 to 2013 following a position as associate dean of academic affairs there from 2007 to 2012.

From July 2003 through June 2006, she was interim dean of the Graduate School at the University of South Florida. Prior to that appointment, she was an active faculty member in the College of Public Health.

Before joining the faculty at USF in 1996, Brown was chairperson of the Department of Health Sciences at Illinois State University for two years. During her seven years at Western Illinois University from 1987 until 1994, she rose through the ranks to become the graduate program coordinator in the Department of Health Sciences and, ultimately, assistant to the dean in the College of Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

Brown’s research interests include school and community partnerships, prevention social marketing and adolescent and youth health issues. She was the principal investigator for Florida’s statewide social marketing campaign — Florida Cares for Women — to increase breast and cervical cancer screening utilization, and she worked with the Seminole women of Florida in developing culturally appropriate breast and cervical cancer materials.

She was the first female president of Eta Sigma Gamma, health education’s national honorary society. She was the editor of the Journal of School Health, a highly esteemed peer-reviewed journal for adolescent and

school health, from 2008 until 2011. She is an inaugural member of the Pedagogy in Health Promotion: The Scholarship of Teaching & Learning Editorial Board.

Brown holds a doctorate in education from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale; a master of science and education in public health degree and a bachelor of science degree, both from the University of Toledo; and an associate in applied sciences degree in dental hygiene from Michael J. Owens Technical College in Toledo, Ohio.

PATH TO THE PICK UNC System Interim President Bill Roper submitted Brown’s name for approval by the Board of Governors after choosing her from three final candidates WCU put forward for the position out of the 58 who applied.

“Western Carolina deserves a chancellor with a keen focus on student and faculty success, and Dr. Brown has demonstrated that focus throughout her esteemed academic career,” Roper said. “I welcome her to the UNC System and look forward to working with Dr. Brown in her new role.”

Brown will succeed WCU’s previous chancellor David O. Belcher, who passed away in June 2018 following a two-year battle with brain cancer. Alison Morrison-Shetlar, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, has been filling the role since he stepped down at the end of 2017, first as acting chancellor and then as interim chancellor.

“Dr. Brown distinguished herself as a top candidate in what I would characterize as an extremely deep pool of exceptionally wellqualified potential leaders for our university,” said Patricia B. Kaemmerling, chair of the WCU Board of Trustees and co-chair of the university’s chancellor search committee.

The university had hoped to have a new chancellor in place for the fall 2018 semester, with the search committee formed in December 2017 embarking on an energetic effort to gather community input on what qualities the new chancellor should possess and choose the best candidates to fill Belcher’s decidedly large shoes. The search followed a similar process to that used this go-around, with trustees approving a list of three potential chancellors in June 2018 and sending those names to then-UNC System President Margaret Spellings.

Spellings submitted her pick to the board of governors, but following a reportedly contentious closed session meeting July 12 the board failed to vote on the selection and the candidate withdrew from consideration. At the time, Chairman Harry Smith said the board wanted to review the chancellor search process to “refine and improve it,” implying that this should be done before WCU resumed its chancellor search. However, after a two-month hiatus the search process relaunched in September, using the same process as the previous search.

In the midst of all this, Spellings abruptly resigned her post in October 2018, less than three years into her tenure. She did not give any specific reason for leaving, saying in a press conference that “times change and those changes demand new leaders and new approaches.”

The Board of Governors appointed Roper as the interim president, and he has served in that capacity since January. No search process to make a permanent hire has yet been announced.

WCU welcomes new chancellor to Catamount country

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children to go to college. As society begins to question the value versus the cost of a higher education, she said, now is the time to tout the value and the many advantages of a college degree.

“A college education provides opportunities, it opens doors, it makes people better community citizens,” she said.

As far as she’s concerned, WCU is ahead of the curve and can act as a model for other universities when it comes to finding innovative ways to continue student success while dealing with myriad challenges. For example, Brown said N.C. Promise — legislation that allows students to attend WCU and two other state universities for $500 a semester — was an exciting and promising opportunity for students to earn a high-quality degree with little to no debt upon graduation.

“I believe a postsecondary education is critical to changing the trajectory of one’s life and in turn a family’s life. It has certainly changed my life.”

— Kelli R. Brown, Ph.D.

Graduating students who comprise what is believed to be Western Carolina University’s eighth straight record spring class will gather with their families and friends for commencement ceremonies Friday, May 10, and Saturday, May 11.

Commencement for WCU’s Graduate School will be held at 7 p.m. May 10. Commencement for the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and Allied Professions, and David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts will begin at 10 a.m. May 11. That event will be followed the same day by a 3 p.m. ceremony for the colleges of Business, Health and Human Sciences, and Engineering and Technology. All the ceremonies will take place at Ramsey Regional Activity Center.

After grades from final exams are tallied and academic records finalized, WCU’s spring class, including recipients of both undergraduate and graduate degrees, is expected to

“I feel very confident that WCU faculty, staff and alumni have encouraged, nudged, supported and inspired many students to go a little further — to take a chance to do something they never thought of — that’s what makes WCU so special and why I’m deeply honored and humbled to be selected as this university’s next chancellor.”

Brown said her first tasks will be to listen and learn. She wants to be known as a chancellor who is “fully collaborative and transparent” and one who develops initiatives and solves problems through open discussions with all stakeholders, she said.

“I truly believe we will do our best work when we work together,” she said.

Lastly, Brown acknowledged the large shoes left to fill following the passing of WCU’s former chancellor Belcher.

“Finally, I recognize that I’m following the footsteps of a beloved leader. All leaders stand upon the shoulders of those who came before them. Just as David Belcher built upon the solid foundation left behind by his predecessor, I pledge to do everything within my power to ensure Western Carolina

total more than 1,650 graduates, which would be the largest class in university history.

WCU schedules three commencements on the Cullowhee campus each spring to accommodate the number of graduating students and audiences that will attend in the Ramsey Center. About 1,500 students are expected to participate in this year’s events. WCU commencements are open to everyone, with no limit on the number of family members and friends who can attend.

For those who cannot attend, the ceremonies will be live streamed at commencement.wcu.edu.

The address for the May 10 Graduate School commencement will be delivered by Dana Stockton, a graduating student from Melbourne, Florida, who is receiving his master’s degree through WCU’s online program in human resources.

Antonio Oakley of Charlotte, a member of the spring class who is receiving his bachelor’s degree in computer information systems, will provide remarks for the May 11 afternoon undergraduate ceremony.

The May 11 morning undergraduate commencement

University continues to thrive during my time among its stewards,” Brown said. “And like David Belcher, I’m fortunate to have a wonderful partner at my side to help me. I want to assure you Catamounts you will come to know and love this man as I do.

Dennis and I are thrilled to be joining the Catamount family.”

Patricia B. Kaemmerling, chair of the WCU Board of Trustees and co-chair of the university’s chancellor search committee, thanked Interim Chancellor Alison Morrison-Shetlar for her leadership over the last 16 months during the search process.

Kaemmerling said she feels certain the committee and the Board of Governors kept its commitment to ensure access to a high-quality education by hiring Dr. Brown.

“This election represents an exciting new chapter for this institution — my beloved alma mater. We believe without question our new chancellor is well prepared to build upon the foundation we have in place here at Western Carolina and that she is ready to continue the amazing upward trajectory that this university has enjoyed over the past decade,” she said.

will include presentation of a University of North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching to John Whitmire, a WCU associate professor of philosophy and resident of Candler. Whitmire recently was announced as one of 17 recipients of that honor across the UNC System.

He will address the graduating students and audience after receiving his award at that ceremony.

Alison Morrison-Shetlar, WCU’s interim chancellor, will preside over all three commencements and deliver the charge to the graduating students at each one.

Traffic always is heavy in the Sylva area for WCU commencements, and university officials urge those attending to plan on arriving at the Ramsey Center at least one hour before the events begin. A map showing parking areas is available at graduation.wcu.edu. Shuttles will be available to transport attendees from parking areas to the Ramsey Center.

For more general information about WCU’s May commencements, contact the university Registrar’s Office at 828.227.7216.

Smoky Mountain News

WCU commencement recognizes graduating students

Dr. Kelli Brown shakes hands with WCU students during a reception to welcome the chancellor-elect to the university. WCU photo

May 1-7, 2019

“WCU has the opportunity to be a thoughtful leader in regards to how regionally engaged universities can maintain a student-centered focus with high levels of teaching innovation and yet at the same time graduate a first generation of diverse students at a rate that exceeds the norm,” she said. “I believe WCU is the place others will look to for solutions to solve complex higher education challenges.”

Just as her late mother nudged, supported and inspired her to work hard no matter what challenges life presented, Brown said she knew WCU had a staff of capable teachers and faculty members willing to push their students to do more.

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BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR veryone donned purple Monday afternoon to show their Catamount pride as Western Carolina University staff, faculty and students welcomed their new chancellor-elect to campus.

While Kelli Brown, Ph.D., won’t officially begin her tenure as chancellor until July 1, she wasted no time getting in the spirit shouting “Go Cats!” in her open remarks.

Brown thanked everyone for their warm welcome to Western North Carolina and also thanked the UNC Board of Governors for placing its trust in her ability to lead the university.

“I am anxious to get to work to prove them right,” she said.

She also made a point to recognize Susan Belcher, wife of the late Chancellor David O. Belcher, who gave Brown a standing ovation from her seat in the audience.

“Words cannot express how humbled I am that you are here today. You and David were WCU’s greatest champions and we’re forever grateful to you and the legacy that you and David built here,” Brown said.

Throughout her career, Brown said, she has worked at six different higher education institutions and has served in various leadership roles — everything from department chair, associate dean, interim dean, provost to interim president — and has worked with diverse groups of constituents.

“I firmly believe my entire professional career has prepared me to serve Western Carolina University at this pivotal time in the institution’s history,” Brown said. “I also firmly believe in higher education — I believe a post-secondary education is critical to changing the trajectory of one’s life and in turn a family’s life. It has certainly changed my life.”

Brown said her father was the only one in his family to have a college degree while her paternal grandparents only graduated eighth grade. Her maternal grandparents and mother graduated from high school, but both her parents pushed their three

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Haywood Habitat embarks on second subdivision

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ith a site plan approved unanimously by the Waynesville Planning Board, Haywood Habitat for Humanity is getting ready to embark on its second major affordable housing development.

Over the next several years, Habitat has plans to construct 10 new affordable homes along Sylvan Street in the Chestnut Park community behind Frog Level.

Habitat Executive Director Jamye Sheppard said the nonprofit organization has spent the last year exploring its options for the Sylvan Street land and developing a plan to meet the town’s requirements for a development of this size.

“We were able to determine that we could build 10 houses on that property and felt like we could meet the town requirements so we made the decision to move forward,” she said. “We spent a lot of time preparing to go before the planning board because we wanted to make sure we were presenting something that would benefit the entire community while also providing much needed affordable housing in the county.”

The county has a huge demand for more affordable housing options and finding buildable land is becoming more difficult, which is why Habitat felt so fortunate to acquire nearly 3 acres on Sylvan Street that abuts the town-owned Chestnut Park. The property was privately owned, but luckily, Sheppard said, the owners were willing to sell and willing to work with Habitat on the price.

“Several people involved with Habitat knew the owners and made contact to see if they were interested and they were,” she said. “We were able to come to an agreement that was good for everyone involved, which was both fortunate for us and gener-

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ous of them.”

Habitat paid $140,000 for the property using proceeds it received from selling another piece of property in Canton. While Habitat had originally planned to develop the Canton property, it turned out not to be an ideal spot for their needs and was sold to a private developer out of Asheville.

Meanwhile, the Chestnut Park property is an ideal spot for the new housing development because it will place residents within walking or biking distance from main hubs like Frog Level, downtown Waynesville and Russ Avenue.

“Town resources will be easily accessible so when you’re looking at it from a healthy community perspective it’s great because our homeowners can walk or bike to town,” Sheppard said.

The Habitat development also includes plans to create a greenway along the backside of the property along the creek that abuts Chestnut Park. Since the park property was donated to the town in 2015, Waynesville leaders have been working to make it an asset for the community. The Fund for Haywood County awarded $11,840 from the Mib and Phil Medford Endowment Fund to the town of Waynesville for Chestnut Park in the spring of 2016 to be used for plant materials, trees, benches, picnic tables and signage. The town received another $14,000 from The Fund in 2018 to install playground equipment at the park.

Lastly, the town is collaborating with Haywood Waterways Association and the Resource Conservation and Development Council on water quality and erosion control issues along Shelton Branch stream. With the addition of the Habitat community and the greenway project, the Chestnut Park neighborhood will be undergoing a major transformation in the next several years.

Gem & Mineralof Franklin Society The

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“Chestnut Park is not a bad neighborhood aesthetically, but most of the houses in the neighborhood are older so we’ll be bringing a new look to the neighborhood,” Sheppard said. “We want the style and look of the homes to blend in though. When we come in to build, part of the plan is to build

a greenway that connects to the park so this project will mean improvements for everyone. We’re hoping to revitalize the area and make it a community asset — something everyone can be proud of.”

To accommodate the long and narrow quarter-acre lots on the

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Haywood Habitat for Humanity is planning to construct 10 new affordable homes on Sylvan Street in Waynesville.

Jessi Stone photo

Habitat accepting new applicants Haywood Habitat for Humanity is seeking qualified homeowners for homes located in Haywood County.

Applicants must attend one mandatory information session prior to application — the last one is scheduled for scheduled for 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 2, at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Waynesville.

Houses are sold at the organization’s cost with an affordable mortgage. Families are

required to invest 300 to 400 hours of volunteer “sweat equity” into the construction of their home (depending on family size) and complete homebuyer education classes.

All applicants must be residents of North Carolina for a minimum of 12 months and living in Haywood County at the time of application. Applicants must exhibit need for affordable housing, have the ability to pay a monthly mortgage payment, and be willing to partner with Haywood Habitat in the building and homeowner education process.

For more information, visit haywoodhabitat.org or call 828.452.7960.

property, the new homes will be designed more like shotgun homes instead of the standard ranch-style Habitat has used in the past.

The Chestnut development will be the second neighborhood project Haywood Habitat has taken on in the last four years.

The first was Walton Woods, an eight-house project currently being completed on Davis Cove Road in Waynesville. Going forward, Sheppard said, developing neighborhoods instead of single homes is the way the nonprofit would prefer to do business.

“Forevermore if we can build neighborhoods that’s the way we’d like to do it and there’s a lot of reasons,” she said. “First is efficiency. Because we’re so volunteer-driven, we’re able to have several houses going up in different stages of construction.

When volunteer groups of various sizes and experience are there we have more options — we’re able to give them something they can feel successful in doing.”

The other advantage to constructing Habitat communities is that all the homeowners involved get to meet each other and help each other build their houses during their sweat equity process. Each qualified Habitat homeowner is required to complete 300-400 hours of sweat equity into the construction process.

“This way they work side-by-side in building their homes together. Strong relationships are built between homeowners and between them and all the volunteers as well,” Sheppard said. “In Walton Woods everyone knows each other and they know each other’s children. Everybody is looking

out for each other and supporting each other. We are building stronger communities because the relationships are so strong.”

Sheppard said the next step is to begin clearing the land and grading on Sylvan Street with plans to begin building the first homes next spring if the weather cooperates. While site prep is being done, the Habitat staff is in the process of holding a number of information sessions throughout the county for potential new homeowners.

The organization still has an opening for the last home in Walton Woods as well as the first few homes on Sylvan Street.

“Then we’ve got to start work on fundraising for everything that’s going to be happening,” she said.

Looking at the big picture, Habitat needs to fundraise about $1 million for the new housing development, but it will be spread out over the next few years. If the support shown for Walton Woods is any indication, Sheppard has faith everything will come together again for Sylvan Street.

“The support we’ve had has been phenomenal,” she said. “And we already have a head start on funding for Sylvan Street.”

Private donors, businesses and organizations like Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, State Employees Credit Union, Wells Fargo, the Methodist churches, Jay Summers and others have sponsored homes in Walton Woods while the Habitat ReStore has helped fund the other two homes.

Last year, Belk donated $20,000 to Habitat — those funds will be put toward the construction of the first home on Sylvan Street.

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to occupy the space.

Attendees of a Haywood County NAACP meeting March 23 heard Waynesville Parks and Recreation Director Rhett Langston give an update on the park’s progress, which included a primitive site plan as well as a cost estimate.

As proposed, a 20-foot by 40-foot covered pavilion would run about $40,000, including installation, but residents want other improvements as well, including a basketball court, playground, and grills — which could be a tight squeeze once parking and the site’s topography are factored into the design.

Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites, who is in the middle of municipal budget season at the moment, said he had plans to try to advance the park.

“I don’t have any budget direction [from aldermen], but it’s my intent to recommend to the board $60,000,” said Hites.

“Somewhere in the neighborhood of $25,000 to $30,000 for a shelter and a pad, and the rest for grading and paving. That would be step one.”

In North Carolina, municipal budgets must be passed by July 1, after a series of public hearings on the proposed budgets.

May 1-7, 2019

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER s promised, a group of about 20 people showed up to the April 23 Town of Waynesville Board of Aldermen meeting to bemoan what they say is a lack of progress on a small park to be located along Pigeon Street in Waynesville’s historically African-American neighborhood.

Haywood County commissioners acquired the three parcels that comprise the site through foreclosure in March 2017, after prolonged discussions.

At the time, it was home to an unsecured structure that had formerly been a church but had become a haven for drug use and disruptive behavior, even years after police action broke the back of a major crack cocaine ring operating in the area.

Its location in the shadow of a historic church and within eyeshot of both a Mountain Projects Head Start facility and the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center made it all the more irritating for residents of and visitors to the area.

After the county sold the parcels to the town of Waynesville for $1, the building was promptly torn down, with a park slated

Mother’s Day

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Residents continue Waynesville park push

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Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney

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Franklin mayor proposes Nikwasi compromise F

the town can’t get back, he said, a slower transition approach should be taken in allowing the Nikwasi Initiative to maintain the mound.

“A better solution is for the town to become a partner in whatever it is the Initiative wants to do in East Franklin. Then, after a reasonable length of time, when the Initiative establishes a track record and the public sees actual progress, the issue of the deed could be raised again. It may be a year

The Nikwasi Initiative originally started out as an informal community group called Mountain Partners in 2015 with the collective goal of cleaning up and revitalizing East Franklin along the Little Tennessee River. or two for this to take place,” he said. “But there should be no rush to turn the deed over to the Initiative, which is a relatively new organization when compared to the town which has been around since 1855 and has preserved and protected the mound since 1946.”

Scott and others opposed to the deed changing hands claim the Initiative doesn’t have any kind of track record to establish itself as a viable and reliable organization to manage the culturally significant site.

Nikwasi Initiative is young — receiving its nonprofit status in 2017 — but its leaders

say the group’s work precedes its tax-exempt status. The group originally started out as an informal community group called Mountain Partners in 2015 with the collective goal of cleaning up and revitalizing East Franklin along the Little Tennessee River.

Much progress has been made — Mainspring purchased the former Duncan Oil site next door to its office in 2015 with plans to clean up the abandoned gas station property that had caused some level of ground contamination close to the banks of the Little Tennessee River. The final result was a larger parking area for Mainspring and the public in addition to greenspace and picnic tables to better enjoy the riverbanks.

EBCI more recently purchased the former Dan’s Auto property on the other side of the Nikwasi Mound with plans to invest over half a million dollars to construct a visitor center and an annex for the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The tribe is also working with a designer to plan for what exhibitions will be located in the museum.

Scott said he warned McRae and others with the Nikwasi Initiative that the issue of transferring the deed would create a divide in the community, which is exactly what has happened, he said.

“Unfortunately, some friends of mine in the groups wanting the deed to be transferred have given me side glances and stated their anger at me for taking the stand I have,” Scott said.

McRae agrees that the issue has caused a divide in the community, but she hopes all the conflict will be resolved and that ultimately the town and all residents will benefit.

“There have been negative impacts, at least in the short run, but I think that in the long run, all will benefit from this transaction,” she said.

May 1-7, 2019

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ranklin Mayor Bob Scott hopes he can push town council and Nikwasi Initiative board members toward a compromise before a final vote is taken on whether to transfer ownership of the Nikwasi Mound.

While the mayor hopes to delay the vote, Vice Mayor Barbara McRae, who also serves as co-chairwoman for nonprofit Nikwasi Initiative, says the vote will still happen during the May 6 board meeting.

“I fully expect the board to go forward with a vote on May 6, and I am confident it will be six ‘ayes,’” McRae said.

After much input on both sides of the issue, Franklin Town Council is set to vote on transferring the deed to the mound from town ownership to a joint ownership agreement with Nikwasi Initiative, a nonprofit organization made up of representations from Franklin, Macon County, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Mainspring Conservation Trust.

While the nonprofit sees a joint ownership as a positive step toward honoring the mound’s Cherokee history and creating a cultural tourism corridor through the region, opponents of the deed transfer say the town is the only suited entity to maintain and preserve the mound for all Macon County residents.

Franklin Town Council members have expressed support for transferring the deed to the Nikwasi Initiative, and even though an official vote hasn’t been taken, five Macon County residents have already filed a lawsuit

against the town board claiming the town is violating the conditions of the 1946 Nikwasi Mound deed.

During the town’s April 1 meeting, the council voted to hire legal counsel to defend the town against the litigation. As of April 26, one of the plaintiffs — Betty Cloer Wallace — said she received notice that Franklin Town Council Attorney John Henning on behalf of the Town Council requested a one month extension from District Court to respond to the citizens’ complaint and request for injunctive relief.

Wallace said she sees an upside to the delay.

“Plaintiffs will have more time to ensure that the citizens of Macon County understand the full scope of this matter,” she said.

Mayor Bob Scott has been against transferring the deed and said he doesn’t think a change in ownership is needed in order for the Nikwasi Initiative and its partners to move forward with their plans to develop the adjacent mound properties and create the cultural corridor.

“What has yet to be explained to the public is why turning over the deed is key to revitalization of the area these groups are promoting? What do they want to do?”

Scott wrote in a recent newspaper article.

“Mainspring has bought some property near the mound and the EBCI has bought a building adjacent to the mound, but so far nothing has been done with either of these properties. It is time to see some action and concrete plans before the town turns over the deed.”

Even though the Nikwasi Initiative already considers the town a partner — with McRae as the town’s representative — Scott says the town council has never voted on any kind of formal partnership agreement.

Instead of rushing to give away something

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Town board still set to vote on deed transfer

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Improvements to showcase one of Waynesville’s most recognizable landmarks

ANNUAL SHRED EVENT This free community event gives you an opportunity to bring your sensitive documents to be shredded! It's the perfect opportunity to clean out your files and to safely discard credit card statements, old checks, IRS tax returns and any other sensitive material. All of the paper collected on Shred Day will be recycled saving our natural resources! Plan to bring your documents on the date and location that is most convenient for you!

Donate non-perishable food items or school supplies and receive FREE shredding of your sensitive documents!

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MONDAY, MAY 6, 2019 Franklin office: 9 am until Noon Sylva office: 1:30 pm until 4:30 pm

MONDAY, APRIL 29, 2019 Cherokee office: 9 am until Noon Murphy office: 9 am until Noon

MONDAY, MAY 13, 2019 Waynesville office: 9 am until Noon Candler office: 1:30 pm until 4:30 pm

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May 1-7, 2019

This event is not intended for commercial document destruction. Six box limit.

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Work has begin on Waynesville’s Miller Street Garden. Cory Vaillancourt photo

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER t’s long been a common sight, the scores of visitors to Waynesville’s trendy Main Street shopping district snapping selfies in front of two giant metal sculptures located on the corner of Main and Miller streets.

Those pictures, though, are about to become a lot more clear with streetscaping improvements that will make Stefan “Steebo” Bonitz’s “Troubadours” more visible to passersby and more accessible to those who like to while away the hours contemplating the figures — one playing a banjo, and the other, a washtub bass — in the town’s tiny Miller Street Garden.

“Basically you have these tour groups with 15 people,” said Waynesville Town Manager Rob Hites, “and they all get shoved together. These improvements make it basically a mini-park.”

Work began on the site this week, thanks to a grant in the amount of $14,280 from The Fund of Haywood County that will not only expand the tiny urban park at the cen-

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ter of town, but also update the landscaping and layout of the park.

The change will also rid the town of a troublesome “parking space” on Main Street where motorists would block the fire hydrant.

“That was always an illegal parking space,” said Hites. “People have been parking there for years, blocking the hydrant, so we took [the space] away.”

Not among the improvements is a 4-foot tall hedge that was proposed, which would have surrounded the small courtyard, where benches will be placed.

“We want people to see the artwork from the street, and we realize that at 4 feet, if you’re sitting in a car, it’s covered,” Hites said. “In fact, one thing you notice right now, when you drive down the street is, you can see them. You don’t have to be right up on them.”

Hites said the work had begun quickly after the town approved the layout, created

by Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects, so it could be completed well in advance of tourist season.

Erase library fines with food Haywood County Public Library cardholders have an opportunity to relieve their library fines while helping out with food insecurity in Haywood County.

Food for Fines will take place during the month of May, and all food collected will benefit the Salvation Army, Broyhill Children’s Home and Haywood Pathways Center.

Library cardholders may relieve outstanding fines by donating canned or boxed food, with each individual item erasing one dollar in fines. Food donations will not apply to lost items or damage fees, only toward existing late fees. There is no limit on the amount of debt that can be erased — an entire bill can be erased with multiple food donations.

All donated items must be unexpired, unopened and packaged in metal or paper (no glass). Plastic bottles of water and cans less than 7 ounces cannot be accepted. Donations will be received at the Waynesville, Canton, Fines Creek and Maggie Valley branches.

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Smoky Mountain News

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McCoy once more a candidate for principal chief Cherokee Supreme Court overturns decision to deny certification

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ormer Big Cove representative Teresa McCoy will regain her place on the ballot in the race for principal chief following an order from the Cherokee Supreme Court overturning the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Board of Elections’ decision to exclude her from the race.

“The Court, based upon review of the record and briefs, and consideration of oral arguments, hereby vacates and reverses the decision of the Board of Elections denying certification to Teresa McCoy as a 2019 candidate for the Office of Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,” reads the order, issued at 10 p.m. Monday, April 29.

“The Court hereby orders the Board of Elections to certify and place Teresa McCoy on the primary ballot as a 2019 candidate for the Office of Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.”

The decision followed nearly four hours of arguments Monday before a three-judge panel consisting of Chief Justice Kirk Saunooke, Associate Justice Brenda Pipestem and Associate Justice Robert Hunter.

May 1-7, 2019

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HEARING BEFORE THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS

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McCoy was denied certification to stand for election in an April 1 letter that stated she was ineligible due to tribal law that bars people who have defrauded the tribe from running for public office.

The incident in question dated back to 1996, when McCoy and her sister-in-law Kathie McCoy attended a Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act consultation at the University of Alabama. At the time, McCoy represented Big Cove on Tribal Council and Kathie McCoy was the tribe’s NAGPRA representative. Both women received a travel advance from the tribe to pay for food and lodging, with Kathie McCoy also receiving compensation for mileage; McCoy’s advance was $432 and Kathie McCoy’s was $475.80. However, the University of Alabama later mailed checks to the two totaling $1,500 apiece. The payment included a $1,000 consultation fee as well as reimbursement for mileage, lodging and meals, according to vouchers the university prepared as copied in the board’s investigation.

According to the election board, the incident qualified as defrauding the tribe, because McCoy accepted travel reimbursement from the university when tribal funds had already been expended to cover those costs. She should have repaid the travel advance to the tribe and diverted the consultation fee as well, since she was already being 14 compensated for her time as a Tribal Council

representative. The board further found that McCoy had “aided, abetted or encouraged another to defraud the tribe” when she signed the back of Kathie McCoy’s check from the University of Alabama.

McCoy was quick to appeal the decision, with Waynesville attorney Rusty McLean representing her during a two-hour hearing before the election board Tuesday, April 9.

McCoy had asked that the hearing be televised and open to the public, but the board denied that request — information as to what was said in that hearing comes from a transcript of the hearing provided by McCoy. The Board of Elections did not respond to a request for the transcript.

During the hearing, McCoy called six witnesses — including herself — to testify under oath.

McCoy testified that she and Kathie McCoy had both attempted to fill out the university’s form requesting mailing information for the check with Tribal Finance’s address but were told they had to put their own names on it, as the money was specifically meant as an honorarium. No investigation commenced until more than a year later, when then-Vice Chief Gerard Parker resigned under investigation.

“Chief Parker came up and he was going out the door,” McCoy said. “He pointed a finger at myself and Ms. Regina Rosario. Both of us had our hearings before Tribal Council in June of 1997, and we were both cleared of any wrongdoing.”

McCoy testified that she claimed the income from the university on Teresa McCoy her taxes and that at the time all she was required to do in terms of financial reconciliation of travel expenses was to turn in her motel receipts. After the hearing before Tribal Council, she said, it came out that then-Principal Chief Joyce Dugan regularly took honorariums and put that money into an education fund for students.

McCoy said she later donated $1,000 — the amount of the honorarium — to that fund.

Kathie McCoy didn’t steal either, said McCoy, and contrary to the election board’s allegation she did not take Kathie McCoy’s money and deposit it in her own account. She simply cashed the check for her sister-in-law and brought her the money, as Kathie McCoy had to get to work and didn’t have time to run by the bank.

The Cherokee Indian Police Department began investigating the incident around April 1997 — 15 months after the trip to Alabama — and concluded that investigation in August or September of the same year.

McCoy was never interviewed as part of the investigation or even told it was happening, according to documents from the police department contained in the election board’s investigation. The Tribal Council at the time held a hearing on the accusations against both McCoy and Rosario on June 27, 1997,

Election season has been in full swing since certification decisions were handed out April 1.

Holly Kays photo

and did not pursue action against either woman. “(Chairman Jack) Gloyne said the matter is resolved as far as Tribal Council is concerned,” reads an article The Cherokee One Feather published at the time. “He said any action depends on what the U.S. District Attorney’s office does.”

That office declined to charge McCoy in 1999 and again in 2003, according to documents contained in the election board’s investigative report against McCoy. McCoy has been certified to run for office in every election since the 1996 trip — in fact, in the election held in September 1997, just over two months after the hearing before Tribal Council, McCoy was re-elected to the body as the top vote-getter in Big Cove, according to an article The One Feather published at the time.

During the same April 9 election board hearing, Kathie McCoy testified that she was never told to pay the tribe back from the money the university had given her, that she also claimed the payment on her taxes and that “nobody tells me what to do” — McCoy had not told her to defraud the tribe. Terri Henry, who in 1997 worked as a tribal administrator for Dugan, testified that McCoy had donated $1,000 to the chief ’s education fund.

The election board’s decision to deny McCoy certification was based largely on a 39-page packet consisting of various documents from the police department, NAGPRA, tribal finance and Tribal Council. All documents date from 1995 to 2003, save one.

Embedded in the packet is a verification sheet, signed by McCoy and dated April 6, 2017, that states “Teresa McCoy, first being duly sworn, deposes and says that she has read the foregoing Verified Complaint and the allegations therein, with the exception of those made upon information and belief, are true to the best of his own knowledge.”

The document’s placement within the investigation packet implies that McCoy is verifying the packet’s contents are true.

However, the string of numbers at the bottom

of the sheet shows that it actually matches a case McCoy filed against Tribal Council in 2017 relating to the impeachment of thenPrincipal Chief Patrick Lambert. The election board did not interview McCoy as part of its investigation of her.

“It’s to another case, nothing to do with this, separate, and actually that’s criminal,” Lori Taylor, who worked as a paralegal on the case, said in the hearing. “You can’t do that.”

The testimony offered April 9 did not convince the election board to reverse its opinion. In a letter issued Monday, April 15 — a copy of the letter was provided by McCoy, with the election board not responding to a request for the document — the board upheld its decision, again unanimously.

“The information presented at your appeal hearing did not disprove the underlying issues involving your conduct that we concluded constitute actions that both ‘defrauded the tribe’ and aided or abetted, counseled or encouraged Kathie McCoy in defrauding the tribe,” the letter reads.

APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT Attorney James Kilbourne filed a notice of appeal to the Cherokee Supreme Court on McCoy’s behalf Tuesday, April 23, along with a motion to expedite the hearing, as ordinance requires the election board to have absentee ballots available by May 1. The court responded with a Wednesday, April 24, order staying the election board’s decision, ordering the board to file its record on the case by 3 p.m. Thursday, April 25, requiring both sides to file briefs by 8:30 a.m. Monday, April 29, and scheduling arguments for 1 p.m. April 29.

In his arguments, Kilbourne focused on the lack of fundamental fairness and due process he believed McCoy had seen in her dealings with the board.

S EE CHEROKEE, PAGE 16

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CHEROKEE, CONTINUED FROM 14

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A key problem, he said, is the incomplete information McCoy was given as to the election board’s investigation. When the board filed its record with the court April 25, that record included 10 pages of notes from interviews conducted with Dugan, Cherokee Indian Police Officer Neil Ferguson, 1997 Tribal Council Attorney Rob Saunooke and 1996 Director of Cultural Resources Lynn Harland.

McCoy had apparently not received those interview notes or known they existed at the time of her hearing before the election board.

The interviews were not done under oath, and there’s no record as to who was present for them, said Kilbourne. That left McCoy with an “impossible burden” in proving her case.

“Her due process was violated because she was not able to access those particular notes,” Kilbourne said.

Further, he said, it’s clear that the board applied an unequal level of scrutiny to the 55 people who filed to run for office. The list of candidates includes someone who was charged with but acquitted of embezzlement, someone who was indicted for a federal felony but pled guilty to a misdemeanor and someone who was accused and cleared of wrongdoing during the same 1997 hearing as McCoy. If a cleared accusation from 20 years ago was enough to result in an investigation of McCoy, why did similarly resolved incidents not prompt investigations of other candidates, asked Kilbourne?

“Let me make this very, very clear,” said Kilbourne. “I know the individuals we dis-

Cherokee law allows candidates to appeal certification decisions from the election board to the Cherokee Supreme Court.

Holly Kays photo

cussed. They’re all fine, upstanding people who should be allowed to stand for election. We also believe Teresa McCoy should have been certified.”

The election board “oversimplified” the definition of fraud, he said, to a case of “I know it when I see it,” and failed to point to any single statement McCoy made that was knowingly false. She was entitled to her travel advance and received the university’s payment only after cashing her tribal check. There is no evidence that she knew the payment included compensation for expenses in addition to the honorarium, he said, as the voucher included in the investigation packet that outlined the line items in the $1,500 check was not given to McCoy. No policy in effect in 1996 has been brought forward to show that McCoy would have been required to reconcile her expenses after the travel occurred.

“No statement of material fact that Teresa McCoy made was ever knowingly false,” he said.

While he perhaps couldn’t argue it to meet a standard of proof, said Kilbourne, it’s suspect that the only two women to file for principal chief — McCoy and Mary Crowe — were not certified, especially given that the Eastern Band has had a female principal chief for only four years out of its recorded history.

Pipestem asked whether he had any actual evidence that gender inequality was at play.

“I think it’s pretty easy to argue that on a historical basis there was gender discrimination that kept them (women) from running for chief,” Kilbourne replied.

THE ELECTION BOARD’S ARGUMENT

During his arguments, the election board’s attorney Chris Siewers said that McCoy had received “ample due process” and that a bar on allowing people who have defrauded the tribe from running for office has been part of tribal law for centuries.

“There’s no requirement about what type of fraud happened or how much money was stolen or how long ago it occurred,” he said.

As to the interview notes that McCoy was not given prior to her April 9 hearing, Siewers said they simply constituted research to “give context” and that they were conducted with people McCoy would have known had knowledge of the incident. She could easily have called those people to the stand, he said, even without seeing the interview notes.

“The interviews don’t spell out anything new or explosive or

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Outcomes decided on two more certification appeals Teresa McCoy was not the only candidate denied certification April 1. Mary Crowe, who also wanted to run for principal chief, was not certified. Nor was Sharon Bradley, who filed to represent Big Y on the school board.

Both women had appeal hearings before the board of elections. Bradley said that the board overturned its initial denial and certified her to run. Crowe said she was denied again. The election board has not responded to multiple requests for the official outcomes of these hearings. “I feel that they have violated my constitutional rights to privacy and due process,� said Crowe.

Crowe’s certification denial letter alleges that in 2011 Crowe signed a housing agreement that required her to pay $105 monthly to the tribe as an administrative fee, but that she stopped those payments. A December 2016 judgment determined that she owed the tribe $5,015, of which $3,848 is still owed. Because the debt is more than 90 days old, the letter said, she is not qualified to run for office. In her letter requesting an appeal hear-

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Haywood Community College seeks to fill the position of Sresident, and the HCC Eoard of Wrustees would like community input related to the attributes for the position. The board respectfully invites you to share any input you have by visiting the College websitH DW WWW.HAYWOOD.EDU. The HCC Eoard of Wrustees appreciates the community’s input and participation.

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The standard for disqualifying someone from running, he said, is that four of the six people who sit on the appointed election board vote in favor. In this case, the decision to deny McCoy’s certification was unanimous.

That description did not seem to sit well with Hunter. “Is that the standard? ‘In my opinion?’� he asked. “The standard is that four out of the six have to agree to it,� Siewers replied. “But what are they agreeing to?� Hunter responded.

Siewers went on to say that the court should place little importance on the fact that the Tribal Council in 1997 declined to discipline McCoy. “Tribal Council did have a function,� he said. “They could censure her. They could impeach her. The fact they chose not to is not a legal act. It’s a political act.�

The fact is, he said, McCoy took money from the tribe. While he admitted that the expense reconciliation process was “a loose process� in 1996, he said that documents in the record show that “everyone else knew you go in and reconcile your travel,� even without firm policies in place.

Ultimately, the court sided with McCoy in an order issued just five hours after the hearing concluded. A written opinion explaining the court’s reasoning will follow, Justice Saunooke said, but due to the “extremely compressed schedule� election law requires, the panel had to issue the order in advance of the full opinion.

Tribal code mandates that absentee ballots be available starting May 1. The primary election is Thursday, June 6.

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mind-blowing,� he said.

However, later in his arguments he quoted sections from the interviews with Dugan and Saunooke that, if true, would have indicated that McCoy knew she had done something wrong. “Teresa came in to meet with Rob (Saunooke) and was asking for his help. She was crying and very emotional,� he read from the interview the election board conducted with Saunooke. The notes went on to say that McCoy admitted to taking money and was considering resigning her office. “Again, that’s unsworn testimony,� responded Justice Hunter.

Hunter questioned Siewers closely throughout his argument, especially as it related to the role of unsworn testimony.

Siewers told the court that tribal law does not require testimony in such investigations to be sworn and said there’s no law stating that McCoy is entitled to the evidence against her — nevertheless, he said, the election board turned the bulk of its investigation over to her. “You’re really placing the burden of proof on her to disprove something that hasn’t been proven by sworn testimony ‌ I know the board’s operating under what it has set out in the code. The question is does the election code satisfy due process under the Indian Civil Rights Act?â€? said Hunter.

Siewers, meanwhile, claimed that the presence or absence of due process should not be the focus — the facts, and their ability to prove fraud, should be. “You could violate her due process all day long, and that doesn’t make her eligible to be certified as a candidate,� he said.

ing, however, Crowe said she had stopped paying on her account due to the Qualla Housing Authority’s unwillingness to perform necessary repairs to her house. “I am not 90 days delinquent of payment to QHA, rather QHA is 90 days delinquent of my repairs,� she wrote.

She also took issue with the timing of her denial letter. Crowe — along with everyone else who filed to run for office — received the letter informing her of her certification status April 1, even though election law requires that certification decisions be issued on or before March 31.

The election board’s letter to Bradley alleged that she promised in a 2007 agreement to pay the Qualla Housing Authority $189,000 for a home but was behind $4,500 on her monthly payments. However, in her letter requesting an appeal Bradley said that she has been trying to get the past due balance cleared from her account for more than seven years, but that Qualla Housing has not been able to explain why it’s there.

She hasn’t been able to obtain a complete copy of her file, she said, as it was confiscated during the FBI’s raid of Qualla Housing in 2017, but has documentation of all the payments she’s made. “In all of my meetings with the staff and board of Qualla Housing, I have made it clear that I am both willing and able financially to clear up my account,� she wrote.

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Ground breaks on crisis unit in Cherokee Facility expected complete by fall 2020

Groundbreaking attendees participate in a Cherokee Friendship Dance (above) immediately before witnessing the first shovelfuls of dirt being turned. Bo Crowe, executive director of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, greets the crowd (below) to begin the program April 24. Holly Kays photos

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER he weather matched the mood when the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians broke ground on a $39 million crisis stabilization unit Wednesday, April 24.

The sun shone brightly as elected leaders, healthcare workers and community members gathered under a tent erected at the rear of the existing Cherokee Indian Hospital to celebrate the start of a project that will result in a safe and nurturing place for people at the height of their battles with addiction and mental health disorders.

“It is often said that a true measure of any nation can be found in how it cares for its most vulnerable people,” said Carmaleta Monteith, chair of the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority governing board. “The Eastern Band is a great nation, one that demonstrates its greatness not through its economic prosperity, but rather through its commitment to its weak, vulnerable and voiceless.”

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A SPECIAL TYPE OF GROUNDBREAKING

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May 1-7, 2019

When the facility opens in fall 2020, it will feature 14 semi-private rooms and four high-risk rooms to house patients in crisis.

Some rooms would have the capacity for conversion to double-occupancy rooms with a potential for 28 total beds.

In addition to the residential facilities, the building will also include an inpatient unit as well as a treatment mall featuring group therapy rooms, a wellness gym and a secure outdoor roof garden. Analenisgi, the tribe’s program to support people in recovery, will relocate its offices to the new building as well, with those facilities including 11 office spaces, 24 work stations, 13 talking rooms, a large group therapy room, two small group therapy rooms and two classrooms. According to an informational flyer the hospital distributed in July 2018, 59 percent of the square footage will be for direct patient care and 41 percent will be for office space.

“We consider ourselves a very clientfocused, community-based organization, and it’s really a value to us to work with an organization like the Cherokee Indian Hospital that shares the same values and ideals that we do,” said Cullen Pitts, principal architect for McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, which designed the building.

From the beginning, Pitts said, three goals were made clear to his firm: build a facility that is safe for everyone from patients to staff to visitors, honors the population served, and finishes on schedule and within budget.

“The exterior and the interior of this facility will be seamless with the existing 18 building, and the interior will be connected

back to the hospital in a very purposeful way,” he said.

Purpose will be key to the construction aspect as well, said Robin Savage, president and COO of construction firm Robins & Morton. During an initial brainstorming session, he said “there was this presence in the room, and it was Carmaleta (Monteith),” — her comment that the project is about the community taking care of the community was “forceful for the entire team,” said Savage.

“You have office buildings, you have stadiums, you have all kinds of buildings, but a health care building is special because it’s being put here to make people whole,” he said. “It’s being put here to provide health care and caring and healing for people. And so the groundbreaking on a building like this is more special than other types of buildings.”

‘THIS IS ALL OF US’ Cherokee took over management of its health system in 2002, which is when the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority and its governing board were created. Initially, said Monteith, the board’s focus was simply on learning how to manage a health system without running out of cash, but in 2013 the tribe proposed that the authority take on managing behavioral health services as well.

Initially, Monteith said, the board had “great reservations” about that proposal.

“But the board in reflecting on this decision, we asked ourselves, ‘What is our core purpose?’ It is to ensure the prosperity of the next seven generations, and we knew in our hearts that we cannot improve the health of the people without addressing its behavioral health and the substance abuse,” she said.

The board had no way of knowing then just how central behavioral health would become to combating a scourge that has caused nearly everyone in the community to see a friend or family member die too soon.

“Back in 2002 when we were worrying about diabetes, we had no idea what was coming that was going to once again take

“We all hear from these people that they didn’t wake up one day and want to be in the situation they were in.

We’re thankful that we’re in a situation where we can help these people.”

— Richard French

our people,” said former Principal Chief Joyce Dugan and hospital board member, 2002-2018. “Something else was coming that has the potential to decimate our people the same as diabetes has for years.”

Four years later, in 2006, Dugan’s granddaughter would become one of the first casualties of the opioid epidemic that has since rent a hole through families across the Qualla Boundary. For the past decade plus, finding a way to repair those holes, and restore the people battling addiction to full and happy lives, has been a heartfelt focus for all levels of tribal leadership.

At one point during the April 24 ceremony, Principal Chief Richard Sneed asked all those present who know someone struggling with addiction to raise their hands. Nearly everyone in the audience extended an arm upward.

“Look around,” he said. “This is all of us.

This is our community. These are our families. We are very fortunate to live in a community where there has been a culture shift.

We no longer view addicts through the eyes of judgment and punishment, but through the eyes of compassion and caring for our people.”

PROVIDING A CONTINUUM The tribe made a big commitment to that end in 2015, when Tribal Council passed a resolution authorizing $16 million in capital spending to provide a “continuum of services” to help those recovering from drug addiction. The flagship facility in that plan was the 20-bed Snowbird Treatment Center, a residential recovery center opened in December 2017.

Dugan has seen the hope that center offers firsthand, picking up

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May 1-7, 2019 Smoky Mountain News

the sister of her deceased granddaughter from the facility after she graduated from the program, and witnessing firsthand the new lease on life she left with.

“We can’t fix the problem piecemeal. We cannot put a Band-Aid on it,” she said. “We recognize that there must be a continuum of services. If an addict presents to us a sign they need help and there’s no room for them, we’ve lost them again. We’ve lost an opportunity to help them, because that opportunity may only come one time. This crisis stabilization center will help alleviate that problem and get those folks in when they present.”

The new $82 million hospital building was completed in October 2015, and it was designed with the idea of building a crisis center nearby, said Monteith. Currently, patients with severe behavioral health problems are kept in emergency room units for weeks or even months — those facilities don’t give them the help they truly need, and their long-term presence there means fewer rooms available to serve patients entering the ER with acute medical emergencies.

After months of debate, Tribal Council approved $31 million for the crisis facility in July 2018, with the hospital board committing to provide the estimated $8 million needed to finish the project. Funding was approved in a 9-2 vote, with Councilmembers Tommye Saunooke, of Painttown, and Bucky Brown, of Snowbird, voting against. Councilmember Boyd Owle, of Birdtown, was absent.

It was a “big number,” Sneed said April 24, and it resulted in some “hard conversations,” but it’s now looking possible that the tribe will not have to pay back any of the money it borrowed to build the facility. The tribe has received the first $5.5 million distribution from Indian Health Services to pursue what’s known as the 105L lease option, which allows IHS to lease tribal buildings delivering services under the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act. Under the lease, IHS must compensate the tribe for “reasonable facility expenses,” according to a July 2018 letter sent to tribal leaders nationwide. The conclusion of the court case Maniilaq Association v. Burwell spurred the letter, as that decision held that IHS is required to enter into such leases upon request from tribes and tribal organizations.

“Our hope is that will remain in perpetuity,” Sneed said of the lease payments. “If that’s the case the money that we borrowed to build this facility, the debt will be completely covered and funded by 105L lease payments.”

That will make the project much less financially burdensome, though as various speakers pointed out, it’s impossible to calculate the value of even one life saved.

“We can’t save everyone,” said Councilmember Richard French, of Big Cove.

“We all know that. But if we can save that one person, we’ve did our job. We all hear from these people that they didn’t wake up one day and want to be in the situation they were in. We’re thankful that we’re in a situation where we can help these people.”

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Cinco De Mayo fiesta for all

HCC to hold graduation ceremonies The Haywood Community College 2019 graduation ceremonies will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 9, and at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 10, on the Clyde campus in the Charles M. Beall Auditorium.

This year, over 700 certificates, diplomas and degrees will be awarded. Due to limited space and the increased number of graduates participating, three separate graduation ceremonies will be held this year. The Thursday ceremony will include graduates from the following programs of study: College Transfer, Haywood Early College and Natural Resources. The first ceremony Friday will include graduates of the Health & Human Services department. The second ceremony Friday will include graduates of the Business

Traffic shifting on U.S. 441 for repairs A contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation began setting up a lane shift on U.S. 441 in Jackson County last Thursday that will provide safe travel lanes and a safe work zone when construction crews begin repairing road damage on Cowee Mountain.

Southbound traffic toward Franklin will be sent into the far right lane, while northbound traffic will be separated by a concrete median for about one mile. The shift may have a limited impact on travel times during peak hours.

Geotechnical engineers are on site this week taking soil samples and other measurements that will help determine the scope of work needed to repair surface and subsurface issues with the highway. This area has been troublesome in recent years, especially following significant rainstorms that have damaged the surface.

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RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Haywood County voters are invited to the fourth annual “Pig Pickin’ at the Fairgrounds” from noon to 4 p.m. at the Haywood County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 25. Hosted by Monroe Miller and Terry Ramey, this partisan event offers an informal setting in which interested persons can meet Republican candidates, party delegates, elected officials and local activists. This year, the NCGOP will elect new statewide leadership; chair candidate Jim Womack and vice chair candidate Miriam Chu have been invited in advance of the June 6 NCGOP convention in Concord. Admission is free, as are food and drinks. The Haywood County Fairgrounds is located at 758 Crabtree Road, in Waynesville.

Surprise you mom and other special women in your life this year with a greeting card that will also help make a difference in the community.

The Mountain Projects Auxiliary has partnered with local artist Margaret Roberts to offer cards featuring Roberts’ artwork and a customized handwritten note for Mother’s Day. All you have to do is make a donation to Mountain Projects, fill out a form and the Auxiliary will send your card to the recipient letting them know of the generous donation made in their honor.

Packs of notecards featuring Roberts’ work are also being sold for $8 for a pack of four or $12 for a pack of eight.

Mountain Projects is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing vital services to the elderly and disadvantaged in Haywood and Jackson counties.

Checks can be sent to Mountain Projects, 2177 Asheville Rd., Waynesville, NC 28786, specifying what you want the card to say. Donation can be made online at mountainprojects.org/index.php/ product/mothersday/.

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NCDOT crews will begin repairs at this location by removing the existing drainage structure by the southbound shoulder. Then they will install a multi-layered system to help channel water away from the highway.

The next step is for a group of engineers to develop design plans for the hillside next to northbound lanes. The repairs will follow, creating new and safe travel lanes. The timetable is yet to be determined, but the work should take at least several weeks.

Drivers should remain alert and obey posted signs approaching the work zone, and slow down — especially northbound traffic heading downhill — prior to the traffic shift.

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The Jackson County Democratic Party will host a Cinco De Mayo Fiesta from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at 500 Mill Street in Sylva.

To celebrate diversity, everyone is welcome as a guest. Celebrando nuestra diversidad, todos son bienvenidos como nuestros invitados. Food will be provided by El Patron along with Mariachi music and other surprises.

Additional information can be found at www.jacksondems.com or by calling 828.586.6556.

& Industry department.

Recipient of the Master Teacher Award will also be recognized. In addition, the recipient of the 2019 HCC Outstanding Alumni Award will be recognized at each ceremony.

The Outstanding Alumni Award is given annually to a HCC alumnus who has attained distinction and success in his or her career field or through community service.

Recipients of both the Academic Excellence Award and Superior Staff Award will also be recognized.

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Smoky Mountain News May 1-7, 2019

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Education SCC holds open house Southwestern Community College invites the public to attend its Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, at the college’s Macon County campus, 44 Siler Farm Road in Franklin.

The event will feature a hands-on science exploration for all school-age children, an informational fair, door prizes, an economic forum featuring Macon County leaders and SCC instructors and opportunities to connect with SCC faculty, staff and students.

Coordinated with NC BioNetwork, the science exploration is for all school-age students.

Activities include battlebots, circuit beats and colorful butterflies.

The economic forum features two sessions that will include discussion on stimulating community and economic growth. The first session, “How SCC helps grow Macon County through education and development,” is from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., and the second one entitled “How SCC gives back to the community by providing skilled employees” will be held from 6:15 to 7 p.m.

Summit Charter to host party Summit Charter School is throwing a Cinco de Mayo party from noon to 4 p.m. May 4 at the Cashiers campus.

Hosted by families at Summit, funds raised from this event will benefit critical needs of the school. The fun-filled event will include homemade food (elotes, pambasos, tamales, chicharrones, tortas, Mexican desserts and more) plus sack races, balloon competitions, musical chairs and bingo (win prizes at each, including gift certificates to local restaurants). There will also be an inflatable for the kids and traditional Mexican dances. Admission is free with tickets available to purchase for food and games. Tickets are $10 for 12 tickets if purchased in the school office (370 Mitten Lane) before May 4 or $10 for 10 tickets at the event.

Groundbreaking for new SCC building Southwestern Community College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new health sciences building at noon Monday, May 6, at the college’s Jackson Campus in Sylva.

Dr. Don Tomas, SCC President, and Brian McMahan, Chairman of the Jackson County Board of Commissioners, will offer brief remarks before the ceremonial moving of earth between the existing Balsam Center and Burrell Building. The public is invited, and closed-toed shoes are required since the event is taking place at an active construction site.

Designed by LS3P, the $20 million building project will be overseen by Michigan-based Christman Company, which has a regional office in Knoxville, Tenn. The building is scheduled to open in 2021.

Funding sources for this project include

Smoky Mountain News

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WCU professor works on opioid series A professor in Western Carolina University’s School of Nursing is teaming up with an awardwinning documentary filmmaker to produce a video series related to the opioid epidemic that will enhance classroom instruction for the university’s nurse practitioner students and assist primary care health providers across the region.

WCU’s Tamera Pearson is working with Rod Murphy of Asheville to address some of the challenges involved in providing health care to individuals against the backdrop of the opioid crisis.

Filming on the three-part series began the weekend of April 13-14 at WCU’s Biltmore Park site with experts on the topic, actors and scripts aimed at bringing the epidemic to life.

“Our hope is that these videos will add a new perspective and layer of content for training not Tamera Pearson (center) of WCU’s School of only for the WCU students but for other priNursing reviews a script with family nurse mary care providers concerning the important practitioner Jennifer Lewis during filming for pain management issues that they face in praca video series related to the opioid epidemic, tice every day,” Pearson said. while filmmaker Rod Murphy looks on.

The videos will be ready for viewing by late June and will be distributed at WCU and to the Mountain Area Health Education Center, also known as MAHEC, for use in training programs.

Jackson County (more than $13 million), the Connect NC Bond ($5.4 million) and a grant from the Economic Development Administration (more than $2 million).

Free sports physicals offered Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, will host sports physicals for area middle school and high school student-athletes.

Physicals will be offered at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, in the Pisgah High School gym, 1 Black Bear Drive in Canton. Rising ninth graders at Pisgah High School can arrive at 3:30 p.m. for physicals on Tuesday, May 21.

Participants must have all required forms signed by parents and bring them the day of the physical. Forms are available from coaches or school front offices.

SCC instructor wins statewide award When James Buchanan was 18 years old, he started working in the electrical trade. He never left. More than four decades later, he’s still in the field and spends some of his spare time sharing his knowledge and experiences with others as an adjunct faculty member in Southwestern Community College’s Workforce Continuing Education division.

The N.C. Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors was so impressed with Buchanan’s teaching prowess that the group recognized him as its Instructor of the Year.

“What I enjoy most about teaching is being in a room with like-minded people,” Buchanan said.

“Sometimes, I learn as much as the students. I like what I do; it’s all I’ve ever done.”

Buchanan is the assistant director as well as training and education coordinator for the Jackson County Code Enforcement Department.

Robotics team completes season Smoky Mountain High School and Jackson County Early College students with FIRST Robotics Team 6932, SMART, recently completed their 2019 build and competition season, traveling to two district events in North Carolina.

The team of 16 students designed and built a competitive robot in six weeks to meet the challenge of “Destination: Deep Space.” The robot, SAM, worked in an alliance with two other robots to complete the game challenge of placing cargo and hatch panels to game pieces on a game field roughly the size of half a basketball court.

FIRST Robotics Competition in Jackson County exposes students to engineering, team-building, program management, deadlines, budget constraints, public speaking, and social media promotion.

See the team’s website for more information on how to join or how you can sponsor the team at https://smokymountainrobot.weebly.com or email at smrobot18@gmail.com.

Fiber Arts scholarship started at HCC Haywood Community College’s Foundation will

offer a new scholarship for full or part-time fiber arts students. The Teena Tuenge Scholarship in Fiber Arts was established by Tuenge’s friends and family in her memory. For more than 40 years, she made an impact in the fiber sector through her work and as a teacher and mentor.

“Teena was a friend and mentor. She was an inspirational, creative, patient teacher who touched so many of us in sharing her expertise,” said Lucy Daly, president of the Western North Carolina Fiber/Handweavers Guild, Inc. “Since she taught at HCC, it is especially appropriate to honor her in establishing this scholarship in her name at the college.”

For more information,call 828.627.4544 or email pahardin@haywood.edu.

HCC holds scholarship luncheon The Haywood Community College Foundation, along with the Financial Aid office, recently held a Scholarship Luncheon at the Canton Armory as a way to recognize donors and allow student recipients to meet those who generously give.

In 2018, 478 students were awarded over $430,000. Scholarships are available for Curriculum, Workforce Continuing Education, High School Equivalency and College & Career Readiness students.

The scholarship application period for both summer and fall semester is now open. Students must be registered for classes to apply. Apply for scholarships by visiting https://haywood.academicworks.com.

For more information about the HCC Foundation or how to become a donor, contact Pam Hardin at 828.627.4544 or pahardin@haywood.edu.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

With title, Nikwasi Initiative can move forward he volunteer board members of the nonprofit Nikwasi Initiative are appreciative of the public’s interest in our mission and role in development of a cultural corridor extending from south Macon County to the Qualla Boundary.

We would like to take this opportunity to go into more detail about the Initiative.

In 2013, a group of community members from the Town of Franklin, Macon County and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians were brought together through the efforts of the nonprofit Mainspring Conservation Trust, whose mission includes conservation of cultural heritage. Since all community members were asked to serve as volunteers, Mainspring received initial grant funding from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina to hire Asheville-based consulting firm Catalpa Partners to lead the process. The community members named themselves Mountain Partners in recognition of their willingness to mend relations between EBCI and the Town of Franklin and move beyond together — as regional partners.

After months of meetings, Mountain Partners realized that a regional cultural corridor could highlight our nationally significant area in a way that builds understanding and appreciation for all of us, young and old.

In order to move forward with this concept, Mountain

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Medicaid work mandate a bad idea To the Editor: State legislators have proposed a bill they misname “N.C. Health Care for Working Families,” a Medicaid expansion bill with the most stringent work requirements ever. It would require that in order to have Medicaid health insurance, “able bodied” persons would have to regularly work 20 or more hours a week. This seems to make sense on its face. But, both the experience of other states and research evidence show that work requirements do not help unemployed people find jobs. Instead they result in huge holes in the social safety-net for our most vulnerable citizens.

The idea that a work requirement with the promise of health insurance would push someone uninterested in working to find a job is just plain wrong. Here’s why. The largest proportion of those who would be eligible for Medicaid expansion already work 20 hours a week or more. If they are “able bodied” and do not work, there is generally one or more valid reasons why. Here are some examples: inadequate or absent public transportation, health issues deemed not eligible for disability, mental illness or substance addiction, having a criminal record, caring for sick or aging family members, lack of job skills/training or illiteracy, just to name a few. It’s worth noting that those who work odd jobs or for employers that pay under-the-table in construction, landscaping, house cleaning or the like would not be eligible for coverage. Likewise, those who depend on seasonal work and spend sev-

Partners created a formal, nonprofit entity, Nikwasi Initiative.

The Nikwasi Initiative board consists of citizens from the Town of Franklin, Macon County, EBCI and representatives of Mainspring. With financial support from these four entities, we continue to contract with Catalpa Partners consultants, who help with grant writing and administration in the nonprofit.

Since 2017, Nikwasi Initiative partners have invested in the project in their own ways — the EBCI has purchased the empty building adjacent to Nikwasi Mound and is currently studying the feasibility of a museum at that site. Mainspring has purchased two contaminated brownfield properties near the Mound and spent more than $500,000 in grant funds for the successful cleanup of the first site, with the second site cleanup pending future funding.

Together, EBCI and Mainspring investments in improvements inside the town of Franklin have exceeded $1.5 million to date.

Simultaneously, funding was secured for three informational kiosks, the first currently being constructed at a viewing site overlooking the Little Tennessee River to Cowee Mound, the second in the area of Nikwasi Mound, and the third in Cherokee.

Many people have asked why Nikwasi Initiative is seeking

the title to the mound. Previous efforts of cooperation between Franklin and EBCI around maintenance and ownership of the mound have not been successful. With ownership of the mound in the nonprofit’s name, the Initiative will be able to demonstrate the tangible contribution from the town to this regional partnership. This shows a level of trust that will lead to further investments inside Franklin by grant funders, Mainspring and the EBCI. If transferred to the Nikwasi Initiative, the mound will be protected in perpetuity. Public access will not only be guaranteed, but enhanced by its surroundings. Our intent is to create a welcoming space with educational opportunities that tells our shared mountain history, including the conservation of the mound by citizens of the Town of Franklin in 1946.

Franklin’s Town Council, EBCI leaders, local business leaders and others embrace and understand the critical role of Nikwasi Initiative in development of a cultural corridor. We honor their confidence and look forward to working together to bring economic benefit to the area while highlighting and protecting its significant cultural resources.

This column was submitted by the members of the Nikwasi Initiative Board, which includes Juanita Wilson, Barbara McRae, Hope Huskey, Ben Laseter, Kim Smith, Stacy Guffey and Bob McCollum. For more information visit www.nikwasi-initiative.org.

LETTERS eral off-season months without employment would not meet the 20-hour minimum and would be dropped from coverage as well.

Both research and common sense agree that when a person has access to nutritious food, safe housing and healthcare they are far more likely to find and keep steady work. If our legislators are actually in the business of improving the lives of N.C. citizens, they will listen to the evidence and pass Medicaid expansion without a work requirement.

Please don’t leave the most vulnerable among us behind. We’re better than that.

Barbara Kelton Bryson City

Where has Trump’s leadership led?

To the Editor: Here’s a brief analysis of Donald Trump’s leadership using Joe Bryson’s characteristics: • Vision — Yes, Trump has his vision for America-fascism with him at the helm. “The press is the enemy” is a major sign here.

Grade F • Courage — Are bone spurs what kept Trump out of uniform? Why did he say he likes people who don’t get captured? Grade F • Wisdom — Not much here! Does he believe he can coerce people to follow his philosophy?

Grade F • Energy — We must give the old man some credit here. He stays right with his golf game, his campaign stops and his business dealings.

Grade A

• Management Skill — Why would a presidential candidate surround himself with so many people who pled guilty to or have been convicted of crimes? Why consider pardons for them? Grade F • Charisma — He has been a TV star. On a reality show that is virtual unreality.

Flashback: Anyone remember Jim Jones and his charismatic/religious leadership? Grade F+ • Integrity — Did Trump forgive Hilary Clinton only to rescind it? Grade F • Spiritual System (added by author) — Is establishing an Evangelical Advisory Board while at the same time separating mothers and children at the border something of a

contradiction in words and deeds? Grade FFF Religions have historically been a form of “obedience to the un-enforceable.” Why is Trump’s appointee (Neil Gorsuch) trying to establish Christianity as America’s national religion?

Regarding the weather, have you noticed those three clouds hovering over the White House? Can you see the word “collusion” in one, “obstruction” in one and “Mueller Report” in the third one?

What has Trump’s leadership led America to? Where are we headed?

Dave Waldrop Webster

Chris Cox

W

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

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

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

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 activi-

BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY 50 N Main Street, Waynesville.

828.246.0350. Taproom Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gem Bar Open Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at Boojum’s Downtown Waynesville restaurant & bar. Choose from 16 taps of our fresh, delicious & ever rotating Boojum Beer plus cider, wine & craft cocktails. The taproom features seasonal pub faire including tasty burgers, sandwiches, shareables and daily specials that pair perfectly with our beer.

Cozy up inside or take in the mountain air on our back deck."

BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Wine Down Wednesday’s: ½ off wine by the bottle. We specialize in handcut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic american comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available.

CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville.

828.452.6210. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at

Country Vittles RESTAURANT

& GIFT SHOP

Featuring a Full Menu with Daily Specials PRIVATE DINING ROOM AVAILABLE FOR EVENTS Monday-Sunday 7:00-2:00pm Closed Tuesday

3589 SOCO RD. MAGGIE VALLEY

828.926.1820 APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

ties and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

Smoky Mountain News

work a couple of days later, she had spent most of the day researching and reserving a space in a campground conveniently located a few miles from the festival.

“It has regular shuttles to and from Merlefest,” she said excitedly. “We won’t have to drive in all that traffic. Plus, it has a shower facility and free coffee.”

“Free coffee?” I said. “Well then! Does it have a tent with a king-size bed and a heat pump?”

“No,” she said. “But we can get a barrel and all the firewood we want for five dollars.”

“I am guessing the deposit is nonrefundable?” I said.

“How did you know?” she smiled.

The next day when I got home, she had researched and purchased a tent large enough to host a Christmas party. I mean, there is literally enough room in this tent for 12 people to sleep comfortably. It has a foyer. It has a parlor. There’s a study. And a sun room.

I did not ask her what she paid for it, or why we needed the Biltmore House of tents for a family of four to use at a music festival.

I could not think of what to ask her. But, I imagine she had anticipated a few questions and had prepared some well-crafted answers, so she went ahead and gave them to me anyway.

“I thought we might want some space,” she said.

“Honey, we could spend a week in that tent and never run into each other,” I said.

“I know, isn’t it great?” she said.

She bought some little LED lanterns and some headlamps that would make us look like West Virginia coal miners.

“For when we want to read at night,” she explained. “Or might need to venture out to the bathroom.”

“I’m not wearing that,” I said, feeling that I was drawing some kind of important line. “I was once a Screaming Eagle!”

“What are you talking about?” she said.

“Never mind.”

On Sunday, we returned from our third year of camping at Merlefest. Same campground. Same tent. Same free coffee. Even some of the same campers from previous years. I still don’t love camping, but I also don’t hate it liked I used to. Maybe I’m even a little bit proud of our enormous tent, certainly the nicest house in the neighborhood during our four-day stay each year. I believe I see other campers peering over from their pup tents with looks of envy, if not awe.

But I still haven’t worn my headlamp.

Pffft. I guess there’s still a little Screaming Eagle left in me after all. At least once a year, I guess we are a camping family.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. jchriscox@live.com)

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

May 1-7, 2019

e are not a camping family. It’s probably my fault, if there is a need to assign blame. I joined the Boy Scouts when I was a kid mostly because some of my friends did. Also, I liked some of the Patrol names. For example, I was a member of the “Screaming Eagles,” which sounded fierce, intimidating and patriotic, all at the same time. But I hated the uniforms, which seemed goofy and slightly effeminate to me, with the Columnist scarves and the khaki shorts and all the bling for the more highly decorated scouts.

More than that, I hated camping, which is problematic if you are going to be a scout.

In theory, it looked appealing, communing with nature, fishing for speckled trout on sun-drenched autumn afternoons, and then frying them later that evening in our tiny silver frying pans over the campfire as the stars blinked above the smoke.

In reality, we caught nothing, ate Beanie Weanies out of little cans with half a sleeve of stale Saltine crackers, crouched around the campfire for a little sliver of warmth, retreated to our tents, climbed into slightly mildewed hand-me-down sleeping bags, and then waited hours for sheer exhaustion to rescue us from a hellish night of trying to find the most tolerable spot between the roots and the rocks while two boys on the other side of the tent waged a raucous farting contest, noxious fumes filling the tent like a hot air balloon. Except it was freezing.

And these two idiots giggling for the next two hours, and then snoring for two more hours after that. And me burrowed down into the sleeping bag until I had to come up to breathe the foul air, pondering the sundry miseries of my life, this chief among them.

I thought my camping days were long behind me, of course. So, when my beloved suggested three years ago that we try camping at Merlefest — one of the country’s best music festivals held every spring on the campus of Wilkes Community College — well, I guess I was “triggered,” as they say.

“Come on, it will be an adventure,” she said. “Making s’mores, sleeping under the stars.”

“We’re grown-ups,” I said. “Getting two kids through braces without maxing out the Visa is an adventure. I’d rather sleep in the car in the parking lot at Arby’s. We’ll order some curly fries and pretend they’re s’mores.”

My spouse was not amused, and not so easily deterred. When I came home from

tasteTHE mountains opinion

We’ve got the nicest house in the campground

Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food 25

tasteTHE mountains 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.

LUNCH · CATERING TAKEOUT & DINNERS TO GO Scratch Kitchen Scratch made using the freshest ingredients.

Sandwiches featuring house roasted meats, fresh salads, sides & baked goods.

Gluten Free & Vegan Options Monday-Saturday 10:30-2:30

1196 N. MAIN STREET WAYNESVILLE

828-452-5187

Smoky Mountain News

May 1-7, 2019

kaninis.com

26

Whatever the Occasion, Let Us Do the Cooking!

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 LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

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

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

Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

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

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

828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet.

Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

FERRARA PIZZA & PASTA 243 Paragon Parkway, Clyde.

828.476.5058. Open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 12 to 8 p.m. Real New Yorkers. Real Italians. Real Pizza. A full service authentic Italian pizzeria and restaurant from New York to the Blue Ridge. Dine in, take out, and delivery. Check out our daily

Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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FIREFLY TAPS & GRILL 128 N. Main St., Waynesville 828.454.5400. Simple, delicious food. A must experience in WNC. Located in downtown Waynesville with an atmosphere that will warm your heart and your belly! Local and regional beers on tap. Full bar, vegetarian options, kids menu, and more.

Reservations accepted. Daily specials. Live music every Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m.

Open Mon.-Sat. 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving dinner 5 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 9:30 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.

Reservations accepted. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

HARMON’S DEN BISTRO 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:309 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items. Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine list, and area beers on tap. Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service. Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org HAZELWOOD FARMACY & SODA FOUNTAIN 429 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville.

828.246.6996. Open six days a week, closed Wednesday. 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast until noon, old-fashioned luncheonette and diner comfort food. Historic full service soda fountain.

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

Open for dinner at 4:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. 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. Open seven days a week! 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Joey’s is a family-friendly restaurant that has been serving breakfast to locals and visitors of Western North Carolina for decades. 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 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner.

The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

KANINI’S 1196 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.452.5187. Lunch Monday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., eat in or carry out. Closed Sunday. A made-from-scratch kitchen using fresh ingredients. Offering a variety of meals to go from frozen meals to be stored and cooked later to “Dinners to Go” that are made fresh and ready to enjoyed that day. We also specialize in catering any event from from corporate lunches to weddings. kaninis.com MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM 617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva.

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. with Sunday Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Handtossed pizza, house-ground burgers, steak sandwiches & fresh salmon all from scratch.

Casual family friendly atmosphere. Craft beer and interesting wine. Free movies Thursday through Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows & events.

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

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT

Meetings, Events, Parties & More 1941 Champion Dr. • Canton 828−646−3750 895 Russ Ave. • Waynesville 828−452−5822

lunch specials plus customer appreciation nights on Monday and Tuesday 5 to 9 p.m. with large cheese pizzas for $9.95.

Simple, delicious food.

Craft Beer on Tap & Full Bar

Join us on Mother's Day for a

Special Brunch 10am-2pm

M-S: 11:30-9 Sun: 10-9 · Sun. Brunch: 10-2

828.454.5400 | 128 N. Main | Downtown Waynesville | FireflyTapsAndGrill.com

Daily Specials: Soups, Sandwiches & Southern Dishes

Featured Dishes: Fresh Fried Chicken, Rainbow Trout, Country Ham, Pork-chops & more

Breakfast : Omelets, Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy!

Breakfast served all day!

OPEN SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 9AM-4PM CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION 2804 SOCO RD. • MAGGIE VALLEY 828.926.0425 • Facebook.com/carversmvr Instagram- @carvers_mvr

tasteTHE mountains atmosphere. Full bar. Reservations accepted.

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT 2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.926.0425. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Daily specials including soups, sandwiches and southern dishes along with featured dishes such as fresh fried chicken, rainbow trout, country ham, pork chops and more.

Breakfast all day including omelets, pancakes, biscuits & gravy. facebook.com/carversmvr; instagram @carvers_mvr.

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

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

Established in 1946 and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Family style dining for adults and children.

PIGEON RIVER GRILLE 101 Park St., Canton.

828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.

Southern-inspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors. Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake.

Relaxing inside/outside dining and spacious gathering areas for large groups.

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive, Canton 828.646.3750 895 Russ Ave., Waynesville 828.452.5822. Sunday through Thursday

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.

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

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

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

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

Chocolate Pairing x Baxley Chocolates

May 4 • 4-6pm

t Duke Ellington

MON.-SAT. 11AM- 8 PM

34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505 twitter.com/ChurchStDepot

& friends

FOR VOTING US

#1 BURGER! facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

828-246-6996 429 Hazelwood Avenue Waynesville Monday, Tuesday Wednesday Thursday, Friday Saturday, Sunday

playing 7-9pm

THANK YOU, HAYWOOD COUNTY,

7:30am to 8pm Closed 7:30am to 8pm 8am to 8pm

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

AT BEARWATERS BREWING Sunday: Noon-6 p.m. • Tue-Thurs 3-8 p.m.

Fri-Sat: Noon-9 p.m. • Monday: Closed

101 PARK ST. CANTON 828.492.1422 PIGEONRIVERGRILLE.COM

May 1-7, 2019

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska. Monday through Wednesday: 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. country buffet and salad bar from 5 to 9 p.m. $11.95 with Steve Whiddon on piano. Friday and Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 11:30 to 8 p.m. 11:30 to 3 p.m. family style, fried chicken, ham, fried fish, salad bar, along with all the fixings, $11.95. Check out our events and menu at rendezvousmaggievalley.com

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.

Mon/Wed/Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday/Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Closed Tuesday

Sunday 12-9 p.m.

Sandwiches • Burgers • Wraps 32 Felmet Street

Real New Yorkers.

Real Italians. Real Pizza.

Dine-In ~ Take Out ~ Delivery

Join Us for Weekly

PASTA NIGHT!

(828) 246-0927

Wednesdays 3-9 p.m.

BEST BREAKFAST in Haywood County!

Wine • Port • Champagne Cigars • Gifts

1295 incudes choice of salad, garlic rolls, choice of pasta and dessert.

$

243 Paragon Parkway | Clyde

828-476-5058 172 Sylva Plaza | Sylva

Any day is a great day when it starts with Joey’s Pancakes!

Open 7 days a week ALL YEAR! 7am - noon | 828.926.0212 4309 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley

828-452-6000 20 Church Street Downtown Waynesville

classicwineseller.com MONDAY - SATURDAY

10:00AM - 6:00PM

828-492-0641 All location hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Closed Sundays

Smoky Mountain News

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Smoky Mountain News

Can’t keep a good man down Banjo legend Raymond Fairchild on turning 80, a life in music

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER hough his fingers seemingly wrap around a walking cane more than his trusty banjo these days, Raymond Fairchild remains one of the finest musicians who ever picked up the five-string acoustic instrument — alive or six feet under.

“I just count myself another mountain picker. I don’t think I’m no better than anybody else, but I think I’m as good as any of ’em — that’s the legacy,” Fairchild said with his trademark grin. “When they ask me when I’m going to retire, I say when somebody comes along and beats me at picking the banjo — and they said, ‘you’ll never retire.’”

Fairchild is sitting in a chair in front of the Maggie Valley Opry House, which he and his wife Shirley have owned and operated for 33 years. Fairchild himself recently turned 80, but shows no signs of slowing down, even with a performance schedule at the Opry House that hovers around seven nights a week in the summer months.

“The Opry House is a like a second home. I’ve about quit the road and that gives people a chance to come see me here, you know? Travel will kill you, man,” Fairchild said. “I play Friday and Saturday up to Memorial Day. Then, I’m going to play seven nights a week when I can. See, I’m going to run the Opry House — it ain’t going to run me.”

Although he may come across as rough around the edges,

T

Raymond Fairchild playing banjo recently in front of the Maggie Valley Opry House. Garret K. Woodward photo

Fairchild is a not only a man of his word, but someone fiercely loyal to those he calls friends and family. The only thing hard about Raymond Fairchild is his work ethic, one of tireless performing night after night, mile after mile — it’s his passion, and also his paycheck.

“I made a pretty good living. Raised three [kids]. I’ve got a pretty good little dwelling and I ain’t going hungry,” Fairchild said. “It’s just another way of making a living, but it’s more enjoyable than getting out and cutting wood or digging a hole in the ground.”

Just last month, North Carolina State Sen. Jim Davis presented Fairchild with two awards onstage at the Opry House. One was a recognition from Davis and the other from the floor of the state Senate. But, even with the honors, it still doesn’t do much to put folks in the seats at the Opry House.

“For people to think that much of you, it means something, you know? But, a lot of the people [that used to come see me play] are fading away because they’re dying out,” Fairchild noted. “I’m losing a lot of my fans through death, and the youngsters just ain’t going to pick this type of music up — time changes everything, and you have to live with the times.”

If you’re unaware of who Raymond Fairchild is, you might be unaware that he’s regarded as one of the three all-time great banjoists in the history of bluegrass and mountain music, the other two being the late Earl Scruggs and the late Don Reno —

a statement of merit made to Fairchild by the “Father of Bluegrass” himself, the late Bill Monroe.

“Bill Monroe told me that. Earl Scruggs told me that, too,” Fairchild smiled. “And when you say bluegrass, it’s Bill Monroe — the rest after Bill Monroe are just copycats. Bill Monroe was the true bluegrass man, and he’ll never be equaled — you don’t beat a man at his own game.”

Born to a white father and Cherokee mother, Fairchild learned how to play the banjo by ear, which led to the creation of his distinctive style — never duplicated, always imitated.

“I didn’t have no radio or nothing,” Fairchild recalled. “And when I got a chance to hear a tune, I’d hold it in my head. So, I’d go from that and do the rest from imagination.”

Aside from the unique dexterity in Fairchild’s fingertips, what’s just as awe-inspiring is the lightning-fast speed by which he plays such intricate and complicated melodies.

“It just comes from the way I learned, I guess — I always liked to play fast. Of course, I can’t play that fast now,” Fairchild modestly stated. “And another thing, it all depends on who’s behind you. If the backup men can’t get it, you can’t either — they’ll drag you down.”

Gazing along the walls of the aging Opry House, there are numerous awards, including plaques signifying over two mil-

S EE FAIRCHILD, PAGE 30

arts & entertainment

The “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe (from left), Josh Crowe, Raymond Fairchild, Ralph Stanley and Wayne Crowe.

— Raymond Fairchild

May 1-7, 2019

“There are ones I really miss — The Lewis Family, Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe.

It just brings back old memories. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, according to the mood you’re in.

Sometimes you want to see them memories, sometimes you don’t.”

Fairchild and Earl Scruggs.

Right: Fairchild and The Crowe Brothers.

Smoky Mountain News 29

arts & entertainment

“It’s just another way of making a living, but it’s more enjoyable than getting out and cutting wood or digging a hole in the ground.”

— Raymond Fairchild

Right: Fairchild receiving two awards recently from State Sen. Jim Davis. Garret K. Woodward photo Below: Fairchild picking for a black bear.

Bottom: Fairchild at the Hillbilly Funhouse.

Smoky Mountain News

May 1-7, 2019

FAIRCHILD, CONTINUED FROM 28

30

lion records sold of Fairchild’s instrumental “Whoa Mule,” now a standard of traditional music. Right next to the stage, there’s also his award for induction into Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame (Bean Blossom, Indiana), an honor he received in 2015.

Many of the photographs and concert posters on the walls are yellowed and dusty.

The faces and names are of bluegrass and country music legends — all friends of Fairchild, with most of which long gone from this earth.

“There are ones I really miss — The Lewis Family, Ralph Stanley, Bill Monroe,” Fairchild solemnly said. “It just brings back old memories. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, according to the mood you’re in. Sometimes you want to see them memories, sometimes you don’t. And a lot [of those faces] have done went on.”

Within the 65 years he’s played professionally, one moment sticks out more than the rest — the first time Fairchild took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry, held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Fairchild reckons that initial appearance was

somewhere around 1977 or 1978. No matter though, because it led to several other pickin’n-grinnin’ sessions onstage at “The Mother Church of Country Music.”

“It was me and The Crowe Brothers — the greatest [three-piece] band that’s ever been together,” Fairchild reminisced. “A lot of people say their knees are shaking and they were nervous [being onstage at the Grand Ole Opry]. It didn’t bother me more than stepping out here [at the Maggie Valley Opry House].

But, I knew it was the highest you were going to go in this type of music — when you stand in front of them WSM microphones.”

Sitting back down in his chair in front of the Maggie Valley Opry House, Fairchild places his cane beside him and reaches for his banjo case. He unbuckles the latches and pulls out his old friend, those five strings that provided him with a life well-lived, one of musical glory and lore.

“Every time I pick up the banjo, I learn something. I still love a banjo guitar. I just love what I call mountain music,” Fairchild said. “What kind of future do you think I’ve got? Probably a short one. But, you just look back on it all, the music and the memories — if I had to do it over, I’d do it again.”

Want to go?

Acclaimed banjo picker Raymond Fairchild performs at the Maggie Valley Opry House at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday through Memorial Day Weekend. After Memorial Day, he and his band play upwards of seven nights a week.

Tickets are $12 per person. The Opry House is located at 3605 Soco Road in Maggie Valley.

To purchase tickets, click on www.raymondfairchild.com or call 828.926.9336.

A longtime and storied moonshiner, Fairchild has also lent his name and recipe to Elevated Mountain Distilling Company in Maggie Valley. Labeled “Raymond Fairchild Root Beer White Lightning,” the popular moonshine is available for purchase at Elevated Mountain and also at your nearest ABC Store.

Fairchild also hosts a monthly bluegrass jam at the distillery. For more information on the moonshine and the jam, click on www.elevatedmountain.com or call 828.944.0766.

A look back: Raymond Fairchild

UPCOMING EVENT! READING

Sat. May 4 3:00 pm

Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt from a 2015 cover story published by The Smoky Mountain News about Fairchild being inducted into Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame. In 2017, Steve Sutton passed away unexpectedly.

Raymond Fairchild and Larry Sparks backstage in 2015 at Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame in Bean Blossom, Indiana. Garret K. Woodward photo Sutton was in awe of Fairchild’s intricate playing. He’d never seen something like that, and immediately wanted to be up there, onstage, doing the same thing.

“I wanted to play,” Sutton said. “I asked my daddy right then and there if I could get a banjo, and I did that Christmas. I learned how to play through the winter, and come spring, I was over there at the Hillbilly Funhouse playing alongside Raymond, learning everything I could from him, watching everything he did.”

“With Raymond, it wasn’t tricks or gimmicks.

He’d take that banjo and make it do things nobody had ever seen before.

Hell, I’ve seen Raymond play Earl Scruggs own banjo and it still sounded like Raymond.”

— Steve Sutton

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In an effort to maybe get a few extra tips from passerby tourists, Fairchild would pass off Sutton as his son onstage, saying the folks in the crowd (Sutton’s parents) were kind enough to watch him for Fairchild when he was up there trying make money “to pay the electric bill.”

“And if we drew a crowd, we’d pass the hat around and it’d fill up with tips,” Sutton chuckled. “And Raymond would always give me all the money in the hat, which is what I saved up and used to buy my first real nice banjo a couple years later.”

Sutton never forgot Fairchild’s generosity, nor the influence he had on the starryeyed youngster ready and eager to take on the world, which for bluegrass musicians is the Grand Ole Opry and Bean Blossom (something Sutton has done numerous times since then).

“He was just so unique in his style, and still is. Nobody can play like Raymond. He was such a stylist, just like Don Reno and Earl Scruggs — he could play anything,” Sutton said. “With Raymond, it wasn’t tricks or gimmicks. He’d take that banjo and make it do things nobody had ever seen before. Hell, I’ve seen Raymond play Earl Scruggs own banjo and it still sounded like Raymond.”

It’s early Saturday morning at Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Hall of Fame in Bean Blossom, Indiana. The sun has only been up a short while. An old tour bus rolls up. A moment later, Raymond Fairchild appears.

The man of the hour has arrived. He walks with a slight limp through the morning dew of the grass, the dust of the roads surrounding the performance field.

A few hours later, Fairchild is sitting up onstage, in front of the entire Bean Blossom faithful. There’s a slight grin creeping up from each side of his mouth. For a man who usually plays it straight ahead and is a little rough around the edges, Fairchild is truly humbled by the induction ceremony.

Stepping up to the microphone, bluegrass legend Larry Sparks gives a speech to present Fairchild with the honor. Fairchild’s grin turns into a full-fledged smile when a letter is read to him by Sparks. It’s a letter from another legend of the genre, another dear friend from along Fairchild’s long and sometimes arduous journey — Alison Krauss. A Hall of Famer himself (at Bean Blossom and the IBMAs), Sparks knows just how important this award is.

“This honor is your work and your life,” Sparks said afterwards. “It’s for all those friends and family, those people and those fans who stayed with you all these years.

When you’re walking on the grounds of Bean Blossom, you’re walking on the grounds of history.”

Like many, Sparks also feels Fairchild’s induction is long overdue.

“Raymond has been with us a long time and he deserves to be in here as much as anybody who is already there,” he said. “He’s an original. When you heard him play, you knew exactly who it was.”

— By Garret K. Woodward

May 1-7, 2019

So, just who is Raymond Fairchild?

“Raymond Fairchild is an icon to me, of mountain music and of bluegrass banjo,” said Marc Pruett, banjoist of Balsam Range.

“He was, and is, very gifted. He has the fastest, quickest right hand thumb I think I’ve ever seen. He and Don Reno were the only two guys I can think of who were that fast and that talented. The way Raymond plays the banjo pulls such a sensitive, accurate melody out of it that most players just can’t do it.”

A Grammy-winning musician and bluegrass legend in his own right, Pruett remembers being a kid and seeing Fairchild playing alongside the road, performing at the Hillbilly Funhouse (now a campground) in Maggie Valley. It was the mid-1960s, a time when the town was bustling with tourists along a two-lane road, a far cry from the fivelane easy access to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort these days.

“Back then, the musicians would play and place speakers near the road. There was no air conditioning in most cars, so folks had their windows rolled down and could hear the music when they passed,” Pruett said. “And my goodness, was that music fpowerful. You could hear it a quarter-mile or more away.”

To this day, Pruett never forgot the influence Fairchild had on his musical aspirations. Alongside Flatt & Scruggs on the radio fand television, Pruett places Fairchild up there as one of the first who helped pave the way to his ultimate passion in life.

“For me personally, Raymond has been a friend and an inspiration musically,” he said.

“He is a person who is determined to work khard, with a strong ethic to make a living —from his talents, and I just have the utmost respect for that.”

Those sentiments are something echoed from another acclaimed Haywood County banjoist, Steve Sutton. A Grammy-nominated, multiple IBMA award-winner, Sutton has toured with the likes of Jimmy Martin, Alecia Nugent, and Rhonda Vincent, to name a few. And through his lifelong pursuit of bluegrass and mountain music, Sutton also remembers where it all began.

“Raymond was the first banjo player I ever saw in person,” Sutton reminisced. “It was 1965, I was about 7 years old, watching Flatt and Scruggs on TV. I loved watching Earl Scruggs play that banjo, and my daddy said he knew of a guy who played up on the side of the road in Maggie Valley.”

arts & entertainment

Stephanie Schulz Blueberry Hill

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BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

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The 2019 “Art After Dark” season will kickoff rossing the threshold of from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 3, in downtown Rocky’s Hot Chicken Waynesville.

Shack in West Asheville recently, I scanned the space Acclaimed writer and historian George Ellison will looking for my old friend, present the biography he and Janet McCue Heather. And there she was, collaborated on, Back of Beyond: A Horace sitting on the patio, sipping a Kephart Biography, at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at beer and looking over the City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. menu deciding how hot she The annual “Airing of the Quilts” will take place was willing to order her chickfrom 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the en tenders.

Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro.

Currently on a cross-country trip with her best friend Films created by Western Carolina University and roommate, Heather and I students will be screened at the annual go way back, over 1,100 miles Controlled Chaos Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. back to my hometown of Friday, May 3, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Plattsburgh, New York, where Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee. she attended the State The 16th annual Shady Ladies’ quilt show will be University of New York at held May 3-5 at the Folkmoot Friendship Center Plattsburgh. We became fast in Waynesville. friends when she started to date the drummer in a humble abode here in Western North Plattsburgh band, Lucid, that I was managCarolina. Back then, there in the North ing at the time (circa 2010).

Country of Upstate New York, I was a strugThe true sign of a lifelong friendship is gling writer trying to get by. how seamless you can catch up with someBetween sporadic articles for the local one you haven’t seen for the better part of a newspaper (of which I got paid peanuts) and decade. And Heather is one of those lifelong taking jobs as a substitute teacher in my old friends, where our conversation picked up high school, I was looking for another right where it left off those many years ago. avenue to stay involved somehow in the We started reminiscing about our days music industry — my true passion in life. running around with Lucid, the organized And within those local newspaper artichaos and midnight shenanigans, all in the cles, I’d cover the Plattsburgh music scene, name of irresponsible enlightenment. Truth be told, that period of my life feels like forev- writing album reviews and show previews here and there for rock, reggae and er ago.

Americana acts. One of those groups, Lucid, And sometimes, it feels like it never hapreally connected with me on numerous levels pened, some dream I awoke from in my

May 1-7, 2019

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This must be the place

— personally, professionally, and artistically.

Right around May 2010, Lucid was looking for someone to be the road manager for the band. At that same exact time, I was looking for something — anything — to distract me from a recent and terrible breakup with a longtime girlfriend. It was a mutual opportunity for the group and I to push into another, perhaps more bountiful, level of the music world. Count me in.

With everyone in the band and myself working 9-to-5 gigs during the week to make ends meet, we’d hop on the Lucid psychedelic school bus (retrofitted with bunkbeds and couches) every Thursday and roll out from Plattsburgh into the depths of the northeast.

One weekend we’d be in Boston, the next Syracuse, onward to Philadelphia, New York City, the shoreline of Connecticut and the backwoods of New Jersey.

As Heather and I waltzed down memory lane last week in Asheville, it dawned on me how much that era meant to me, and to all of us part of those wild melodic adventures.

Besides the band itself, the only other folks really on the bus every weekend were myself, Heather, and whoever else wanted to catch a ride to the next festival gathering.

And I think back to those festival appearances and the crazy nature of it all.

There was the time at the Zumgali Music Festival (way up in the desolate Adirondack Mountains) where the band got paid well but nobody showed up, so the promoters gave us a cabin, keg of beer and free access to the entire property (Lucid still played a memorable show). Or when we came upon the Liberate Festival (on a farm in Vermont), which showcased Lucid alongside Twiddle, Lotus, Beats Antique and Rubblebucket, all currently some of the biggest names in the jam and indie scenes.

Eventually, my time with Lucid came to end, especially when I accepted and started my position here with The Smoky Mountain News in August 2012. But, my time with that band, and within all those endless miles traveled, showed me that I was on the trajectory I had hoped I’d be, a path that seemed foggy back then, but crystal clear today — one of musical endeavors through the written word.

These days, the members of Lucid and its inner circle are scattered. Though the band doesn’t tour anymore, it does one-off shows every-so-often. The bandmates, myself, Heather and our friends all pushed ahead in our own pursuits, and yet are forever linked by that time and place together.

After a couple of beers held high and joyously at The Wedge in the River Arts District, Heather had to head out of town, only to drive back to Upstate New York in the coming days. It meant a lot to spend time with a familiar face from my native North Country, an interaction few and far between in recent years being so far from home.

Honestly, I don’t think I’d be where I am today without those faces and those memories. We were a team, one searching for ways and means to make our dreams a reality. And it’s that will, determination and vigorous spirit which still resides and thrives within my heart and soul — keeping the flame of creativity and hopes alive one day at a time.

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

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Country star Trace Adkins will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Adkins is a county music singer who is widely known for his distinctive bass-baritone singing voice. He is a member of the Grand Ole Opry, an author, an actor, and a SiriusXM Radio host. He has won multiple awards, has earned multiple gold, platinum, and multi-platinum certifications for his albums, and has sold over 11 million albums worldwide.

In 1996, Adkins made his debut with his album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud.” Since then, he has released 19 studio albums and compilations. He has charted more than 20 singles on the Billboard country music charts includ-

ing, “(This Ain’t) No Thinking Thing,” “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.”

Throughout the years, Adkins has won many awards including Association of County Music Awards for “Top Male Vocalist,” “Vocal Event of the Year” for “Hillbilly Bone’ with Blake Shelton, and “Single of the Year” for “You’re Gonna Miss This.”

He has also won Country Music Television Awards for “Male Video of the Year” for “I Got My Game On,” and “Collaborative Video of the Year” for “Hillbilly Bone.” He has also been nominated for four Grammy Awards.

Tickets start at $53 each. For more information and/or to purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com or call 866.273.4615.

Bryson City community jam A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 2 and 16, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. The jam is facilitated by Larry Barnett of the Sawmill Creek Porch Band.

The community jams offer a chance for musicians of all ages and levels of ability to share music they have learned over the years or learn old-time mountain songs. The music jams are offered to the public each first and third Thursday of the month — yearround. This program received support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment of the Arts.

828.488.3030.

On the beat Singer-songwriters Buddy Melton and Milan Miller will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley Melton is the lead singer and fiddler for acclaimed bluegrass act Balsam Range, a Haywood County group who has seemingly been awarded every honor in recent years from the International Bluegrass Music Association, including Buddy Melton and Milan Miller.

“Entertainer of the Year” in 2014 and 2018. Melton also has won the IBMA for “Male Vocalist of the Year” twice.

And when one peels back the curtain of Balsam Range, you are introduced to singersongwriter Milan Miller, a Waynesville native who moved to Nashville in hopes of lyrical success, which he found, especially with his numerous songs covered by Balsam Range atop his two IBMA nominations for “Song of the Year.”

Tickets are $15 per person. There is also a pre-show dinner option available separately for $29.95 per person. For more information, call the ranch at 828.926.1401.

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” at its Calaboose location with Melissa Ellis (singer-songwriter) May 3. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. May 2 and 9. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.

• Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host a bluegrass open mic every Wednesday, an all-genres open mic every Thursday and Grayson Jenkins & The Resolutions (Americana/alt-country) May 11. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.boojumbrewing.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Dustin Martin (singer-songwriter) 8 p.m. May 17.

Free and open to the public. www.curraheebrew.com.

• Franklin First United Methodist Church will host the Brasstown Ringers 7 p.m. May 10.

For more information, call 828.837.8822.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host The MYXX May 3, Ronnie Call & The Waters Edge Band May 4, Hunter Grigg (singer-

• Innovation Station (Dillsboro) will host A. Lee Edwards (Americana) May 4 and Geoff McBride (singersongwriter) May 11. All events are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.innovationbrewing.com.

ALSO:

• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host The Hollands (Americana/indie) 7 p.m. May 1, Jeff Mix & The Songhearts (Americana/folk) 8:30 p.m. May 1, AMS performs The Beatles’ “Revolver” (classic rock) 6 p.m. May 2, Rebecca Folsom (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m.

May 3, Queen Bee & The Honeylovers (jazz/swing) 8:30 p.m. May 3, Peter Mulvey w/John Smith (Americana/folk) 7 p.m. May 4, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley w/Hank Pattie & The Current (Americana/bluegrass) 8:30 p.m. May 4, Gabrielle Stravelli (pop/rock) 6 p.m. May 5, The Belle Hollows w/Zach & Maggie White (bluegrass/folk) 7:30 p.m. May 5, Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions w/Darren Nicholson Band 7:30 p.m. May 7, Woven Green (folk/world) 7 p.m. May 8 and Hubby Jenkins (old-time/folk) 8:30 p.m. May 8. www.isisasheville.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, Quatro de Mayo w/Sol Rhythms 7 p.m. May 4, Frog & Owl Revival May 10 and Frogtown (bluegrass) May 11. All shows begin at 8

• Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host Fwuit May 3, PureFyah (reggae) May 4 and Jesse, The Tree May 10. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• Nantahala Outdoor Center (Nantahala Gorge) will host Red Clay Revival 2 p.m. May 11 and Scott James Stambaugh (singersongwriter) 6 p.m. May 11. All shows are free and open to the public. www.noc.com.

• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. every Wednesday.

Free and open to the public. www.pub319socialhouse.com.

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic

• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (Sylva) will host Positive Mental Attitude (rock/reggae) 8 p.m. May 4. 828.586.1717.

• Southern Porch (Canton) will host Darren Nicholson Band (Americana/alt-country) 7 p.m. May 4, Will Franke (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m. May 7 and Bryce Denton 7 p.m. May 10.

All shows are free and open to the public.

828.492.8006.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic Night” on Mondays, karaoke on Thursdays, semi-regular music on Fridays and Saturdays. All events at 10 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.456.4750.

• Waynesville First United Methodist Church will host the Haywood Community Chorus at 7 p.m. May 5. Admission is free. Donations are welcome. 828.557.9187.

Smoky Mountain News

• Cataloochee Ranch (Maggie Valley) will host Buddy Melton & Milan Miller (bluegrass/Americana) at 8 p.m. May 9.

Tickets are $15 per person. There is also a pre-show dinner option available separately for $29.95 per person. For more information, call the ranch at 828.926.1401.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night May 1 and 8, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo May 2 and 9. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host the “Stone Soup” open mic night every Tuesday and Twelfth Fret (Americana/folk) May 4. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and live music on Friday evenings. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

May 1-7, 2019

• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host Nikki Forbes (singer-songwriter) May 3 and Jim & The Giant Jam May 10. All shows start at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.balsamfallsbrewing.com.

songwriter) May 10 and Joey Fortner & The Universal Sound (Americana/folk) 12:30 p.m.

May 11. All shows begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Mad Anthony’s Taproom & Restaurant (Waynesville) will host The Turbos 5:30 p.m.

May 12. All shows are free and open to the public.

rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and a Trivia w/Kelsey Jo 8 p.m. Thursdays.

arts & entertainment

Melton, Miller return to Cataloochee Ranch

p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

May 1-7, 2019

arts & entertainment

On the street

36

WOW Kentucky Derby Gala Women of Waynesville, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County, will present the third annual Kentucky Derby Gala from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Elevated Mountain Distilling in Maggie Valley.

Guests should come dressed in their best derby attire to participate in the Best Hat and Best Bowtie contests for a chance to win an amazing gift basket. An array of heavy Kentucky Derby-inspired hors d’oeuvres will be provided and a cash bar featuring craft beer, wine and mint juleps.

Attendees can watch the derby race on big screen TV and will have an opportunity to place bets on races with a chance to win amazing prizes.

“We’re really excited to be moving our Kentucky Derby Gala to Elevated Mountain Distilling to give the fundraiser a new ‘down home’ feel,” said WOW President Jessi Stone. “Owner Dave Angel has been such a great supporter of WOW and has offered up his amazing facility for a worthy cause.”

Proceeds from the event will benefit Sharin Care, a fund designated to help

relieve the financial burdens associated with medical and dental needs for people in Haywood County.

The fund was established in memory of Sharon Queen Rathbone, a lifelong Haywood resident, mother of two children Kali and Tyler Putnam and wife to Ken. In June 2011, Sharon was diagnosed with a rare cancer but like so many she was unable to afford the treatment. Her family rose to the occasion and immediately began raising the money for her treatment.

Unfortunately, Sharon died before enough funds were raised for the treatment. The family then decided to honor her memory by using the funds they’d raised to start a fund for medical expenses so other families wouldn’t have to experience the same heartbreak.

Learn more about Sharin Care at www.opendoor-waynesville.org/sharincare. Tickets for the Kentucky Derby fundraiser are $40 each and include two drink tickets. Purchase tickets from a WOW member, a Sharin Care member or follow the link on the Facebook event: www.facebook.com/events/ 1087074268167457.

WOW is also seeking business sponsors for the event. For more information, email womenofwaynesville@gmail.com or call 828.550.9978.

Whole Bloomin’ Thing festival

The 17th annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing festival will take place from 9 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 11, in the Historic Frog Level District of Waynesville.

Children’s activities, local growers and artisans/crafters, flowering baskets, herbs, outdoor decor, live music, and more. Businesses in the district will also be open, including a coffee cafe, brewery and art gallery.

Service animals only. Rain or shine. Free to attend. Sponsored by the Historic Frog Level Merchants Association.

For more information, click on www.historicfroglevel.com.

On the street arts & entertainment

‘Mother’s Day Gemboree’ in Franklin The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10-12 at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin.

Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations, and more.

For more information, call 828.369.7831. Sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Macon County Gem & Mineral Society. www.franklin-chamber.com.

Cherokee Heritage Day

The annual “Airing of the Quilts” will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at the Appalachian Women’s Museum in Dillsboro.

The “Airing of the Quilts” is a mountain tradition where women would take family quilts off the beds and hang them in the spring sunshine to freshen.

This year’s featured quiltmaker is Laura Nelle Goebel, a nationally known quiltmaker and teacher. She will be at the museum throughout the day with an exhibit of traditional quilt methods and an ongoing demonstration for visitors to observe and ask questions.

There will also be children’s quilting activ-

Presented by The Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission, the final installment of the “Haywood Ramblings” series will take place at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 2, in the courtroom of The Historic Courthouse in downtown Waynesville.

The topic, “The History of Lake Junaluska,” will be presented by Nancy Watkins. Learn about the fascinating history of Lake Junaluska, including the early decision to locate the Assembly in Haywood County, and its considerable influence on the local economy, tourism and culture.

In case of snow, the event will be automatically rescheduled for the second Thursday of the month. For more information, call 828.456.8647.

• “Spring Thunder in the Smokies Rally” will be May 3-5 at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds. Live music, dozens of vendors, $1,000 bike show and bike games, and much more. www.thunderinthesmokies.com.

BUSINESS STARTER GRANTS • Business Start Up Contest -Up to $10,000!

- Deadline May 10

Haywood Advancement Foundation HRMC • Duke Energy Evergreen Packaging Sponsorships still available

Smoky Mountain News

‘Airing of the Quilts’

Waynesville historic speaker series

May 1-7, 2019

The monthly “Cherokee Heritage Day” will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

All day hands-on activities and fun for the whole family. Different activities each month that incorporate Cherokee culture. May include storytelling, painting, corn shuck doll making, making clay heart-shaped medallions, stamped card making, dance or music.

Free and open to the public. The “Cherokee Heritage Day” is the second Saturday of every month (except June). For more information, click on www.visitcherokeenc.com.

ities, the popular fabric scrap exchange, a quilt pattern and book exchange, raffle and music.

The event is free event and open to the public. www.appwomen.org.

haywoodchamber.com

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ventureasheville.com/microgrant

37

On the wall

Travel with the Shady Ladies

Smoky Mountain News

May 1-7, 2019

‘Controlled Chaos’ at WCU

38

Narrative and documentary films created by Western Carolina University students will be screened at the annual Controlled Chaos Film Festival at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center.

Proceeds and donations from the festival benefit the Motion Picture Student Project Fund, which helps students in WCU’s Film and Television Production Program with the cost of creating their senior thesis films. Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for senior citizens; $10 for WCU students, faculty and staff; and free for all School of Stage and Screen students.

Films may have mature subject matter and may not be suitable viewing for chil-

dren. A feature of the festival will be an audience choice award, with viewers voting on their favorite short.

“The overall quality of films submitted to the festival this year was astounding, forcing faculty to make hard choices on selections — so much so that we are exploring the idea of expanding Controlled Chaos in the coming years,” said Joshua Russell, WCU film and television program coordinator. “But, the big win for our program this year comes from the community of Western North Carolina that supported students with locations, props, casting and finances. I’m really excited to share this slate of films with them.”

For more information, contact the Film and Television Production Program at 828.227.7491. Tickets are available at bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or by calling 828.227.2479.

Marilyn Sullivan and Sandy Leafe of the Shady Ladies.

The 16th annual Shady Ladies’ quilt show will be held May 3-5 at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville.

From Singapore to Rio de Janeiro, St. Petersburg to Taiwan, members of the Shady Ladies’ Quilting Group have lived and travelled all over the world. This year’s theme of the annual quilting challenge is “Travel,” an exhibit of 25 original travel squares measuring at 15”.

In addition, the show will feature over 100 fabric creations of all sorts: art quilts, modern quilts, traditional quilts, wall hangings and bed quilts. The show will include a boutique, well stocked with small quilts and

quilting-related items, and an exhibit of antique quilts, all for sale.

The quilt show will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. All proceeds from the $5 per person admission are donated to Folkmoot.

A quilt created by the group will be raffled for the benefit of the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center.

For more information, see the Facebook page: North Carolina Quilt Symposium, Inc. For more information about the Shady Ladies, visit the Facebook page: Shady Lady Quilting Group.

will review some basics of watercolors, pen and ink drawing. Cost is $30 for HCAC members, $35 for non-members. For a list of materials needed for the class, click on www.haywoodarts.org. To sign-up, call 828.452.0593.

• 1 to 4 p.m. — Artist demonstration with Caryl Brt. She will be demonstrating sculpting, molding and dyeing with handmade paper. There will be examples of her paper sculptures available to view and purchase.

Waynesville art walk, live music The 2019 “Art After Dark” season will kickoff from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 3, in downtown Waynesville.

Each first Friday of the month (May-December), Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors.

Participants include Burr Studio, Cedar Hill Studios, Earthworks Gallery, Haywood County Arts Council’s Gallery & Gifts, The Jeweler’s Workbench, Moose Crossing Burl Wood Gallery, T. Pennington Art Gallery, Twigs and Leaves Gallery and The Village Framer.

It is free to attend Art After Dark. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

Sketch class, artist demonstration The Haywood County Arts Council will host an upcoming sketch class and artist demonstration on Saturday, May 4, at its Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.

• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — “Travel Sketching & Nature Class” with Haidee Wilson. Explore travel sketching. The class

New Haywood Arts exhibit The Haywood County Arts Council will offer its latest exhibit, “Elemental: Wood, Metal, Glass & Clay” from May 3 through June 1 at the HCAC Gallery & Gifts showroom in downtown Waynesville.

Participating artists from around Western North Carolina include potter, wood workers, glass artists, metal workers and fiber artisans.

For more information, call 828.452.5362 or click on www.haywoodarts.org.

On the table

‘Macbeth’ on the big screen

Bosu’s tastings, small plates

• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.”

It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through next April.

through March. Artists at the Waynesville Library will include Patty Johnson Coulter (painter), Linda Blount (painter), Jason Woodard (painter) and Mollie HarringtonWeaver (painter). Artists at the Canton Library will include Russell Wyatt (photographer) and Ashley Calhoun (painter). For more information, click on www.haywoodarts.org.

• The exhibit “Outspoken: Paintings by America Meredith” will be on display through May 3 at the Fine Art Museum Gallery B in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. This showcase draws particular attention to the importance of language in Meredith’s work, bringing together paintings that incorporate Cherokee syllabary, reference Cherokee oral histories, and pair found-object text with imagery. www.facebook.com/americameredithart.

• A “Beginner Step-By-Step” painting class will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Cost is $25 with all supplies provided. For more information on paint dates and/or to RSVP, contact Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560 or paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

ALSO:

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the School of Art and Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition 2019, which will be on display through May 3. All WCU Fine Art Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public. For further information, please visit arts.wcu.edu/biennial or call 828.227.3591.

• There will several local artisans on display at the Waynesville and Canton libraries

• The Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) Campus Theme, the “Defining America” exhibit brings together artists with different perspectives on the concept of “America” and asks visitors to reflect on the values, definitions, and assumptions attached to this concept. The exhibition will be on view through May 3 at the Bardo Arts Center. Regular museum hours at the BAC are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays until 7 p.m. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

• “Teen Cooking Night” will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Teen programs happen year-round and are open to middle and high schoolers. For more information, call the library at 828.524.3600.

• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first class car.

Wine pairings with a meal and more.

800.872.4681 or click on www.gsmr.com.

ALSO:

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. May 4 and 11 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075.

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

www.smokymountainnews.com

Smoky Mountain News

acclaimed actors and productions in highdefinition on the big screen in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall.

Make an afternoon out of it and take a trip to the WCU Fine Art Museum beforehand, which is open one hour prior to the screening. Concessions will available for purchase and can be taken into the BAC Performance Hall to enjoy during the screening.

To purchase tickets for “Macbeth” and/or for more information, please visit arts.wcu.edu/macbeth or call 828.227.ARTS. Please note that this screening is approximately 2.5 hours and is rated PG-13.

Now under new management with Stephanie Strickland and Genevieve Bagley, Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville will continue to host an array of wine tastings and small plates.

• Mondays: Free tastings and discounts on select styles of wine that changes weekly.

• Thursdays: Five for $5 wine tasting, with small plates available for purchase from Chef Bryan’s gourmet cuisine in The Secret Wine Bar. • Saturdays: There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m.

Dog friendly patio and front garden open, weather permitting. For more information, call 828.452.0120 or click on www.waynesvillewine.com.

May 1-7, 2019

The Western Carolina University Bardo Arts Center Sunday Cinema Series presents a screening of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare at 3 p.m.

Sunday, May 5, on campus in Cullowhee.

This is a pre-recorded, encore screening from the National Theatre in London, presented in HD on the big screen in the Bardo Arts Center Performance Hall.

“Macbeth” was considered Shakespeare’s most intense and terrifying tragedy and was first performed for King James I at Hampton Court, London in 1606.

The play is set in Scotland and unfolds the story of Macbeth, a Scottish general, who becomes power hungry for the throne. Three witches, often referred to as the “weird sisters”, tempt Macbeth with the idea that he will be king.

Once Lady Macbeth encourages him to kill the king, in their ruthless fighting to survive, the Macbeth’s are soon propelled towards the crown. After the king’s death, Macbeth falls paranoid and a Civil War erupts in an attempt to overthrow him.

The Bardo Arts Center Sunday Cinema offers viewers a chance to be transported to world-famous venues and see critically

• The “Fruit of the Vine” wine education and tasting event will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, May 3, at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Cullowhee. Sommelier Sonia Hooper will share origins, history and suggested food pairings for all wines presented. There will be a $10 tasting donation at the door to cover costs.

arts & entertainment

On the wall

39

On the stage

Smoky Mountain News

May 1-7, 2019

arts & entertainment

HART’s opens 35th year with ‘The Foreigner’

JOIN THE REC CENTER!

Various memberships available. Membership includes access to fitness classes, exercise equipment, aquatics center and more. Stop by or give us a call to inquire further or to start your membership.

WAYNESVILLE

PARKS AND RECREATION

828.456.2030 40

or email rlangston@waynesvillenc.gov

550 VANCE STREET • WAYNESVILLE

To celebrate its 35th season, the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre will present “The Foreigner” at 7:30 p.m. May 3-4 and 9-11, and at 2 p.m. May 5 and 12 inside the Daniel and Belle Fangmeyer Theatre in Waynesville.

The play tells the tale of two travelers to the deep South, Charlie and Froggie. Charlie is depressed over situations back home in England and doesn’t feel like being sociable, so his friend tells their host that he is from an exotic country and speaks no English. This leads to many comic turns as those who encounter Charlie assume he can’t understand a thing they say.

The play is considered to be one of the funniest ever written and helped launch playwright Larry Shue into the limelight. Shue was heralded as the new Neil Simon, but he was tragically killed in a plane crash at the age of 39.

HART originally produced the play in 1990 and that production featured Jeff Messer who is now taking on the role of director leading a cast that includes: Tom Dewees, Douglas Dean Savitt, Maggie Rowe, Clara Ray Burrus, Adam Welchel, Scotty Jones Cherryholmes and Maximillian Koger.

HART will be spending the year looking back on its 35 years. Since its founding in 1984, HART has produced 217 main stage plays and musicals, 115 studio shows and eight Kids at HART productions.

The theatre has made its home in the Strand Theater, the HCC Auditorium, the Balsam Mountain Inn, Maggie Valley Country Club, and the Performing Arts Center at the Shelton Campus.

HART has played host to Folkmoot, the Smoky Mountain Brass Band, the Kiwanis Travelogues, January Jazz, Razzel Dazzel Saturday, and workshops and fund raisers for numerous civic organizations and charities.

Open call for actors

require an acting cast of at least two young men, two-three mature men, two young women, one-two mature women, and five-ten children/teens. They are also looking for volunteers to help with costumes, props, lights and sound.

Monologue packets can be picked up at the Macon County Public Library Reference Desk. Come to audition with an understood monologue.

For more information, contact Roberta Pipitone at 828.332.2837 or Savannah DeHart at the Macon County Public Library at 828.524.3600.

The Theatre at the Library announces auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to be performed on the weekends of Aug. 9-11 and 16-18.

Auditions will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, and at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

The inclusive community theatre group is seeking actors and actresses for this summer’s show. Ages ages 10 and over are welcome.

Those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the production.

Whether you are a seasoned thespian or just curious about theatre, this is the group for you.

Director Roberta Pipitone is a Shakespeare fanatic (and retired drama teacher of 30 years).

After writing and directing last fall’s Theatre at the Library production “Murder by the Book,” Pipitone is ready to teach our troupe about the greatest playwright that ever lived. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be about the process; those who participate will have a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s style, language, and intention.

Specifically, this summer’s show will

A scene from ‘The Foreigner.’

Their facilities have hosted weddings, and memorial services, brought couples together, seen their children born and watched them grow into roles on its stage.

The theatre has helped numerous young people pursue careers in the arts and currently has numerous alumni performing professionally around the country.

In addition, Harmons’ Den Bistro will be open for pre-show dining before all performances. To make reservations for the show or the Bistro call 828.456.6322, Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. or go online to www.harttheatre.org.

• There is free comedy improv class from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville.

No experience necessary, just come to watch or join in the fun. Improv teacher Wayne Porter studied at Sak Comedy Lab in Orlando, Florida, and performed improvisation with several groups. Join Improv WNC on Facebook or just call 828.316.8761.

ALSO:

Books

Smoky Mountain News

41

A trip to the beach without leaving home North Carolina, and tells us, as he so often does, a love story.

In this case, Hope Anderson and Tru Walls

Jeff Minick

“Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off — then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can.”

So Ishmael opens Moby Dick.

Writer I know exactly how the man feels. I don’t acquire the inclination to attend funerals, or to knock hats off, but when that damp, drizzly November comes into my soul, like Ishmael I long to go to the sea. Of course, he intends boarding a whaler, whereas I long to board a house on the beach with a deck, a refrigerator stocked with my favorite foods and beverages, Wi-fi, and a pile of books on a table beside a comfortable chair.

For a good number of years, I made an annual excursion to the Carolina coast, taking along my children, their spouses and a growing tribe of grandchildren, staying in various rental houses in Emerald Isle. Personal circumstances ended those vacations, and though I spent a Christmas two years ago at Topsail Island, I have yet to return to the coast. I had plans to go to Emerald Isle with an old family friend last fall, but the hurricane ruined that trip. One of these days, I’ll find my way back to water and sand, but right now I am far from the Atlantic and find myself walking through April with November in my soul.

So I let Nicholas Sparks bring the beach to me.

In Every Breath (Grand Central Publishing, 2018, 306 pages), Sparks takes his readers, as he so often does, to the coast of

— Tru is short for Truitt — meet at Sunset Beach. Hope, a nurse in her mid-thirties, has come to attend a wedding in Wilmington and to say good-bye to the cottage her family has owned for many years. Her father has ALS, and her parents are selling the cottage to help cover his treatment. Hope has also just quarreled with her boyfriend of six years, an orthopedic surgeon who seems incapable of truly loving a woman.

Tru, who grew up in Zimbabwe, is a safari

guide making his first trip to the United States. The American father whom he has never known and who is now dying has contacted him in hopes of meeting and explaining what happened so long ago with Tru’s mother, now dead. Tru is staying in his father’s vacation house, awaiting his arrival, right next door to Hope.

They meet when Tru rescues Hope’s dog after Scottie is hit by a car. She offers Tru coffee, they converse, and later that evening they meet again by chance in a nearby restaurant. The following day, at Hope’s invitation, they go to nearby Bird Island, where she shows him Kindred Spirit, a mailbox where people deposit everything from love letters to recipes. Kindred Spirit soon becomes a symbol of their feelings for each other.

The attraction between Tru and Hope is instantaneous, and grows with each passing day. But growing alongside that attraction is the awareness that family obligations and their separate dreams for the future might be major stumbling blocks for any long-term relationship.

To say more about the plot of Every Breath would spoil the book for readers, but here are some these reasons you may enjoy this story.

First, if you’re already a Sparks enthusiast, you’ll find yourself in familiar territory. As Sparks himself writes in his Author’s Note “While my novels generally hew to certain expected norms (they’re usually set in North Carolina, feature a love story, etc.), I do try to

vary the themes, characters or devices in interesting ways with every book.” Certainly the themes of Every Breath — love won and lost, caring for family, separation in place and time — as well as the characters and certain unexpected turns in the plot offer readers the pleasure of a good story and insights into the human heart.

These insights include Hope’s doubts about some major decisions she has made in her life. Which of us has not looked back and wondered whether we had taken a wrong turn? And in Tru — both Tru and Hope are clearly names chosen as emblematic — we confront the pain of love and sacrifice, the hope for second chances and new beginnings.

Most importantly, perhaps, Hope and Tru remind us of something most adults already know but are prone to forget, that we may have a roadmap to life, but we can run out of gas, take a wrong turn, or drive off the road.

Finally, Every Breath is bracing in its realism and its message about love, sacrifice, mistakes made and mistakes forgiven. In Tru, and particularly in Hope, we find people struggling to do the right thing, for themselves and for others, and learning the terrible cost of choices made.

Far more women than men read fiction, particularly the kind of fiction written by writers like Nicholas Sparks (look online, and you’ll find all sorts of speculation and studies of why this is so). This is unfortunate, as men sometimes ask that famous question put up

by Dr. Freud: “What do women want?” In Hope, observant readers can find a few answers to that question. And in Tru, the safari guide who must often carry a rifle to ward off predators, including both wild beasts and human beings, Sparks paints a portrait of a man’s man who is anything but an example of “toxic masculinity”.

At any rate, I got my trip to the beach as well as some lessons about human nature. For now, at least, my drizzly November has faded away.

(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher. minick0301@gmail.com)

New Horace Kephart biography Writer and historian George Ellison will present the biography he and Janet McCue collaborated on, Back of Beyond: A Horace Kephart Biography, at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Charles Frazier, author of Cold Mountain, said of the biography, “This meticulously researched and carefully considered book is a great contribution to the history and culture of the Southern Appalachians.”

To reserve copies of Back of Beyond, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Hardscrabble folks of Troublesome Creek Kim Michele Richardson will launch her new book The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

This is Richardson’s fourth novel and is set in 1930’s Kentucky. The hardscrabble folks of Troublesome Creek have to scrap for everything — everything except books that is. Thanks to Roosevelt’s Kentucky Pack Horse Library Project, Troublesome’s got its very own traveling librarian, Cussy Mary Carter.

Cussy isn’t just a librarian. She’s the last of her kind. Her skin is a shade of blue unlike most anyone else. Not everyone is keen on Cussy’s family for the Library Project and a Blue is often blamed for any whiff of trouble.

If Cussy wants to bring the joy of books to the hill folks, she’s going to have to confront prejudice as old as the Appalachian mountains and suspicion as deep as the holler.

To reserve copies of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

42

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

Year of the bird Killdeer nest prompts planning shuffle for Greening Up The Mountains

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER very year, Sylva’s population quadruples on the last Saturday in April as more than 10,000 people flock to the tiny town for Greening Up the Mountains, a long-running festival featuring live music on two stages, a 5K run and more than 125 vendors offering crafts, food and information about local nonprofits.

Planning the event is a year-round endeavor for town staff, and as this year’s April 27 date drew closer, all the ducks seemed to be

E

sorting themselves into their respective rows — until a different kind of bird threw a wrench in the plans.

“It’s one of those things — I’ll do whatever we need to do to protect these killdeer, but I just can’t help but laugh at the timing a little bit,” said Jake Scott, public works director for the town. “It’s the town’s biggest annual festival, and 10 to 12,000 people turn out for this thing, and it’s a bird that probably weighs less than a pound. It sent a shock wave through the entire plan. You have to laugh at the irony a little bit.”

The killdeer, Charadrius vociferus, is a species of shorebird with a marked apathy for shore life. Save the uppermost reaches of Canada, it can be found throughout North America, from coastal Carolina to Nebraska to California — in North Carolina, it’s actually less common along the coast than in the landlocked areas of the state.

Unlike most mountain-dwelling birds, killdeer nest on open ground such as athletic fields, golf courses and parking lots, laying four to six eggs and raising one to three broods per season. With just a week to go before Greening Up the Mountains, just such a nest was found in the parking lot at Bridge Park in Sylva, smack in the middle of where the town had been planning to set up the food vendors.

“It is a gravel lot and they tend to like gravel, and it’s close enough to water,” said Town Manager Paige Dowling. “Just with a large festival, it’s not an ideal time for the birds.”

Scott said Quintin Ellison, general manager for The Sylva Herald, brought the birds’

presence to his attention after finding them the weekend preceding Greening Up. The pair of killdeer at Bridge Park has laid four eggs there, and they’re quite proactive in their efforts to keep those eggs safe. When an intruder appears, the parents react with loud calls and attempts to feign injury. They can often be seen running away from the threatening creature, holding a wing at a crooked angle to make the potential predator believe that it’s broken and the bird will be easy prey. The hope is that the intruder will chase after the adult bird — which, of course, will fly away at the last minute — and forget about the eggs.

Upon receiving Ellison’s call, the town immediately sprang into action, consulting with wildlife professionals from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, erecting a barricade around the nest and tweaking vendor plans for the festival.

“We’ve reconfigured the vendor spacing and the vendor layout in that lot,” said Scott.

“We’ve moved a couple food vendors to the other side of Bridge Park, and we’ve moved a few merchandise vendors to make some space for them.”

There was a risk, however, that too many simultaneous intruders could cause the birds to abandon their nest. The town had to figure out how to keep the birds’ newfound notoriety from earning them too many visitors, as news of the killdeer situation had swept across social media and been picked up by various local news outlets.

To that end, Greening Up the Mountains and the Sylva Police Department worked to recruit volunteers dedicated to keeping the killdeer safe, and it worked — a pair of tents were set up for the Bird Guard, said festival organizer Kendra Hamm, with various shifts of volunteers rotating in and out throughout the day to remind festivalgoers to give the birds some room. The goal was to give the pair at least 64 square feet of space, Dowling said.

“Regardless of the volunteers, the birds were freaking out all day,” said Hamm. “They were flying and fussing all over the place and chirping all day. I felt bad for them.”

Every parent deals with some season of crisis and uncertainty, and it would seem the same holds true for killdeer. Fortunately, this pair seems to have weathered the storm well.

As of Monday, April 29, the killdeer were still maintaining their presence at Bridge Park, keeping the eggs warm and safe until they’re ready to hatch in a couple weeks.

“They’re still there and probably

F

Clockwise from upper left: Perfect weather helped make the 22nd annual Greening Up The Mountains festival a success. Kelly Donaldson/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce photo. The town erected a temporary barrier to give the killdeer nest some space. Holly Kays photo A killdeer parent feigns a broken wing in an attempt to protect its nest. Holly Kays photo Wren Gelbaugh, of Sylva, peers at the killdeer nest during Greening Up The Mountains. Mary Gelbaugh photo

outdoors

Event will get kids riding bikes The Jackson County Bike Rodeo will return for its sixth year, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 4, at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee.

A variety of stations will be available for children in pre-K through eighth grade, including bike safety checks, helmet inspections, learning to ride, bike skills courses and group rides. Door prizes, including five free bikes, will be given away at 11:15 a.m.

Free, and sponsored by a long list of community partners spanning government, business and nonprofit sectors. Molly Neary, outdoor recreation manager, 828.293.3053, Ext. 9.

Polishing up the Pigeon The inaugural Polishing Up the Pigeon event will combine tubing and litter cleanup at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, starting at Bearwaters Brewery in Canton.

The group will meet in the parking lot, with tubes, kayaks and canoes provided by Pigeon River Outfitters. Volunteers will use provided gloves, trash bags and pick-up sticks to clean up the river while they float, with riverbank walkers welcome too.

Vendors, live music, games and the long-awaited Mountain MOJO Mango Lager will wait back at BearWaters, with participants receiving $1 off their first pint. Organized by Haywood Waterways Association.

Plans complete for Macon/Jackson timber project

Greening Up The Mountains is Western North Carolina’s longest-running festival, in

to play host to the pair but questions the timing of their family planning. The Smoky

“It’s the town’s biggest annual festival, and 10 to 12,000 people turn out for this thing, and it’s a bird that probably weighs less than a pound. You have to laugh at the irony a little bit.”

— Jake Scott

2019 celebrating its 22nd year. This is the first time the town has had to incorporate killdeer conservation into its event planning, but it might not be the last — it’s common for killdeer to return to the same nesting spot year after year.

Dowling said she’s happy for the town

Mountain News could not reach the killdeer for comment as to why they didn’t check the town calendar before starting their nest, so the paper asked Dowling for her thoughts on the issue.

“I don’t know,” she said. “We’ve done this 22 years.”

a website to take you to places where there are no websites.

Log on. Plan a getaway.

Let yourself unplug.

Smoky Mountain News

very happy the festival is over with,” said Hamm.

In terms of conservation, killdeer are considered a species of least concern, but while they’re common in many of North Carolina’s foothills and piedmont counties, they’re rare in Jackson County, according to the Carolina Bird Club website. Killdeer numbers dropped about 47 percent across their range between 1966 and 2014, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, though a 2012 study estimated about 2 million breeding birds in North Carolina, an increase over figures reported in a 2006 study. They’re doing better than most shorebird species, as they’re willing to nest close to people and use urban habitats, but they’re vulnerable to car crashes and pesticide poisoning. Killdeer are protected by the Migratory Bird Act.

es such as storms or intense wildfires, but in their absence need to be created through active management.

The Southside project will create 317 acres of young forest in 23 separate stands across the 19,000-acre project area. Over one-third of the openings will be 1 acre or less. In the remaining stands, the average opening created will be 22 acres.

Additionally, 37 percent — 6,944 acres — of the project area is designated to preserve and produce old growth conditions, and will continue to be managed as such into the future.

The project will also rehabilitate existing wildlife openings; establish native nectar and pollen producing species in wildlife openings, log landings and roadsides to benefit native pollinators; and improve fisheries habitat in Scotsman Creek.

Work in the project area is expected to begin next year, though timber management activities will not likely occur until 2021.

More information is available at go.usa.gov/xeuqs.

May 1-7, 2019

An environmental analysis is now complete for the Southside Project, expected to improve forest health, diversity and wildlife habitat in southeastern Macon County and southern Jackson County.

Public engagement resulted in some changes to the proposed project, including dropping two stands, including additional buffers around documented locations of green salamanders and conducting thinning and burning treatments to improve species composition in the Whitewater River Falls and Gorge Natural Heritage Natural Area.

Public comments featured concern for old growth forest. However, according to a press release from the U.S. Forest Service, about one-third of the forest in the project

area is more than 100 years old. Across the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, older trees are increasing such that in 50 years nearly half the forest will be comprised of trees older than 130 years. Only 1 percent of the project area includes forest less than 10 years old.

“In the management of national forests there are trade-offs. We make decisions based on the best available science that lead us to cut some trees to make room for others,” said District Ranger Mike Wilkins.

“Forests need diversity and all ages of trees.

What’s missing from the Southside area is young forest.”

Removing patches of older trees gives young trees access to sunlight and water, allowing them to sprout and grow. Small and medium-sized forest openings provide fruit and nutritious foliage and flowers that attract pollinators and other insects and support populations of small mammals that, in turn, are prey for larger animals.

Openings can be created by natural process-

43

outdoors May 1-7, 2019 Smoky Mountain News 44

Bill aims to restore permanent funding for conservation The U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would provide permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The bipartisan bill, introduced April 9

by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, has 17 cosponsors, including North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr. It is currently awaiting action from the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

In February, Congress voted to permanently reauthorize the LWCF, which had lapsed since its expiration in September 2018. The current legislation would build on that passed in February by ensuring that funds already being deposited into the U.S. Treasury for the LWCF — $900 million annually — are spent only for that purpose.

The funds are often diverted for other purposes, and since it was first created in 1964 the LWCF has received its authorized funding level just twice, according to the LWCF Coalition. In its 50-year history, about $22 billion intended for the program has been siphoned off for non-conservation purposes.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was created to protect natural areas using revenues from offshore oil and gas extraction, with those funds going to conserve land, support parks and recreation projects, and protect wildlife and drinking water.

For more about the LWCF’s importance to Western North Carolina, visit bit.ly/2PuYdT7.

I-26 project will prompt Parkway realignment An upcoming widening project on Interstate 26 in Buncombe and Henderson counties will impact the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The National Park Service announced in March that it plans to adopt the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Final Environmental Impact Statement for the project. NPS has been involved with the project planning, preparation and analysis included in the document.

The planned widening will conflict with the Parkway’s existing piers because of their proximity to the roadway. The selected action realigns a short portion of the Parkway and plans construction of a new bridge spanning I-26 adjacent to the existing bridge on the south side. The new bridge will be 606 feet long with two 10-foot lanes, 3-foot shoulders and a 5-foot sidewalk on one side to accommodate the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Additional parking for the MST is planned on part of the old road alignment.

The Parkway will remain open during the multi-year construction of the new bridge and demolition of the existing one.

The complete set of DOT decision documents is available at parkplanning.nps.gov/bridgeoverI-26home.

Explore Cataloochee

Bird Deep Creek

A guided hike near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s eastern boundary in Cataloochee will explore what was once a community of more than 1,000 people, Tuesday, May 14.

The challenging 9.4-mile hike will cover Rough, Big and Caldwell Fork trails, featuring some of the park’s best historical and ecological treasures, including the Woody homestead and massive old-growth poplar trees.

Avid off-trail hiker and Smokies history buff Mike Knies will lead the hike. Knies has marked more than 1,200 home sites in the park and has written numerous stories about adventures in the Smokies.

The hike is offered as part of Friends of the Smokies’ monthly day hiking series Classic Hikes of the Smokies.

Hikes are $20 for Friends members and $35 for new and renewing members. They are held on the second Tuesday of each month, March through December. Register at hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.

outdoors

Meet the birds of Deep Creek during a birding excursion 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 11, in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City.

While hiking along the Deep Creek and Indian Creek trails, a maximum mileage of 5 miles, participants will look and listen for a variety of migrant birds, including warblers, scarlet tanagers, Acadian flycatchers and more. The group will also stop in on the Juney Whank, Tom Branch and Indian Creek waterfalls.

The program is offered as part of the Great Smoky Mountains Association’s Branch Out series. $20, with pre-registration required online at smokiesinformation.org/events or by calling 865.436.7318, Ext. 349.

Painted trillium.

Mike Hunter photo

Large trees abound along the Caldwell Fork Trail. Donated photo

Fee hikes proposed for national forest sites

tain and improve recreation sites.

Many OHV trails were designed to accommodate four-wheelers, said Grandfather District Ranger Nicholas Larson, but the Forest Service is widening these trails to accommodate the new, wider side-by-sides now being used.

After public comments are received, the Forest Service will assess the feedback and present its proposals to the Southern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee.

More information is available at fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/recfeeproposal. Contact Logan Free with comments at nfsncfeeproposals@fs.fed.us, 828.257.4256 or ATTN: Recreation Fee Proposals, 160A Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

Blue Ridge grant awards to stimulate heritage projects in WNC Folkmoot Friendship Center. SMN photo

Cataloochee Valley area of the park. n Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. received $10,000 to create videos and other resource materials that will give JAM students a deeper appreciation of the history

and cultural context of the region’s music traditions. n North Carolina Arboretum Society received $16,000 for outdoor interpretive exhibits at the Arboretum’s Willow Pond in Asheville celebrating wetlands and the region’s status as a world hotspot for salamander diversity.

Since its inception in 2003, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership has awarded 173 grants totaling over $2.3 million and leveraging another $5.6 million in matching contributions from local governments and the private sector. These grants have funded projects in all 25 counties of Western North Carolina.

Picnic with Trout Unlimited The Tuckaseigee chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual covered-dish picnic at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at East Laporte Park in Jackson County.

Chapter members and their families are invited to bring a covered dish, with the chapter furnishing hot dogs and hamburgers along with buns, beverages, ice and condiments. To join TU, visit tuckaseigee.tu.org.

Check out the Highlands Biological Foundation’s most beautiful wildflowers during a walking tour 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 9, in Highlands.

Sonya Carpenter and Canty Worley will lead this private tour of Pond Hollow Garden, a Buck Creek retreat owned by Greg and Amanda Gregory. The tour will combine native woodland and meadow species with a cultivated garden, with spring ephemerals in full bloom and possible sightings including lady slippers, trillium and showy orchids. Birding opportunities will be available too — bring binoculars. $35 for nonmembers and $5 for members, with lunch provided. Sign up at 828.526.2623 or www.highlandsbiological.org/wildflower.

Hike Panthertown Explore Panthertown Valley near Cashiers with a pair of upcoming walks. n Botanist Dan Pittillo will lead a slowpaced wildflower walk beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 4, at the Salt Rock Gap Trailhead. n Mike Kettles will lead a more strenuous hike to Elbow Falls beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Saturday, May 11, from Cold Mountain Gap Trailhead.

Both hikes are for Friends of Panthertown members only and require an RSVP. Memberships start at $35 or $25 for students. www.panthertown.org or friends@panthertown.org.

Smoky Mountain News

The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership (BRNHA) has awarded 19 grants totaling $190,171 to support projects across the North Carolina mountains and foothills, focusing on craft, music, natural heritage, Cherokee culture and agricultural traditions.

Grant winners include: n Church Mouse Ministries received $5,000 for a community garden in downtown Robbinsville that will serve as an outdoor classroom and resource for community development. n Folkmoot received $8,000 for auditorium improvements to support year-round cultural programming at the Folkmoot Friendship Center in Waynesville. n Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park received $7,350 to rehabilitate a historic fishing cabin in the

Wander through the wildflowers May 1-7, 2019

Fee increases are proposed for four sites in the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, with public comment accepted through May 31.

Proposals include: n Increasing fees for the Tsali Mountain Bike and Equestrian Trail Complex from $2 to $5 per rider, per day, with the cost of an annual pass rising from $15 to $30. These fees would apply only to mountain bikers and equestrians using the trails. n Increasing fees for the Brown Mountain OHV Trail Complex and Wayehutta OHV Trail Complex

from $5 to $15 per vehicle per day, with an annual pass increasing from $30 to $60. These fees would be phased in over a two-year period. n Increasing rental fees for Swan Cabin from $25 to $50 per night.

The proposed changes would aim to establish a consistent fee approach for the National Forests in North Carolina and improve visitor experiences, as site upgrades are paid for using collected fees. Prices for many forest sites have not changed for a decade, not keeping pace with other similar services and amenities, according to a U.S. Forest Service press release.

Many sites have received various improvements and upgrades. The Forest Service keeps 80 to 95 percent of fees collected to operate, main-

45

outdoors

this workshop on the site about how best to plot out a garden, what plants work well together and more.

Meet at the library at 5:15 p.m. to walk to the garden with the group. In case of rain, the talk will be held in the library’s meeting room.

Garden chemical-free Lay out a garden Learn the best way to lay out a garden during a hands-on workshop at 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 1, at the Macon County Community Garden on the Little Tennessee River Greenway in Franklin.

The Macon County Public Library has a new gardening plot, and experienced gardener Olga Lampkin will talk during

Learn about natural pest management during a program offered 2 to 3 p.m.

Friday, May 10, at the Waynesville Public Library.

Experienced gardener Allison Heath will share her knowledge, covering the difference between beneficial and non-beneficial insects, how to use non-chemical methods, prevention, cultural changes and the importance of healthy soil.

Free, with no registration required.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library.

PARI campus. Donated photo

Dive into composting

Adam Bigelow

Learn more about composting during a workshop offered 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at Winding Stair Nursery in Franklin.

Adam Bigelow will present “Going Deep Into Compost” in an event co-sponsored by the Macon County Public Library. Bigelow’s informative, entertaining and philosophical dive into compost will cover composting systems, and how to keep a compost pile alive, active and smelling good.

Winding Stair is located at 57 Saunders Road, off of Highlands Road. windingstairfarm.com/nursery/events/compost/.

MUSIC

C U LT U R E

ADVENTURE

Experience Space Day The annual Space Day open house at The Learning Center at PARI will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 4, on the PARI campus in Rosman.

The 200-acre campus will be open for activities and events suitable for all ages, relating back to PARI’s mission of science education. An expanded network of hiking

FOOD+DRINK

Remove Richland Creek invasives

May 1-7, 2019

Help root out invasive plants with a volunteer effort slated for 1 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, May 10, by Vance Street Park Pavilion in Waynesville.

The group, organized by Haywood Waterways Association, will get rid of Japanese knotweed, oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose and Japanese honeysuckle growing alongside Richland Creek.

RSVP not necessary but helpful for planning. 828.476.4667 or info@haywoodwaterways.org.

Have a greenway greenday

Smoky Mountain News

Experience the many ways to enjoy the Jackson County Greenway during Greenday @ The Greenway, 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 5, in Cullowhee.

The free event will include outdoor

yoga, lawn games, fishing demonstrations, nature crafts, guided walking tours with botanists and birders, plus more. An event check-in table, including signups for guided walks and outdoor yoga, will be located at the Locust Creek Access area on the greenway bridge.

Molly Neary, 828.293.3053, ext. 9 or mollyneary@jacksonnc.org.

Celebrate spring at Frog Level

MAGAZINE 46

trails, the AdventureDome planetarium, a robot workshop, space junk scavenger hunt, costume contest and presentations from science education staff will all be offered.

Free, with registration fee for robot workshop and scavenger hunt.

828.862.5554.

READ, SUBSCRIBE & LEARN MORE

smliv.com

The 17th annual Whole Bloomin’ Thing Spring Festival will return to Frog Level in Waynesville 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 11.

The festival will feature a variety of vendors selling flowering baskets, vegetable and herb plants, berry bushes, potted plants, trees, perennials and more. Fresh local produce and organic beef will be for sale, as well as local crafts and food for purchase. Live entertainment and children’s activities will be ongoing, with Frog Level businesses keeping their doors open as well. www.historicfroglevel.com.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Haywood Habitat for Humanity is accepting homeowner applications and holding an information sessions at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Waynesville. 452.7960 or haywoodhabitat.org.

• “National Day of Prayer: Pray for Haywood” will be held at 6 p.m. on May 2 at Calvary Road Baptist Church in Maggie Valley. With Sheriff Greg Christopher.

• Southwestern Community College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new health sciences building at noon on Monday, May 6, at the college’s Jackson Campus in Sylva. www.southwesterncc.edu or 339.4000.

• Haywood Community College will hold its graduation ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 (College Transfer, Haywood Early College and Natural Resources) and at 4:30 p.m. (Health & Human Services) and 7:30 p.m. (Business & Industry Department) on Friday, May 10, in Clyde. www.Haywood.edu or 627.2821.

• Western Carolina University will hold its spring commencement ceremonies on Friday and Saturday, May 10-11, in the Ramsey Regional Activity Center in Cullowhee. Graduate School commencement is at 7 p.m. on May 10. College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education and Allied Professions and David Orr Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts are set for 10 a.m. on May 11. Colleges of Business, Health and Human Service and Engineering and Technology will hold commencement at 3 p.m. on May 11. www.wcu.edu.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Haywood Community College is holding registration for its summer and fall semesters. 627.4500, haywood.edu or hcc-advising@haywood.edu.

• Haywood Community College’s Workforce Continuing Education Department is offering a wide variety of courses in May. For a complete listing: www.haywood.edu. Info: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.

• The Small Business Center at Southwestern Community College will offer a wide variety of seminars for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs throughout Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary through May. For a complete listing: tinyurl.com/y46uqeo9.

• Registration is underway for a “Jump-Start Series” offered by Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, through May 14. SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Career Assistance will be offered from 1-4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, in the Macon County Public Library Computer Lab in Franklin. Resume help, tips for interview skills and more. 524.3600.

• Haywood Community College will hold a commencement ceremony for graduates of its High School Equivalency Diploma, Adult High School and Career College at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 3, in the Charles Beall Auditorium in Clyde. 627.4700 • Registration is underway for an “Intro to Content Marketing” course that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and on Friday, May 3, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville.

Instructor is Scott Rader, Ph.D., associate professor of Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Cost: $119. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will offer three events during Small Business Week: A jump-start series: How to Write a Business Plan from

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

4:30-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at the Haywood County Public Library in Canton; a “Drive Business Results with Google Ads, Google Live Stream” from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, at the Lake Junaluska Bethea Welcome Center; and a “WordPress for Small Business, Build Your Small Business Website” from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, at HCC in Clyde.

SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Registration is underway for Boating Safety Courses that will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on May 15-16 at Haywood Community College, Building 3300, Room 3322, in Clyde. Preregistration is required: www.ncwildlife.org. Additional offerings: June 26-27.

• The “Eggs and Issues” business forum is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce. Guest speaker is Ben Laseter, Deputy Director of Main Spring Conservation Trust.

Admission: $10. Preregister: www.VisitFranklinNC.com or 524.3161.

• Registration is underway for a workshop entitled “Communicating Change Effectively in the Workplace” that will be offered by Western Carolina University from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Taught by WCU Communications Professor Betty Farmer. Advance registration: $139 (through May 1). Pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Registration is underway for Southwestern Community College’s High School Equivalency Boot Camp, which prepares participants to complete their high school credentials in less than a month (May 28-June 26).

Classes run from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Those who complete will participate in a graduation ceremony on July 11. Info: 339.4272.

• Registration is underway for a Bone ID course that will be offered June 3-5 at Western Carolina University.

Registration fee: $199. For info or to register: bones.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Registration is underway for a workshop on organizational change entitled: “Pathways, Ideas and Tips for Effective Organizational Change” that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, June 17, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville.

Registration: $279 (includes catered lunch). 10 percent discount through May 10 with promo code: EC2019. Info and to register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Reservations are being accepted for a non-credit travel course that will take students to Valencia, Spain, from June 23-July 2. Price: $1,969 for single occupancy or $1,859 for double occupancy. Includes: three-star hotel, meals, transportation within Spain, admission to sites, a Spanish cooking class and all excursions. Price does not include airfare. 227.2769 or lfoxford@wcu.edu.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Penland School of craft will host an auction off student and instructor work at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, in the Northlight Building on the Penland Campus in Mitchell County. Work in clay, glass, metals, photography, textiles, wood and other media. Proceeds benefit Penland’s scholarship programs. 284.8823 or penland.org.

• Women of Waynesville, a nonprofit organization that supports the needs of women and children in Haywood County, will present the third annual Kentucky Derby Gala from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Elevated Mountain Distilling in Maggie Valley. Tickets are $40

Smoky Mountain News

each and include two drink tickets. Proceeds from the event will benefit Sharin Care, a fund designated to help relieve the financial burdens associated with medical and dental needs for people in Haywood County. www.opendoor-waynesville.org/sharin-care. www.facebook.com/events/1087074268167457. WOW is also seeking business sponsors for the event. womenofwaynesville@gmail.com or 550.9978.

• Registration is underway for the third annual disc golf fundraiser for Green Built Alliance. Event is Saturday, May 4, at Lake Julian Park in Arden. http://tinyurl.com/yykl6buo.

• “Steppin’ Out on the Greenway” – a family fun-walk fundraiser – is scheduled for 8:30-10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4. Wristband tickets are $5 each and available at Friends of the Greenway Quarters, 573 E. Main in Franklin.

• The third annual golf classic to benefit Full Spectrum Farms will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at Trillium Links and Lakes Club in Cashiers. Proceeds from this 18-hole tournament will benefit Full Spectrum’s work to serve people with autism spectrum disorder in Western North Carolina. Cost is $100 per person, with lunch available for purchase. Pre-registration required. Contact 828.293.2521 or fsfvolunteer@gmail.com.

• REACH is seeking donations of gently used accessories for its silent auction at the “Spring into Fashion” Social and Luncheon, which is on Thursday, May 9, at Laurel Ridge Country Club. Donations accepted through Friday, April 19, at 627 N. Main St. in Waynesville.

456.7898.

• Ticket reservations are being accepted for two fundraisers that will benefit the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society this summer: Bark, Beer & Barbeque on Thursday, June 20, at The Farm at Old Edwards; and Pawsitively Purrfect Part on Monday, Aug. 19, at Country Club of Sapphire Valley. Cost for each event: , $195 per person, $390 per couple or $1,800 for a table of 10. To request an alert once tickets are available, call 743.5769 or write shannon@CHhumanesociety.org.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • The Town of Webster Board of Commissioners and Planning Board will host a joint work session at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the WWII Memorial, 1528 Webster Road in Webster. Opportunity for public to assist with landscaping improvements.

• A volunteer opportunity to root out invasive plants is set for 1-2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at the Vance Street Park Pavilion in Waynesville. Organized by Haywood Waterways Association. RSVP: 476.4667 or info@haywoodwaterways.org.

HEALTH MATTERS • Four Seasons, Wells Funeral Home and first United Methodist Church of Waynesville will offer “Living After Loss: A Grief Discussion” from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Wells Event Center in Waynesville. Led by Dan Yearick, MS, LPC-S, Bereavement Coordinator with Four Seasons. 692.6178 or dyearick@fourseasonscfl.org.

• Understanding the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia is the topic of a program from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at Waynesville Library Auditorium.

• A “Preparation for Childbirth” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays from June 6-27, Aug. 8-29 and Oct. 3-24 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville. Pre-registration required: MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• Community First Aid and CPR classes are offered from 6-10 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at

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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 Haywood Community College in Clyde. Info: 564.5133 or HCC-CPRraining@haywood.edu.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) holds a support group for family, friends, and those dealing with mental illness on the 1st Thursday of each month in the 2nd floor classroom at Haywood Regional Medical Center at 6:30 p.m.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • Sylva Yoga is offering a variety of donation-based classes through late May. Complete listing and registration info: www.sylvayoga.com.

• ZUMBA is offered at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville on Thursdays at 6 p.m. with Patti Burke.

Check Facebook page Patti Burke Zumba Students for additional information such as holiday or weather related cancelations. $5 per class.

• There will be several ballroom and Latin dance classes offered on Sundays and Mondays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Classes for beginners, intermediate and all levels. $10 per class. For more information, click on www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• The Maggie Valley Wellness Center is offering two yoga classes from 9-9:55 a.m. on Wednesdays through March: Gentle Flow with Candra and Gentle Vin Yin with Jamie. 944.0288 or maggievalleywellness.com.

• A wide variety of yoga classes are offered daily through the Waynesville Yoga Center. For updated, current listings, visit: http://waynesvilleyogacenter.com/class-schedule.

• Pickleball, a cross between tennis, badminton and ping-pong, will be offered from 9 a.m.-noon on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Old Hazelwood Gym in Waynesville. $3 per visit, or $20 for a 10-visit card.

452.6789 or iansmith@haywoodcountync.gov.

• Yoga classes designed specifically for those who have experienced trauma are being offered at the Fitness Connection in Waynesville. www.sonshineyoga.com.

• Tai chi is offered from 10:45-11:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Haywood Regional Health and Fitness Center. It’s also offered from 1-2 p.m. on Thursdays. Taught by Bill Muerdter. For info about the classes or HRHFC memberships and offerings, call 452.8080 or visit MyHaywoodRegional.com/Fitness.

• Ultimate Frisbee games are held from 5:30-8 p.m. on Mondays at the Cullowhee Recreation Park. Organized

by Jackson County Parks & Recreation. Pick-up style.

293.2053 or www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• Pickleball is from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday nights at First Methodist Church in Sylva. $1 each time you play; equipment provided. 293.3053.

SPIRITUAL • Registration is underway for Lake Junaluska’s Summer Youth Events, which run from June 15-July 14.

Morning and evening sessions with worship, guest

wnc calendar

preachers and workshops for sixth-through-12th graders. www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth or 800.222.4930.

• Registration is underway for Music & Worship Arts Week, which is from June 23-28 at Lake Junaluska.

Multi-generational educational event including arts, praise and renewal. For ministry leaders or those who want to sing, dance or act all week.

Musicartsweek2019.wordpress.com.

• Registration is underway for Native American Summer Conference, which is June 28-30, at Lake Junaluska. Speakers, Bible study and workshops.

Lakejunaluska.com/sejanam or 800.222.4930.

• “Nature Nuts: Stream Investigation” will be offered to ages 4-7 from 9-11 a.m. on May 6 and May 13 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y5o3owwp.

• “Eco Explorers: Compass” will be offered to ages 813 on May 6 and May 13 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y5o3owwp.

• Teen Cooking Night is at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

524.3600.

• Registration is underway for Guided Personal Retreats, on July 22-24, Sept. 16-18 and Oct. 21-23 at Lake Junaluska. Lakejunaluska.com/retreats or 800.222.4930.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Kim Michele Richardson will launch her new book The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

• Acclaimed writer and historian George Ellison will present the biography he and Janet McCue collaborated on, Back of Beyond: A Horace Kephart Biography, at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499.

• Don Hendershot will present his new book “A Year from the Naturalist’s Corner Volume I” from 6-7 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at Blue Ridge Beer Hub, 21 East St. in Waynesville.

• Strive Beyond and Folkmoot USA will offer “Open Streets” and a Bike Skills Rodeo from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, on Brook Street in Waynesville. Live music, bike raffles, anything-that-rolls races, 9 square, food, drinks and more. Folkmoot.org or openstreetsproject.org.

• The Haywood County Arts Council will hold a JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians) for fourth through sixth graders from 3:30-5 p.m. on Tuesdays through May at Shining Rock Classical Academy. Cost: $85.

452.0593 or bmk.morgan@yahoo.com.

• Registration is now open for a new PGA Junior League golf team forming at Lake Junaluska Golf Course for ages 17-under. Season runs from through July 31. Registration fee: $190. Includes team practice sessions, matches, merchandise. Register: pgajrleague.com/sign-up. Info: www.lakejunaluska.com/golf, 456.5777 or ctcarswell@lakejunaluska.com.

SUMMER CAMPS SENIOR ACTIVITIES

Smoky Mountain News

May 1-7, 2019

• The second annual Haywood County Senior Expo for WNC-area seniors is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, May 3, at the Folkmoot Center in Waynesville.

BINGO, lunch, activities, resource booths, speakers, self-defense class and more. Haywoodseniorexpo.com.

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KIDS & FAMILIES • Southwestern Community College’s Macon Campus will have an Open House from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, in Franklin. Hands-on science exploration for all school-age children, informational fair, door prizes, an economic forum featuring Macon County leaders and SCC instructors. 306.7017 or k_blanton@southwesterncc.edu.

• Registration begins May 1 for the new Creative for a Purpose camp being led by Vine of the Mountains and hosted by Providence Church from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

August 5-9. This day camp is designed for campers to realize that they are created by God for a unique purpose. Each day campers will make quality objects in five categories – cooking, sewing, sculpture, painting and paper. Cost of the camp is $150, coving materials & food. Scholarships are available. Registration will end May 15, apply at www.vineofthemountains.com/CFAP. Donations are also being accepted toward scholarships, contact julie@thevine.cc

• Summit Charter School will have an open house at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 3, in Cashiers. RSVP or get info: 743.5755 or mhudson@summitschool.org.

• Registration is underway for the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society’s Critter Camp, which is offered from June 17-21, July 15-19 and Aug. 5-9. Camp hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fun, immersive experiences with animals at no-kill shelter for rising first-graders through sixthgraders. $300 per child for each week. 743.5752 or info@CHhumanesociety.org.

• The Jackson County Bike Rodeo is from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 4, at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cullowhee. 293.3053, ext. 9, or 587.8226.

• Registration is underway for Discovery Camp with weekly camps available June 10-Aug. 16 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Open to pre-K through rising

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eighth graders. Register: www.ncarboretum.org/education-programs/discovery-camp.

• Registration is underway for a summer volleyball camp that will be offered to rising third-through-12th graders from 9 a.m.-noon on June 17-20 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Cost: $85 before June 1 or $100 after. Register or get more info: amymull@bellsouth.net.

• Registration is underway for two basketball shooting and dribbling camps that will be offered from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 24-27 and July 15-18 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Led by former Appalachian State University coach Kevin Cantwell.

Cost: $150 per person; deposit of $25 required.

Register or get info: 456.2030 or academy7@live.com.

• Registration is underway for a pair of two residential camp programs scheduled for this summer at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman: Astro Camp, for ages 11-14, from Aug. 4-9; and Camp Above and Beyond, for grades 9-12, from June 16-28.

For info, scholarship opportunities and to register: www.pari.edu or 862.5554.

KIDS FILMS • “Avengers: Engame”, will be shown at 7 p.m. on May 1-3, 11:30 a.m. & 3:15 p.m. on May 4-5 at The Strain on Main in Waynesville. See website for times & tickets. 283.0079.

• The Highlands Biological Foundation will offer a series of nature-themed films and documentaries shown at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of March in Highlands. For info on each show, call 526.2221.

• A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

A&E SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS • The 17th annual “Spring Thunder in the Smokies Rally” will be May 3-5 at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds. Live music, dozens of vendors, $1,000 bike show and bike games, and much more. www.thunderinthesmokies.com.

• The 2019 “Art After Dark” season will kickoff from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 3, in downtown Waynesville.

Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open later for local residents and visitors. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

• Summit Charter School is throwing a Cinco de Mayo party from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. $10 for admission & 12 activity tickets; purchase at school office.

• The Balsam Mountain Trust will host its third annual Migratory Bird Fest from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 4 at Bridge Park in Sylva. www.bmtrust.org or 631.1061.

• The American Legion Post No. 47 presents the 89th Ramp Convention starting at noon on Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5, in Waynesville. Advance tickets: $8 for Saturday and $10 on Sunday (meal included) or $5 for event only on Sunday. Free hot dog to children under 12. Food, vendors, raffles, bounce house.

Vendors: 734.2234.

• The Historic Rickman Store will begin its 12th season from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, in Cowee. Featuring performances by local and regional musicians.

• Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department and Recreation Management Program ill have a Greenway Event from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at the Greenway Bridge. Outdoor yoga, lawn games, fishing demonstrations, nature arts/crafts, guided walking tours and more. 293.3053, ext. 9, mollyneary@jacksonnc.org • A Cinco De Mayo Fiesta is set for 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at 500 Mill Street in downtown Sylva.

Celebration of diversity. Food by El Patron; mariachi music. Sponsored by Issues Roundtable, affiliated with the Jackson County Democratic Party. 586.6556 or jacksondems.com.

• The “Mother’s Day Gemboree” will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10-12 at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building in Franklin. Rough and cut gems, minerals, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, door prizes, dealers, exhibits, demonstrations, and more.

369.7831. Sponsored by the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and the Macon County Gem & Mineral Society. www.franklin-chamber.com.

• The 17th annual Whole Bloomin’ thing Spring Festival is set for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, in Frog Level of Waynesville. Activities, gardening vendors, local produce, organic been, local crafts and food. www.historicfroglevel.com.

• Haywood Square Block Party is May 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plenty of activities for the kids including a obstacle course. Raffles, music truck, food, vendors and the celebration of the re-grand opening of The Dog House. First 150 customers receive a goody bag.

456.3753

FOOD & DRINK • “Fruit of the Vine: A wine education and tasting event” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3, at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Cullowhee. $10. Sonia Hooper will share origins, history and suggested food pairings for all wines.

Puzzles can be found on page 54 These are only the answers.

“Airing of the Quilts” that will be on display from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at 100 W. Hometown Place between Sylva and Dillsboro. $10 suggested donation per quilt. Online registration: www.appwomen.org/quilts. Info: 421.3820 or cabeck@ncsu.edu.

• The Waynesville Lions Club will have a Poor Man’s Supper from 4:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at the Family Life Center, First Baptist Church in Waynesville. $8 for adults; $5 for ages 9-under. Carry out available.

• Registration is underway for an Intro to Blacksmithing Class that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

Cost: $225 (materials included). Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Haywood Arts Regional Theatre has “The Foreigner” in the Daniel and Belle Fangmeyer Theatre in Waynesville. Performances at 7:30 p.m. on May 3-4, 9-11; and at 2 p.m. on May 5 and 12. Reservations: 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• Western Carolina University’s Bardo Arts Center will present a screening of “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare at 3 p.m. on May 5. Prerecorded, encore screening from the National Theatre in London. Tickets and info: arts.wcu.edu/macbeth or 227.ARTS. • Haywood Community Chorus will present its spring concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, at the Waynesville First United Methodist Church. 557.9187.

• Franklin First United Methodist Church will host the Brasstown Ringers 7 p.m. May 10. 837.8822.

• Aaron Price will perform selections from his new album “Hymn Improvisations Vol. 1” at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at First Baptist Church of Waynesville. www.cdbaby.com/aaronprice.

• Theatre at the Library will hold auditions for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 2 p.m. on May 11 and at 5:30 p.m. on May 14 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Shows will be performed on Aug. 9-11 and 16-18. Director is Roberta Pipitone. Info: 332.2837 or 524.3600.

• Highlands Performing Arts Center will have the fulllength play “Calendar Girls” by Tim Firth on May 2326 and May 31-June 2. Highlandscashiersplayers.org.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Presented by The Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission, the final installment of the “Haywood Ramblings” series will take place at 4 p.m.

Thursday, May 2, in the courtroom of The Historic Courthouse in downtown Waynesville. The topic, “The History of Lake Junaluska,” will be presented by Nancy Watkins. Learn about the fascinating history of Lake Junaluska, including the early decision to locate the Assembly in Haywood County, and its considerable influence on the local economy, tourism and culture.

456.8647.

• A comic book illustration class with James Lyle is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville.

452.0593. Digital art. Class fee: $25 for nonmembers; $20 for members.

• An Artist Demonstration of sculpting, molding and dying with handmade paper featuring Caryl Brt is set for 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville.

452.0593.

• Registration is underway for entries for the Appalachian Women’s Museum’s second annual

• A talk about art with Melba Cooper is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, May 7, at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Artcriticism models for talking about and making aesthetic evaluations of art. 452.0593.

• “MakerTools May: Audio Video Conversion Equipment” is the topic of a program scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, in the Macon County Public Library Reference Area in Franklin. VHS-DVD, LP-CD, Cassette tape-CD and film conversion equipment.

• An artist coffee and chat is set for 10-11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. 452.0593.

• A “Make Your Own Lotion” class is scheduled for 910 a.m. on Friday, May 10, at Waynesville Library. Led

by Rachael Austin of Relaxing Ewe Naturals.

Registration required: 356.2507 or Kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov.

• The monthly “Cherokee Heritage Day” will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. All day hands-on activities and fun for the whole family. Different activities each month that incorporate Cherokee culture.

May include storytelling, painting, corn shuck doll making, making clay heart-shaped medallions, stamped card making, dance or music. Free, open to the public and on the second Saturday of every month (except June). www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• A comic book illustration class with James Lyle is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville.

452.0593. Backgrounds and perspective drawing. Class fee: $25 for nonmembers; $20 for members.

• The Western NC Civil War Roundtable will welcome Michael C. Hardy for a presentation on Kirk’s raids in Western N.C. in the latter part of the Civil War at 7 p.m. on May 13 at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa. Meet and greet at 5 p.m. at the Tap Room; Dinner at 6:30 p.m. wnccwrt.blogspot.com.

• An Alcohol Ink Art Class will be offered from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at the Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville.

Cost: $55 for non-members; $50 for members.

452.0593.

• Haywood County Arts Council will present a “Fused Glass Wind Chime Art Class” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville.

Learn to cut and snip glass to the preferred size and shape, and add layers to your pieces to create color and interest. Cost: $60 for nonmembers; $55 for members. 452.0593.

• A Comic Book Illustration Class will be offered from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. Figure construction. 452.0593.

• Registration is underway for “Bladesmithing: Forging a Kukri” class that will be offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on May 18-19 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $380; includes materials. Pregistration required: 631.0271 or www.JCGEP.org.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Haywood Arts Council will present a Travel Sketching Art Class with Haidee Wilson from 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the Haywood County Arts Gallery on Main Street in Waynesville. $30 for members; $35 for nonmembers. 452.0593 or haywoodarts.org.

• Do religious beliefs foster violence?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum, which is at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 6, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub in Franklin. Open exchange of ideas; dialog, not debate. 371.1020.

May 1-7, 2019

• Pyramid Brass will perform a wide repertoire of music, from sacred to secular and romantic era to jazz age, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the Waynesville Library. HaywoodArts.org.

wnc calendar

• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service all-adult first-class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

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wnc calendar

• Registration is underway for a Bladesmithing Basics class that will be offered from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost $200. Led by Brock Martin from WarFire Forge. Preregistration required: www.JCGEP.org or 631.0271.

For further information, visit arts.wcu.edu/biennial or 227.3591.

• Registration is underway for a Viking Round Shield Class, which will be offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge. Choose between different sizes and make your own. Cost: $370; includes all materials.

Preregistration required: 631.0271 or www.jcgep.org.

• An exhibition entitled: “Ebb and Flow, Bloom and Fade: Dynamic Rhythms From Hambidge Fellows” is on display through June 16 in the Bunzl Gallery at The Bascom in Highlands. Info: www.thebascom.org.

• Registration is underway for a Viking Spear Class scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30, at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge. Walk away with a high-carbon, functional weapon. Cost: $380; includes all materials. Preregistration required: 631.0271 or www.jcgep.org.

ART SHOWINGS AND

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center will have a yearlong exhibition on “Defining America” through May 3 in Cullowhee. Info: 227.ARTS or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• Entries are being accepted for The Bascom’s 2019 Member Show: “Rhythm Systems: Nature and Geometry.” Exhibition will be on display from June 15July 21. www.thebascom.org or 787.2878.

• Photographer and Clyde dentist John Highsmith presents “Breathless,” a metal-print series of underwater people and waterborne fabrics. The photo exhibit will run through July 15 at Green Sage Café Westgate in Asheville. 734.6301.

• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

GALLERIES • “Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition” showcase will run through May 3 in the Fine Arts Museum at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Regular museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays until 7 p.m. 227.ARTS or arts.wcu.edu/mfathesis.

• Grace Church in the Mountains is hosting “Icons in Transformation,” a traveling exhibition of icons by artist Ludmila Pawlowska, from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 3-5 p.m. on Saturdays from through June 16.

May 1-7, 2019

• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.” It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through next April.

• The 16th annual Shady Ladies Quilt Art Show is scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday through Sunday, May 3-5, at Folkmoot Center in Waynesville.

Admission: $5 (benefits Pigeon Street Multicultural Development Center).

• The Haywood County Arts Council will have an Elemental: Wood, Metal, Glass, Fiber & Clay Exhibition from May 3-June 1 with an opening reception from 6-9 p.m. on May 3 at the gallery, 86 N. Main Street in Waynesville. 452.0593.

Smoky Mountain News

• Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Students will have a “Graduate Show” to exhibit their best work from May 5-June 23 at the Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center. Reception is from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 4. Info: 627.4673 or creativearts.haywood.edu.

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• "Compose | Decompose” – a new exhibition at Penland Gallery is on display through May 12. near Spruce Pine. Combines mixed-media sculpture and sound installations in one space. Musical performance by Make Noise artists Walker Farrell, Meg Mulhearn and Jake Pugh. 765.6211 or penland.org/gallery.

• The exhibit “Outspoken: Paintings by America Meredith” will be on display through May 3 at the Fine Art Museum Gallery B in the Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University. The WCU Fine Art Museum is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. Free parking is available on site. www.facebook.com/americameredithart.

• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present the School of Art and Design Faculty Biennial Exhibition 2019, on display through May 3. All WCU Fine Art Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public.

FILM & SCREEN • “Glass”, will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on May 2 & 4 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.

• “Hidden Rivers of Southern Appalachia”, will be shown at 6:30 p.m. on May 3 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. MAINSPRING Fundraiser. 586.3555.

• Narrative and documentary films created by Western Carolina University students will be screened at the annual Controlled Chaos Film Festival at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, May 3, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. Proceeds and donations from the festival benefit the Motion Picture Student Project Fund, which helps students in WCU’s Film and Television Production Program with the cost of creating their senior thesis films. Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for senior citizens; $10 for WCU students, faculty and staff; and free for all School of Stage and Screen students. bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.2479.

• Tickets are on sale now for “Great Art on Screen” – a series of 90-minute documentaries featuring some of the worlds’ greatest artists presented by The Highlands Performing Arts Center and The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts. Upcoming topics: Klimt & Schiele on Friday, May 10; and Monet on June 7. All shows at 5:30 p.m. at Highlands PAC, 507 Chestnut Street in Highlands. Tickets: $16; available at www.highlandspac.org or at the door.

• The Second Tuesday Movie Group meets at 2 p.m. in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. For info, including movie title: 452.5169.

Outdoors

• A rain barrel construction workshop is set for 6:30-8 p.m. on May 1 at Agriculture Research Station, 589 Racoon Road in Waynesville. Cost: $50; participants leave with a 55-gallon rain barrel. RSVP: 476.4667 or info@haywoodwaterways.org.

• The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will hold a public meeting to discuss fisheries management on reservoirs in Western North Carolina at 6:30 p.m. on May 1 at Southwestern Community College’s Swain Center in Bryson City. www.ncwildlife.org/fishing.

• A program on peregrine falcons will be offered to ages 10-up on May 1 and May 22 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y5o3owwp.

• “Beyond B.O.W. – Introduction to Fly-Fishing” will be offered to women ages 18-up from May 3-5 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Register: bb.gillen@ncwildlife.org or 919.218.3638.

• Botanist Dan Pittillo will lead a slow-paced wildflower walk starting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, at the Salt Rock Gap Trailhead in Panthertown Valley near Cashiers. Membership ($35; or $25 students) and RSVP required: www.panthertown.org or friends@panthertown.org.

• The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute will host its annual Space Day Open House from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, in Rosman. Tour the 200acre former NASA site. Registration fee for certain activities. www.pari.edu or 862.5554.

• The inaugural “Polishing Up the Pigeon” event is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, starting at Bearwaters Brewery in Canton. Combine tubing and litter cleanup. Vendors, live music and games will be waiting at BearWaters; participants get $1 off their first pint.

• The Tuckaseigee Chapter of Trout Unlimited will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, at East Laporte Park.

• “Intro to Fly Fishing” will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 7 and May 21 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y5o3owwp.

• A bird walk will be led by Jim and Ellen Shelton at 8 a.m. on May 8 in the Walnut Gap Area. Meet at Bi-Lo parking area in Franklin to carpool. Sign up: 524.5234.

Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• “Fly-Tying for the Beginner” will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-noon on May 18 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y5o3owwp.

• A Birding Basics Workshop will be offered by the Great Smoky Mountains Association on Sunday, May 19, on the Oconaluftee River Trail. Registration required: 865.436.7318, ext. 349 or smokiesinformation.org/Events.

• An Outdoor Skills Series program entitled “Wild Edibles and Securing Water” will be offered to ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 20 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y5o3owwp.

• The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center is now open for the season on Mile 451.2 of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Open daily through Nov. 11. www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/hours.htm.

• The Highlands Nature Center is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through late May. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2623.

• The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Hatchery Supported Trout Waters is open from 7 a.m. until onehalf-hour after sunset until last day of February. Info: https://tinyurl.com/yae8ffqn.

• Backpacking course, will be offered by Landmark Learning on June 24-28, Aug. 12-16 and Oct. 21-25. www.landmarklearning.org.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

• Highlands Biological Foundation will hold a Wildflower Wander from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, at Pond Hollow Garden. Led by Sonya Carpenter and Canty Worley. $30 members; $35 nonmembers. 526.2623 or www.highlandsbiological.org/wildflower.

• Registration is underway for the inaugural Hotshots 5K, which is May 4 in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. http://tinyurl.com/y426mud4.

• Submissions are being accepted through May 10 for the sixth annual “Birdhouse Bash” that will be auctioned by silent bids during the Whole Bloomin’ Thing festival on May 11 in the Frog Level area of Waynesville.

Birdhouse creations can be delivered to Second Blessing Thrift Store in Waynesville. Proceeds benefit Daydreamz’ community art projects and the Open Door ARTS program. Info on DayDreamz: 476.4231; info on Open Door Community Garden: 734.1570.

• A Garden Layout Workshop with Olga Lampkin is set for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1, at the Macon County Community Garden on the Greenway in Franklin.

• Great Smoky Mountains Association will have a birding expedition on Saturday, May 11, at the Deep Creek Waterfall Hiking Loop. Look and listen for a wide variety of migrating birds. Registration required: 865.436.7318, ext. 349 or smokiesinformation.org/Events.

• “Backyard Birding by Ear: For Beginners” will be offered to ages 10-up from 9 a.m.-noon on May 11 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y5o3owwp.

• Franklin Bird Club meeting is at 7 p.m. on May 13 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Presentation of “Protecting Birds and the Places They Need Today and Tomorrow” by Kim Brand. 524.5234 or franklinbirdclub.com.

• Franklin Bird Club will have a Bird Walk along the Blue Ridge Parkway on May 14. Led by John and Cathy Sill. Meet at 8 a.m. at Bi-Lo Franklin. Sign up: 524.5234.

• A program entitled “On the Water: Green River” will be offered to ages 12-up from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on May 14 at the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard.

Online registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y5o3owwp.

• Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway, starting at 8 a.m. on May 15 at Salali Lane.

FARM AND GARDEN • The Corneille Bryan Native Garden Plant Sale is scheduled for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on May 4 at Lake Junaluska. Featuring perennials, shrubs and trees.

Cash or check only. 778.5938.

• “Treating Garden Pests and Problems Naturally” – a program about natural pest management and the difference between beneficial and nonbeneficial insects, will be offered from 2-3 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at the Waynesville Library. No registration required.

• A workshop entitled “Going Deep into Compost” will be presented by Adam Bigelow from 9-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. windingstairfarm.com/nursery/events/compost.

FARMERS MARKETS • The Swain County Farmer’s Market is held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through October at the barn on Island Street in downtown Bryson City. 488.3848 or www.facebook.com/SwainCountyFarmersMarket.

• Jackson County Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or www.jacksoncoutyfarmersmarket.org.

• The ‘Whee Farmers Market is held from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October at the entrance to the village of Forest Hills off North Country Club Drive in Cullowhee. 476.0334 or www.thewheemarket.org.

• Haywood Historic Farmers Market is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the HART Theater parking lot and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church overflow parking lot beside Exxon. waynesvillefarmersmarket.com .

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

AUCTION

MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

Great Smokies Storage NEW UNITS

UNDER

CONSTRUCTION

waiting list is filling up-call today to save your spot!

Call 828.506.4112 greatsmokiesstorage.com Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS! Trucks & Equipment Auction Tues, May 14 Jacksonville,NC Selling Excavators, Skid Steers, Backhoes, Dump Trucks, Road Tractors, Trailers & Much More! Call for info, 919.280.1573 www.motleys.com ACREAGE TRACTS In Cumberland & Harnett Counties, NC. Online w/Bid Center, Real Estate, Dump Truck, Track Loader, Bayliner, Tractor & More, Online Only, Please visit us at: 10am, ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936

PAINTING JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Interior or Exterior, All of Your Pressure Washing Needs and More.

Specializing in Removal of Carpenter Bees - Cedar or Log Homes & Painted or Siding!

Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at:

828.508.9727

BUILDING MATERIALS

CATTLE AUCTION Cattle and JD 6140D Tractor and Equipment near Ellerbe, NC, Online Only. Visit our website for more information, ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936

AFFORDABLE NEW SIDING! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with beautiful New Siding from 1800Remodel!

Up to 18 months no interest.

Restrictions Apply 877.731.0014

YOUR AUCTION AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $375 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! For more information visit the N.C. Press at: ncpress.com

HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ENERGY SAVING NEW WINDOWS! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with New Windows from 1800Remodel! Up to 18 months no interest. Restrictions apply 888.676.0813.

FROG POND ESTATE SALES HELPING IN HARD TIMES DOWNSIZING ESTATE SALES CLEAN OUT SERVICE • COMPANY TRANSFER • DIVORCE • LOST LOVED ONE WE ARE KNOWN FOR HONESTY & INTEGRITY

828-734-3874 - UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT WWW.FROGLEVELDOWNSIZING.COM

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs!

Waterproofing, Finishing,Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control Free Estimates! Call 1.855.404.6455 ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1.855.808.9573 for FREE DVD and brochure.

ROOFING: REPLACE OR REPAIR. All types of materials available.

Flat roofs too. www.highlandroofingnc.com From the Crystal coast, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Triad, and the Triangle.

252.726.2600, 252.758.0076, 910.777.8988, 919.676.5969, 910.483.3530, and 704.332.0555.

Highland Residential Roofing.

NEED A WALK IN TUB? Getting in and out of the tub can be easier than ever before. Walk in Tubs are designed to prevent slipping with textured mats and hand rails. They also have and textured pads to keep your head above water. Call Today for More information 855.789.3291 SAPA BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. Easy, One Day Updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877.661.6587 SAPA CALL EMPIRE TODAY To schedule a FREE in-home estimate on Carpeting & Flooring.

Call Today! 1.855.929.7756 SAPA

WNC MarketPlace

LIVESTOCK

PETS

STOCK YOUR POND! Grass Carp, Coppernose Bluegill, Shellcracker, Redbreast, Hybrid BG, Channel Catfish, Mosquitofish, Coming to a store near you in March. Must Pre-Order Now! Southland Fisheries 803.776.4923

USE VITATABS Once a day as a dietary supplement to promote general health and restore nutrients stripped by worming. N.C. Clampitt Hardware 828.488.2782, or visit us online at: www.kennelvax.com

CATTLE AUCTION Cattle and JD 6140D Tractor and Equipment near Ellerbe, NC, Online Only. Visit our website for more information, ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936

USE SKIN BALM & TONEKOTE On Dogs and Cats to stop Scratching and Gnawing and Restore Luxurious Coat without Steroids.

At Tractor Supply, or visit us at: www.kennelvax.com

May 1-7, 2019

MABEL - BEAUTIFUL! A BASSET HOUND MIX FEMALE ONLY ABOUT A YEAR OLD. MABEL IS A SWEET, GENTLE SOUL, AND WILL BE A WONDERFUL FAMILY COMPANION. MABEL LOVES TO PLAY WITH OTHER DOGS, SO IF YOU'VE GOT A DOGGY WHO WOULD LIKE AN ACTIVE PLAYMATE, SHE COULD BE YOUR GIRL!

GRITS - A DROP-DEAD GORGEOUS TORBIE KITTY ABOUT THREE YEARS OLD. SHE LOVES TO BE WORSHIPED AND ADORED BY THE HUMANS, AS SHE SHOULD BE, AND ENJOYS PETTING AND BRUSHING MORE OFTEN THAN NOT. SHE REALLY LIKES KITTY TREATS!

Michelle McElroy BROKER ASSOCIATE

www.smokymountainnews.com

(828) 400-9463 michelle@beverly-hanks.com Haywood County Real Estate Expert & Top Producing REALTOR®

PETS SARDEX® Is the Greaseless & Odorless way to treate Mange. Kills Fleas too!!

At Tractor Supply, or visit online: www.kennelvax.com XYLECIDE® Anti-Fungal Shampoo Eliminates Doggy Odor & Non-Specific Allergies. Restores Glossy Coat.

Junaluska Feed Center. Or Visit: www.kennelvax.com HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

HOMES FOR SALE BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification?

Bank threatening foreclosure?

CALL Homeowner Protection Services now! New laws are in effect that may help. Call Us Now 1.866.214.4534 SAPA BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578 AFFORDABLE Condos/homes/lots mid-$50s $700,000+! Gated, OF cabana, golf, amenities, low HOAs, the higher ground of luxurious, safe Tidewater Plantation, North Myrtle Beach. New Way Properties: 843.424.9013.

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT ACREAGE TRACTS In Cumberland & Harnett Counties, NC. Online w/Bid Center, Real Estate, Dump Truck, Track Loader, Bayliner, Tractor & More, Online Only, Please visit us at: 10am, ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936 SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your Mortgage? Denied a Loan Modification?

Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now! Free Consultation 844.359.4330 SAPA GATED, LEVEL, ALL WOODED, 5+acre building lots, utilities available in S.E. Tennessee, between Chattanooga and Nashville. www.timber-wood.com Call now to schedule tour 423.802.0296.

SAPA

THREATENING FORECLOSURE? Call Homeowner's Relief Line now!

Free Consultation 844.359.4330 SAPA

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction.

Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for only $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more information.

MOVE IN TODAY We Are Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting From $535.00 Rental Assistance Available - Handicapped Accessible Units Available

OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

Mike Stamey

mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

Storage Sizes from 5’x5’ to 10’x20’

828-508-9607

Climate Controlled

1106 Soco Road (Hwy 19), Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Call:

828-476-8999

Find Us One mile past State

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

MaggieValleySelfStorage.com Rd. 276 and Hwy-19 torry@torry1.com Torry Pinter, Sr. 828-734-6500

www.beverly-hanks.com

on the right side, across from Frankie’s Italian Restaurant

KAREN HOLLINGSED BROKER ASSOCIATE

(828) 734-6222

Ellen Sither esither@beverly-hanks.com (828) 734-8305

KHOLLINGSED@BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

74 N. Main St. Waynesville, NC

828.452.5809 52

BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

Climate Control

48 SECURITY CAMERAS AND MANAGEMENT ON SITE

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

EMPLOYMENT

AVON - EARN EXTRA $$.

Sell online or in person from home or work. Free website included.

No inventory required. For more info, Call: 844.613.2230 SAPA

JONATHAN CREEK INN In Maggie Valley is Currently Hiring a Part-Time Housekeeper & Maintenance Worker.

Weekends & Holidays are a Must Reliable Transportation Required Pay Starting at $10 per Hour.

For More Information Call 828.926.1232 LAND SURVEYING POSITION Morehead City, NC - Crew Chief or S.I.T. Pay $15-$21 per hour depending upon experience.

Email: Chase Cullipher: chase@tcgpa.com or Call 252.773.0090

Haywood Co. Real Estate Agents Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Great Smokys Realty - www.4Smokys.com Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate- Heritage

147 WALNUT STREET • WAYNESVILLE

828.506.7137

aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

www.sunburstrealty.com/amy-spivey

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

Ron Breese Broker/Owner 71 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com

Each office independently owned & operated.

Christie’s Ivester Jackson Blackstream • George Escaravage - george@IJBProperties.com ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com • Pam James - pjames@sunburstrealty.com

PARAPROFESSIONAL POSITION Full Time, Benefits. Provides Supports for Adults with Disabilities, Assists Residents with Daily Living Skills, Meds Administration, Overnights Required. High School Diploma & Auto Insurance also Required.

Training Provided. Waynesville Area. For more information call 828.778.0260 BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to Read Your Book!

Dorrance Publishing - Trusted by Authors Since the1920’s. Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution. Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1.855.464.8936 or visit: http://dorranceinfo.com/south SAPA Laboratory School, The Catamount School, is seeking an Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher/ Coordinator for the 2019-2020 school year. The Catamount School is a school for 6th, 7th & 8th Graders in Jackson County. If interested or for more info visit: jobs.wcu.edu/postings/9927 or call 828.227.2990

Jerry Lee Mountain Realty

Jerry Lee Hatley- jerryhatley@bellsouth.net Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com

Lakeshore Realty

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Dreams Realty- maggievalleyhomesales.com Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com

Kaye Matthews 828-421-1724 Kaye@4smokys.com

“Any agent can show you a house — I will find you a HOME.”

Your Agent. Your Neighbor.

WAYNESVILLE OFFICE:

Great Smokys Realty

The Smoky Mountain Retreat at Eagles Nest

• Tom Johnson - tomsj7@gmail.com • Sherell Johnson - sherellwj@aol.com

Weichart Realtors Unlimited

• Marsha Block - marsha@weichertunlimited.com

WNC Real Estate Store

Is Hiring A Digital Marketing Specialist! jobs.smokymountainnews.com

36 S. Main St. Waynesville

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com remax-maggievalleync.com • Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com • The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com • Ron Breese - ronbreese.com • Landen Stevenson- Landen@landenstevenson.com • Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com • Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net • Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net • David Rogers - davidr@remax-waynesvillenc.com • Marsha Block- marshablockestates@gmail.com Rob Roland Realty - robrolandrealty.com

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

THE SMOKY MOUNTAIN NEWS No Phone Calls Please.

For More Information on this Opportunity, Please Visit:

828-564-1950 www.4smokys.com

• Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

smokymountainnews.com

WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY’S

• Carolyn Lauter - carolyn@bhgheritage.com Beverly Hanks & Associates- beverly-hanks.com • Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com • Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com • Michelle McElroy- michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com • Steve Mauldin - smauldin@beverly-hanks.com • Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com • Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com • Brooke Parrott - bparrott@beverly-hanks.com • Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com • Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com • Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com • Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com • Karen Hollingsed- khollingsed@beverly-hanks.com • Billy Case- billycase@beverly-hanks.com • Laura Thomas - lthomas@beverly-hanks.com • Lourdes Lanio - llanio@beverly-hanks.com

May 1-7, 2019

CAROLINA MOUNTAIN CABLEVISION, Inc. Located in Waynesville, NC, is a privately-owned telecommunications company and is currently seeking resumes for an Installer Technician. We are looking for experienced cable TV or FTTP Installer or Cable Technician to help us grow our network and subscriber base.

The applicant must: • Have experience installing TV, phone, and internet services for residential and commercial accounts • Have experience with hand tools, power tools, hydraulic equipment, ladders, etc.

• Have a good driving record • Be self-motivated and dependable with the ability to work independently • Be quality and service focused • Be able to deal with difficult customers and members of the public in a professional, courteous manner • Be available for "On Call" Duty on weekends and overtime as needed with little notice • Live in the Waynesville area of Haywood County, NC • Be able to pass a drug test and background check This person will be responsible for the installation of telephone, cable, and internet service from the utility pole into a customer's home, will install and set up modems, digital equipment, etc. in a customer's home, and be able to detect, troubleshoot, and fix problems as they occur with the services offered to a customer. We will be accepting resumes until May 3, 2019. Salary range is $24,500 to $35,000 per year but dependent on level of experience. Anyone interested should e-mail their resume to: sanders@ccvn.com or fax it to: 828.536.4510.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage veterans to apply.

SFR, ECO, GREEN

WNC MarketPlace

20 PEOPLE NEEDED!!

Ground Floor Opportunity! Experience History In The Making!! Free 3 Minute Recording Tells It All! 1.800.763.8168 or visit us at: www.healthyprosper.org

EMPLOYMENT FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Biology Instructor (10-month contract) Computer Support Technician II - Criminal Justice Instructor (10-month contract) Security Field Supervisor, Sergeant - Security Officer For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com/ Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer

• Jeff Baldwin - jeff@WNCforMe.com Jerr yLeeMountainRealt y.com jerr yhatley@bellsouth.net 2650 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

WNC MarketPlace May 1-7, 2019 www.smokymountainnews.com 54

SUPER

CROSSWORD

QUITE A CH-ALLENGE ACROSS 1 Pal of Owl 5 Gunnysack material 11 Deserve 15 A-F linkup 19 Gillette razor name 20 Melodious 21 Veer sharply 22 Shahs' home 23 Competition to determine the best garment stiffener?

26 "-- in Boots" 27 "See! I was right!"

28 Architect Frank 29 Omega lead-in 30 Morales of "The Brink" 31 Web sales 33 Virile Communist leader?

36 Mason- -- Line 38 Tree-lined boulevard 42 Enter slowly 43 Coup d'-44 Carne -- (steak dish) 45 Arctic birds 48 Heart-shaped pre-euro Greek coin?

52 Implied but not stated 57 Screwball 58 Mad feeling 59 Periods of time between 61 Like -- in headlights 64 Chief foe who doesn't show up on time?

66 Ready to go 67 Tortilla snack 70 "This --" (phone phrase) 71 Psyche part 72 Method used by

learned people?

78 Four pairs 80 "Hill Street Blues" actor Daniel J. -81 That lady 82 "How cool!"

85 Church assembly 86 Warfare that has not been enchanted?

92 Amu -- (Asian river) 94 Planet's path 95 Sport on horseback 96 Even, as the score 100 Coif creator 103 Singer Crystal 104 Grayish brown earth tone?

107 Branch of Islam 109 Similar 110 "How cool!"

111 "Don't Be Cruel" singer 115 Place for a mani-pedi 118 Primo 119 Spectator covered in glitter?

122 Ball of thread 123 -- buco 124 Wireless provider acquired by Verizon in 2008 125 Vocal range 126 Give lip 127 East --, Connecticut 128 Prickly-leaved plant 129 Actor Gosling DOWN 1 In history 2 Bart and Lisa's bus driver 3 Paperless test 4 Barely bearable 5 Iranian religion 6 Geller of mentalism

7 See 91-Down 8 Balcony box 9 Author Sholem 10 Phrase of self-pity 11 Vt. hours 12 Initial Hebrew letter 13 Rene of "Thor" 14 Web user 15 Two-legged animals 16 Defoe hero Robinson 17 Aquafina or Fiji alternative 18 Ship banner 24 Blue hue 25 Long-distance swimmer Diana 32 Type of eye surgery 34 Pope's religion: Abbr.

35 Spring holiday 36 German for 60-Down 37 Figure skater Midori -39 Full of frills 40 Say further 41 "Ave --" 44 From -- Z (every bit) 46 Arab leaders 47 Western spread 49 Hide-hair connector 50 Renoir works 51 "Meh" grade 53 Actress Graynor 54 Spotted cat 55 JPEG or GIF 56 Letter-shaped opening for a bolt 60 Definite article 61 Mgrs.' aides 62 Speak out against 63 Coen of film 64 Myrna of film 65 Archery need 67 Ecru 68 Pianist Rubinstein or

Schnabel 69 2004 CBS spinoff 73 Lacto- -- vegetarian 74 Young chap 75 "Pipe down!"

76 Caddy drink 77 Actor Flynn with a sword 78 Western tribe 79 Exec's perk with wheels 82 Bird bills 83 Fixes up text 84 Play a role 87 ATM output 88 Med. scan 89 How young guys behave 90 Wholly 91 With 7-Down, bit of foot jewelry 93 Contents of a spray can 96 Hayes and Newton 97 Tesla of the Tesla coil 98 Dresses with flares 99 Realm of MSNBC, e.g.

101 Arduous trip 102 Reprimand loudly 103 Biting fly 105 "-- -daisy!"

106 Deep gap 108 Longtime Arizona politician Mo 112 Wicked 113 "To Live and Die --" 114 USAF NCOs 116 "Fur Is Dead" org.

117 Elvis -- Presley 120 Lobster eggs 121 Very small

ANSWERS ON PAGE 48

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533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

WANTED TO BUY FREON R12 WANTED: Certified Buyer Will Pay Ca$H For R12 Cylinders Or Cases Of Cans. www.refrigerantfinders.com, 312.291.9169

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Special: 5 vital screenings only $149! 855.634.8538 DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY Disability? Appeal! If you're 50+, filed for SSD and denied, our attorneys can help get you approved! No money out of pocket!

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SUDOKU

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, Answers on 48 the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

SERVICES EARTHLINK High Speed Internet. As Low As $14.95/month (for the first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1.866.887.0237 PUT ON YOUR TV EARS And hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1.877.914.6068 YOUR AUCTION AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $375 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! For more information visit the N.C. Press at: ncpress.com

TRAVEL/VACATION OFFER: Book Your Flight Today on United, Delta, American, Air France, Air Canada. We have the best rates.

Call today to learn more 1.855.613.1407 Mon-Fri:10:00am to 7:00pm Sat & Sun: 11:30 am to 7:00 pm (all times Eastern).

SAPA

The first truly showy woodland flower

H

epatica doesn’t display the earliest flowers that bloom each year. Those of bitter cress, henbit, purple dead nettle, bird’s-eye speedwell, and others appear in open moist sunny spots by late January or early February. But to my way of thinking, year in and year out, hepatica is the earliest of the truly showy woodland wildflowers. Trailing arbutus has a reputation in this regard. One often reads of those who discover it blooming under late snows.

But I hardly ever observe arbutus doing much more than budding before April.

Hepatica can still be found in bloom in early May in the higher elevation hardwood forests.

Some botanical authorities maintain there is but one species of hepatica (Hepatica noblis) in North America. I agree, however, with those botanists — like University of Tennessee botanist B. Eugene Wofford, author of Guide to the Vascular Plants of the Blue Ridge (1989) — who assert that there are two distinct species. Both are found in Western North Carolina. The most common is sharp-lobed hepatica (Hepatica acutiloba).

As its scientific and common names indicate, each leaf of this species displays three pointed leaf lobes. The less common species is round-lobed hepatica (Hepatica ameri-

BACK THEN cana), which has rounded, almost blunt, leaf lobes.

As early as February, hepatica’s three to eight flowering heads emerge on hairy stems that stand three- to six-inches high. These display petals, which may or may not be scented, that can be white, pink, rose, lavender, or a shimmering electric blue.

Jack Sanders noted in The Secret of Wildflowers: A Delightful Feast of Columnist Little-Known Facts, Folklore, and History (2003) that, “The hairy stems probably have two purposes: warmth and defense. They may also dissuade ants from climbing to the flowers and stealing the nectar.”

Woodland flowers that appear very early each spring have the advantage of obtaining abundant sunlight before the leaf canopy closes in overhead by late spring. They also have less competition for pollinating insects.

A negative aspect of this strategy is that few potential pollinators are out in force so early — and hepatica is apparently not one of their favorites. Researchers have found that other early-flowering plants like trout lily,

cut-leaved toothwort, and wood anemone tend to attract more bees and other insects.

In order to hedge its bets, hepatica produces a percentage of flowers each year that are self-fertilized.

The generic designation Hepatica means, in Latin, "pertaining to the liver." This

Hepatica. Donated photo

George Ellison

Editor’s note: This column first appeared in The Smoky Mountain News in May 2005.

referred to the shape and color patterns of the second-year leaves, which — as retired Western Carolina University botanist Jim Horton described them in The Summer Times (1979) — “have generally turned a rather lurid purplish brown and, being three-lobed, suggest the liver.” Accordingly, the plant is often called liverleaf and serves as a textbook example of a concept known as The Doctrine of Signatures. Early plant collectors and herbalists putting this concept

into practice took their lead from Paracelsus, the sixteenth century Swiss physician who taught that God stamped each medicinally useful plant with a sign or signature that conveys to mankind the appropriate use to which the plant should be put. Numerous plant names — both scientific and common — are based on this practice.

The lobed and purplish-brown leaves of hepatica seemingly indicated that the plant was "signed" for liver ailments.

Jack Sanders noted that during the nineteenth century hepatica treatments were all the rage — so much so, that in 1883 alone patent-medicine manufacturers utilized “more than 200 tons of hepartica leaves.” Leaf extract administered to those suffering from "torpid liver" or "black bile” (melan cholo) no doubt induced more melancholy that it alleviated. It was even prescribed for kidney, bladder, and lung ailments. Older readers of this column will recall Sal Hepatica (“liver salt”), which was at one time an enormously popular home remedy for constipation — but it just used the name, not the plant. And a brew made from hepatica leaves was even prescribed for those suffering from cowardice and freckles, as those two maladies were thought to be liver connected.

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer.

He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.)

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May 1-7, 2019

MAY

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