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June 7-13, 2017 Vol. 19 Iss. 02

Primary election results roll into Cherokee Page 8 Emergency simulation begins in Canton Saturday Page 12

CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: Joey’s Pancake House, which has been serving breakfast to locals and visitors in Maggie Valley since 1966, will close its doors for good on Tuesday, July 13.

It was a difficult decision for owner Brenda O’Keefe, who started the restaurant with her late husband Joey, but all good things must come to an end.

(Page 6) Cory Vaillancourt photo

News Woman pleads guilty to filing bogus unemployment claims ..................................4 New residence hall planned for WCU ..........................................................................5 Primary election results roll into Cherokee .................................................................. 8 Incumbents suffer in Tribal Council elections ............................................................ 9 Jackson prepares for $12 million capital plan ........................................................ 10 Sylva keeps tax rate flat, grapples with capital needs .......................................... 11 Emergency simulation begins in Canton Saturday ................................................ 12 Public hearing slated for Waynesville Publix site .................................................... 13 Macon County revenues up across the board ........................................................ 14 Retail travails, prevails in Haywood economy .......................................................... 16 County to spend $5 million on Francis Farm landfill ............................................ 20 Education News ................................................................................................................ 23

Opinion

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GOP’s corrupt elections agenda meets its demise .............................................. 24

A&E Puuurfect Harmony — American Museum of the House Cat ..............................28

Outdoors

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Inside job scammed unemployment benefits by inventing claims

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER Haywood County woman has pleaded guilty to federal fraud charges for filing bogus unemployment claims on behalf of unsuspecting victims, a scam that bilked the government for more than $29,000 in fake unemployment benefits over a two-year period.

The fraud was an inside job by an employee in the Waynesville branch of the North Carolina Employment Security Commission from 2012 to 2014. Jennifer Green, 40, recently pleaded guilty to the charges in federal court and is awaiting sentencing.

Green hacked into state unemployment records, stole the identities of unemployment recipients and then funneled their unemployment benefits to herself, according to federal court documents.

“Green used her official position to steal, embezzle, and convert to her own use, money that was the property of the United States,” according court documents.

Green’s victims never realized she was siphoning unemployment benefits in their name. She picked unemployment recipients who had gotten a job and had ceased getting benefits.

But Green would secretly restart their benefits without their knowledge. She logged in to the state computer system and doctored their unemployment status to keep the payments coming. She then changed where the payments were being sent so they would come to her instead, according to federal court documents.

“Green fraudulently continued the benefit payments and re-directed them into bank accounts (or to mailing addresses) under her control and/or to her financial benefit,” according to court documents. “These changes went undetected because the victim claimants were no longer expecting to receive benefit payments.”

It’s doubtful the scam would have been uncovered at all if not for the Waynesville Police Department. Waynesville police detectives found suspicious paperwork in Green’s car while investigating her for a rash of home break-ins.

During the same period as the unemployment scam, Green was running her own onewoman theft ring targeting friends and acquaintances. She pulled off numerous thefts of cash, jewelry and other valuables over a roughly one-year period until she was found out in July 2014 and pleaded guilty to 29 felony counts in Haywood Superior Court.

Green had a robust social life — an article on the thefts in The Mountaineer newspaper in 2014 referred to Green as a

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“socialite.” Some of Green’s victims had single items of jewelry alone worth thousands of dollars. In some cases, Green was invited into their homes, and in other cases she broke in when she knew they wouldn’t be there, according to state court records. More than 90 items were pawned under her own name at pawn shops in Canton, Asheville and Hickory, according to court records.

During court hearings at the time, Green said she had a $200 to $400-a-day opioid drug addiction. Substance abuse treatment was a mandatory part of Green’s sentence.

Despite the numerous victims, multiple break-ins, and scads of stolen property, Green only served 10 months in prison — not a day over her minimum sentence.

She had no prior record and the thefts were all considered a “first offense,” even though there were multiple incidents occurring over a period of time. She was ordered to pay $78,000 in restitution to her theft victims.

Green’s victims never realized she was siphoning unemployment benefits in their name.

She picked unemployment recipients who had gotten a job and had ceased getting benefits.

Green has been living in Haywood County and trying to rebuild her life.

Green declined to comment for this article, with sentencing in the federal fraud charges still pending.

When Waynesville police were searching Green’s car during the investigation, they found a hand-written list of names and Social Security numbers, plus unemployment benefit forms, voided checks and printed screen shots of benefit payments.

Police found information on 29 individuals during the search, according to the warrant.

Her sentence in the federal unemployment scam has not been handed down yet.

The charges she pleaded guilty to were limited to eight individuals, with a total of $29,373 in falsified claims.

None of the parties involved in the investigation or prosecution would comment for this article, neither the U.S. Department of Justice, the N.C. Department of Commerce, nor the Waynesville Police Department.

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER esigns for a new 600-bed residence hall at Western Carolina University met approval from the WCU Board of Trustees June 2, putting the project on track to house students starting in the fall 2019 semester.

“The main goal of the project is to maximize our bed count,” Matt Ketchum, WCU’s director of facilities planning, design and construction, told trustees during a June 1 committee meeting.

WCU’s student population has been steadily increasing over recent years, and the implementation of the N.C. Promise tuition reduction program in 2018 will likely increase demand for both admission and housing.

Already, the university finds itself turning away many non-freshman students who request on-campus housing.

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New residence hall planned for WCU D

The site was chosen from a list of six options, primarily because it was the flattest land available on campus.

New science building on the way Design work has started on Western Carolina University’s new natural sciences building, a $110 million building to be funded through the N.C. Connect Bond passed in 2016.

The building is expected to be in design through spring 2018, with construction beginning thereafter and stretching through 2021.

“This is a construction that will last a long time,” Mike Byers, WCU’s vice chancellor for administration and finance, told university trustees during a June 1 committee meeting.

The building will replace an existing facility that’s been around since the 1970s. The current facility has long been too small to accommodate growing numbers of science programs, and too antiquated to house today’s sensitive scientific instruments.

Construction will begin on or near the site of the existing building and will likely take place in phases, with part of the new facility constructed before the existing building is demolished.

Lord Aeck Sargent — which has offices in Atlanta — is completing design work, with New York City-based Skanska USA, which has offices in Durham, selected as construction manager at risk. where it is and how dynamic an area that is for the future of the campus, so that if we ever decided to do something else there isn’t more footprint space,” said Trustee Chairman Ed Broadwell.

“There is room to further develop the site,” Ketchum replied. “I think what we’re doing with this project is taking advantage of

the easy site development cost to maximize our bed count, and later if we want to add more to this project there are opportunities.”

The site was chosen from a list of six options, primarily because it was the flattest land available on campus. That meant that the project funds could go into constructing the best building possible rather than

installing expensive retaining walls.

“What separates us is the dimensional nature of our campus,” added Keith Corzine, assistance vice chancellor for campus services. “You see the ridgeline and the building behind the next building, and what I was afraid of was that particular placement with a high-rise shuts off the beauty of our campus.”

The newly approved plan represents a change from plans approved in 2014, which called for additions and renovations to the existing Buchanan Residence Hall rather than construction of a new building. The advantage of the updated plan is that WCU can continue to use 180-bed Buchanan while the new hall is built. Then, WCU will decide whether to renovate Buchanan or demolish it.

The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has authorized a $48 million budget for the residence hall project. The money will come from residential living cash reserves and debt service, funded through student housing fees.

Clark-Nexsen’s Asheville-based office designed the project and Vannoy Construction’s Asheville-based office has been selected to build it.

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FREE Oil Change & Service for Every Teacher in Macon County Just Our Way of Saying Thanks

June 7-13, 2017

The future site of the residence hall is currently a parking area between Judaculla Hall and Brown Hall, a dining facility that is currently under renovation slated for completion in August.

Plans call for a five-story building consisting of two separate wings, with a pedestrian walkway allowing students to pass beneath the connector linking the wings. Rooms will have a semi-private bathroom layout, with roommates sharing a bathroom with each other rather than with an entire hall.

Before voting to pass the plan on to the entire board for approval, the Finance and Audit Committee had some discussion as to whether the building should be designed to go even higher so as to accommodate more students.

“I guess I’m concerned with footprint and

The new residence hall will house 600 students in two separate wings, with a pedestrian walkway passing through the middle. Clark-Nexsen graphic

(828) 524-2156 5

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All good things must end

“People can have breakfast anywhere — they come here for the experience,” O’Keefe said.

That experience includes a warm welcome, quick and friendly service and good food.

Going to Joey’s is a tradition for people. The same families return every year, and O’Keefe gets to know them all. She knows their stories.

She knows when they’re celebrating and she knows when they’re mourning. Even with all she has going on right now, O’Keefe is worried about where all her loyal customers will go for breakfast once Joey’s is closed.

“I notice when there’s one instead of a couple because they’ve lost a loved one. I tell them to never be afraid to come here and eat alone — those are the people I’ll grieve about.”

But the family atmosphere of Joey’s doesn’t just happen naturally. The restaurant’s solid reputation has taken years to establish, and it’s because of the high customer service standards O’Keefe sets for her staff.

“I’m a perfectionist. I am the customers’ advocate. I want your experience to be what you paid for,” she said. “I love the restaurant industry — I grew up in it. I have a passion for hospitality and I’m so fortunate because we literally have people who have eaten here from all over the country for 50 years.”

FINDING GOOD HELP Diners pack Joey’s Pancake House in Maggie Valley around 10 a.m. just a week before the landmark restaurant will close its doors forever.

Below: Joey and Brenda O’Keefe in an undated photo. Cory Vaillancourt photo (above) • Donated photo

June 7-13, 2017

Joey’s Pancake House to close next week

Smoky Mountain News

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ome institutions are meant to last forever, while others have their place in time and then they’re gone.

After Tuesday, June 13, Joey’s Pancake House in Maggie Valley will be gone.

Owner Brenda O’Keefe, wiping tears from her eyes as she sat at a table at Joey’s with a sunny view of Soco Road coming through the picture window, said it’s time to move on. She struggles to find the right words to express how much the restaurant has meant to her and her late husband, Joey.

And she can’t say enough how much she appreciates her loyal staff and the community that has become family to her since moving to Maggie Valley in 1966.

“I want the community — which is going to feel like I’ve let them down — I want them to know how important they’ve been to me,” O’Keefe said. “I just want people to know I’ve been the recipient of so much joy and love here.”

Tuesday, June 13, will be the last day locals and visitors alike will be able to enjoy a warm, hearty breakfast at Joey’s. It’s a decision O’Keefe and her closest support system made after examining all the options. The bottom line is she can’t keep enough good employees to keep the place going, her longtime employees are having to work too much, and at 70 O’Keefe’s health is at stake.

Suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, 6

“I want the community to know how important they’ve been to me. I just want people to know I’ve been the recipient of so much joy and love here.”

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— Brenda O’Keefe, owner, Joey’s Pancake House

O’Keefe’s doctor told her she had to stop working so hard. She can’t continue to be at the restaurant at 4 a.m. to start cooking and she can’t be there until after closing time at lunch washing dishes. As she heard those words from her doctor, she couldn’t help but to think of what her husband Joey would say to her if he were still here.

“Joey lived the best life of anyone I’ve ever known because he believed if you took care of yourself you’d be better able to take care of other people,” O’Keefe said.

For 37 years, Joey’s closed for six months while Joey and Brenda took off for Florida.

Brenda finally decided to stay open year round so she would be able to provide health insurance and a 401K retirement plan for her employees. While Joey tried to talk her out of it, they compromised — he went to Florida for six months and she joined him for the month of March.

But now that she’s put most of her life into the restaurant, she knows she needs to slow

down and walk away from a business venture that she and Joey turned into a local institution and a national treasure.

CREATING AN EXPERIENCE No matter what time of year it is, if Joey’s is open, the restaurant is at capacity with 190 people seated and another 50 at the door waiting for a table to clear.

From 7 a.m. when the doors open until noon when the doors close, Joey’s is a bustling place with servers maneuvering through narrow aisles, customers chatting over coffee, plates clinking around in the kitchen, and a smiling cashier making small talk with customers as she rings up their meals.

Joey’s employees work hard to have highquality, consistent and delicious food, but the menu isn’t much different than any other breakfast joint. So what’s so special about Joey’s that keeps people coming back time after time, year after year?

O’Keefe’s high standards could also be why it’s been difficult for Joey’s to keep enough dedicated employees on board, which is one of the reasons she is closing the restaurant.

Turnover — especially during the last three years — has been insurmountable, O’Keefe said. Maggie Valley businesses have lost many potential employees to higherwage jobs at the casino in Cherokee. Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held a job fair with more than 40 employers on site, but O’Keefe said only a handful of people showed up looking for a job.

Many people in the valley have probably said at one point, “I’d never want to work for Brenda O’Keefe,” but she said there’s more than 2,000 former Joey’s employees who would say, “Once you’ve worked at Joey’s, you can work anywhere.”

That’s a reputation she is pleased to have.

“I am a taskmaster, I know I am. But I try to speak clearly and make my employees understand how important it is to go the extra mile for people,” she said. “The funny thing is if they do it the way I tell them to, they make a lot of money.”

Joey’s currently has about 40 employees but needs 50 or more to handle the summer season volumes. The high turnover problem has led to many of O’Keefe’s longtime employees doing the work of several people to stay on top of everything, which she said isn’t fair to them.

“These people are coming in and meeting me here at four in the morning and doing the work of six people,” she said. “It’s not about the money for me — my people who are good are being overworked.”

O’Keefe said she can’t continue to ask her employees — her extended family — to continue to work themselves to death like she’s been doing for 50

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Left: Dan Kelly (left), a retired purchasing agent at Champion Paper in Canton, shares breakfast with his 89-year old childhood friend Dr. Al Cline, a retired Canton dentist. Right: Married 66 years, Lake Junaluska residents Polly (right) and Bill McRae are regular visitors to Joey’s Pancake House. Below: The kitchen at Joey’s Pancake House in Maggie Valley is busy, even on an average morning. Cory Vaillancourt photos

Maggie Valley in 1966 was a stark contrast to the tourism town it is today. There were no sidewalks on what was then a two-lane road and the town didn’t even have a public water system. But with Ghost Town in the Sky getting started and hotels lined up along U.S. 19 to accommodate visitors, the O’Keefes knew the business would be coming to Joey’s.

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Have some pancakes Joey’s Pancake House will serve its last breakfast Tuesday, June 13. The restaurant’s hours of operation are 7 a.m. — noon Monday, Tuesday, Friday through Sunday. Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Joey’s will have a community appreciation event from 3-6 p.m. June 17. extended family,” she said. “I wanted to part of this dream. It’s been a privilege to be here and work some before Joey passed away and now to continue on this long to be a part of it, I just feel very privileged.”

O’Keefe knows the decision to close will create a hardship for many of her longtime employees, but she has no doubt they will be successful in their future careers. In the meantime, she plans to make sure they’re taken care of with unemployment benefits or a severance package. For those who have insurance through Joey’s, O’Keefe said she’d keep the policy coverage for a couple more months during the transition.

Brenda and Joey O’Keefe never imagined they would create such an institution when they — on a whim — decided to open a restaurant in Maggie Valley in 1966.

“I had no idea but he (Joey) knew the lifestyle he wanted,” O’Keefe said.

With his experience in the hotel business in Miami and Brenda’s experience in the hospitality business, they set out to have a seasonal business that would allow them to live half the year in Florida and half in the mountains.

“We just asked ourselves, ‘what do people do on vacation?’ They eat breakfast so that’s what we’ll do,” O’Keefe said.

Maggie Valley in 1966 was a stark contrast to the tourism town it is today. There were no sidewalks on what was then a two-lane road and the town didn’t even have a public water system. But with Ghost Town in the Sky getting started and hotels lined up along U.S. 19 to accommodate visitors, the O’Keefes knew the business would be coming to Joey’s.

Despite economic ups and downs, Ghost Town’s demise and other challenges, O’Keefe said business has been good.

“We’re all doing huge business but you can’t be under capitalized or think you’re going to make a million dollars — that’s not what small business is about,” she said.

So if Joey’s has such a long track record of racking in the dough, why haven’t people been knocking down the door to buy the business? O’Keefe said people do want the business, but the terms haven’t been to her liking.

“They want me to keep running it or they don’t have enough money to buy it outright,” she said. “I’ve had it appraised and we all agree on the value but they want me to hold the papers and I won’t do that. If they don’t have a big commitment here, they’re not going to stick it out.”

O’Keefe owns the lot where the restaurant is located and the lots on either side of the building. For now, she plans to hold on to it all until the right opportunity comes along.

Eventually, she’s sure she’ll lease out the building to another restaurant — but it won’t be Joey’s.

When asked what Maggie Valley will be without Joey’s, O’Keefe said, “There will be other places. There’s a time for all seasons and things can be replaced quickly.”

But she hopes Joey’s will continue to be a part of Maggie Valley’s rich history.

When she moved here, she said she was guilty of immediately complaining about what Maggie Valley didn’t have and wanted to change things for the better.

“I’m not about change now — I’m about preservation of this area,” she said. “I tell people who move here to talk quietly and respect the people who live here — you’re the guest and you have to respect who and what they are.”

Thinking about Maggie’s future, O’Keefe’s advice is to focus on what we have and not what we need.

“We don’t have to reinvent anything — we have the natural beauty around us, we have culture and music and crafts — let’s focus on that and let people come here for those reasons.”

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Smoky Mountain News

y r eyears. But it seems like many of them would obe willing to if it meant keeping the restauurant open.

Rick Pendergrass worked at Joey’s when he was 16. He went on to have a successful ycareer working in the restaurant business in sAsheville, but then decided he wanted to ecome back to Joey’s to cook. y “Because this is my home,” he said, when ,asked why he came back. “I learned responsibility and the right way to do things. It sworked here and I carried it through to the rother places I worked. I just did a lot of growming here as a person.” e Jackie Kent was a loyal customer at Joey’s efor 30 years while she worked in the banking dindustry. One day she called O’Keefe and told her she wanted to come work at Joey’s. While gO’Keefe said she tried to explain to Jackie how estressful the restaurant business is, she coulden’t change her mind. She needed more flexieble hours so she could care for her elderly father — so that’s what she did. For the last k18 years, she’s done the accounting work at oJoey’s as well as anything else that might get delegated to her.

“For me it’s not just a job — it’s part of my

LEAVING A LEGACY

June 7-13, 2017

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Incumbents suffer in Tribal Council elections Impeachment decision likely played a role

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER f the results of the June 1 primary elections are any indication, incumbent Tribal Council members could be in trouble come the General Election Sept. 7.

Councilmember Marie Junaluska, of Painttown, won’t even make it to the general election, coming in sixth place in a field of eight with 78 votes, or 11 percent. Two more councilmembers barely squeaked by, making the cut with fourth-place finishes. Chairman Bill Taylor, of Wolfetown, finished fourth in a field of six, with just two votes separating his 173 votes from the fifth-place candidate.

Meanwhile, Councilmember Anita Welch Lossiah, of Yellowhill, was also fourth in a field of six, earning 100 votes, and Councilmember Adam Wachacha, of Snowbird, was in third place out of six with 149 votes.

“It all comes down to the Lambert Effect,” said Sage Dunston, chief of staff during the administration of former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert.

With the Primary Election coming just one week after the Tribal Council voted 9-3 to remove Lambert from office, it hasn’t been uncommon to hear the impeachment issue and the upcoming election discussed in the same breath. Lambert, who was elected in 2015 with 71 percent of the vote, has maintained a stalwart following even as Tribal Council threatened — and followed through on — impeachment.

Lossiah, who voted to remove Lambert, agrees that the impeachment issue affected the election results but said she stands by the decision, though she said it’s something “we wish never happened and we never had to venture into.”

“It divided our communities, it divided families, it divided neighbors and it impacted in a negative way across the tribe and all of our members worldwide,” she said. “It also affected the ability to get out and campaign like you normally would. I love talking to everybody door-to-door and I wasn’t able to do that. I certainly look forward to doing that now.”

Similarly, Taylor said in a statement, “There are many of you who I didn’t get to sit down and talk to and visit with before the Primary but I’m going to make it a point to get out and talk to as many of you as I can before the General Election.”

On May 26, nine of the 12 councilmembers found Lambert guilty on eight of 12 articles of impeachment. Charges, among others, included that he had illegally entered his hotel into a contract with the casino and that he had executed contracts without the proper approvals. Lambert defended his conduct during a seven-hour testimony before Tribal Council. Throughout the process, he maintained that he had committed no impeachable offense and attributed the impeachment 8 effort to retaliation for his efforts to expose

Smoky Mountain News

June 7-13, 2017

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corruption in tribal government. The FBI is currently conducting multiple investigations following a forensic audit that Lambert commissioned and then turned over to the federal government.

“High turnout and low vote counts are bad for incumbents but is good for change that Cherokee families so desperately need,” Lambert wrote on his Facebook page. “As I committed to you before, I am going to stay engaged and will continue to fight for a better and brighter future for you. But it will take all of us, so join me and Cherokee families all across this boundary and vote for new leadership on Tribal Council. We have already struck a major blow, and you can do it again in the General Election in September.”

Lossiah, meanwhile, feels good about her

June 1 was 1 percent higher than during the 2015 Primary Election, when both the chief and vice chief seats were up for election.

However, Shirley Reagan of the Board of Elections classified voter turnout as “about typical” for a Primary Election during a year without chief ’s elections, saying that turnout in 2013 was lower than normal. Overall, voter turnout in 2017 was 43 percent, with the number varying by community from 26 percent to 47 percent.

Voter turnout was indeed higher in 2009, the last Primary Election before 2013 without a chief ’s race. Excluding Yellowhill, which did not have a primary in 2009, the number of votes cast for Tribal Council was 17.6 percent higher than in 2017. However, the 2009 primary also included a referendum question on

Councilmember Tommye Saunooke, of Painttown, also did well, coming in as the top vote-getter with 21.9 percent of the vote in a field of eight. In 2015, Painttown didn’t have a primary election, so there’s no direct comparison to go by — in the 2015 general election, Saunooke garnered 30.1 percent of the vote with three names on the ballot and two write-in candidates. Both French and Saunooke opposed impeachment.

Some other incumbents were also the top vote-getters in their communities — Councilmembers Albert Rose and Travis Smith took the top two spots in Birdtown, and Councilmember Bo Crowe was by far the top vote-getter in Wolfetown — but their performance was weak compared to 2015 numbers. In the 2015 Birdtown primary, 301 votes

Campaign signs fill the roundabout at Acquoni Road on primary election day.

Holly Kays photo

It hasn’t been uncommon to hear the impeachment issue and the upcoming election discussed in the same breath. Lambert, who was elected in 2015 with 71 percent of the vote, has maintained a stalwart following even as Tribal Council threatened — and followed through on — impeachment. chances in the Sept. 7 General Election.

“I am very positive and optimistic about the upcoming election,” she said. “Whoever goes into those positions I hope they’re ready to come together in unity for our tribe.”

The number of votes cast this time around — each voter is eligible to vote for two candidates — was 34.2 percent higher than in the 2013 primary, which is the last Primary Election without a chief ’s race. Excluding Snowbird and Painttown, which did not have primaries in 2015, the number of votes cast

whether to allow alcohol sales at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, a controversial issue that likely boosted turnout.

In terms of share of the vote, only one of the nine councilmembers running for reelection did as well or better than in the 2015 elections — Richard French, of Big Cove.

French, who placed third with 13.8 percent of the vote in a field of eight during the 2015 primaries, returned in 2017 as the community’s top vote-getter with 22 percent of the vote in a field of 10.

had separated Rose, in first place, from the fourth-place candidate. This time around, only 25 votes separate Rose, still in first place, from the fourth-place candidate. While the spread is much larger in Wolfetown — Crowe, in first place, is 218 votes ahead of Chairman Taylor, in fourth place — Crowe’s 29.6 percent share of the vote is smaller than the 35 percent he got in 2015, when three more candidates were in the mix.

With Tribal Council voting to remove Lambert exactly one week before the election, the impeachment issue was likely at the forefront of voters’ minds as they went to the polls. However, the short timeframe limited Lambert’s ability to campaign for candidates directly. He’s made it clear that he intends to play a more active role heading toward the General Election.

“What we’re going to do is we’re going to get together and we’re going to organize,” Lambert said in a speech to his supporters after the impeachment decision May 25.

“We’re going to beat them this fall at the polls.”

Primary Election results roll in to Cherokee

Tribal members fill the gym at Cherokee Central Schools during a Grand Council then-Principal Chief Patrick Lambert called April 18 in response to Tribal Council’s efforts to impeach him. Holly Kays photo

How they fared

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PRO-IMPEACHMENT INCUMBENTS Albert Rose, Birdtown

Travis Smith, Birdtown Smith came in second out of 10 candidates with 220 votes, or 15 percent of the votes cast in Birdtown. Smith’s performance was nearly steady compared to the 2015 primaries, when he drew 236 votes, or 15.8 percent, in a field of 11 candidates. However, in 2015, 96 votes had separated Smith from the fourth-place candidate and 91 votes separated him from the third-place candidate. This time, only 14 votes separated him from the fourth-place candidate and seven votes separated him from the third-place candidate.

Marie Junaluska, Painttown Junaluska came in sixth out of eight can-

Wachacha came in third place in a field of six candidates with 149 votes, or 22.2 percent of all votes cast in Snowbird and Cherokee County. He came in ahead of fourth-place Larry Blythe, who served as vice chief during the Hicks administration and received 127 votes, or 19 percent. The Snowbird/Cherokee County Township did not have a Primary Election in 2015, but in the General Election Wachacha had come in second place out of four with 259 votes, or 28.8 percent, finishing behind incumbent Brandon Jones.

Brandon Jones, Snowbird/Cherokee County Jones is not running for re-election.

Bo Crowe, Wolfetown/Big Y Crowe was far and away the top votegetter in a field of six candidates with 391 votes, or 29.6 percent of the votes cast in Wolfetown. His closest competitor was Jeremy Wilson, who drew 22.8 percent of the vote with 301 votes. However, Crowe’s performance diminished compared to the 2015 primaries, when he came in first with 35 percent of the vote amid a larger field of nine candidates.

Bill Taylor, Wolfetown/Big Y Taylor was just three votes away from not making it to the General Election, coming in fourth with 173 votes, or 13.1 percent of all votes cast in Wolfetown. The fifth-place contender in the field of six was James David Jumper, with 171 votes.

Taylor’s performance has substantially diminished over his last two terms. In the 2015 primaries he came in second with

Anita Lossiah, Yellowhill Lossiah came in fourth out of six candidates with 100 votes, or 15.4 percent of the votes cast in Yellowhill. In the 2015 primaries, Lossiah had been the top vote-getter with 160 votes, or 27.6 percent, in a field of six candidates. In that race, 83 votes separated her from the fourth-place candidate.

This time around, she is the fourth-place candidate and 93 votes separate her from the first-place candidate.

Alan “B” Ensley, Yellowhill Ensley is not running for re-election.

ANTI-IMPEACHMENT INCUMBENTS Richard French, Big Cove French was the top vote-getter in a field of 10 candidates, receiving 131 votes, or 22.1 percent of all votes cast in Big Cove.

He edged out former councilmember Perry Shell, who came in second place with 124 votes. French performed markedly better than he did in the 2015 primaries, when he came in third with 82 votes, or 13.8 percent of those cast in a field of eight candidates.

Teresa McCoy, Big Cove McCoy is not running for re-election.

Tommye Saunooke, Painttown Saunooke was by far the top vote-getter in Painttown, receiving 156 votes, or 21.9 percent in a field of eight candidates. She came in ahead of second-place Terri Henry, Tribal Council chairwoman during the 2013-15 term, who had 107 votes.

Painttown did not have a primary election in 2015, but in the 2015 general election Saunooke had placed second with 235 votes, or 30.1 percent, in a field of three candidates and two write-in candidates.

Marie Junaluska, who did not advance to the General Election this time around, was the top vote-getter in 2015.

BIRDTOWN Albert Rose........................................231 (15.8)* Travis Smith.........................................220 (15)* Boyd Owle........................................... 213 (14.6) Ashley Sessions...................................206 (14.1) Curtis Wildcatt......................................130 (8.9) Gary R. Ledford..................................... 121 (8.3) Robert “Bob” Driver.............................. 119 (8.1) Gilbert Crowe.......................................... 94 (6.4) Albert Crowe............................................71 (4.9) Michael J. Youngdeer................................. 58 (4) PAINTTOWN Tommye Saunooke.............................156 (21.9)* Terri Henry.......................................... 107 (15)∅ Lisa Taylor...........................................106 (14.9) Yona Wade.............................................94 (13.2) Mark Hicks............................................ 88 (12.4) Marie Junaluska.....................................78 (11)* Cherie Rose.............................................45 (6.3) Janet R. Arch...........................................38 (5.3) SNOWBIRD/CHEROKEE COUNTY Janell Rattler.......................................157 (23.4) Bucky Brown....................................... 151 (22.5) Adam Wachacha...............................149 (22.2)* Larry Blythe..........................................127 (19)† Isaiah Chekelelee....................................65 (9.7) Phillip Ellington...................................... 21 (3.1) WOLFETOWN/BIG Y Bo Crowe...........................................391 (29.6)* Jeremy Wilson......................................301 (22.8) Sam "Frell" Reed.................................235 (17.8) Bill Taylor.......................................... 173 (13.1)* James David Jumper.............................. 171 (13) Jarrett “Sheriff” Crowe............................49 (3.7) YELLOWHILL David Wolfe.................................... 193 (29.7) ∅ Tom Wahnetah.................................... 118 (18.2) Charles Penick.................................... 108 (16.6) Anita Welch Lossiah..........................100 (15.4)* Mary “Missy” Crowe..............................80 (12.3) Lloyd Arneach Jr...................................... 50 (7.7)

Smoky Mountain News

Rose came in first out of 10 candidates with 231 votes, or 15.8 percent of votes cast in Birdtown. While he was the top vote-getter, Rose’s numbers have fallen since the 2015 primaries, when he garnered 441 votes, or 29.6 percent, in a field of 11 candidates. During that race, 301 votes separated him from the fourth-place candidate — this time, only 25 votes separated him from fourth-place candidate Ashley Sessions.

Adam Wachacha, Snowbird/Cherokee County

230 votes, or 17.4 percent in a field of nine, and in 2013 he was the top vote-getter with 278 votes, or 26.5 percent in a field of seven.

BIG COVE Richard French..............131 votes (22 percent)* Perry Shell....................................... 124 (20.9)∅ Lori Taylor..............................................68 (11.4) Fred Penick........................................... 66 (11.1) Damian Nicholas Solis..........................61 (10.3) Lavita L. Hill............................................50 (8.4) James Darren Panther.............................33 (5.6) James “Chigger” Bradley........................28 (4.7) Sheila Standingdeer................................23 (3.9) Cody Swayney..........................................10 (1.7)

June 7-13, 2017

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER f the 12 current Tribal Council representatives, nine are running for reelection in this year’s race. The June 1 primary election saw one of the nine fail to advance to the general election, with several other incumbents finishing in weaker positions than they did in 2015. The election came just one week after the controversial impeachment and removal of former Principal Chief Patrick Lambert.

didates with 78 votes, or 11 percent of the votes cast in Painttown. She is the only incumbent running for re-election who will not advance to the general election.

Painttown did not have a Primary Election in 2015, but in the 2015 General Election she had been the top vote-getter with 258 votes, or 33.1 percent, in a field of three candidates and two write-in candidates.

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Following a 43 percent voter turnout during the June 1 Primary Election, the field of 45 Tribal Council candidates has been whittled down to 24 contenders for 12 seats. The top four vote-getters in each community will advance to the Sept. 7 General Election, when two representatives will be chosen from each to sit on Tribal Council.

Tribal Council representatives serve two-year terms and receive an annual salary of $80,600.

* denotes incumbent ∅ denotes 2013-15 councilmember † denotes former vice chief 9

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Jackson prepares for $12 million capital plan Proposed budget includes homeless program; budget increase for schools not funded

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ackson County’s proposed $62.5 million budget for 2016-17 doesn’t include a tax increase, but it sets the stage for a $12 million upgrade to county facilities over the next five years.

County Manager Don Adams, presenting his first budget since starting the job in August 2016, proposed allocating $1 million over the coming fiscal year to start design work on a new animal shelter, renovations to the Jackson County Justice Center and a new or renovated health department building.

The bulk of the spending, though, would Don Adams come over the following two years when construction starts, with $7.4 million planned for 2018-19 and $3.7 million for 2019-20. However, commissioners will have some big decisions to make before work can begin in earnest. Most notably, whether to rebuild or renovate the health department and where the new animal shelter should be located.

“One of the primary things that somehow we gotta get set on is location, because at the end of the day it’s very difficult to do any serious design work before I know what the location is,” Adams told commissioners during his May 15 budget presentation.

The proposed budget includes some notable line items for the coming fiscal year as well. Adams wants commissioners to set aside $85,000 for a homeless program, addressing an issue that’s generated much discussion over the past few years. The group Jackson Neighbors in Need had started offering overnight shelter during cold weather when the recession resulted in an increased need for emergency housing, but over the years demand has grown too much for the volunteer-based group to fund and manage the program.

The Southwestern Child Development Commission has taken over management temporarily, but a long-term plan is necessary to sustainably meet the need. The plan is to hire a full-time, year-round caseworker to run the program and two part-time staff members, with funding also needed to pay for the motel rooms used to house people.

Southwestern Child Development will go after grants to fund the plan, with the $85,000 intended to cover the remaining cost.

“What this $85,000 is doing is shoring it up so we’re not in crisis again,” Adams said.

The last few years, homeless shelter managers have found themselves out of money by 10 mid-winter and wound up coming to the

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June 7-13, 2017

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The proposed Jackson County budget for 2017-18 includes a 29 percent increase in capital outlay for Jackson County Public Schools but provides almost none of the 30.3 percent requested increase for school operations funding. Holly Kays photo county commissioners to request an emergency allocation. Going forward, commissioners want to see a sustainable plan for providing homeless services so they can budget for the expenses. That’s where the full-time case manager comes in.

“Although they’re still only going to house people during the cold weather months, during the non-cold weather months they’ll work on putting together service models,” Adams said. “The goal is to have that presented and discussed with the board by next spring.”

In terms of staffing for the county, however, the proposed budget includes only a few minor changes. That’s because the priority will be to reinstate the career path program that was in place through 2008-09. The program provides incremental salary increases to employees based on years of experience but was suspended when budgets shrank during the recession, resulting in salary compression.

Adams is recommending that it be reinstated over the course of the coming two years. The first year of implementation, included in the 2017-18 budget, will cost $970,800. Increased benefit costs will also take a toll on staffing costs, with hospitalization and dental premiums rising by $294,100, retiree insurance increasing by $98,700 and worker’s compensation insurance going up $13,700.

The proposed education operating budget also includes few changes, despite the fact that Superintendent Mike Murray had asked for a 30.3 percent increase over the relatively level spending of the past six years. Murray had wanted the funds to pay for salary increases, more staffing in technology and academic intervention, new teachers and a new pay scale

Budget hearing The Jackson County Commissioners will give the budget final approval during their next meeting, 6 p.m. Monday, June 19, in room A201 of the Jackson County Justice and Administration Building in Sylva.

Leading up the vote, they will also hold a work session at 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, in room A227 of the Justice Center. Public comments of three minutes or less are accepted at the beginning of every meeting. Though comments are not accepted during work sessions, the meetings are open to the public.

Commissioner contact information is online at www.jacksonnc.org/county-commisioners.html or available by contacting Angie Winchester, clerk to the board, at 828.631.2213 or angiewinchester@jacksonnc.org.

The proposed budget is posted at www.jacksonnc.org/finance.html. for administrators, among other line items.

But the proposed budget includes only a 2 percent increase over the previous year — enough to offset inflation and rising costs, but not enough to carry out any of Murray’s initiatives. It does, however, include a 29 percent increase in capital outlay.

Associate Superintendent Kim Elliott addressed the operations issue during a public hearing on the proposed budget commissioners held June 5.

“It is imperative that with the spend-down

of the JCPS fund balance, we each need to focus on teaching and learning in such a way that over the next two years, we minimize any impact to the classroom, while simultaneously minimizing the number of positions lost in Jackson County Public Schools,” she told commissioners. “Positions will be needed to directly impact student achievement in Jackson County.”

However, Adams said in an interview, enacting any major change to funding will require some serious planning and potentially a tax increase — it’s not something that will happen in time for this budget year.

To further complicate matters, Murray is leaving the school system this summer for a job with Cherokee Central Schools. While Elliott will serve as interim superintendent for the next six months to a year, it seemed prudent to wait until a permanent superintendent is named to make any drastic funding and programming changes, Adams said.

“Once new leadership is established and so forth there will have to be future conversations amongst the school and county management and elected officials to address those other needs that were being requested,” Adams said.

With his first budget cycle in Jackson County now under his belt, Adams — who before arriving in Jackson served as manager of Alleghany County for 19 years — feels he has a better idea of how Jackson’s programs work and of the people who manage them.

He’s looking forward to jumping into the next budget year with the background to make the process flow even more smoothly.

“I’m a big believer in learning the system,” Adams said.

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Sylva’s proposed 2017-18 budget includes funds for a new police vehicle, three tasers, three body cameras, four ballistic vests and addition of GPS to police cars. Holly Kays photo

Sylva keeps tax rate flat, grapples with long-term budget challenges

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LEE ENSLEY (828) 342-1796 PATTY ENSLEY (828)421-0146

At Haywood Community College, you can do more than sit in a classroom all day.

Be heard Sylva will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8, at the Sylva Town Hall. The board will likely approve a 2017-18 budget during its meeting at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, June 22.

The proposed budget is online at http://bit.ly/2qZ2XSP with a hard copy available for review at Sylva Town Hall.

FALL REGISTRATION BEGINS JULY 10

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE!

haywood.edu/registration 828.627.4500

Smoky Mountain News

While Dowling has repeatedly commended town commissioners on their efforts to build a more stable, solvent budget for the town, her budget message makes it clear that Sylva will face financial obstacles in the long term. Sylva’s tax base doesn’t typically grow much between revaluations, so tax revenues are unlikely to grow much over the years absent tax rate increases.

The cost of health care is one of the major wildcards. The town’s employee medical insurance plan is set to expire in 2018, and it will likely cost both the town and its employees substantially more to purchase a comparable plan.

While the current budget covers routine operating expenses, it doesn’t include anything extra to plan for major capital improvements or to achieve the board’s goals for the town. Among the many desired projects discussed during a February planning retreat were a mountain biking trail plan for Pinnacle Park, purchasing public art for the downtown, hiring a part-time Main Street director and installing bathrooms on Main Street. The budget doesn’t include funding for any of these projects.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

June 7-13, 2017

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ne year after the town’s tax rate rose by 12.5 cents per $100, Sylva is considering a proposed $3.7 million budget that will keep tax rates level and cover the town’s operating needs — but will come up short on addressing capital needs and commissioners’ desired projects.

“The operating budget is sufficient, but current revenues are not adequate to achieve the Board’s mission and goals or meet future capital replacement needs without accruing more debt,” Town Manager Paige Dowling wrote in her budget message.

Much of the reasoning behind hiking the tax rate last year was a desire to make the budget solvent and stop dipping into the town’s fund balance — akin to a savings account — to cover routine expenses.

However, the 2017-18 proposed budget would take $21,500 from fund balance to cover unexpected tax losses following property tax appeal settlements with Lowe’s Home Center and Food Lion. The Lowe’s settlement resulted in a loss of $17,200 and the Food Lion settlement resulted in a loss of $3,400.

“Our hope is that this appropriation (from fund balance) will remain in contingency and will not be utilized or that savings within departments can compensate for this revenue loss,” Dowling wrote.

Sylva’s fund balance currently sits at $2.5 million, or 70 percent of the town’s operating costs for the year. The proposed budget would push it down to 68 percent.

That level more than satisfies town policy, which requires a fund balance of at least 40 percent, but falls below its goal of 73 percent, which is the average for a town of Sylva’s size.

The proposed budget focuses spending on five priority areas, with the number one being post-employment benefits. Those benefits would cost the town a total of $155,000.

In recent years, when budgets got tight the town had opted to cut contributions to these

funds, paying in below the recommended level. Now they’re playing catch-up so that when people retire the money will be there to meet the town’s obligations.

The budget would also satisfy communication needs for the police force, with $15,900 allocated to add GPS to police cars.

An ordinance review of land use and planning, conducted by J.M. Teague Engineering, will continue over the next seven months, and the town will implement a recently completed pay plan to keep town salaries competitive — implementation will cost about $56,000. In addition, Sylva will also purchase $60,000 in equipment, including items such as weed eaters, a tire balancer, tasers and a new police car.

548 STEPHENS RD. SYLVA N.C. 28779

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Vigilant Catamount.

“We are not using any sirens — either fixed or mobile — as part of the exercise,” he said. “We would never do that.”

Stewart added that they didn’t want the public to be in a position of trying to determine what was real, and what was not; neither gunfire nor explosions will be part of the event.

Canton’s Evergreen Packaging will be central to an N.C. National Guard exercise June 10. File photo

MAJOR BENEFITS

Emergency simulation begins in Canton Saturday

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER multi-agency training exercise led by the N.C. National Guard meant to test and improve disaster response will result in roadblocks and an elevated level of police, fire and military activity in Canton on the morning of June 10.

“You don’t want to be exchanging business cards for the first time during disaster management,” said Lt. Col. Matt Devivo, public affairs officer for the N.C. Guard.

Motorists and pedestrians in Haywood County on Saturday, June 10, should avoid Champion Drive in Canton, where roadblocks will be set up from before 7 a.m. until late afternoon due to one phase of “Operation Vigilant Catamount,” a joint multi-county mock-disaster across Western North Carolina from June 6 to 14.

Devivo said similar exercises will be conducted in other locations across the region during that time and will include “dozens of local, state and federal disaster response agencies” including unspecified U.S. Air Force assets from Seymour Johnson Air Base in Goldsboro.

Details about the precise nature of the event are being withheld due to what Devivo says are operational security concerns, but Canton’s role in the exercise is to serve as the scene of some sort of chemical spill incident at Evergreen Packaging.

Haywood County Emergency Services Coordinator Greg Shuping stressed that the public should interpret the exercise as evidence of neither security weaknesses at nor increased threats to Evergreen.

“Evergreen Packaging is a partner in this drill, although the exercise is not on their property, and is not the reason for us having this drill,” he said.

“Other than the mill, we’re going to be the 12

Smoky Mountain News

June 7-13, 2017

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first point of contact,” said Canton Town Manager Jason Burrell. “The idea is to look at how we respond to emergency situations.”

Fire department personnel from Center Pigeon, Clyde and Junaluska will support the North Canton Fire Department in the exercise.

“Those are the four agencies that would get called if this were to occur,” said Shuping.

“Law enforcement likewise — the Canton Police Department will be supported by the Haywood County Sheriff ’s Office, the Clyde Police Department, the N.C Highway Patrol and the N.C. Department of Transportation, because those are the agencies that they would work with. We wanted this to be real and plausible.”

Also included, according to Shuping, are the Haywood County EMS, Rescue Squad and Incident Management Team — an unassuming but important group of professionals and volunteers who fill logistical, communications, planning, public information and safety roles during major incidents.

“We’re a group of folks of various disciplines,” Shuping said. “There are nurses from the health department there that are on the team, folks from the private sector and volunteers that are not even in emergency services like Allen Newland, for example.”

Newland is a Haywood County drone operator and photographer who does everything from photography for newspapers and Realtors to search and rescue work for the county.

Other responders will include not only traditional vehicles to which citizens are quite accustomed — like police cars and ambulances — but also military apparatus.

“People should not be concerned if they see a large number of responders and their vehicles,” said Haywood County Administrator/ Program Evaluator Dona Stewart.

Operation Vigilant Catamount will involve local police, fire and other emergency responders. N.C. National Guard Sergeant Lisa Vines photo

Motorists and pedestrians in Haywood County on Saturday, June 10, should avoid Champion Drive in Canton, where roadblocks will be set up from before 7 a.m. until late afternoon.

MINOR DISRUPTIONS In designing the training exercise, all involved took “a lot of care” to ensure that there will be no disruption to citizens, Stewart said.

Champion Drive will be closed from Blackwell Drive to Bridge Street early Saturday morning, and will not reopen until possibly 3 or 4 p.m.

Additionally, some vehicles and equipment will be staged in the parking lot of the Canton municipal building on Park Street; passersby may witness vehicles travelling between the parking lot and the scene of the incident, but as far as disruptions to daily life go, that’s about it.

Any sirens, Shuping said, would be related to real incidents not part of Operation

Burrell said he’s excited about the learning opportunity Operation Vigilant Catamount will bring to his employees and staff.

“It’s always a good ‘gut check’ to do these kind of exercises,” he said. “We get to analyze and review how well we are currently prepared and also get to identify any deficiencies in our response procedures and/or issues with communication amongst all the agencies in the county and state if something like this were to happen.”

Indeed, the exercise will put lots of locals through an experience many departments will never have to deal with — making them more likely to perform better in an emergency situation, wherever their future careers may take them.

“I think it’ll be a good learning tool for us and every other agency involved,” said Burrell. “I don’t really foresee any major deficiencies within our system of communication, but at the same time, there’s always an opportunity to learn from an exercise like this. It also keeps at the forefront of your mind, as you go about your day-to-day activities, that something like this is something you can relate back to when you’re planning for the future — whether by capital expenses, communication equipment, that sort of thing.”

Canton’s gut check will also draw on the resources of town and county administration.

“I think the biggest thing we’re going to gain on the ground is being able to train sideby-side with the people that we would be working with in the event of a larger scale incident,” Stewart said.

The incident will involve a mock “press briefing” the morning of the event, designed to evaluate how the agencies responsible for responding to the incident interact with the media as well as the public during the dissemination of information that may be important during a crisis, such as shelter-in-place directives or evacuation orders.

Best of all, the exercise comes at practically no cost to Haywood County taxpayers.

“The only cost would be the use of equipment as well as any staff that may not be volunteer,” Shuping said. “And we do have some staff time in the county and the Town of Canton, of course, but the military is paying for any artificial props that might be used to help with the reality of the simulation, so if there’s smoke that appears, or some vehicles are used as part of the scenario, or props, they’re not ours.”

Stewart says the exercise is win-win — for the county and for the N.C. Guard — and that the county is grateful for the public’s interest.

“We appreciate their support and understanding,” she said. “It really helps us get better prepared to be able to assist.”

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Important dates for Waynesville budget

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A public hearing to consider the conditional zoning request of MAB American has been called by the Town of Waynesville. • Time: 6:30 p.m. • Date: Tuesday, June 13 • Location: Waynesville Town Hall, 9 South Main Street does, however, integrate well with the proposed Russ Avenue improvement plan that is still in the works but scheduled for completion by 2022.

Argo thinks the benefits to the area will be substantial. “It’s a redevelopment of an important gateway into the town that will help Waynesville put its best foot forward,� he said. “In addition to the construction jobs created, it will also employ a number of people.�

A representative from Columbia Engineering said that the development would involve up to $20 million in investments that would bring about 200 permanent jobs.

Still up in the air is a request from planning staff for the developers to coordinate with N.C. Department of Transportation in exploring the possibility of creating a leftturn lane onto Frazier Street, but Argo doesn’t anticipate any problems. “We’re investing in the future of Waynesville,� he said.

Building Conference Room located at 16 South Main Street.

Between June 9 and June 26, citizens can call 828.452.2491 to leave comments with the town manager’s office, or email comments to the mayor and/or board of aldermen by visiting www.waynesvillenc.gov/mayor-board-ofaldermen.

Upon addressing concerns brought by citizens during that time, the budget will be presented for a final approval at the Town of Waynesville’s regular board of Aldermen meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 27.

A customary period of public comment always takes place near the end of the meeting, but Waynesville aldermen have traditionally been very liberal with allowing the audience to speak.

Given that municipal budgets must be passed by July 1 per North Carolina law, this will likely be the last time citizens will be able to express their support or opposition to the $32.2 million budget.

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Smoky Mountain News

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER he first draft of the Town of Waynesville’s proposed 2017-18 fiscal year budget was presented to the public on May 23, but citizens still have a few opportunities left to weigh in on it before adoption.

A public hearing on the budget — which proposes no increase in taxes and seeks to reduce long-term dependency on appropriating fund balance for daily operations — will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 9, in the Town Hall Board Room located at 9 South Main Street.

Just prior to that, at 9 a.m., a budget workshop will be held in the Municipal

Speak Out

June 7-13, 2017

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER 56,000-square-foot, $20 million retail project that will bring a long-awaited Publix grocery store to Waynesville was unanimously approved by the town planning board May 15, but still has one more hurdle to face. “We’ve been interacting with [Waynesville] planning staff for the better part of a year, so they have a pretty comprehensive understanding of the project itself, which is why things have gone so smoothly,� said John Argo, the principal developer for Charlotte-based MAB American Management.

On May 23, Waynesville aldermen called for a public hearing June 13 to consider the planning board’s recommendation and MAB American’s request for a conditional district map and text amendment to 909 Russ Avenue, and 88 Frazier Street and 186 Frazier Street.

If successful the amendment would change the irregularly-shaped, oddly-sloped 6.3-acre parcel from Russ Avenue Regional Center Commercial District (RA-RC) zoning to Russ Avenue Regional Center Commercial District Conditional District (RA-RC-CD).

Many existing structures like The Big Red Barn, The Lodge Motel and some warehouses and homes that line Frazier Street will be razed to make way for the retail development.

The reason for the request is to allow MAB American to deviate from existing landscaping and parking regulations. Its plan

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Macon County revenues up across the board Rising costs will still present challenges

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR he Macon County commissioners have some challenges in balancing the proposed 2017-18 budget, but County Manager Derek Roland said those challenges are the same ones every local government is facing right now.

“Like all budgets, the fiscal year 2017-18 budget will present challenges in addition to opportunities — we’ll see unfunded mandates, we’ll see a rise in health care costs and an overall increase in the cost of doing business,” Roland told the board as he went over budget items. “But these challenges that we’re faced with are the same challenges that every private and public sector organization will face in the coming fiscal year.”

Whatever the challenges, Roland presented the board with a $50 million annual budget without an increase in property taxes and without dipping into the county’s fund balance like many local governments are doing this year. The county is looking to maintain its property tax rate of 34.9 cents per $100 of assessed value, which Roland boasted as the third lowest in the state.

Haywood County is raising its tax rate from 56 cents to 58 cents this year. Jackson County had to increase its rate from 28 cents in 2015-16 to 37 cents in 2016-17 to make up for a loss in property values. Swain County hasn’t touched its tax rate of 36 cents since 2013.

During the 2016-17 budget, the county was able to pay off the remaining $1.35 million loan for the Parker Meadows sports complex, completed a $620,000 renovation project at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building, completed at $9.8 million landfill expansion project, upgraded the county’s phone system, increased funding for teacher supplements and capital outlay for the school system, spent $85,000 to renovate the Otto and Cullasaja community centers and spent $113,355 to improve Wesley’s Park.

Macon County’s upcoming budget focuses on implementing another phase of a pay scale study the county completed a few years ago to make employee salaries more competitive, public safety projects and creating a five-year capital improvement plan.

“The strong leadership and fiscal management combined with an additional $1.9 million increase in operating revenue will allow us to accomplish each of these things,” Roland said.

Smoky Mountain News

June 7-13, 2017

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REVENUES

About 57 percent — or $23.8 million — of the county’s revenue comes from property taxes. Another 19 percent — $9.4 million — comes from state and federal revenues to cover the cost of programs like public transit, 14 senior services and health services. Sales tax

brings in 15 percent — or $7.3 million — and service fees make up 9 percent — $4.5 million — of the county budget.

While Roland only budgeted for a 1 percent increase in sales tax revenue last year, which would have brought in an extra $9,000, the county ended up seeing an additional $610,795 from sales tax during the current fiscal year. He anticipates that revenue will continue to increase, but says he will continue to budget conservatively.

The county also received an additional $331,599 in property taxes due to an increase in collections and new properties being levied. Motor vehicle tax revenue is up $140,216 and service fee revenue increased by $440,517. Roland said the service fee increase is attributed to the county’s emergency services increasing rates to 150 percent of the Medicare allowable charges for transport and also an increase in building permits being issued.

“Building permits in the past two years are up 21 percent, which is a good sign of an improving economy,” Roland said.

As the county continues to pay down its debt obligations, Roland said more funds would be freed up for other expenses. Since 2011, the county’s general fund debt has decreased by about $22.6 million and will decrease another $614,162 this year. The

Ongoing coverage Macon County is still working through the budget request from Macon County Schools with a joint meeting scheduled for 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 8, to continue discussions.

The school system is requesting $7,338,330 in local funding for operating expenses. Pick up next week’s edition of The Smoky Mountain News for school funding coverage. county’s remaining $40 million in debt includes loans for school technology and school renovations at Union Academy and Highlands School.

PUBLIC SAFETY EXPENSES The largest expense items for Macon County include public safety (27 percent), followed by health and human services (26 percent) and education (19 percent).

This year’s proposed budget includes $13.5 million for public safety — a 7.6 percent increase over last year. But the additional funding will go toward upgrading the emergency communications system.

Roland said $400,000 is budgeted for the first phase of the upgrade project and the county is also waiting to hear whether it will receive a $1 million FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant to help fund the communications upgrade.

Due to increased emergency call volumes in Macon County over the last two years and the fact that a majority of transports are to

Property tax levies and collections Total levy Total collected Percentage collected 2016............................. $26,843,417.................$26,356,020.................98.18% 2015............................. $26,428,680.................$25,818,391.................97.59% 2014............................. $26,441,660.................$25,705,256.................97.21% 2013............................. $26,048,336.................$25,642,064.................98.44% 2012............................. $25,925,987.................$25,694,416.................99.10%

Projected revenues 2017-18 • • • • •

Tax collections..........................................................................................$28,331,525 (57%) State/federal revenues...............................................................................$9,448,412 (19%) Sales tax.................................................................................................... $7,362,532 (15%) Service fees..................................................................................................$3,946,495 (8%) Miscellaneous................................................................................................. $498,963 (1%)

Mission Hospital in Asheville, Roland said more funding is being budgeted for part-time and overtime for EMS. Fire call volumes are up 17 percent but the number of volunteer firefighters has only increased by 1 percent. Roland said he is budgeting $229,000 for the creation and management of a fire task force to be overseen by Emergency Management Director Warren Cabe to assist all the fire departments. The task force will consist of four fulltime employees with the tools and equipment needed to assist departments with responding to calls, data collection, inspections and public education.

“The Macon County Fire Task Force will be created to serve as a resource to all volunteer fire departments in Macon County in an effort to assist them with the rapidly increasing demand for service,” Roland said.

More calls also means the sheriff ’s office is putting more wear and tear on its fleet of vehicles. According to Sheriff Robbie Holland, 50 percent of the vehicles have more than 100,000 miles on them, which leads to an increase in maintenance costs. The proposed budget includes $275,720 for six new all-wheel-drive SUVs for the sheriff ’s office.

Equipping the vehicles with cameras, insignia, spike strips and medical supplies is included in the cost.

The average population of the Macon County Detention Center has increased 18 percent from 2013 to 2016, which has led to increased expenses for inmate medical care, food, out-of-county housing and overtime for detention center employees. The detention center already added four full-time positions last year — bringing the staff up to 21 — and helped the department decrease its part-time and overtime line items in the budget. The detention center salaries and benefits will

cost the county more than $1.2 million in the 2017-18 budget.

HEALTH INSURANCE Macon County completed an overhaul to its health care insurance plan in 2015-16 in order to keep the county’s health fund solvent. On July 1, 2016, the county had about $530,00 available in its health reserve fund, but increased medical claims in the last year have put the reserve fund in the hole by just over $1 million.

“Increases in both sales tax and ad-valorem tax revenue during 2016-17 should prove sufficient to cover this $480,834 deficit in the reserve fund,” Roland said.

He said the county’s Health Insurance Committee, which helped recommend changes during the overhaul last year, also made more recommendations this year to keep health costs down. The county’s contribution will increase by $128,739 and $261,802 will be budgeted from the general fund to the health reserve fund to keep it in the black.

“We have to keep changing to keep pace with the volatility of this industry at the national level,” Roland said.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN The county’s proposed budget includes $30,000 to hire a consulting firm to assist the county in developing a multi-year capital improvement plan. The plan will identify and prioritize infrastructure projects and equipment purchases for the county and identity funding methods as well.

The county has $344,619 budgeted for capital items during the 2017-18 fiscal year, which is about a 20 percent increase over last year.

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR o combat the rising cost of feeding inmates, Macon County commissioners chose to ditch a $360,000 food contract with Mission Health and Angel Medical Center for a less expensive option.

Since 2013, the actual food costs in the Macon County Detention Center increased by 18 percent to $340,685. County Manager Derek Roland said he budgeted $360,000 for jail food during the 2016-17 budget and would probably have to budget more for next year. The meals for inmates are made at the AMC cafeteria and cost about $4.85 per meal.

“We’re going to exceed that amount this year — this new contract with a new provider will get those costs down,” he said.

Macon County Sheriff Robbie Holland was successful in negotiating a food service contract with a new vendor — Summit Food Service. The new contract will reduce the price per meal by 50 percent to $3.90 per meal, which means the county can now budget $232,594 to feed inmates instead of more than $360,000.

The cost per meal is based on the population at the detention center. With an average of 65 inmates at a time at the Macon jail, the meals could cost an average of $2.93 each, but if the population falls below 60, meals could cost more.

Summit Food Service is based in Georgia and already has a contract with Clay County to provide meals at the detention center.

“I have met with the Clay County sheriff and their detention staff and they are very happy with the food service they’ve gotten,” Lt. Steve Stewart told Macon commissioners.

The food quality is supposed to be comparable to what AMC was providing and meets all the Department of Health and Human Services requirements from the state. Meals for inmates must meet the recommended dietary allowances set forth by the National Academy of Sciences, which includes having two servings from the dairy group, two servings of fruit, three vegetables, two servings of meat or protein and four servings of whole grain. Inmates must have a caloric intake of 2,100 -2,500 per day.

Commissioner Ronnie Beale said he and Roland tried to negotiate the contract down with Mission Health to no avail before exploring other options.

“Me and Derek have sat with Mission for hours on end, but there’s no competition — there was nobody else in the area until they (Summit Food Service) came along,” Beale said.

Commissioners unanimously approved a three-year contract with Summit Food Service.

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Macon cancels jail food contract with Mission

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June 7-13, 2017 Smoky Mountain News 15

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The Cabbage Rose gift shop in Maggie Valley, emblematic of the county’s retail sector for 30 years. Cory Vaillancourt photo.

June 7-13, 2017

What’s in the cards?

Retail travails, prevails Editor’s note: This is another in a series of stories examing Haywood County’s economy.

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER n a rainy June Monday in Maggie Valley, wispy mists lick lush mountaintops that tower behind nearly every business in town, including the Cabbage Rose gift shop on Soco Road.

“We had a great weekend,” said Scott Nielsen, who’s owned the place for 30 years.

Despite the weather and the workday, Nielsen’s shop appears bustling, but he insists it’s not.

“Business has been good, but 15 years ago we had 15 coworkers,” he said, as a small knot of older women perused purses that line his walls. “Now we have three.”

Closely related to tourism, Haywood County’s retail sector has risen and fallen with the times and the trends but remains an important economic sector that disbursed more than $75 million in wages in 2016.

Perplexingly, wage growth in this sector since 2000 has been negative against inflation and may be helping to fuel Haywood County’s affordable housing crisis; that average weekly wage of $355.15 in 2000 should be 16 worth at least $514 today just to keep pace

Smoky Mountain News

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with inflation. At that wage, an affordable home would cost $53,456.

Instead, the 2016 average weekly wage for retail sector employees was $484, and the median home price was $157,200, making retail an economic development gamble that has in the past turned lemons into lemonade, but won’t bear fruit forever.

MONEY FOR NOTHING The true economic impact of a new or expanded Walmart on a community has been a hotly debated topic since the mid-1960s, but most all studies and reports seem to indicate a number of positives.

First and foremost, when a new Walmart comes to town — as it did in Waynesville in 2008 — a city or county retains jobs and revenues that might otherwise have gone to another community.

Sure, it can mean dire straits for smaller businesses, but it doesn’t have to and it isn’t always.

“We keep changing our product line to evolve with the customers. We can’t complain,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen’s Cabbage Rose was here long before the internet and long before the Walmart, which nationwide employs about 1 percent of all workers and collects more revenue in a year than the states of California, New York and Texas combined; Walmart’s 2015 corporate revenue could easily run the state of North Carolina for 10 years, or the town of Waynesville for 15,261 years.

On a single-store scale, a Walmart Supercenter like the one in Waynesville typically employs more than 300 associates and probably grosses about $1 million a week moving everything from microwave ovens to refrigerators to color TVs. Given that sales taxes account for 18 percent of Haywood County’s proposed 2017-18 budget, the importance of the Walmart and the other major retail establishments located just off South Main Street cannot be understated, especially over an extended period of time.

But if it wasn’t for the Haywood Economic Development Council and the Haywood Advancement Foundation, that nexus of economic activity might still be just a rusting, overgrown post-industrial visage of blight and pollution.

BRICKS FOR FREE In the early 1940s, the Dayton Rubber Company established a substantial facility in what was then the Town of Hazelwood that became a mainstay of the postwar economic boom until like the boom itself, it eventually petered out just before the turn of the 21st century. At the time of its closing the factory employed more than 500 in making rubber hoses for automobiles.

“They closed, I think it was around 1997,” said Mark Clasby, executive director of the Haywood Economic Development Council.

The sprawling brownfield languished for years, though several attempts at reutilization had been made by the time Clasby began his economic development duties in 2003, when the property was in bankruptcy, owed back taxes and was still awaiting the Daycofunded remediation of a spill that had tainted some soil.

“Under a government, buying and selling property can be a challenge, “said Clasby, who also serves as the director of the Haywood Advancement Foundation, a 501(c)3. “The county gave a $650,000 grant to the foundation, and the town of Waynesville gave a $650,000 grant to the foundation.”

With that $1.3 million, the foundation bought the property, entered into discussions with developers, brokered a $750,000 cleanup timeline with Dayco and arranged for the demolition of existing buildings on the site.

Shortly thereafter, the foundation sold the property to Walmart developers for $2.1 million, and repaid both the county’s and the town’s grants, although Clasby said the foundation wasn’t obligated to do so.

“We felt that would be the right thing to do,” he said. “It was really a good deal.”

The foundation had “quite a bit” of cash into the deal, according to Clasby, but after expenses still walked with a tidy profit, which it then used on other economic development incentives — in essence, playing with house money.

Businesses like Nielsen’s show that communities benefit from the coexistence of major retailers with small-town mom-andpop shops — or, in at least one case, smalltown mom-and-daughter shops.

“My daughter and I run this place together,” said Sheree Rose, owner of the Turquoise Elephant, a new contemporary women’s clothing store on the outskirts of Waynesville that opened last December. “We saw a need.”

Neither Rose nor her daughter has a background in retail, but said they’ve done well so far.

DOING BUSINESS

“We’ve survived the winter. When we opened, we had four racks. Every month, we’ve built up. We’re learning and trying to survive at the moment, but I would love to get a little larger,” she said.

Rose attributes her strong start to the community, which she thinks is healthy, economically.

“The locals have been awesome, and the tourists will just be icing on the cake,” she said. “But we opened for the locals because of the need.”

Justice Rogers, owner of Not So Old Toys and Collectibles, opened his shop in Canton last September.

“I like the small-town feeling,” Rogers said.

Originally from New Jersey, Rogers could have established his business nearly anywhere, but like Rose chose a small Haywood County town because of the community.

“Before I opened, I went to a lot of places and explored. In the bigger cities there were no relationships – it was just all about the money,” Rogers said. “Of course, you’ve got to have money to keep the doors open, but I’m about relationships too. It makes you part of the community.”

Rogers said that his Main Street neighbors in Canton’s retail core have been just as supportive to him as he’s been to them.

S EE B USINESS, PAGE 18

2016 SNAPSHOT

IN HAYWOOD COUNTY, 2000-2016 $

484.66 $75,019,352 Average Weekly Wage

Total Wages Paid “Working with so man ny different peo ople & getting to do a job b I love makes the \HDUV À\ E\ +DV LW UHDOOO\ EHHQ " ´

214 2,977 Establishments

TWO DECADES OF TU R N I N G J O BS INTO CAREERS.

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RETAIL SECTOR

Employees

- Dawna

(Employed by Harrah’s Cherokeee Casino Resort for 20 years)

NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS

Figures are as of 2016.

Visit HARRA AHSCHEROKEEJOBS.COM for a complete lissting of open jobs for both properties.

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

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AVERAGE WEEKLY WAGE

June 7-13, 2017

TOTAL WAGES

Smoky Mountain News

SOURCE: N.C. Department of Commerce

17

June 7-13, 2017

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B USINESS, CONTINUED FROM 16 “My neighbor next door makes custom furniture,” he said. “Sometimes he needs some help putting a table in his truck, so he comes over and we laugh it up, and then he goes and makes his delivery. And his daughter comes over and hangs out with my mom, who is like her grandmother’s age. I like that sense of community.”

Tiny Clyde is home to a small retail community, albeit one that like Nielsen has had to evolve with the times and adapt to local competitors.

“Business is good,” said Tim Glance, owner of The Old Grouch’s Military Surplus on Main Street in Clyde — just across the street from the Big Gun. “We had a slow winter, mostly because it wasn’t cold. Nobody buys wool socks and thermal underwear when it’s 50 the day before Christmas.”

Glance says business has increased steadily over the 27 years he’s been operating, but he probably would have had a much tougher time had he not begun conducting business online — making him and his business a small but important “exporter” of Haywood County goods.

“Surplus stores are a bit of a dying breed,” he said. “We’ve moved into doing a lot of online stuff, which lets us reach out to a broader audience online.”

Glance estimated about half of his business comes from online sales.

“It goes all over the country, and there are some international sales,” he said.

The business environment in which The Old Grouch operates appears to suit Glance just fine.

“The town of Clyde is very hands-off, which I like,” he said. “They don’t bother us about much of anything. Same with the county.”

Business in the Town of Waynesville is a lot more hands-on, especially within the downtown retail core.

Much like the county’s Tourism Development Authority markets the county

as a destination by collecting a room occupancy tax, the Downtown Waynesville Association markets the Town of Waynesville as a destination by collecting an ad valorem property tax within a Municipal Service District.

One need only step into the crisp fall air on some sunny Sunday morning and saunter through a busy festival to experience the impact all those tourists have on the overwhelmingly retail-oriented establishments that line both sides of Main Street; unlike the

DOING BUSINESS TDA, the DWA has managed to spend a substantial amount of money over decades on aesthetic improvements to its product — a quaint mountain shopping district where you can get a $3 beer or a $3,000 coffee table.

The DWA, like the TDA, has its detractors; an attempted defection from the MSD by a property owner who claimed to derive no direct benefit from its activities was quashed

by Waynesville Aldermen last fall, and a proposed increase in the TDA’s room occupancy tax was yet again quelled by a single state legislator over the near-unanimous objections of every elected official in the county.

In each case, the conflict centered on the debate over individualism-versus-collectivism in government; in the latter, Rep. Michele Presnell, R-Burnsville, said she thought business owners forced to collect the room occupancy tax should be allowed to raise or lower their rates as they saw fit, and spend whatever monies therein acquired of their own accord.

The problem with that is it’s nearly impossible to imagine $1.3 million of those dollars coming together simultaneously, from multiple private individuals, all united in a single common goal to create the profound and prolonged economic impact of something like a coordinated marketing campaign, a regional livestock market, a shovel-

Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney

Is a Will Enough?

Smoky Mountain News

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Since 2000, the tally of retail establishments in Haywood County is down more than 20 percent, to just 214, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce.

But in an encouraging sign, over that same same period the number of employees in the sector increased about 3 percent to almost 3,000.

There remain, however, a few vacancies on Main Street, but they won’t be there long; existing businesses often jockey for position when new spaces become available, but several new businesses have sprung up, and a few more are on their way.

Phillips said she thinks that by the time summer truly begins, there won’t be any empty storefronts at all.

“We had several business owners that chose to retire this past year,” Phillips said.

“All of those locations but one has been filled.”

Among them the John Shoppers stroll Waynesville’s Main Street, hunting for Graham store, a nearly fiveretail bargains. Margaret Hester photo. decade tenant and testament to the changing busiready industrial park, or a brownfield rede- ness environment Nielsen mentioned.

“It has changed,” he said, lamenting the velopment.

It’s also nearly impossible to argue with most recent evolution of his customer base.

“The Millennials now, they’re minimalthe numbers.

“April is usually a slow retail month, even ists,” he laughed. “They don’t want anything.”

But as to what’s in the cards for Haywood with the Easter holidays and a few warm days,” said Buffy Phillips, executive director County’s growing retail sector, this industry of the DWA. “But retail is definitely up over veteran says he still sees a bright future.

“The more businesses we have, the more last year in downtown Waynesville.”

Indeed, municipalities currently in the people will come. I’m not one of these people thick of budget season are both reporting and that say ‘Oh, I don’t want you taking a piece projecting increased sales tax revenues on the of my pie,’” Nielsen said. “The more the merrier — as long as we help each other.” order of 5 percent.

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Discuss redistricting at town hall news

A non-partisan town hall focusing on North Carolina state legislative districts the U.S. Supreme Court recently called “racially gerrymandered� will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14 in the Haywood Community College auditorium at 185 Friedlander Dr. in Clyde.

Sponsored by Durham nonprofit Democracy North Carolina, the panel discussion will include former UNC President and judge Tom Ross, WCU Political Science Department chair Chris Cooper, N.C. Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform’s Jane Pinksy and former NC Supreme Court Justice Robert Orr, as well as Democratic and Republican state legislators.

Additional sponsors include the N.C. Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform, the Asheville-Buncombe NAACP, and the Asheville-Buncombe League of Women Voters; for more information on the forum, visit www.facebook.com/democracynorthcarolina.

Naloxone saves people from overdose

Moving Forward in 2017, a community information sharing event to discuss affordable broadband needs in Macon, Swain and Jackson counties, will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, June 12, at the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin.

The public is invited to attend the event, which will feature regional, county, community leaders, vendors, and others interested in increasing broadband access to Jackson, Swain, Macon counties, and learn of recent efforts underway.

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June 7-13, 2017

Deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office administered Naloxone twice over the weekend on individuals who were overdosing on opiates or opioids.

Sgt. Kenneth Woodring responded Friday June 3, to the Huddle House parking lot in Dillsboro to a suspected overdose. Woodring, along with other deputies found the overdosed individual in a car passed out and exhibiting signs of an overdose.

Woodring utilized his training and newly assigned Naloxone to render aid. Harris EMS, once on scene, also utilized a second dose of Naloxone further rendering lifesaving measures to the overdosed person. Harris EMS transported the person to Harris ER for further treatment.

On Sunday June 4, Deputy Daniel Wellmon responded along with other deputies to Mark Watson Park regarding a person who was possibly overdosing. Naloxone was administered as a lifesaving tool to render aid for the individual.

Harris EMS transported the person to Harris ER for further treatment.

Deputies have been issued Naloxone for less than two weeks and these two events are the first uses of Naloxone by deputies in Jackson County.

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Francis Farm landfill needs cover

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER problematic landfill in Waynesville’s Francis Farm community will be seeing a lot of activity between now and 2019 — about $5 million worth.

“We’re just reacting to this, and I think the public understands,” said Haywood County Commissioner Kevin Ensley, who added that the county has been planning for just such an expense since at least 2011, and has been saving for it since increasing the yearly availability fee from $92 to $162 in 2015.

Commissioner Brandon Rogers said that the problem “is what it is” and needs to be dealt with promptly.

“Unfortunately, it’s just one of those things,” he said. “We’ve inherited it and have to handle it.”

The landfill opened in 1973 and accepted waste until 1995. The county is required to maintain the property, and has fought methane and groundwater pollution ever since.

The gas problem has been brought under control over the past 18 months, but groundwater seeping through the 80-acre site remains out of compliance.

Although the landfill was compliant with the relatively few environmental regulations in force at the time, were it built just three

years later, new laws would have required that it be lined, which would have prevented many headaches over the past 20 years.

During a June 5 meeting of the Haywood County Board of County Commissioners, County Tax and Solid Waste Administrator David Francis requested commissioners call a

public meeting for July 18 to discuss the project with the public.

Approved later in the meeting were $258,000 worth of contracts to McGill and Associates as well as Bunnell Lammons Engineering for the design of a geo-membrane covering that will be placed over the

site, among other related costs.

The covering would then be covered with almost 3 feet of dirt and will help dry out the rotting trash beneath the cover, diverting an estimated 60 million gallons of rainwater each year from filtering through the rubbish and becoming polluted in the process.

The $258,000 expense will take the project from here to when the bidding process begins and will be split between the solid waste budget and the solid waste fund balance.

But that’s only the beginning; Francis said the project as a whole would cost about $5 million — a bargain, considering just three months’ worth of fines imposed by environmental agencies would cost the county far more.

Once the plan is complete in mid-2018, the liner will be installed under the supervision of a quality control team responsible for monitoring the construction process to ensure stringent environmental guidelines are followed closely.

“Construction will hopefully begin in the spring of 2019,” Francis said. “There’s no such thing as ‘for good,’ but when you’re putting that cap on there, we’ll be monitoring this for 5, 10, 15 years, or whatever it takes to get there.”

The cover is expected to reduce contaminants in area groundwater by 99 percent, and is more cost-effective than either digging up the site and shipping waste outside the county, or attempting to pump out all the contaminated water emanating from the site.

new state-mandated voting machines as well as a countywide property revaluation conducted earlier this year that proved disappointing.

Between May 15 and May 31, Executive Assistant to the County Manager Candace Way said that she’d received neither an email nor a phone call from the public about the budget prior to the June 1 meeting, so it wasn’t really a surprise when no one signed up to speak at the meeting, either.

“Most of the time, Brandon Rogers people come when something affects them,” said Rogers’ fellow Republican on the board, Commissioner Kevin Ensley.

Ensley — who has served multiple and non-consecutive terms on the commission for well over a decade — Kevin Ensley said he wasn’t nervous that no one seemed to be that interested.

“I hope it’s because they think we’re doing a good job,” he said.

Rogers is still somewhat peeved at the amount of fund balance the county wants to appropriate; it may be counterintuitive for a fiscal conservative like Rogers, but he actually wants to spend more of the county’s fund balance, which will drop from about 27 per-

cent to about 23 percent if the budget is adopted as it now stands.

Rogers said May 16 he’d be comfortable seeing that number drop to 12 to 16 percent.

The county’s fund balance is a savings account of sorts, meant for disasters or downturns. The state Local Government Commission mandates 8 percent, a local ordinance demands 11 and financial gurus recommend at least 16 percent, but conservatives don’t love the idea of the county hoarding surplus revenue that could be used to pay down debt, or not levied as a tax at all.

“I talked with Ira [Dove] and Julie [Davis, Haywood County finance department director] and they’re not really comfortable bringing it that far down,” Rogers said. “I respect their judgment, but would still like to see more.”

Rogers said he’s received a number of comments from customers at his Canton auto repair shop, since his customers know he’s a

captive audience while they’re there, but that complaints have been few and far between.

“I think a lot of people understand that with the recent revaluation, things are tighter,” Rogers said.

Ensley agreed, saying that much of the spending in the budget is for things people want, like retrofitted ambulances and staffing increases in the Haywood County Sheriff ’s Office.

One remaining point of contention seems to be Chairman Kirk Kirkpatrick’s insistence on a cost-of-living raise for county employees, which would result in an additional $180,000 line item and necessitate a tax increase of a penny or two unless it’s paid for from fund balance.

The final deadline to pass the budget per North Carolina law is July 1; the Haywood County Board of Commissioners will meet one more time before then, at 5:30 p.m. on June 19.

June 7-13, 2017

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Public ignores county budget process

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER evenues are down, costs are up and local conservative factions haven’t been silent in their criticism of the Democratic-majority Haywood County Board of Commissioners, which is about to approve a budget utilizing fund balance for the first time in around a decade.

But through this year’s budget process so far, not a single taxpayer has yet uttered a syllable.

“I was surprised,” said Commissioner Brandon Rogers, who is working through his first budget since being elected to the board.

Just a handful of onlookers, mostly county employees like Sheriff Greg Christopher, turned up for the county’s budget public hearing June 1 — a meeting specially called to invite public input on the proposed $79.5 million 2017-18 fiscal year budget.

The budget was first presented to the public May 15 during an hour-long presentation by County Manager Ira Dove; it includes a 5.8 percent increase in general fund expenditures over 2016 and will appropriate $2.15 million in fund balance to 20 adjust for unexpected one-time costs like

Smoky Mountain News

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Construction is slated for 2019 on the Francis Farm landfill. File photo

Innovation Brewing opens in Dillsboro news

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is welcoming Innovation Brewing Company as a new tenant of the GSMR Dillsboro Depot Complex.

Train passengers repeatedly request Innovation’s beer on the popular Fontana Trestle Train featuring BBQ & Brews, where GSMR partners with local breweries to showcase their beers during an evening train ride to the Fontana Trestle. Innovation will keep its primary location at 414 West Main Street in Sylva but plan on expanding their sour and barrel aged production as well as a new pilot batch system at the Dillsboro location.

“We are excited about the space because it allows us room for growth while keeping our business in the local economy,” said owners, Nicole Dexter and Chip Owen.

They are also planning on having another taproom with large outdoor seating to include street and creek views. The target for opening at 40 Depot Street, Dillsboro is this fall, if everything goes as planned.

starting at just

GSMP investigates two fatalities

June 7-13, 2017

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials released the names of two men who recently died in the park.

On Saturday, June 3, Park Rangers recovered the body of 56-year old James Baker from Hanover, PA. Baker was found in Abrams Creek approximately one and one-half miles from the Abrams Falls Trailhead. The official cause of death will be released when the medical examiner's report is complete.

On Sunday, May 28, Michal Bojko, a 37 yearold male, fell approximately 80 feet to his death from the top of the 100-foot tall Ramsey Cascades. Bojko, who was hiking alone, was observed climbing across the top of the waterfall before he fell. He had been living in Sevier County for the past several years, but was originally from the Czech Republic.

Police recognized for reducing risks

Things we want you to know: Limited-time offers, valid only while supplies last. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. Smartphone Sale: New Postpaid Plan required. Retail Installment Contract and credit approval also required. A $25 Activation Fee applies. A Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (currently $2.02) applies; this is not a tax or government required charge. Additional fees (including Device Connection Charges), taxes, terms, conditions and coverage areas apply and may vary by plan, service and phone. Available to new lines and upgrades. Pricing valid on all Smartphones of standard memory size with a 30-month Retail Installment Contract. Monthly pricing varies by device. Offers valid at participating locations only and cannot be combined. See store or uscellular.com for details. Kansas Customers: In areas in which U.S. Cellular® receives support from the Federal Universal Service Fund, all reasonable requests for service must be met. Unresolved questions concerning services availability can be directed to the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 1-800-662-0027. ©2017 U.S. Cellular

Smoky Mountain News

The Waynesville Police Department has been recognized for completing the Law Enforcement Risk Review Process performed by the N.C. League of Municipalities.

At the April 25 Board of Aldermen meeting, NCLM Public Safety Risk Manager Tom Anderson presented Police Chief Bill Hollingsed with a plaque recognizing the department’s efforts in risk reduction by completing the Risk Review process and adhering to industry standards related to risk reduction.

This new initiative was developed with the assistance of League’s Police Chiefs Advisory Committee and is now being utilized in police agencies across North Carolina that are part of the League’s property and liability insurance pool.

“Chief Hollingsed and the members of the Waynesville Police Department are taking proactive steps to enhance public safety, lower risks to officers, and limit liability for taxpayers,” Anderson said.

@SmokyMtnNews 21

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June 7-13, 2017

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Affairs of the Heart

————————————————————————————— 120 N. MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC • 828.452.0526

Education

Smoky Mountain News

Tuscola student named Goodnight scholar

Instructor recognized for leadership

Tuscola High School senior Connie Feinberg has been named a Goodnight Scholarship recipient through N.C. State University.

The Goodnight Scholars Program is for North Carolina students who aspire to study in a science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or a STEM-related discipline at N.C. State University.

Students who are accepted into the program receive an annual scholarship valued at $19,500 per year for up to four years.

Feinberg is a member of several school clubs and has volunteered with the Tye Blanton Foundation, local elementary science nights, and HardLox Jewish Food and Heritage Festival.

Whether he’s supervising an employee at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino or breaking in a brandnew table-gaming student for Southwestern Community College, Jeff Maier has the same fundamental approach.

“It’s a matter of trust,” Maier said. “In order to have a successful team, you’ve got to have an environment of trust. That means you’ve got to trust the people you supervise. In turn, you’ll earn their trust as well.”

Maier, who started out in the table gaming industry in 1983 in Atlantic City, was recently received the 2017 Caesar’s Award for Excellence for Leadership. He’s worked with SCC since 2012 when SCC began its partnership with Harrah’s Casino in Cherokee to offer a table games training school — the only such training in North Carolina.

To learn more about SCC’s table gaming school, call 828.339.4296 or email scotts@southwesterncc.edu.

WCU to hold inclusion summit The University Participation Program at Western Carolina University will host its second annual Inclusion Summit Friday, June 9, to discuss education of students with disabilities and special needs in regular classrooms.

The summit will begin at 1 p.m. in the Grandroom of A.K. Hinds University Center.

Preregistration is required at $25 per person.

Keynote speakers will be Ann and Rud Turnbull of Chapel Hill, internationally known special education advocates and co-founders of the Beach Center on Disability at the University of Kansas.

To register, call 828.227.7397.

SCC to offer accelerated phlebotomy program Starting July 11, Southwestern Community College will offer a condensed, accelerated phlebotomy program through SCC’s Workforce Innovations.

The program, which consists of classroom and clinical portions, provides theory and clinical experience needed for the proper collection of blood and other specimens used for diagnostic testing.

The classroom portion will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Aug. 17. The clinical portion will begin Aug. 21 and run through Sept. 29. The class costs $185 plus books, insurance, background checks, immunizations, drug screening and uniforms.

828.339.4426 or ldowns@southwesterncc.edu.

Salute to student athletes Eight student athletes from Pisgah High School in Haywood County were selected to participate in a new program by the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

WCU achieve prestigious accreditation

Student athletes selected to participate were Ashton Hill, A.J. Cope, Terran Brown, Daniel Mashburn, Leah Mehaffey, MaeAnna Norris, Xitlali Martin and Ivey McClure.

The program honors students from across the state and will expose them to the many lessons to be learned from North Carolina’s sports heritage.

The students got to witness eight new members of the hall of fame being inducted and toured the state’s hall of fame exhibition at the North Carolina Museum of history.

Macon FBLA brings home awards Macon Middle School Future Business Leaders of America team represented their school at the state competition in Greensboro.

Rylee Hord-Armes, won first place in Desktop Publishing; Kaden Thompson won second place in Public Speaking; Evan Klatt won second place in FBLA Creed; Will Shields won third place in Parliamentary Procedure; Camden Cochran won third place in Impromptu Speaking; Jake Williams placed in the top 10 for PowerPoint; Ryan Bowers placed in the top 10 for Computer Technology and Silvia Rodriguez, Grace Queen, Joseph Spates, and Hannah Ramsey received honorable mentions.

SCC seeks public input on five-year plan Southwestern Community College is seeking public input on its five-year comprehensive strategic plan. Residents of SCC’s service area are invited to fill out a brief survey about Southwestern and its priorities for the future at: http://tinyurl.com/lxlfrvc.

For more information about Southwestern and the programs it offers, visit www.southwesterncc.edu, call 828.339.4394 or drop by your nearest SCC location.

Only one team of college- or university-based emergency telecommunicators in the world has achieved accreditation as an “Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellence” from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, and that team works at Western Carolina University.

The six telecommunicators on the staff of WCU’s Department of Emergency Services who take calls at the campus Emergency Communications Center found out recently they are the 232nd group of telecommunicators on the planet to earn that distinction, but the first from a stand-alone higher education institution.

HCC grad receives excellence award Leanne Marquis, Haywood Community College’s Academic Excellence Award winner, shattered all her misconceptions about college, finishing the Associate in Arts program with a perfect 4.0 grade point average in December.

After finishing HCC, she enrolled in the online communications program at East Carolina University.

Marquis hopes to work in public relations and promoting the college as an ambassador gave her a taste of this career.

Haywood students head to Governor’s School Two Haywood County rising high school seniors will attend the Governor’s School of North Carolina this summer. MacKinney Suppola from Pisgah High School and Marina Battenfeld from Tuscola High School were selected for the highly coveted and competitive summer academic program.

The Governor's School of North Carolina is a summer residential program for intellectually gifted high school students that integrates academic disciplines, the arts and unique coursework. The curriculum focuses on the exploration of the most recent ideas and concepts in English, French, Spanish, mathematics, science, art, music, theater and dance.

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• The Franklin High School Chamber Singers attended the North Carolina Music Educators Music Performance Adjudication, performed for a panel of three distinguished choir directors and came home with a superior rating, the highest rank a chorus can receive.

• Kim Winter, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Education and Allied Professions at Western Carolina University, has been named the next dean of the college. She will succeed Dale Carpenter, current dean, who is returning to a faculty position in the college July 1.

ALSO:

• Macon County 4-H was awarded $500 to support local youth livestock programs. This fund, set up by the Neal Stamey family, is in honor of Shirley and Gary Stamey and will be used to purchase clippers for the Macon County 4-H Steer Club.

• According to US News & World Report, Highlands School is ranked 29th best high school in North Carolina because of the opportunities students have to take Advanced Placement course work and exams. Macon Early College was recognized in the national rankings and earned a bronze medal. Schools are ranked based on their performance on state-required tests and how well they prepare students for college.

• Western Carolina University has won a fourth-straight title of “Top Adventure College” as determined by an online readers’ poll conducted by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. WCU topped Sweet Briar College in Virginia for the recognition in voting.

• The Haywood Community College Timbersports team won second place at the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Meet held in Mont Alto, Pennsylvania. With the second place finish, the team earned a Pfenninger singlebuck crosscut saw. HCC student Will Lytle was the College’s competitor at the event for the Stilh Mid-Atlantic Collegiate Qualifier. Overall, he placed second in the competition.

Opinion GOP’s corrupt elections agenda meets its demise N Smoky Mountain News

orth Carolina’s efforts to change the elections process to help keep its GOP majorities in office have been declared illegal by the U.S. Supreme Court in three separate decisions in recent months.

One can only hope that this will be the death knell for such a politically corrupt agenda, but I’m not holding my breath.

On Monday the high court upheld a lower court ruling that declared 28 state legislative districts created by the GOP-led legislature in 2010 were illegal because they were racially gerrymandered and thereby violated the Voting Rights Act. In essence, legislators crammed certain districts with so many blacks that they effectively diluted their voting impact because it left other districts with so few.

At the lower court, plaintiffs argued that packing districts with so many black voters is no longer necessary in order to make sure these citizens are represented in the legislature.

Judges agreed, saying districts that were more than 50 percent black were illegal.

By making such an argument — and winning — there’s a good chance the state could end up with fewer AfricanAmerican lawmakers. But the plaintiffs who supported the case said diversity is about more than race, arguing that parti-

san diversity in legislative districts will lead to a more diverse legislature.

The plain truth is that by such blatant gerrymandering, the GOP leadership was effectively selecting our leaders for us instead of us selecting our leaders.

In another decision two weeks ago, the Supreme Court said two congressional districts drawn by the same legislative leaders were illegal — also because of racial gerrymandering.

Smoky Mountain News guest columnist Martin Dyckman pointed out last Editor week that this practice of packing districts with blacks is just not going to stand: “Here, as in other states with substantial minority populations, the 1965 law that was intended to assure their right to vote has been weaponized against them and against the political party that they tend to favor. Republican legislatures use the Voting Rights Act as a pretext to pack targeted districts with many more black voters than they actually need to elect representatives of their choice. This makes the surrounding

Scott McLeod

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Gerrymandering takes power from voters

People need to take back the power

To the Editor: It’s no secret that gerrymandering has severely distorted representation in North Carolina and undermined the principle of one-person-one-vote in our state. In the 2016 congressional elections, for instance, while statewide Democratic vote totals equaled 47 percent, it resulted in only 23 percent of the representation, or 3 out of 13 House seats.

Statewide Republican congressional votes totaled 53 percent but received 77 percent of the representation, or 10 of the 13 seats.

This system of allowing politicians to choose their voters through blatantly biased gerrymandering is not only unfair, it’s unAmerican and unconstitutional as decided by the federal courts.

On Wednesday, June 14, from 7 to 9 p.m., there will be a Fair Vote Town Hall to determine what we can do to correct this injustice.

The forum will include a highly qualified multi-partisan panel discussion as well as questions and comments from those in attendance. It will be held at Haywood College Auditorium, 185 Freedlander Drive, in Clyde.

Panel members include former Superior Court Judge Tom Ross, Chair of WCU’s Political Science Department Chris Cooper, Jane Pinsky of the N.C. Coalition for Lobbying & Government Reform, former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Robert Orr, former state representative Joe Sam Queen, Rep. Chuck McGrady and Chair of the N.C. Libertarian Party Brian Irving.

I urge all who are reading this to attend.

Avram Friedman Sylva

To the Editor: Editor Scott McLeod’s thoughtful analysis (May 24 edition, www.smokymountainnews.com/archives/ite m/20019) described the formidable marketplace corporate control that permeates our country — including our elections.

McLeod cited a national amendment movement, among which should be noted, HJR48, the We the People Amendment. Forty U.S. representatives, including two from North Carolina, are sponsors. Nineteen states have passed identical legislation — through either state chambers or citizen ballot initiatives.

There is more information for N.C. voters: Fact: Article V of the U.S. Constitution empowers the people and the states to use the amendment process to correct egregious decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court that subvert our representative government.

Fact: N.C. House legislation H453 and its companion bill in the N.C. Senate — S354 — were introduced by 19 sponsors. If the N.C. House and Senate legislators (elected by the people) will pass this legislation, N.C. will be the 20th state to support the federal HJB48!

Both state bills are requests to put the following Ballot Referendum on the November 2018 election — not for legislative approval — but, for N.C. voters to decide! The question would appear on the 2018 ballot as: [ ] For [ ] Against Urging the United States Congress to amend the Constitution of the United States declaring that constitutional rights belong only to individuals and not to corporations or other artificial entities and that constitution-

districts whiter and more Republican.

And when they’re caught doing it, the perpetrators claim with straight faces that their purpose is to hurt Democrats, not blacks.”

And just a few days before that decision, in early May the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of a decision striking down the GOP-created Voter ID law. That law created ID requirements for voting, shortened early voting periods and ended pre-registration for 16-year-olds. A lower court ruled that the General Assembly targeted “African-Americans with almost surgical precision” with that law, and a federal appeals court found that it was passed with “racially discriminatory intent.”

Three cases and three findings that the GOP’s legislative leaders tried to hold onto power by enacting laws and creating districts that discriminated against blacks. So here’s the reality: it’s 2017, and North Carolina’s leaders are still using tactics like those our great-grandfathers used to hold onto power, only today computers allow them to do it — as the one court has ruled — “with almost surgical precision.”

When you add it all up, it’s just a sad state of affairs. Not much more to be said.

(Reach Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com)

LETTERS ally protected free speech excludes the unlimited spending of money on political campaign contributions.

Fact: Both N.C. bills are trapped in Rules Committees due to crossover. Crossover’ is an arbitrary date chosen by the majority party to prevent legislation they choose not to consider.

Fact: Voters can continue to protest the arbitrary crossover decision.

Voters who agree with the ballot referendum question should join a ground swell of voters now insisting that “H453 and S354 must be moved out of committee and onto the floor of both chambers for a vote.”

One click — http://ncwethepeople.org/ ncwtp-help-online.html — will contact every member of the Rules Committees. Also tell them, “N.C. voters deserve the chance to decide this issue themselves!”

Lucy Christopher Cashiers

Welcome to Country Club America To the Editor: It has dawned on me that Trump’s vision for America is to make it into an exclusive country club.

The wall he wants on our southern border with Mexico shows that he’d like to make America a gated community — literally. A beefed-up ICE force is needed, in his view, to guard the gate.

In his America-as-Mar-a-Lago, Trump envisions only what he considers the right sort of people. He adores the exclusivity of a country club, a place as he sees it where one

doesn’t have to hobnob with the riffraff.

Charging a $200,000 admission fee pretty handily achieves this goal.

But what to do if some “riffraff ” are already members? That explains the Muslim ban and the mass deportations. And what do you do about those for which deportation is not an option? Attorney General Jeff Sessions has answered this question by signaling a huge jump in the planned number and duration of incarcerations. If you can’t deport the “undesirables,” then make it easier to lock them away in private prisons for such “offenses” as marijuana use.

Apparently, the main criterion for membership desirability in Country Club America is possession of obscene wealth and a willingness to share that wealth with Mr. Trump or his family. That’s why Russian oligarchs are so welcome. That’s why Saudi Arabia wasn’t included in the Muslim ban. And it explains why Jared Kushner’s sister was promising EB5 visas for Chinese citizens willing to purchase them for a minimum $500,000 investment in U.S. projects, presumably projects with a Trump/Kushner family business connection.

As racist as Trump is, he’s even more classist.

With Trump’s cabinet, we see the people he surrounds himself with by choice: mostly filthy rich white men. In Betsy DeVos’ case, her billions in personal wealth and her huge political donations outweighed the obvious drawback of her being the wrong sort of gender. I’m sure Trump takes pride in making a few magnanimous exceptions to his membership rules.

I do realize the appeal that country clubs and gated communities hold for some people.

(Who doesn’t want to ride around every weekend in a golf cart with rich Republicans?)

Nevertheless, the idea of remodeling our inclusive, democratic, egalitarian

F

Smoky Mountain News

It was an old school place where you enter from the outside. Somewhere I read when the doors are on the outside of the building, it’s a “motel” (term stemming from motor lodge) and when the doors are on the inside of the building, it’s called a “hotel”. I have no idea if this is true or not but it sufficed when my boys asked me the difference between the two.

As a mom of small children, I don’t love a hotel/motel where the window is completely exposed to the parking lot, so when we pulled up, I groaned audibly with annoyance at the same moment the boys yelled with excitement.

The polar-opposite reactions were rather comical, and I realized if I didn’t let it be known the place freaked me out, they would never know.

In true childhood fashion, they made the motel room their playground. With only plastic cups, an ice bucket and a combination safe, they entertained themselves for an entire hour. After that, they jumped from bed to bed until I started to feel dizzy watching them. We got back late that night from the meet and only had time to sleep.

The motel offered continental breakfast, something the boys think is very cool.

They love twirling the thing to dispense dry cereal and that they can get up and down to get their own food and drink.

This makes them feel very mature. In stark contrast, I’m not at all a fan of continental breakfast for several reasons.

After breakfast, the boys asked if they could swim at the motel pool. It wasn’t so much asking as begging. And at first, we said no because we wanted to walk around downtown Greenville before the meet.

But when I saw their pleading expressions, I was immediately transported to my own childhood after those dance competitions when I thought swimming at the hotel/motel pool was the most amazing experience in the world.

Minutes later both of them were jumping, diving and throwing a ball back and forth.

When we finally got them out, they looked utterly joyful.

As we drove away from the motel, our little one said, “That place was awesome!” And his brother enthusiastically agreed.

It made me realize how adulthood skews our perception of so much. When I looked at the place, I saw danger, germs and bland, overlyhandled food. The boys saw adventure, novelty and potential.

Watching them last weekend and remembering the way I was all those years ago, I realized a motel can be a metaphor for many areas of life. It’s not simply the thing itself that necessarily matters but the way we perceive and experience it.

And as I seem to learn more and more every day, my own children are the best role models in the world.

(Susanna Barbee can be reached at susanna.barbee@gmail.com.)

June 7-13, 2017

To the Editor: Immigration has been a reality for hundreds of years as people leave the safety of their homes to escape the horrors of war or to try to provide food and a better future for their families. Just now, the topic is a contentious one in our country as the current administration, egged on by some, wish to deport immigrants by any means possible. The following are some comments overheard recently in North Carolina; plus, a voice from centuries ago.

From a vegetable grower in Western North Carolina upon hearing that ICE (the deportation people) were capturing and deporting parents with little regard to children left behind. At first, he was incredulous, but when assured by folks present that it was true, he shook his head sadly, “I thought we were better people than that.”

From a person who works with migrant families in North Carolina, “Perhaps when all the migrants are deported and tomatoes cost $5 each, Americans will realize.” We were talking about the benefit migrant workers provide. They often take jobs that no one else wants, such as picking tomatoes in the searing August sun. Few people seem to be aware of the contributions of migrant workers.

From a Muslim immigrant from Jordan, “In my country when people fall down, we try to help them up; we don’t step on their fingers.” His response was to the administration’s recent travel ban for citizens from selected Muslim countries.

These people are living in countries beset by cruel thugs who rape and pillage without mercy. Their only hope is to get away. Many countries of Europe are making attempts to welcome these people who only ask for something better. The travel ban, however, would bar them from entry into the United States.

When I heard his remark, I felt shame wash over my face as an American citizen. Shame that people from other countries would think that of us Americans.

However, after reflecting a bit, I realized that the majority of Americans (at least in my experience) do not think like this, only a small minority do; hence the current outrage against such policies.

Finally, from the sacred Scriptures, words learned by many long ago. “Assuredly, I say to you, insomuch as you did it to one of these the least of My brethren, you did it unto Me” (Matthew 25:40). The writer of the Scripture is explaining what will happen at the end of time. He says the Son of Man will arrive and will sit on His throne. Then He will separate the good from the bad. He will invite those He has smiled on to come with Him for they have inherited a kingdom prepared for them.

And how does He choose them? The King explains to them, “When I was hungry, you gave Me food; When I was a stranger, you took Me in.”

They are curious and respond, “But we never saw you before. How could we have given you food or taken you in?” The King answers, “Assuredly, I say to you, insomuch as you did it to one of the least of My brethren, you did it to Me.” The verse immediately following contains a stark reminder.

Immigration is an emotional and divisive issue in our country. It may be because we are a nation of immigrants. Some of us were brought here in squalid slave ships to be workers, and nothing else. Others were here for centuries and owned large, prosperous ranches before the boundaries were moved after the Mexican-American war. With these exceptions, we are all immigrants. We may not be recent immigrants like the Mexicans and Guatemaltecos, but most of us are second or third or fourth generation immigrants.

The early immigrant communities in the U.S. told those in the “old country” that here was a country that provided a place to live, to work, perhaps to prosper.

It was a nation that had penned the solemn words, “we hold these truths to be self-evident ….” For these reasons people of other countries have always regarded America with highest respect. Unfortunately, that is being changed now.

Traveling in other countries was always enjoyable partly because we represented a country of high ideals and opportunities, but not any longer. All my life I have been proud to be an American — up until now.

But I am not happy with this situation. My experience living in this country for three-quarters of a century is that we Americans are better people than that. I know of only a few who would turn away a mother and child asking for a bite to eat. Why are we allowing our government, egged on by a few, to turn away people who leave the safety of their homes to escape the horrors of war or to try and provide food and a better future for their families?

Most of you reading this have stories to tell of parents or grandparents who came to this country to start a new life. Perhaps we could fix the situation by recalling and sharing our immigrant stories. In these divisive times, it is something we have in common.

Paul Strop Waynesville

When you’re a kid, there’s something magical about hotel pools.

I’ve written before about growing up in a dance studio. Some of my fondest memories of dance competitions and conventions are the hours spent splashing and laughing in the hotel pool after all the formal events were over.

Once the performances ended and the awards were given, we girls would pester our moms half to death about swimming. We would return to our rooms, hurriedly pull on our swimsuits, run down the stairs or jump in the elevator and cannon ball into the cold water, blue eye shadow and mascara smearing all over the place. A rather Columnist liberating feeling, I must say.

The adults would order pizza from Domino’s and sit at the tables on the pool deck chatting and gossiping about the day’s events while a gaggle of oblivious little girls used their dance and acrobatic skills to somersault and leap into the pool.

All this flooded my memory this past weekend during an overnight stay in South Carolina.

Our 8-year old had a two-day swim meet in Spartanburg. We’ve now entered the long course season of swim. As someone who knew virtually nothing about swimming before my child entered the sport last summer, my learning curve has been straight up a cliff.

When the coaches began talking about short course vs. long course seasons, I assumed they were referring to the length of the season and not the length of the pool. I quickly learned otherwise. That distinction is merely one of the many lessons I’ve learned over the past year.

Smoky Mountain Aquatic Club (SMAC) offers various programs, so to try something new, our son participated in Summer SMAC last year. He loved it so much, he’s now a year-round swimmer and I’m a full-blown swim mom.

Until last weekend, we’d never spent the night during a swim meet weekend. The only other two-day swim meet we attended was in Charlotte so we stayed with my in-laws. Even last weekend, we were going to drive to Spartanburg each day but when I found out Saturday’s races didn’t end until around 7 p.m., we decided to get a place to stay.

Because we would only be in the room to sleep, I jumped on cheaptickets.com and quickly reserved a relatively inexpensive hotel near the airport. It had decent reviews so I figured we were good to go.

When we pulled up, my eyes narrowed with skepticism.

Susanna Barbee

A few thoughts on immigration

A world of wonder at a cheap motel opinion

nation after them horrifies me. If we end up with Trump’s Country Club America, about 98 percent of us are going to be relegated to the outside of the gate.

The time has come to ask ourselves, “Which side (Whose side) are we on?’

Bill Spencer Cullowhee

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tasteTHEmountains

128 N. Main St., Waynesville

It’s Not Spicy Unless You Want It to Be!

Gluten-Free, Vegan & Vegetarian options

WINE • BEER • SAKE Hours:11:30-9:00

(828) 454-5400

June 7-13, 2017

BlossomOnMain.com

Real New Yorkers.

Real Italians. Real Pizza.

Smoky Mountain News

Dine-In ~ Take Out ~ Delivery

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

Just to serve you!

Featuring: Calzones · Stromboli Subs · Pasta and More NOW OPEN SUNDAYS NOON to 8 P.M. Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

243 Paragon Parkway | Clyde 26

828-476-5058

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 BLOSSOM ON MAIN 128 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

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

Forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy.

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

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

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

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

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic old-time setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal festival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

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

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

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

Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are.

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

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

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch menu every day from 12 to 2 p.m. Dinner becomes a gourmet experience this year with the arrival of our new Chef CJ, whose training and skills include French, Mediterranean, Asian, Middle Eastern and, of course, New Age Southern cuisine. Saturday night will feature an evening cookout on the terrace, with choices such as Korean barbecue and shrimp. On all other nights of the week, the chef will prepare gourmet plated dinners with locally sourced vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. The evening social hour starts at 6pm, and dinner is served starting at 7 p.m. Please call for reservations.

CHEF’S TABLE 30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210.

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.

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

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

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

Monday-Saturday. Father and son team Frank and Louis Perrone cook up dinners steeped in Italian tradition. With recipies passed down from generations gone by, the Perrones have brought a bit of Italy to Maggie Valley. frankiestrattoria.com FROGS LEAP PUBLIC HOUSE 44 Church St., Downtown Waynesville 828.456.1930 Serving lunch 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Dinner 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Frogs Leap is a farm to table restaurant focused on local, sustainable, natural and organic products prepared in modern regional dishes. Seasonal menu focuses on Southern comfort foods with upscale flavors. www.frogsleappublichouse.com.

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., Tuesday through Saturday; serving lunch and dinner beginning at 12 p.m. on Sundays. Worldfamous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

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.

JOEY’S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

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

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

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and

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

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday

tasteTHEmountains 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

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

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections.

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

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

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

Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We

MON.-SAT. 11 A.M.-8 P.M.

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

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.

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.

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.

3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

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

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

Closed Tues.

Sun. 12-9 p.m.

Sandwiches • Burgers • Wraps 32 Felmet Street (828) 246-0927

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

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

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

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville.

828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails!

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

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

Joey’s Pancake House will close on Wednesday and Thursday.

NEW schedule of operation is Friday – Tuesday • 7:00 a.m. – Noon.

Smoky Mountain News

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

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

June 7-13, 2017

PAPERTOWN GRILL 153 Main St., Canton. 828.648.1455 Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Serving the local community with great, scratch-made country cooking. Breakfast is served all day. Daily specials including Monday meatloaf, chicken and dumplings on Thursdays and Friday fish.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.

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

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

Locally owned and operated.

WAYNESVILLE’S BEST BURGERS

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

4309 Soco Rd., Maggie Valley (828) 926-0212

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

‘Purrfect’ harmony The American Museum of The House Cat

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER It took over 30 years, but Harold Sims can now show the world.

“It’s been very rewarding,” he said. “I wanted to have a cat shelter, I made that come true.

I wanted to have a cat museum, and I made that come true. It’s like the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ — ‘if you build it, they will come.’”

With the hustle and bustle of U.S. 441 right outside his door, Sims sits on a couch and gazes around the large room. Branching off an old river rock elementary school (now an antique store), The American Museum of The House Cat (between Dillsboro and Franklin on U.S. 441 South) is filled with over 5,000 items, all covering the immense and rich history of our beloved felines.

“I wanted to have a cat shelter, I made that come true. I wanted to have a cat museum, and I made that come true. It’s like the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ — ‘if you build it, they will come.’”

— Harold Sims, “Catman 2”

“People are very impressed, they’re just blown away by what they’re seen,” Sims smiled. “There’s Egyptian mythology, wind-up toys, everything — it’s a place to learn, it’s educational and entertaining at the same time.”

Sims has lived quite the life in his 82 years.

After serving in the Navy, he became a marine biologist in the Florida Keys, observing and perfecting techniques in growing lobsters. And for several years, he ran a chicken farm in Upstate New York, which is where his appreciation for cats began.

“There were cats in the barn, cats all over,” he said. “And [my wife and I] decided to get a cat from the shelter, a Persian. He was very active, great personality, would walk with us in the woods.”

But, Sims real affection for felines grew from his years teaching biology. While in

Florida, he was invited to lecture in nearby Brevard. The couple fell in love with the area and eventually purchased a house in Glenville.

From there, Sims wanted to get involved in a new cat shelter that was going to be built in Cashiers. When he found out it was going to be a kill shelter, something he detested, he decided to start his own thing.

“Why you would do that was beyond me, because the county [kill shelter] does that,” Sims said. “So, I went down the road. I had a shed there that I put kayaks in. I got some 2x4s, some chicken wire and started catching cats in dumpsters and places like that.”

Sims’ shelter, “Catman 2,” which is now located in Cullowhee, is a no kill, no cage shelter. In the 4,000-square-foot building, cats can run loose, intermingle with other cats and exercise. Sims estimated over 3,000 cats have come through “Catman 2” in the last 15 years, with 60 housed there currently.

“We also offer a low cost or no cost spay and neuter program,” Sims said. “We’ve gone from hundreds a year in the Jackson County kill shelter to only eight last year to none this year so far.”

And throughout his efforts to save local cats, Sims has been collecting cat memorabilia.

Over the last three decades, he’s amassed around 7,000 items that are cat related, from advertisements to toys, statues to ancient artifacts. With over 5,000 of those items in the museum, Sims is constantly amazed by the folks that come in everyday, cat lovers and the curious alike, from across the county and around the globe.

“Cats are very clean, very independent, but still loving, where they come up to you when you’re feeling bad, rub against you and make you feel better,” Sims said.

“They’re beautiful animals, very smart.

They can do so many things, and a cat will keep on loving you as long as it lives.”

Learn more For more information on The American Museum of The House Cat, click on www.facebook.com/americanmuseumofthehousecat or call 828.476.9376. For more information on the Catman2 Cat Shelter, click on www.catman2.org or call 828.293.0892.

The brainchild of Harold Sims (above), The American Museum of The House Cat is filled to the brim with over 5,000 artifacts and collectibles that tell the long and rich history of our beloved felines. The museum is located between Dillsboro and Franklin on U.S. 441 South.

Garret K. Woodward photos

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Garret K. Woodward photo

You say ‘covfefe,’ I say ‘who cares?’

FRIDAY, JUNE 9 6:30 P.M.

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Smoky Mountain News

I’m exhausted.

The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host I think y’all out there reading The DuPont Brothers (Americana) at 7 p.m. this can attest to the pure exhausFriday, June 16. tion — of body, mind and soul — Southern Porch (Canton) will host these last couple of years. If the Heidi Holton (folk/blues) at 7 p.m. Thursday, presidential election wasn’t physiJune 8. cally and emotionally draining enough, it feels like every mornThe Canton Public Library will host Richard ing I get up, well, it’s another goHurley (Americana/traditional) at 3 p.m. round on this rollercoaster of an Sunday, June 11. administration, of a modern world struggling with its identity Tunes on the Tuck (Bryson City) will host and priorities.

Lonesome Sound (traditional/mountain) at 7 It feels like I shoot up in bed, p.m. Saturday, June 10. in the middle of the night, with Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host things like “covfefe,” “Comey,” Darren Nicholson & Caleb Burress “terrorism,” “ISIS, “Make (Americana/soul) at 7 p.m. Friday, June 9.

America Great Again” and “Paris Accord” swirling around my bedchange by the middle part of the 21st centuroom, keeping me wide awake as I try — in ry. Skeptics say pulling out ensures the U.S. vain — to find just one single solitary won’t be left holding the bag “once again” moment of pure silence. when it comes to our nation leading the Even as a member of the media, one who charge for change. strives to find common ground in our socieBy leaving the agreement, and other ty, I’m finding that I’m beginning to tune out agreements in recent months, it makes the more from the endless, daunting streams of U.S. more insular and neutral in our stance breaking news stories, controversies, back in the world forum. We’re slowing losing door politics and “he said, she said” chaos our role in world politics and discussions, where the legs of progress get bogged down all to “bring back jobs” to regions and small even further into the sticky molasses of big towns across this country that may actually government versus John Q. Public and the never see these jobs materialize. China and greater good.

Russia are salivating with possibility and With almost every country of the world power shifts as we bow out from the world (195) onboard for The Paris Accord, it was stage. What’s going to happen is we’re heartbreaking to see the United States pull going to keep playing hard ball to the point out of the agreement, which strives to mitithat nobody will want to work with us, gate carbon emissions and reduce climate

will present his book

History of the Hazel Creek Community

June 7-13, 2017

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

Bookstore Dan Pierce

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

instead taking their business and partnerships elsewhere.

And that’s only the tip of the iceberg, in terms of the world today, especially through the lens constantly magnified over the topic of terrorism in the time of ISIS. Between the recent bombing at an Ariana Grande performance and separate attacks in London, that are becoming more frequent in recent months in the United Kingdom, one wonders when suicide bombers and similar incidents will finally “cross the pond” and spill innocent blood on American soil?

Regardless of your feelings about The Paris Accord or if climate change isn’t real, what remains, and is fact, is that we humans are a very destructive species. We’ve always taken more — food, water, natural resources — than we’ve ever even tried to give back.

You might not believe in climate change, but pollution is real, more so in countries you probably never knew existed. Out-of-sight, out-of-mind is a truly American concept, especially in terms of how we approach world issues. I mean, terrorism, at least it being a first-hand experience, wasn’t given a second thought in this country until we saw those towers fall some 16 years ago.

So, it’s no wonder we have the same oblivious sentiments towards climate change, pollution, etc. We’re not seeing dirty water coming out of our sinks or having a coughing fit due to smog, so why should you care, right?

And there I was this past Sunday morning, hauling out my recyclables, all neatly and carefully bagged in those easily-ripped blue bags, only to place them next to a garbage can filled with plastic and paper from my neighbors, all in white bags, with no regard for separating materials. My heart sank, seeing as, if anything, we just cancelled each other’s intentions out, rather than actually gaining some traction in a cleaner, less polluted planet.

It’s enough to where I momentarily felt the urge to just rip open each of my blue bags and dump all the contents onto my lawn, without a care in the world. Screw it.

It’s somebody else’s problem now. Not my problem anymore.

And yet, it’s that exact attitude that, to a large degree, has brought our world and all its people to where we stand today. We need to stop playing hot potato with our problems, our politics and our outlook on progress. Stop kicking the can down the road. Better yet, stop creating the “cans” in the first place. Be accountable, especially in your own backyard, for that is where the most vital and real change can be seen, felt, heard and perpetuated.

During these past few months, each week feels like one full year with all the noise, yelling, violence and seemingly never-ending whack-a-mole controversies. It’s jarring enough to make you not want to get out of bed in the morning. But, we do, all of us, for the only hope one can rely on is that by you walking out the door in the morning, you have the power and resolution to be a voice of reason, a source of positive change and growth, of preservation and inclusion, that will overtake the wild goose chase conversations that dominate our daily lives.

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

Adults $24 Seniors $22 Students $11 *Special $16 tickets for all Adults on Thursdays.

Special $8 Tickets for all Students on Thursdays & Sundays.

The Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House 250 Pigeon St. in Waynesville, NC

For More Information and Tickets:

828-456-6322 | www.harttheatre.org This project was supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts.

29

arts & entertainment

On the beat Summer music camps for trombone, saxophone Western Carolina University’s School of Music will host concurrent summer music camps in trombone and saxophone on campus Sunday, June 11, through Friday, June 16, for high school and undergraduate college students.

Camp activities include instruction in solo performance and chamber and ensemble music settings, the study of jazz and contemporary techniques, and private lessons, along with classes in improving individual musicianship and performance.

Group activities will include student performances and a rafting trip through the nearby mountains. Deadline for registration is Monday, June 5.

Faculty for the trombone camp will be the American Trombone Quartet, made up of Jemmie Robertson of Eastern Illinois University, Bill Mann of Georgia State University, Nathaniel Lee of University of Virginia and Zsolt Szabo of WCU. Faculty for the saxophone camp will be the Assembly Quartet, made up of Adam Estes of the University of Mississippi, Jeff Heisler of Oakland University, Matt Younglove of Wayne State University and Ian Jeffress of WCU. The cost of each camp is $599, which includes accommodations. Undergraduates may choose to pay a commuter/day student rate of $400. There also are a limited number of scholarships available, with details and applications available by contacting Szabo at zszabo@wcu.edu or Jeffress at jeffress@wcu.edu.

For more information, go to camps.wcu.edu or call 828.227.7397.

Cataloochee Ranch welcomes Chatham County Line

June 7-13, 2017

Chatham County Line will play June 18 in Maggie Valley. Garret K. Woodward photo

CONCERTS ON THE CREEK FEATURES BUTTERED TOAST

Smoky Mountain News

Concerts on the Creek will host Darren & The Buttered Toast (soul/funk) at 7 p.m. Friday, June 9, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. Topper Voices of Rock (classic rock/soul) will play June 16. Free. 828.586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.

songwriter/guitarist Dave Wilson’s rich storytelling style and showcases the mix of wistful balladry and dynamic toe-tappers that have become Chatham County Line’s hallmark. John Teer (mandolin/fiddle), Chandler Holt (banjo), and Greg Readling (bass) contribute tight three- and four-part harmonies, as well as impeccable but unconventional picking that’s solidly rooted in bluegrass but explores a more eclectic musical territory without ever missing a beat.

The cocktail hour will be at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. with the performance to take place around 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $35, with separate tickets for the gourmet mountain dinner also available for purchase.

For reservations, which are required, call the ranch at 828.926.1401.

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Acclaimed bluegrass act Chatham County Line will perform on Saturday, June 18, at Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley.

For nearly two decades, the Raleigh-based band has been crafting original, modern acoustic music that draws on a variety of influences, including American roots forefathers (think Bill Monroe and John Hartford) as well as the individual band members’ own backgrounds in rock-n-roll. The group has become a fixture on both sides of the Atlantic, from elegant European concert halls to large American folk festivals, appealing to audiences drawn by its determination to make music on its own terms. For these guys, it’s all about the music. And they never forget it.

The June 18 performance will include songs from the band’s recently released seventh album, “Autumn,” which is built around

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On the beat

Eddie Ray will share stories from his years in the music industry at 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 8, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Macon County historian and former press editor Barbara McRae will be introducing Ray. As a teenager in the early 1940s, Ray left Franklin in order to finish

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host Twelfth Fret (Americana) June 9, Granny’s Mason Jar (Americana/folk) June 10, The Pressley Girls (Americana/mountain) June 16 and The Maggie Valley Band (Americana/folk) June 17. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. There will also be an open mic “Jammin’ with Heidiâ€? on Wednesdays from noon to 6 p.m. www.andrewsbrewing.com. • Bogart’s Restaurant & Tavern (Waynesville) will host Carolina Blue (bluegrass) June 8 and Carolina Express (bluegrass) June 15.

All shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. • The Canton Public Library will host Richard Hurley (Americana/traditional) at 3 p.m. June 11. Free. www.haywoodarts.org.

ALSO:

• Concerts on the Creek (Sylva) will host Darren & The Buttered Toast (funk/soul) June 9 and Topper Voices of Rock (classic rock/soul) June 16 in Bridge Park. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 828.586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.

• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host The Remnants June 10 and Brady Clampitt June 17. Shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.curraheebrew.com. • Friday Night Live (Highlands) will host Mountain Dulcimer Group (traditional/bluegrass) June 9 and Johnny Webb Band (country/Americana) June 16. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org. • Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Paul H. Davis (singer-songwriter) June 8 and 15, Darren Nicholson & Caleb Burress

(Americana/soul) June 9, Hunter Grigg (singer-songwriter) June 16 and Bradley Carter (singer-songwriter) June 17. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.froglevelbrewing.com. • Groovin’ on the Green (Cashiers) will host The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) June 9 and Bo Spring Band (roots/folk) June 16 at The Village Green. All shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. www.visitcashiersvalley.com. • Heinzelmannchen Brewery (Sylva) will have live music and a potluck from 6 to 8 p.m.

June 8 and 15. www.yourgnometownbrewery.com. • Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night June 7 and 14, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo June 8 and 15. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com. • Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host and open mic night at 7 p.m. June 8 and 15.

828.349.2337 or www.lazyhikerbrewing.com. • Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host Larry Barnett & Blue Smith (Americana/traditional) at 7 p.m. June 8.

Free. www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity. • Music on the River (Cherokee) will host Trippin Hardie Band (acoustic) June 9, Aaron Jones (honky-tonk) June 10, AM Superstars (alternative) June 16 and Will Hayes Band (classic country/rock) June 17 on the Oconaluftee River Stage. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.visitcherokeenc.com. • Nantahala Brewing Company (Bryson City) will host PMA (reggae/rock) June 9, Chalwa (world/fusion) June 10 and Chicken Coop Willaye Combo (Americana) June 16. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

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• No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Jimmy & The Jaw Bones (punk/psychobilly) June 9, Scott Low (indie/folk) June 10, Alex Culbreth & Stevie Tombstone (folk) June 16 and The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock, $2 cover) June 17. All shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Concerts on the Square (Hayesville) will host Just Us (bluegrass) June 9 and The Red Wine Effect (singer-songwriter) June 16. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.cccra-nc.org.

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June 7-13, 2017

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Dulci Ellenberger (guitar/vocals) June 9, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) June 10 and 17 and The DuPont Brothers (Americana/folk) June 16. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

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arts & entertainment

Music industry discussion, exhibit

high school. He went on to become a record company executive, record producer, songwriter, author, and is currently a consultant to the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum in Kannapolis.

During the months of June and July, pieces from the N.C. Hall of Fame will be exhibited in the library. They’ll showcase Eddie Ray and other Western North Carolina musicians. www.northcarolinamusic halloffame.org.

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31

arts & entertainment

On the beat Bryson City community jam A community music jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 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 Grampa’s Music in Bryson City.

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 — year-round. 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.

Appalachian roots music in Sylva

Smoky Mountain News

June 7-13, 2017

The Jackson County Public Library will host a musical concert featuring Sarah Elizabeth Burkey at 7 p.m.

Thursday, June 15, in the Community Room in downtown Sylva.

Burkey is steeped in Appalachian music. Famed composer and musician David Amram says, “America’s precious roots music, in all its variety, has inspired people around the world. Now we have a young ambassador for the timeless treasures of the rural southern styles from Kentucky. Rather than being an anthropologist with a magnifying glass, tape recorder and a bottle of formaldehyde to incarcerate the music, Sarah Elizabeth is a mesmerizing young performer with a gorgeous voice who comes from the places she sings about.

Sarah’s mountain voice is like a Druid spirit summoning up the hants. Sarah Elizabeth is a natural, and just what the music world needs, a fresh pure unjaded voice in the wilderness.”

Burkey has been the assistant director of music for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Cherokee Historical Association, a performer at “Unto These Hills” and currently lives in Cherokee.

This program is free and open to the public. The event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library. For more information, please call the library at 828.586.2016. The Jackson County Public Library is a member of Fontana Regional Library (www.fontanalib.org).

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Get on the Confederate Railroad

Legendary honky-tonk act Confederate Railroad will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 16, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

Few acts have carved as distinctive a niche in modern musical history as Confederate Railroad. With their high-energy combination of honky-tonk rockers, sensitive ballads, and offbeat humor, they have created a unique identity that has brought them chart success, multi-platinum sales, and continued popularity as a road band.

Nearly five million albums later, songs like “Queen Of Memphis,” “Trashy Women,” “Jesus And Mama,” and “Daddy Never Was

The Cadillac Kind” have become major hits and established Confederate Railroad as a key part of country music’s landscape during the genre’s expansion of the 1990s. The accolades kicked off with the Academy of Country Music’s Best New Group award in 1993 and have included a Grammy nomination, and a host of nominations from the Country Music Association and the British Country Music Foundation.

Tickets are $65 per person. To purchase tickets, click on www.38main.com. For more information on Confederate Railroad, click on www.confederaterailroad.com.

{Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}

2

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Getting you there is what we do.

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

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828.565.0362

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MAGAZINE

• The Rendezvous (Maggie Valley) will host 3rd Wheel at 6 p.m. June 9 and 3 p.m. June 11, Stone Crazy at 6 p.m. June 10, Randy Flack 6 p.m. June 16, Sound Investment 6 p.m. June 17 and Super 60s 3 p.m. June 18.

ALSO:

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

• Saturdays on Pine (Highlands) will host The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) June 10 and Goldie & The Screamers (soul/funk) June 17. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

• Sneak E Squirrel Brewing (Sylva) will host line dancing every Friday at 7 p.m. and contra dancing every other Friday at 8 p.m.

828.586.6440.

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host the Blue Ridge Big Band at 2 p.m.

Sunday, June 11. Tickets are $12 per person. www.38main.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host High 5 June 9 and Log Noggins June 16. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/rock) on June 10 and Goldie & The Screamers (soul/funk) June 17. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

• Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Russ T. Nutz (honky-tonk) June 9, The Blacktop Laurels (Americana/bluegrass) June 16 and The Dirty Soul Revival (rock/blues) June 17. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m.

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Smoky Mountain News

• Tunes on the Tuck (Bryson City) will host Lonesome Sound (traditional/mountain) June 10 and Juniper (Celtic/alternative) June 17 at Riverfront Park. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

Custom & Colored

June 7-13, 2017

• Southern Porch (Canton) will host Heidi Holton (folk/blues) June 8, Aaron LaFalce (singer-songwriter) June 9, Ryan Perry Band (country/folk) June 10, Cody Siniard June 15, Bryce Denton June 16 and Kevin Spears June 17. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.southern-porch.com.

• Tastings

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• Pickin’ on the Square (Franklin) will host Gear Brothers (bluegrass) June 10. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

• Locally Handcrafted Wine

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arts & entertainment

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. June 17. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

Deep Creek Winery

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On the beat

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33

arts & entertainment

On the street ‘Growing Up on Hazel Creek’ The Jackson County Genealogical Society will host the program “Growing Up on Hazel Creek” at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 8, in the Community Room of the historic Jackson County Courthouse in Sylva.

Hazel Creek native Helen Vance and her daughter, Lee Woods, will discuss their new book that documents the thriving communities that once existed along Hazel Creek on land that is now part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In addition, the book includes photographs that range from the 1800s to 1944, when the last residents left what is now the north shore of Fontana Lake.

Also from Hazel Creek, Eleanor Rhinehart, Joretta Moon, Darleene Price and Mildred Johnson will be on hand to share their stories and recollections.

All JCGS events are free of charge and the

public is welcome. For more information, visit the JCGS Facebook page or call 828.631.2646.

‘Cooking with Brenda’ Dogwood Crafters will host “Cooking with Brenda” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge.

“Cooking with Brenda” will feature Brenda Anders, president of Dogwood Crafters and a frequent guest on WLOS-TV’s noontime news segment “Carolina Kitchen.”

Anders will demonstrate recipes from Dogwood Crafters cookbooks. Participants will enjoy learning how to prepare an appetizer, soup/salad/main dish, and dessert (and tasting the finished products).

Cost of the program is $25, which covers food and use of the workshop space. Register to attend by Friday, June 9, by calling Dogwood Crafters at 828.586.2248.

Taste of Scotland, Celtic Festival

Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration

June 7-13, 2017

The annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 10, in downtown Waynesville.

Featuring dozens of traditional artisans, demonstrations, cloggers, food vendors and children’s activities, the festival will also offer a full day of live music, with the performances from local and regional acts on stages bookending Main Street.

The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.downtownwaynesville.com.

The annual Taste of Scotland & Celtic Festival will be held June 15-18 in downtown Franklin.

Although there will be a ticketed Clan Dinner celebration Thursday evening, there will be a free Ceilidh with Scottish bands from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and an all-day free street festival Saturday. Other events include sheep herding, heavy athletics, clan parade and tours of the nearby Scottish Tartan Museum.

For more information, a full list of events or to purchase tickets for the Clan Dinner, visit www.tasteofscotlandfestival.org or www.scottishtartans.org.

Cherokee history talk

Smoky Mountain News

Celebrating 20 years of conservation, Mainspring Conservation Trust is hosting 20 events in 2017, including “A Walk Back in Time: Cherokee History in the Southern Blue Ridge.”

Tom Belt, a Western Carolina University faculty member and Cherokee Elder will lead this once-in-a-lifetime walk to historic Cowee Mound in northern Macon County, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 8.

The council house of the Cherokee town of Cowee was located on this mound in the 18th century, when the town of Cowee served as the principal diplomatic and commercial center of the mountain Cherokee. Cowee is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites of the Mississippian period in North Carolina, where the presence of agriculture on the bottomlands dates back at least 3,000 years. Belt will talk about the cultural significance of the mound and Cherokee life prior to the Removal of 1838.

In 2007, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians purchased 70 acres along the Little Tennessee River that included the historic Cowee Mound and Village Site, thought to date from approximately 600 A.D. The transaction was made possible with assistance from Mainspring and the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund. A conservation easement on the property permanently protects its conservation values and 34 prevents commercial and residential development.

the six western-most counties in North Carolina and northern Rabun County, Georgia.

To view the entire list of 20-for-20 events, visit www.mainspringconserves.org.

Cherokee Voices Festival CHEROKEE BONFIRES The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park. Sit by a bonfire, alongside a river, and listen to some of Cherokee’s best storytellers. The bonfire is free and open to the public. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

Tickets are $5 per person. An optional lunch can be purchased for an additional $10 per person. To reserve your space, contact Sharon Burdette at 828.524.2711, ext. 301.

Founded in 1997, Mainspring has conserved more than 25,000 acres and connected thousands of youth to nature in

The 20th annual Cherokee Voices Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

This festival celebrates thousands of years of tradition in the Southern Appalachians with Cherokee people from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, North Carolina’s only federally recognized tribe. Experience traditional music and dance, gospel singing, Cherokee flute playing and storytelling. Talk with the Cherokees in living history encampments. See more than 25 master Cherokee artists making baskets, pottery and masks, as well as finger weaving, carving, bead working, and more.

Traditional food will be available on-site for purchase.

This festival is unique in the opportunities it provides to meet and talk with the Cherokee elders in their home community. This event is sponsored by the North Carolina Arts Council and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. It is free and open to the public. www.cherokeemuseum.org.

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ALSO:

• The Junaluska Flea Market will be held from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, at the Weldon Gym. • The “Highlands Motoring Festival” will be held June 8-11. Proceeds from the weekend of events will go to REACH of Macon County. For more information and a full list of events, visit www.highlandsmotoringfestival.com.

• The BBQ & Brews Dinner Train will be departing at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Slow-cooked barbecue and local craft beers from Hoppy Trout. For ticket information, visit www.gsmr.com or call 800.872.4681.

• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. June 10 and 17 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

• 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.

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Tickets for the 8 pm performance are pric ced at $35.

Gourmet dinners will b be available, separately price ed, before the show. For reservations, just call us at (828) 9 926-1401.

Cata taloochee Ranch 119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley, North Carolina 28751 | Catalooc cheeRanch.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 10 • 7:30 A.M.—9 P.M. AGES 12 AND OLDER • $15 PER PERSON

Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

All participants will need to be able to pay for their rafting trip with a credit card or cash at the outpost (estimated cost is $50).

Each participant will need to bring rafting clothes, approved water shoes, and change of clothes. Also, money for lunch and dinner.

Smoky Mountain News

• The Western North Carolina Civil War Roundtable will meet at 6:30 p.m. June 12 at the HF Robinson Auditorium on the campus of Western Carolina University.

The program will focus of the Atlanta Campaign, with guest speaker Dr. Stephen Davis. Free.

S UNDAY, JUNE E 18

June 7-13, 2017

am Meister has been named director of Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center, well known as a showcase for Southern Appalachian culture, programs and exhibits and as a regional facility for research and education.

Meister had served as interim director since August 2014. She began work at the center as curator in 2010.

The Mountain Heritage Center is housed at Hunter Library, where staff work with artifacts, exhibitions and demonstrations, and offer Pam Meister classes through its Appalachian Living craft and skills program.

The center also sponsors the First Thursday Old-Time and Bluegrass Series, with free performances held in the ground-floor auditorium of H.F. Robinson Administration Building, followed by a jam session in which local musicians are invited to participate.

“In 2010, I celebrated my 25th anniversary as a museum professional and came to WCU because I wanted to be involved in training the next generation of museum professionals,” Meister said. “My working with the students, faculty and staff here has been a dream come true for me. The Mountain Heritage Center is a true teaching museums.

Its strong community connections and robust partnerships allow us to give our students extraordinary engaged learning experiences that also fulfill WCU’s commitment of service to the region.”

The museum can trace its beginnings to the late 1920s when a small collection of documents and artifacts was begun. The

CHATHAM T M COU N TY LINE arts & entertainment

Meister named Mountain Heritage Center director

name — and a space in McKee Building — was established in 1975, then the center moved to the ground floor of the H.F. Robinson Building in 1979, where it resided until fall 2015.

“My work as interim director has centered around the MHC’s move to Hunter Library. This has allowed us to expand our work with faculty and students, improve our collections storage facilities, and provide additional outreach exhibits and programs to community venues throughout Western North Carolina. I’m honored to be chosen to lead the center through its next transition, crafting a vision for a permanent home,” she said.

Meister’s previous leadership roles in museums include service as director of education and interpretation at the Atlanta History Center, executive director of the Upcountry History Museum, president and CEO of the Charlotte Museum of History and executive director of the Southeastern Museums Conference, a museum association serving 12 Southeastern states. She also worked as chief curator of the Jekyll Island Museum in Georgia and as arts coordinator at the Okefenokee Heritage Center in Waycross, Georgia. A former board member of the American Alliance of Museums, Meister is the recipient of AAM’s 2003 Excellence in Peer Review Service Award and of SEMC’s 2014 James R. Short Award for lifetime achievement.

Meister also has been an adjunct professor teaching courses related to museum studies and cultural resource management at institutions including Southeastern Louisiana University, Georgia College and State University, the University of West Georgia and the University of North Carolina Charlotte. A native of New Orleans, she earned a master’s degree in arts management from the University of Georgia and a bachelor’s degree in theater with a minor in history from the University of New Orleans.

For more information, contact the Mountain Heritage Center at 828.227.7129.

Photo by Patrick Shanahan

On the street

WAYNESVILLE

PARKS AND RECREATION register or email 828.456.2030 totpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov

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June 7-13, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the street

African-American heritage at Hayesville museum, slave cemetery lay County residents joined with Western Carolina University representatives in celebrating the county’s African-American heritage with the opening of a new exhibit in the Old Jail Museum and a tour of a previously abandoned slave cemetery, both in Hayesville, on Saturday, May 27.

WCU was cited for significant contributions to the project, which was sponsored by the Clay County Historical and Arts Council.

The exhibit focuses on three aspects of black life in a small mountain town slavery, public education and religion while the cemetery, located on Slave Drive and after years of neglect and scattered headstones, now has ongoing research into its burials.

Folk history, oral traditions and property records provided general parameters for an abandoned cemetery in the Moore Hill community, but largely the site had held more questions than answers. But then, WCU faculty and students came together with community volunteers, with support from the property owner, Guinnell Hunter.

“Too many forgotten cemeteries like this one have been bulldozed or built over,” Hunter said. “It’s been great to see folks come together and work to reclaim what is all of

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our heritage, and Western has been a big part of it. Those graves may be on my land, but this is a shared history and for now, I’m just the caretaker.”

Jim Glock, a member of the Clay County Historical and Arts Council, got involved after a visit and immediately delved into research about the cemetery. He found property records that provided the name of the landowner prior to the Civil War; census records show he was a slaveholder. Glock concluded that the interred probably died between 1838 to 1857.

“I got hooked the first time I saw the place and knew what it held,” Glock said. “I’m not a historian, just a retired soldier and engineer who got motivated and had the time to conceive of, and manage, this project.”

Glock got in touch with Ann Woodford, founder of One Dozen Who Care, an AfricanAmerican led community development organization for westernmost North Carolina. Woodford, a WCU alumna, then helped him make key connections at her alma mater. She recently worked with WCU’s Mountain Heritage Center as guest curator for the exhibit “When All God’s Children Get Together,” which looks at the role of church,

Smoky Mountain News

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carved headstone, a simple rounded rock with the faintly etched letters “A” and “D,” then another “A.” It confirmed the plot is indeed a cemetery, he said, adding its presence elevates the importance of preserving the site. “Finding the carved headstone was the out-of-the-park home run,” Tormey said.

During the May 27 event, Tormey led a tour of the cemetery and demonstrated the GPR while relating some of the tasks that led to marking graves with pin flags. “We found the combination of a cadaver dog and GPR is the most effective and efficient method,” he said. “We have more than a dozen graves located, and I think more are there. Like any scientific and forensic undertaking, we process the information, collect the data and catalog findings. My ultimate goal is to create a map of the graves and have more suitable markers to indicate these final resting places.

It is what they deserve.”

In August 2016, the site was bestowed the name “Freedom Cemetery” by the Rev. Charles Lee of the Waynesville Missionary Baptist Association, who said, “I think at the end of a road named ‘Slave Drive’ that the cemetery should be named ‘Freedom Cemetery.’”

At the makeshift entrance to the cemetery, a concrete bench inscribed with “The freedom they never knew in life, they found in death” sits next to a polished stone monument with these words: “In this area lie the remains of U African-American slaves whose identities and C contributions are known but to God.” p

P p

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spiritual music and hymns in the AfricanAmerican population in the region.

A WCU team began surveying the site, trying to pinpoint grave locations. Lisa Briggs, professor of criminology and criminal justice and a canine “cadaver dog” handler off-campus, volunteered to assist in finding grave locations with her dog, Laila. Blair Tormey, a researcher in WCU’s Program for the Study of Developed Shorelines, used ground penetrating radar, also known as GPR, to confirm and pinpoint the locations.

WCU’s Forensic Osteology Research Station director Cheryl Johnston looked with an expert’s eyes at the forensic evidence, such as surface depressions, soil probing and soil color, and collaborated with Tormey.

“Laila indicated on graves and then Blair confirmed them with GPR,” Briggs said. “The work took on a special meaning for me, as it reminds one of the inhumanity and injustice that existed in our society. For loved ones to not be able to care for, or even know, the location of family graves is sad and incomprehensible to me.

“I think some people would be surprised to learn that slavery existed in the mountains and slaves were buried in this area. I think it is especially important to be reminded of the historical facts, that in most situations, these graves were unmarked and loved ones were not allowed to care for and keep up the cemetery,” she said.

A key discovery was when Tormey found a

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On the wall

“Print Plus One” features the work of artists who produced vitreographs at Littleton Studios.

Printmaking, photography and pottery

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There will be a “Viking Axe Making Class” with Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 10-11 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

This course is designed to introduce students to axe making using hand tools while learning the metallurgy behind producing a quality tool/weapon. No prior experience required. Topics covered will include: benefits of forging vs. stock

removal, heat treating and tempering, temperature control vs. hammer control, posture, limitations of workability, filing, sanding, sharpening, and more.

Martin will discuss misconceptions associated with the art and how to fortify proper technique. Students will walk away with a high carbon (high quality), small bearded axe akin to those used popularly

by Vikings. Students must wear closed toe shoes (preferably leather), long pants, and cotton clothing, and should bring a lunch.

Cost is $285 (materials included), due at registration. Pre-registration is required. www.jcgep.org.

The Swain Arts Center will host its first Open Juried Photography Competition on Aug. 19. The theme is “Nature Photography.” Submissions should be made online no later than July 17 (jpg format). Participants will be notified on July 22 if their submissions have been accepted for the competition.

The submission fee is $15 per single entry. If you submit four or more images, the fee is $60. The application is available at www.swainartscenter.com.

Photographs accepted for the competition should be delivered to the Swain Arts Center on Aug. 12. The Photography Competition Judging and Reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Swain Arts Center in Bryson City.

Prizes are: First Place, $200 and invitation to display photographs at Gallery Zella in Bryson City. Second Place, $100. Third Place, $50. Two Honorable Mention Awards will be given. These photographers will be invited to participate in future exhibits at the Swain Arts Center.

For additional information, contact Rachel Lackey, director of the Swain Arts Center.

• Acclaimed Bryson City painter Elizabeth Ellison’s newest exhibit, “Spirit of Place,” will run through Sept. 4 at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. Exhibit support is provided by The North Carolina Arboretum Society and Smoky Mountain Living magazine. www.smliv.com.

• The Jackson County Cooperative Extension will hold its monthly craft class from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15, at the Sylva office. Local artist Lawrie Williams will be showing participants how to make wire jewelry with a fun “4th of July — Red, White, & Blue” theme with basic techniques and just a few materials. Participants will make a set of hammered wire earrings and matching pendant suitable for 4th of July celebrations. Williams is a local skilled paper artist, jewelry artist and educator with over 35 years teaching and has been a featured artist at Southwestern Community College. 828.586.4009.

ALSO:

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There will also be “Painting at the Porch” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Southern Porch in Canton.

Sign up on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page (search event: Brush N. Brew) or call 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

• There will be a “Thursday Painters Open Studio” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public. Membership not required. The gallery will also present “Art Adventures,” a hands-on demonstration creating textures with Carol Conti, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 21. 828.349.4607.

• There will be an art and wine night from 6 to 8 p.m. June 14 at the B&C Winery & Maggie Valley Gift Shop at 2499 Soco Road. $35 per person, which includes all materials to paint, a glass of wine and finger foods. Open to guest ages 14 and up.

Other beverage options will be available for those under age 21. To RSVP, call 828.550.3610 or maggievalleygifts@gmail.com.

• The Franklin Uptown Gallery will host textile artist Teresa Lee Bouchonnet at noon Monday, June 12. She will share her love of textiles and teaching. The event is free and open to the public. 828.349.4607.

Smoky Mountain News

Want to make a Viking axe?

Swain photography contest

June 7-13, 2017

ith a handful of new exhibitions now open and on view throughout the summer, the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center presents art in a variety of forms — printmaking, photography and pottery.

• In “Water Portraits: Barbara Tyroler,” this North Carolina artist visually transforms the people in her photographs through the reflective properties of water. This exhibition includes a reception from 5 to 7 p.m. June 15, with an artist talk beginning at 5 p.m. Also on June 15, Cullowhee Mountain Arts presents an all-day water photography workshop led

by Tyroler. The workshop begins at 9 a.m. and ends with the WCU Fine Art Museum reception. This exhibition runs through Aug. 25.

• In the museum’s main gallery space, patrons can explore “Print Plus One: Beyond the Glass Matrix,” which features vitreographs created by seventeen different artists at Harvey K. Littleton Studios in Spruce Pine.

Vitreographs are prints made using glass, rather than metal, wood, or stone, as a printing plate. In this exhibition, vitreographs are paired alongside objects made in these

artists’ primary medium, curated from the collections of the WCU Fine Art Museum and Asheville Art Museum.

Viewers will experience works by Dale Chihuly, Sergei Isupov, Shane Fero and Cynthia Bringle, to name a few. This exhibition runs through July 28, with a closing reception from 5 to 7 p.m. July 27.

• The exhibition “Ancient Forms, Modern Minds: Contemporary Cherokee Ceramics” offers a preview to Western Carolina University’s 2017-2018 campus theme, “Cherokee: Connections. Culture.

Community.” This exhibition features the work of 11 Cherokee artists including Joel Queen, Melissa Maney and Bernadine George and brings together both historic and contemporary pottery techniques. Ancient Forms, Modern Minds was organized by the Asheville Art Museum and made possible through the generous support of the Cherokee Preservation Foundation. On view through Nov. 10, the WCU Fine Art Museum will be the last venue to host this important touring exhibition.

All WCU Fine Art Museum exhibitions and receptions are free and open to the public; please note that hands-on workshops may have an associated cost. The museum is open year-round Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The WCU Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is located at 199 Centennial Drive on the Western Carolina University Cullowhee Campus.

For more information, visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or call 828.227.ARTS.

The program “Street Photography” will be presented by the Sylva Photo Club at 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 10, at the Cullowhee Methodist Church on the Western Carolina University campus.

Members of the club will talk about the different types of street photography and how they are done. Subjects will cover candids with or without a person’s knowledge, street scenes during the day and night and other topics. Improve your candid and non-candid street photographs and learn how to set up your camera for different types of scenes.

“Share and Tell” will follow with the theme of “Street Photography” or any other subject. Bring up to six photos downloaded onto a USB drive.

Cost for this program is free for visitors. Membership to the Sylva Photo Club is a $20 donation; $10 for students per year. Sylva Photo Club encourages meeting like-minded people to promote photography knowledge, friendship and photographic opportunities.

For more information, click on sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com, Facebook at Sylva Photo Club, sylvaphotoclub@gmail.com or 828.226.3840.

arts & entertainment

Interested in street photography?

• The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild will welcome Asheville quilt and fabric artist Ann Holmes at 9:30 p.m. Monday, June 12, at Tartan Hall in Franklin. The SMQG will also host a sewing party titled “A New Age” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 19, at Tartan Hall. All are welcome to attend either event. www.smokymtnquilters.org.

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June 7-13, 2017

arts & entertainment

On the wall

HCC crafts Asheville exhibit The Folk Art Center in Asheville is currently celebrating Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts Program graduate class of 2017. With a 36-piece exhibit, featuring 19 students, the show continues the historical relationship between the Southern Highland Craft Guild and Haywood, an educational center member of the Guild.

This year’s class is representing works from clay, fiber, jewelry and wood mediums.

The main gallery of the Folk Art Center is adorned with hanging tapestries, lost-wax cast bees, decorative dinnerware, and wooden hutches, soon to be heirlooms for one’s home. Students of the Haywood program come from all over, with or without prior experience of craft, and sometimes pursuing it as a second or third career. The course of study is challenging, combining craft concentrations with supplemental classes in design, drawing, craft history, business, marketing and photography.

Haywood Community College and the Southern Highland Craft Guild share a history that documents the role of craft education in preserving traditional culture, creating economic opportunity and fostering professional practice. All of the artists represent the vitality and creativity of craft practice today, which is the ultimate purpose of both institutions.

Many Haywood graduates have become

‘Abstracted Portraiture’ Jackson County Cullowhee Mountain Arts is hosting a art grants special one-day workshop, “Abstracted

Portraiture — A Photographic Water Journey,” with photographic artist Barbara Tyroler from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 15, at the WCU School of Art and Design in Cullowhee.

The workshop is offered in conjunction with the opening reception of Tyroler’s solo exhibit, “Water Portraits,” from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum.

“During this one-day photographic journey we will create stunning and uniquely abstracted water infused imagery as we transform your fellow students into patterns and bursts of colorful reflections,” Tyroler said.

Two different locations will provide water sources: the on-campus stream and the university swimming pool. This workshop will culminate in a reception at the University Fine Art Museum where Tyroler will share her work and talk about experiences working with various populations in the water environment.

The price is $45. Students only need to bring: cameras, lenses, tripods, portable flash devices, laptops, card readers and laptops. To find out more and register, visit www.cul38 lowheemountainarts.org or call 828.342.7899.

Smoky Mountain News

individual members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and have served the Guild in various capacities.

Instructor Brian Wurst of the Professional Crafts Wood program says, “Our students benefit so much from the opportunities that the Guild offers its education partners, and we in turn are thrilled when they grow into active participants themselves and continue that tradition of giving back. The Graduate Show spotlights the program’s best work, and it’s a delight to see it so well displayed and in such a beautiful venue as the Folk Art Center.”

Haywood Community College is located in Clyde. The college’s Professional Crafts Program began in recognition of the region’s strong craft heritage. It was envisioned that students would learn the basics of craft media and how to transform that craft into a business. The clay studio was the first to open in 1974. With the addition of jewelry, wood and fiber studios, a comprehensive curriculum was in place by 1977.

The Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Program, Graduate Show, Class of 2017 is a free exhibit at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in East Asheville. For more information, visit www.craftguild.org or call 828.298.7928. For more information about the Professional Crafts Program, call 828.627.4674 or visit creativearts.haywood.edu.

The Jackson County Arts Council is now accepting applications for Grassroots Sponsorship for 2017-18.

Grassroots Sponsorships are awarded to organizations in all cultural disciplines through a competitive application and review process. This sponsorship program is funded in part by the North Carolina Arts Council and by the fundraising efforts of the Jackson County Arts Council. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2017.

Grassroots sponsorships are intended to: • Provide modest funding for events/projects and publicity/advertising for artist groups/artist organizations that will enhance the presence of art events in Jackson County.

• Support opportunities for Jackson County residents to participate in new and thought-provoking art events in music, visual art, theatre, dance and literature.

• Celebrate the traditional arts and cultures of Jackson County as well as the multicultural aspect of arts in general.

Visit www.jacksoncountyarts.org for more information and to download the application. info@jacksoncountyarts.org or 828.507.982.

The ‘On Hallowed Ground’ mural by Doreyl Ammons Cain.

Mural dedication, art festival A Subsidiary of Catch the Spirit of Appalachia, The Appalachian Mural Trail Group will dedicate a mural at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 17, in downtown Dillsboro. The event will coincide with the third annual Front Street Arts & Crafts Show (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), which showcases dozens of local and regional artisans and vendors Painted by Doreyl Ammons Cain, the 16-foot-long “On Hallowed Ground” mural took one year to paint. The mural trail group will present an enactment of this historical mural, telling its unique story to the tune of Jane Thompson Gurley on auto harp and Jeanette Queen on guitar. Another mural to be dedicated on June 17 is a youth mural located across from the “On Hallowed Ground” mural, titled “ColorFest,” which was also painted by Ammons Cain.

For the Front Street Arts & Crafts Show, live music will be provided by The Maggie Valley Band (11 a.m.), Betty Brown & The JAM Kids (12:15 p.m.), The J. Creek Cloggers (1:30 p.m.), Twelfth Fret (2:15 p.m.) and Susan Pepper (3 p.m.). www.visitdillsboro.org or www.muraltrail.org.

Summer Arts Workshop Series The Cullowhee Mountain Arts sixth annual Summer Arts Workshop Series will begin June 18.

Offering 11 different five-day workshops, the Summer Arts Workshop Series is held annually in the Western Carolina University School of Art and Design’s studios by artists bearing national and international reputations from all parts of the United States.

Workshops are taught in ceramics, book arts, mixed media, painting, printmaking, photography and sculpture.

During these five-day workshops, they offer “Lunch and Learn” each day where these artist-instructors stage slide-presentations of their current work. Each Thursday afternoon students attend a “Museum Talk” where visiting instructors discuss and offer insights to current exhibits at the WCU Fine Art Museum. The workshops also include several group dinners plus evening opportunities for students to enjoy local breweries and restaurants and share lively art conversations over dinner. Friday afternoon wrap-up critiques and a studio stroll — where everyone visits the campus studios and views work from other students created in the various disciplines — brings the week to a close.

Several workshops still have openings.

Details can be found lowheemountainarts.org 828.342.7899 to register.

at www.cul-J or call

Sylva ‘Artist Talk’

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Sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council, the “Artist Talk” will feature musi-j cian and instructor Iva Veazey at 6 p.m.

Monday, June 12, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

This event will be an artistic look at composing music on your laptop or iPad (bring your own if possible). Veazey will demonstrate easy ways to create music without you even knowing how to write or play music. ForJ those with musical experience, this event will help find new angles to add to your creative tool box. This hands-on demonstration will have you composing music in no time.

Veazey studied music at Western Carolina University, Grand Canyon University, and NYU The New School and has been a music instructor for over 30 years. She currently resides in Sylva where she teaches piano to children of all ages.

Everyone is encouraged to attend this demonstration. There is no charge for this event. The “Artist Talk” are sponsored monthly by the Jackson County Arts Council as an effort to celebrate the many artists and art forms in Jackson County.

On the stage

wise for his years.

• The plot: Grandma thinks Isabelle should be married, employs the services of her friend Hannah, the matchmaker, to come up with some candidates other than Tyler with whom Isabelle is smitten. Sam is suggested, but Isabelle doesn’t like the idea of a pickle vendor who lives on the “wrong side” of Delancey Street in New York City.

When she finally gets acquainted with Sam, however, romance blossoms.

Auditions are open to everyone, including those who would like to come and watch.

The Players are an all-volunteer, not-for-profit group welcoming not only new actors, but those interested in helping with other aspects of production. www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

Musical variety show

This acclaimed outdoor drama traces the Cherokee people through the eons, through the zenith of their power, through the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, finally ending, appropriately, in the present day, where the Cherokee people, much like their newly rescripted drama, continue to rewrite their place in the world...a place based on traditional Cherokee values and modern sensibilities.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cherokeehistorical.org.

Road Works, the Western Carolina University’s outreach program that offers free music, film and theatrical events to communities throughout the region, is presenting a musical variety show titled “Livin’ the Dream” this summer.

They will perform at 2 p.m. Friday, June 9, at the Waynesville Public Library; and noon Saturday, June 10, at Bridge Park in Sylva.

Song selections range from Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Starting Something” to Aerosmith’s “Dream On” and Adele’s “Someone Like You.” Other featured artists whose hits will be covered are James Brown, Justin Timberlake, Ella Fitzgerald and Pentatonix, and a couple of songs from the hit movie “Dreamgirls” are included.

For more information, contact Henson at jhenson@wcu.edu or 828.227.2711.

A stage production of the literary classic “The Great Gatsby” will be held at 7:30 p.m.

June 8-10, and also at 2 p.m. June 11 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

Tickets for the production are $25.68. For more information and to purchase tickets for the production, visit www.harttheatre.org or call 828.456.6322.

‘Unto These Hills’ outdoor drama

The “Unto These Hills” stage production will be held at 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Aug. 19 at the Mountainside Theater in Cherokee.

• There will be a membership drive for The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, in Bryson City. If anyone has an interest in the performing arts, this is the time to join.

They’re looking for new members. SMCT is a nonprofit group that was formed in 1980, and is run by an allvolunteer staff. If you don’t want to be onstage, there are still many other ways you can help. Everyone is invited. Refreshments will be served. For information, contact Theatre President Robert Willcox at 828.736.3921 or 828.488.8227.

Smoky Mountain News

‘The Great Gatsby’ at HART

• Betsy’s School of Dance will hold their production “Iconic” at 2 p.m. (beginner/intermediate dancers) and 7 p.m. (intermediate/advanced dancers) Saturday, June 10, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $7 students, $10 adults. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

June 7-13, 2017

Auditions for Highlands Cashiers Players’ production of the romantic comedy “Crossing Delancey” will be held at 3 p.m.

Sunday, June 11, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Scripts are available to read in the Highlands and Cashiers libraries. Performance dates are Aug. 24-27 and Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

Directed by Dr. Ronnie Spilton, the play has a cast of three women and two men.

• The women: Isabelle, a single modern young woman, 20s to 30s. Bubbie, her grandmother, a feisty, sharp-witted woman, 70s to 80s. Hannah, 40s to 60s, a professional matchmaker.

• The men: Tyler, in his 40s, a writer, charming, self-involved. Sam, 30s to 40s, in the pickle business, appealing, intuitive, very

arts & entertainment

Auditions planned in Highlands for ‘Crossing Delancey’

• The Highlands Performing Arts Center will continue the “Live via Satellite” series with the National Theatre of London’s production of “Peter Pan” at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 10.

Tickets are available online at www.highlandspac.org, at the door or by calling 828.526.9047.

39

ALSO:

Books Hewson’s mysteries should come with a warning S 40

Smoky Mountain News

Serendipity took a hand and guided me to the shelves of a public library looking for a quote from Mark Helprin’s A Soldier of the Great

Jeff Minick

o a friend thrusts a book into your hands and tells you, “You gotta read this one. I know you’ll love it!” You accept the gift with a smile on your lips and a twist of pain in your guts. On past occasions, your wellmeaning friend has given you three other books, two novels and a book of history, all of which you not only disliked, but also never finished. You return home with this Writer latest offering, open the book, read the first page, the second, the first chapter, the second chapter, and you realize with a rush you’re in love with the author and the story.

Another scenario: You’re in a book club.

The woman whose face reminds you of your late Aunt Gertrude is in line to select next month’s read. You have failed to connect with every book this woman has ever picked, and unlike her other selections, the particular title and author she announces don’t ring even a faint bell with you. You go to your local bookstore, purchase the book, step into a nearby coffee shop, read for 15 minutes, and are so enamored you are ready to propose marriage to Auntie’s look-alike, despite the fact she’s 20 years older than you and happily married.

Most readers have experienced similar enlightenments, those grand occasions when some book drops into your life and rouses in you that wild zeal more typically found at a Panthers tailgate party or a Baptist tent revival. You commence reading and soon find yourself unable to put the book down, pushing back appointments, telling your partner you have a headache, flipping pages past midnight, so engrossed during lunch that your wandering spoon add drops of chicken soup to the printed page.

Some time has passed since this pleasure decided to pay me a visit, but 10 days ago

War. That novel — a favorite, by the way — was checked out, but as I turned to return to my desk I saw six or seven hardbacks tightly squeezed together on the next shelf, all written by “David Hewson.” Curious, I pulled one of the novels from its comrades, scanned the description on the inside of the front cover, and discovered that Hewson, a writer unknown to me (yes, I am shamed), was writing a police saga set in Rome. A look at two or three of the other hardcovers told me that Hewson had written a series of these novels, all set around a team of investigators assigned

to solve murders in the Eternal City.

A Season For The Dead appeared to be the first in the series, a placement I confirmed minutes later on my laptop. The book appealed to me — it was set in Rome, where I’d spent some time two years ago, and I needed some popcorn for the summer, popcorn being books that serve as snacks rather than five course meals — but I hesitated. A number of different projects were absorbing me, taking more time and work than I’d expected, and I wasn’t sure I had time to begin a new book.

I returned A Season For The Dead to its shelf and went back to work.

Later, after slipping my laptop and papers into my backpack, I started for the door. But that book kept on nagging at me, and so I did a 180, jerked A Season For The Dead from its companions, and went to the checkout desk.

Later that evening, work for the day accomplished, I began reading. One word will suffice for what followed.

Hooked. Hooked, hooked, hooked, hooked, hooked.

The publisher of such a series needs to put a warning label on the front of each of these novels, advising prospective readers that these David Hewson tales may cause lost sleep, absence from work, pale complexions, and in some extreme cases, symptoms of drug addiction.

Why? What did the Hewson novels take me into their grip and make me their biblioslave?

First up on a short list of reasons are the characters. Nic Costa is a young police detective, not a rookie but still learning the trade, guided by his partner, Gianni Peroni, an older man known for his battered face and blunt speech, and by Falcone, their dogged, tightlipped superior. Joining this team are Teresa Lupo, the police pathologist who joins the

History of the Hazel Creek Community

Prof. Whizzpop comes to Marianna

UNC Asheville history professor Dan Pierce will present his new book, Hazel Creek: The Life and Death of an Iconic Mountain Community, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 9, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

He will read about all the things that happened on Hazel Creek.

A famous writer mysteriously arrived and settled into a remote log cabin. A mine opened and showed great promise until things turned very sour. One of the biggest lumber companies in the country set up shop and brought opportunity and prosperity for all. TVA decided to build a very large dam to help America win World War II and a once bustling town found itself inconveniently within the boundaries of our nation’s most popular national park.

To reserve copies, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

The Marianna Black Library in Bryson City is preparing to launch into its second week of the 2017 Summer Learning Program.

The theme for this year’s Summer Learning Program is “Build a Better World.”

Children of all ages will be able to earn prizes for reading, be entertained with movies and gain lots of knowledge through our various programs. This summer, they will focus on how different people in the community are working on building a better world, different things we can do to help build a better world and most of all, how reading each day can help build a better world.

There will be movies at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, story times for ages 3-5 at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday mornings and then a different Summer Learning Program every Thursday. Be sure to grab a

detectives at various crime scenes, and Emily Deacon, an American who goes from working for the FBI to studying architecture in Rome.

All of these characters have faults and make mistakes, both in their work and their personal lives, errors that make them real and more intriguing.

Next, Hewson knows Rome, not just the streets and piazzas, but the life of the city: the street vendors, the government bureaucrats, the outsiders like the Croats, Serbs, and other immigrants, the food and talk of the restaurant and trattoria. When we read these books, we get a double-dip treat: a great story and a tour of Rome and Romans. Two of the books in the series also take us to Florence, and one, as yet unread by me, to Florence. Hewson has also written similarly of similar protagonists in Copenhagen and Amsterdam, again, apparently, with a deep knowledge of those cities and their people.

Knowledge makes the final cut of the short list. A blurb on the back of The Garden of Evil describes the story and the writing as “intelligent entertainment.” And so it is. So far, these novels have taught me too many subjects to list here: Italian cooking, pathology, the art of painters like Caravaggio, Venetian glassmaking, the historic churches of Rome, the Pantheon, and so much else, all blended flawlessly into the story.

Three cautionary notes: If you decide to embark on this adventure, I would highly recommend reading the books in order. Unlike some other series, characters in these books do change.

Note two: Read more slowly than I have. I am slowing down now, but cheated myself of the goods in the first two novels by getting swept up in the plot.

Note three: Be prepared to get hooked.

Stock up on some coffee and vacation time.

Two thumbs up. And that’s only because I have no more thumbs.

(Jeff Minick is a writer and teacher.

Minick0301@gmail.com)

calendar at the library or check out the online calendar at www.fontanalib.org to make sure you get the details for all of these programs. n The movie will be at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 13. It’s about “A clown fish searches for his missing son in this animated adventure” (call the library for title). n “Story Time” will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14. It will focus on Father’s Day and making Father’s Day cards. They’ll be pulling in Print Concepts again to work with the children. n Professor Whizzpop will stop by the library on Thursday, June 15.

This program will focus on a cautionary tale about minecraft. Learn about the delights and dangers of Lego and walk through a solid wall just like Harry Houdini and Harry Potter (aka: Professor Whizzpop).

The Marianna Black Library, a member of the Fontana Regional Library. For more information on the movie, call the library 828.488.3030.

Coffee with the Poet The Coffee with the Poet series continues with Robert Lee Kendrick at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

A Clemson, South Carolina, resident, Kendrick will read new poems and present his collection, Winter Skin. His poems have been featured in Tar River Poetry, Xavier Review, Louisiana Literature, South Carolina Review, Kestrel, The Cape Rock, The James Dickey Review, The San Pedro River Review, The Sow’s Ear Poetry Review, and The Main Street Rag. The Coffee with the Poet series gathers the third Thursday of each month and is cosponsored by the North Carolina Writers Network. To reserve copies of Winter Skin, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Book of selected songs, poems

June 7-13, 2017

Songwriter and Jackson County resident Grant King will present his book, Love Songs for a Country Lane, at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

In his preface for the book, country music icon Chris Gantry writes, “Grant King was a thoughtful dreamer, a ponderer, like the statue of The Thinker. Now here he is a zillion light years later, still the dreamer with a love for the process that’s never left him, an elder statesman of the world with a collection of his poetry and poetic songs.”

And so it is in this book of selected songs and poems that King re-emerges as one of Western North Carolina’s best-kept secrets from almost a lifetime of silence after having had, in his younger years in the late 1960s, three Top 100 hits on the Country Music Billboard magazine charts at the same time.

To reserve copies of Love Songs for a Country Lane, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Havelin to discuss craft, life

SPACE AVAILABLE

Smoky Mountain News

Noted Asheville author Michael Havelin will be reading from his mystery novels/short stories and answering questions about his writing at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 17, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Havelin has written eight novels and is hard at work on another in his Ben Bones series. Over the course of his creative life, Havelin has had a varied career. He’s been a solo blues performer and rhythm guitarist in a revival big band. He’s been a photographer of motorcycle road racing, has authored how-to photography manuals and articles, and has been the publisher/editor of two national magazines.

Havelin has taught computers to the U.S. Army and nature photography and writing at the college level. He’s even practiced law for several years. A northerner by birth, he lives and writes in Asheville, where he also does woodworking, works as a sign language interpreter and runs WNCMysterians.org, a critique group for mystery/thriller authors.

For question or to reserve copies of his books, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

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Life on the road Asheville couple trades stability for life of mobile adventure

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER hing Fu and Jerud Crandall had professional careers and a comfortable home when they left it all behind in 2015, trading their stable lives in Asheville to roam the continent in an RV. Now they’ve been on the road for more than two years, adventuring through Canada, Oregon, Utah and everywhere in between.

“Our priorities were being outdoors and doing the outdoor activities we wanted to do and exploring outdoors, and it was a much lower priority for us to have a nice house and a nice car and eat at fancy restaurants and be physically luxurious/comfortable,” Crandall explained. “But the way we were living (in Asheville) we were physically very comfortable, and we carved out time to do the outdoor activities.”

They wanted to reverse that equation.

Check out the Toaster

C

Ching Fu, Jerud Crandall and their RV — dubbed “The Toaster” — will roll into the Highland Brewing Company in Asheville for an open house 3-7:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

The solar-powered Toaster, complete with recent upgrades, will be open for touring with Fu and Crandall on hand to answer any and all questions.

Photos, blog posts and more about Fu and Crandall’s new lifestyle are online at www.livesmallridefree.com.

The Toaster stops on the Icefield Parkway in Alberta, Canada. Ching Fu photo Ching Fu and Jerud Crandall explore the Carcross area in Yukon, Canada (above). Crandall and canine companion Tyki hike Kluane National Park, also in Yukon. Ching Fu photos

In Asheville, Fu, 34, did communications for REI and Crandall, 37, was an engineer.

They still traveled more than the average person, stringing together holidays and vacation days to make their adventures last as long as possible. But it wasn’t enough. To really experience a place, to really know it, you have to go beyond the mandatory tourist stops, Crandall said. You have to see it when it’s rainy and cold and stormy as well as when it’s sunny and perfect and beautiful. It has to be more than just a vacation.

The couple began to consider a lifestyle change. What if they — and their two dogs — left their stationary lives behind and went mobile? They started researching RVs but couldn’t get past the vehicles’ large carbon footprint, or the way that you pretty much have to be plugged into the grid to use the amenities.

“We couldn’t see ourselves making some kind of lifestyle change without making some kind of improvement in our carbon footprint,” Crandall said. “It had to be a step forward as far as how we enjoyed life and a step forward as far as how we felt like we were being responsible environmentally.”

So, the RV got a makeover. The two spent more than a year rebuilding the rig, converting the original propane system to run entirely on solar and installing a composting toilet.

The endeavor involved 2,801 hours of labor, 86 trips to Lowe’s and $31,100 of materials.

Initially, the truck pulling the RV even ran on waste veggie oil rather than diesel, but after 18 months on the road they had to give that up due to increased difficulty in finding veggie oil sources. Instead, they committed to drive as little as possible, parking to camp and then frequently using bikes to travel from the home base.

The result was an eco-friendly, 218-squarefoot home with a super-low operational cost, affectionately dubbed “The Toaster” due to its square, silver and shiny appearance. With no rent, mortgage or electricity bills to pay, Fu and Crandall saw their freedom to roam balloon.

“I actually feel really comfortable in our space,” said Crandall.

As expected, it’s been hard at times.

Sharing such small living quarters with another person and two dogs can be stressful.

Arguments happen. But overall, he said, it’s gone well. Perhaps the best part is waking up every day in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees and mountains.

“I was expecting that the novelty of that would fade after six months or so, but it hasn’t for me,” Crandall said. “It’s really nice to wake up and look outside and realize that you just woke up in a pretty remote location all by yourself.”

His favorite adventure thus far has been the trip to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. They’d actually been there before, and he was expecting that the second time back might be something of a letdown. It wasn’t.

“It was pretty breathtaking,” he said, all “picture-book Rocky Mountains with snow and emerald and jade lakes.”

They adventured through Utah, hitting up the St. George Area Mountain Biking Trails, and the Hurricane and Gooseberry Area Mountain Biking Trails. They explored the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and checked out the state’s limitless Bureau of Land Management areas.

The Pacific Coast was also a destination, with the first year’s route including a drive down the coast past picturesque beaches and rock pillars, burning sunsets and dramatic mist. The two got a surprise one day when they chatted with some folks during a lunchtime stop at a rest area and learned that a whale had beached nearby. They decided to check it out.

It was a juvenile blue whale, enormous and dead. Responders on the scene wore fullbody Tyvek suits, cutting up the carcass with chainsaws to prevent carnivores from swarming the public beach.

“It’s not something you would add to your list if you were planning a vacation, but it’s something you remember a lot, and I’m glad we did it,” Crandall

outdoors

Whitewater roils on the Ocoee River. Donated photo

Raft the Ocoee River A whitewater rafting trip on the Ocoee River in Tennessee will leave from Waynesville at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10.

The trip, organized by Waynesville Parks and Recreation, will travel to the Nantahala Outdoor Center outpost on the Ocoee for a fully guided rafting experience, with the

group scheduled to return to the Waynesville Rec Center by 9 p.m.

Total cost of travel and rafting is $65, plus lunch and dinner. Open to ages 12 and older, with teens under 16 accompanied by a parent or guardian. Register at 828.456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

Paddle with a pro A one-day freestyle clinic on the water will give youth a chance to learn paddling from a pro on Saturday, June 10, at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Swain County.

Three-time World Cup champion and head coach of the Australian Freestyle Team Jez Jezz will lead this one-day clinic. Open to kids under 17, the clinic will focus on developing downriver paddling and freestyle moves. $99, with a registration form online at www.noc.com/events/paddle-with-the-pros-jez-jezz. Jae Jackson, 828.785.5030.

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“Not being tied to a central physical location makes everything a research project.”

When the toilet breaks or the groceries run out and you’re camped on some remote piece of BLM land, fixing the problem can be difficult and time-consuming.

“If the toilet doesn’t work, it’s not like you can use the other toilet for a Tyki and Tybee enjoy a paddling week until you trip in the Carcross area of get the toilet Yukon, Canada. Ching Fu photo fixed,” Crandall said. “You have to fix it. It’s your only toilet. That’s a huge liability of the lifestyle versus something that’s got a lot more redundancy built in.”

Still, it’s not a lifestyle they intend to abandon anytime soon. They’re back in Asheville for a month work. Both of them spent the winter workor so, but only to take care of a handful of ing at a ski resort. And they’ve had their issues that are just easier to deal with in pershare of mundane tasks to attend to in son. Then they’ll be back on the road. between adventures.

“It’s not a trip. It’s our lives,” Crandall “I don’t think we expected how stressful said. “This is an intentional lifestyle change, it can be and how much of a challenge it and we want this to be how we live for the can be to deal with everything while you foreseeable future.” don’t have a home base,” Crandall said. said.

Though their Instagram accounts might indicate otherwise, the venture hasn’t been all play. While it’s been harder than expected to find work on the road, they’ve been doing so as much as possible, with Fu writing freelance and Crandall doing 3D CAD

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828.456.3211 • smokymtneye.com From Hwy. 19/23, Exit 104 towards Lake Junaluska; continue 1/2 mile to Haywood Medical Park on the left.

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outdoors June 7-13, 2017 Smoky Mountain News 44

Chase adventure in Highlands An outdoor adventure race featuring six to 12 hours of mountain biking, paddling and running will raise money for the Special Operations Warriors Foundation on Saturday, June 10, in Highlands, with a fundraising spaghetti dinner held the night before.

The 16th annual Special Operations Adventure Race weekend, organized by SOAR of Western North Carolina, will start with a pre-race check-in at the Highlands Civic Center 2-6 p.m. Friday, June 9, and a mandatory pre-race briefing 7-8 p.m. at the same location. The spaghetti dinner will be 5-7 p.m. at the civic center.

The next day, the race will begin. The event will feature six-hour and 12-hour races, with options to race solo or in teams of two to four. The 12-hour race starts at 7 a.m. and the six-hour race starts at 11 a.m.

Participants will be given a topographical map, which they will use to find race control points. An awards dinner will follow the race. The race counts as a regional qualifier for the 2017 USARA National Championships.

Over the past 16 years, SOAR of Western North Carolina has raised and donated more than $550,000 for the Special Operations Warriors Fund. All race and spaghetti dinner proceeds go toward this fund. $170 for the 12-hour race and $110 for the six-hour race. www.soarhighlands.org or race director Nate Kreuter, nathankreuter@gmail.com.

Cherokee unveils new trail system A new 10.5-mile mixed-use trail system is complete in Cherokee, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Friday, June 9, at the trailhead located at the Oconaluftee Indian Village.

The $356,000 Cherokee Fire Mountain Trail System has been in development since 2014, spearheaded by the Tribal Project Management team of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Funding came from the Cherokee Preservation Foundation and from the tribe.

The trails, a flowy mix of moderate to challenging terrain, were designed by Cherokee-based Aniwaya Design & Planning, in partnership with Valerie Naylor of VNTS. The trail was constructed by Trail Dynamics, LLC, professional trail builders from Pisgah Forest. The new system is expected to entice mountain bikers of all skill levels while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for runners and hikers.

The event was originally scheduled for May 26 but postponed when then-Principal Chief Patrick Lambert gave tribal employees the day off. May 26 was the day after Tribal Council’s decision to remove Lambert from office.

For more information on the trail, read the story at http://bit.ly/2ngNAmX.

The Blue Ridge Parkway’s dramatic views and high-elevation grandeur attract millions of visitors each year, in 2016 bringing a $1.3 billion cumulative impact to nearby communities. File photo

Parkway delivers $1 billion economic impact In 2016, Blue Ridge Parkway visitors spent $979.3 million in communities near the park, supporting 15,649 jobs for a cumulative economic impact of $1.3 billion, according to a recent National Park Service report.

Stretching over 469 miles from Cherokee north to Waynesboro, Virginia, the Parkway passes through 29 counties and many villages, towns and cities in two states.

Together with other public lands like the

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Pisgah National Forest and the Nantahala National Forest, the Parkway is an important draw for visitors to Western North Carolina.

“The Parkway is a strong economic engine for our community, and many others,” said Lynn Collins, executive director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. “The 2016 National Park Visitor Spending Effects report reinforces the value of having the Parkway in our county and is an

important reminder that tourism to national parks makes a difference for all of us.”

The report shows that park visitors spent the most on lodging, at 31.2 percent of the total value, with food and beverages coming in second at 27.2 percent, followed by admissions and fees (10.2 percent), souvenirs and other expenses (9.7 percent), local transportation (7.4 percent) and camping fees (2.5 percent).

The report is online at go.nps.gov/vse.

Learn to leave no trace A wilderness ethics and safety presentation will be offered 2-3 p.m. Monday, June 12, at the Waynesville Public Library.

The seven basic principles of the Leave No Trace wilderness ethic, as well as safety tips and often-forgotten details of wilderness travel, will be covered. Participants will also learn how these ethics can apply to travel and everyday life.

Sponsored by Mast General Store and Friends of the Library, with the presentation delivered by Mast General’s Hannah Redmon and Jim Taylor.

Free, with no registration required. Kathy Olsen, 828.356.2507.

Charlies Bunion. Donated photo

Hike Charlies Bunion An excursion to one of the region’s most iconic stone outcroppings — Charlies Bunion in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — will set out Tuesday, June 13, for an 8-mile out-and-back along the Appalachian Trail.

The hike, which is part of Friends of the Smokies’ Classic Hike Series, will be led by Waynesville resident and Smokies enthusiast Steve Winchester. Along the way, hikers will learn about Ridge Runners, folks who roam the Appalachian Trail during the thru-hiking season to provide visitor information, assist with emergencies and help monitor trail and shelter conditions. $20 for Friends members and $35 for new or renewing members. Donations benefit the Smokies Trails Forever Program, which funds highly skilled trail crews to reconstruct highuse trails in the park. Meeting locations offered in Asheville, Waynesville and at the trailhead. www.hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.

Get wild at summer camp

Swim lessons offered at WCU

Go fishing A few opportunities for kids to try their hand at fishing are coming up in counties around the region over the coming weeks. n Youth Fishing Day, slated for 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 17, meeting at the Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center, will introduce kids ages 5-12 to freshwater fishing. Using spin casters and live bait, kids will learn the basics of catch-and-release fishing. Equipment provided. $5, with sign-ups at www.rec.jacksonnc.org. Organized by Jackson County Parks and Recreation. n A kids fishing day will serve kids 12 and under, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 10, at Max Patch Pond in Madison County. Register onsite with Brandon Jones, 828.682.6146 or brandonjones@fs.fed.us. Organized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. n A fishing clinic will come to the Haywood County Test Farm, 9-11 a.m. Saturday, June 24. Kids will learn how to cast, bait a hook and remove a fish from the hook. Additional fishing clinic dates are July 15 and Aug. 5. Space limited. Register with Tanya Poole, tanya.poole@ncwildlife.org or 828.329.3472.

Organized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

ited, with registration required by calling 828.877.3130. Adults with America the Beautiful and Golden Age passports admitted free. Cost also grants access to all the trails and exhibits available at the Cradle of Forestry.

The Cradle of Forestry is located along U.S. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, about 35 miles south of Waynesville. www.cradleofforestry.com

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Smoky Mountain News

A series of summertime swim classes will start off Monday, June 12, at Reid Gymnasium at Western Carolina University, with lessons offered daily, Monday through Friday, until June 23.

Age divisions are Minnow, 6 months to 3 years; Fish, ages 3-5; and Shark, ages 6 and up. Children 5 and younger must have an adult in the pool with them. Minnow lessons will be 5:15-6:05 p.m. and Fish lessons will be 6:10-7 p.m. Lessons for Shark level students will continue through June 27,

with three different morning sessions offered depending on ability level.

Additional sessions for Minnow and Fish students will be offered July 10-21 and July 24-Aug. 4. An additional Shark session will be offered July 6-21.

Mike Creason, a retired faculty member of health, physical education and recreation, will teach the classes. He is certified by the American Red Cross and has more than 40 years of swim teaching experience. $44 for Fish and Minnow level; $75 for Shark level. Register with the Office of Continuing and Professional Education, 828.227.7397.

The Cradle of Forestry in America will offer plenty of chances for kids to explore this summer. File photo

June 7-13, 2017

An outdoors-oriented camp for Jackson County students entering seventh and eighth grades is coming to Cullowhee July 10-13.

Called Camp WILD — an acronym for wilderness, investigating, learning and discovery — the camp is offered through the Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District and will include activities such as hiking, swimming and snorkeling while also educating kids about soils, alternative energy, forestry, wildlife and aquatics.

The camp will meet 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jackson County Recreation Center, with an overnight camping trip planned for Wednesday, July 12. $35, with scholarships available. Space is limited. Registration deadline is June 16. Jane Fitzgerald, 828.586.5465 or janefitzgerald@jacksonnc.org.

Summer educational series are now underway for kids 4-12 at the Cradle of Forestry in America. n Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club, for kids 4-7, will offer programs 10:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30-3 p.m. Thursdays, June 15 to Aug. 10. The sessions will offer a variety of outdoor-oriented activities, each week exploring a different forest-related theme designed to engage children in the natural world around them.

Participants will receive a copy of the book Woodsy Owl’s ABCs and make a topic-related craft to take home.

This year’s topics are: June 15, insects and spiders; June 22, aquatic animals; June 29, frogs and salamanders; July 6, birds; July 13, foxes, coyotes and wolves; July 20, turtles, snakes and lizards; July 27, backyard animals; Aug. 3, black bears; Aug. 10, turkeys. n The Junior Forester program, for kids 8-12, will offer outdoor experiences 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday from June 14 to Aug. 9. Each week will focus on a different kind of scientist that works in the forest, with participants offered hands-on activities to explore these careers’ importance to natural and cultural heritage.

This year’s topics are: June 14, entomologist; June 21, research forester; June 28,

outdoors

things are connected to water,” added Students from the Haywood Anthony Fuqua, a junior at the Center.

Community Learning Center did their part Citizens can help reduce stormwater to reduce stormwater runoff through a servpollution by keeping their cars tuned and ice project to mark storm drains along leak-free, picking up animal waste, putting Brown Avenue in Hazelwood with the brightly colored message “Don’t Dump Drains to Pigeon River.”

Stormwater is the number one cause of pollution getting into rivers, streams and lakes — the stenciled messages help increase awareness of the problem, encouraging citizens to make the small changes that add up to big impact.

“This is a great opportunity for students to learn about how Student volunteers label storm we are connected to our waterdrains in Hazelwood. Donated photo ways,” said Mark Ethridge, a science instructor at the trash in trash cans and avoiding using fertilCommunity Learning Center, “and how we, izer or pesticide right before a rain. as citizens, can take action to help keep our The project was organized by the water clean.”

Haywood Waterways Association.

“This project was cool because all living

meteorologist; July 5, geospatial analysts; July 12, hydrologist; July 19, herpetologist; July 26, archeologist; Aug. 2, wildlife biologist; Aug. 9, social scientist.

Youth should come prepared for two hours outdoors with closed-toed shoes, a small backpack and water. Participants will receive a Junior Forester badge and patch.

The cost for all programs is $4 per child, per session, and $2.50 for adults. Space is lim-

“

Students fight stormwater pollution

Summer programming starting at the Cradle of Forestry

74 N. Main St.,Waynesville

828-734-9157

cproben@beverly-hanks.com

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Kids plant trees for the future outdoors

mer and harvested when they return to A tree planting in celebration of Arbor school as second graders in the fall.

Day was held at Hazelwood Elementary “They take it all the way from planting School in Waynesville, using rooted cutto eating,” said Mike Robertson, the master tings of corkscrew willows the students had gardener who oversees the school garden. propagated in their classrooms.

The propagation of tree cuttings was a The Arbor Day planting was an extenway to bring the garden into the classroom, sion of the school garden, an outdoor education component led Children gather to watch by volunteers with the the tree planting.

Haywood County Becky Johnson photo Master Gardeners Association.

“These are the four trees you all propagated,” said Joe Smiley, a master gardener volunteer known to the kids as Farmer Joe. “We’ll put a sign on it that says Arbor Day 2017.

Remember from now on that on the fourth Friday of April every and see the formation of roots in action. year is Arbor Day and you can go out and “They watch those cuttings root in Coke plant a tree.” bottles, and then come out here and plant The school garden is planted and tendthem,” Robertson said. ed by first graders every spring and sum-

Help wildlife through art

Smoky Mountain News

June 7-13, 2017

Wildlife and art will combine at the Wild Art benefit event 1-5 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at the Smoky Park Supper Club’s Boathouse in Asheville.

The event will feature wildlife and landscape-themed art from 12 different regional artists, along with wildlife rehabilitator Carlton Burke and some of his wildlife ambassadors. Guests will have a chance to meet the wildlife, and artist Tony Corbitt will paint one of them at the event.

Proceeds will benefit Appalachian Wild, a wildlife rehabilitation group that is raising money to build a new wildlife urgent care facility.

Free, with art for sale and a raffle. Light snacks will be provided, and a cash bar will be open. www.appalachianwild.org.

Franklin greenway could expand with land purchase

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Feel your stress dissolve.

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A 13.9-acre land purchase in Franklin could help expand the Little Tennessee River Greenway.

Mainspring Conservation Trust closed on the property — located off of Siler Road and bordering Southwestern Community College, Macon Early College and Macon County Public Library — April 26 and is now working to address its restoration needs. The tract includes 1,200 feet of Cartoogechaye Creek and was identified in the original greenway plan and recent “Bike Walk Franklin” plan as an important tract for bringing the greenway

closer to the Macon County Recreation Park.

“This is one of those great projects that touches all three of our core initiatives: conserve the land, restore the water and connect people to nature,” said Executive Director Sharon Taylor.

Mainspring is now seeking grant money to restore the property’s stream bank and wetland portion, and to convey a conservation easement to the state.

“Like all of our projects, this one is going to take a lot of partners to make it happen,” said Jordan Smith, Mainspring’s land conservation manager. “But we know the backing for this is out there and I hope to see people show their support for the Greenway extension that has been talked about for some time.” mainspringconserves.org.

Talk with turtles Turtles will take over the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville when the organization celebrates the fourth annual Box Turtle Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 10.

The event will highlight North Carolina’s state reptile, the Eastern box turtle, with guided turtle telemetry hunts, live reptile demonstrations, turtle crafts and a chance to follow the arboretum’s resident turtle Shelley along the self-guided TRACK Trail.

Free with standard $14 parking fee. www.ncarboretum.org.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS •The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park. Sit by a bonfire, alongside a river, and listen to some of Cherokee’s best storytellers. The bonfire is free and open to the public. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• Franklin native and former recording artist Eddie Ray will share stories of his years in the music industry at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Northcarolinamusichalloffame.org.

• A Private Well Owner Workshop will be presented by the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Projects from 4-6 p.m. on June 15 at the Haywood County Library in Waynesville. For any well owner with questions or concerns about their well or water source. Info: jtatum@sercap.org or 984.222.4304.

• Nominations for Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Awards are being accepted through Friday, June 30. Nomination letters may be hand-delivered to the Mountain Heritage Center at its new location in the Hunter Library building, Room 240; mailed to Mountain Heritage Center, 1 University Drive, Cullowhee NC 28723; or emailed to pameister@wcu.edu.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Vivianne Metzger Antiques will hold its 20th anniversary open house from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, June 16-17, at 31 Canoe Pt. in Cashiers.

743.0642.

• A meeting of current and former employees of the Waynesville plant of Champion/Blue Ridge/Evergreen is held at 8 a.m. on the first Monday of each month at BoJangles near Lake Junaluska’s entrance.

• A course in “Conversational French” will be offered from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, through June 27, in Room 139 of WCU’s Cordelia Camp Building in Cullowhee. $79. fjmalissen@wcu.edu or http://go.wcu.edu/speakfrench.

• “Get Real: A Creative Nonfiction Workshop with Marjorie Klein” will be offered from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 7-July 5, at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial at 52 North Market Street in Asheville. Offered through UNC Asheville’s Great Smokies Writing Program. $152.50 for state residents. $20 nonrefundable application fee for new students. Info or to register: http://unca.edu/gswp or 250.2353.

• “Let It Flow: Genius Creativity Strategies for Writers, a Workshop with Linda Lowery” will be offered from 46:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June 7 –July 5 at Hanger Hall School for Girls in Asheville. Offered through UNC Asheville’s Great Smokies Writing Program. $152.50 for state residents. $20 nonrefundable application fee for new students. Info or to register: http://unca.edu/gswp or 250.2353.

• “Networking Necessities: How to build and Engage Face-to-Face and LinkedIn Contacts” will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Division of Educational Outreach from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at WCU’s instructional site in Asheville. jcthompson@wcu.edu or pdp.wcu.edu.

• Registration is underway for the Western Women’s Business Center’s third annual conference entitled: “Her Story, Her Journey,” which will be held from 8:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. on June 22 at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville. Includes performance by Asheville artist Leeda “Lyric” Jones as well as a variety of speakers.

Register or get more info: www.carolinasmallbusiness.org/initiatives/wwbcconference2017 or 633.5065.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

• Registration is underway for a personal branding workshop with author Nancy Blanton. The workshop is scheduled for 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. $39 registration fee includes refreshments and a signed copy of Blanton’s book: “Brand Yourself Royally in 8 Simple Steps: Harness the Secrets of Kings and Queens for a Personal Brand that Rules.” 456.6000.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • The Cherokee Cancer Support Group Fundraiser dinner is June 10 at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.

843.385.3180.

• The second annual “Wild Art” event to benefit Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, at the Smoky Park Supper Club’s Boathouse at 350 Riverside Drive in Asheville. Art for sale and raffle to benefit Appalachian Wild. www.AppalachianWild.org/wands-for-wildlife.

• Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation will hold a Community Pet Support Day from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, in the parking area of Haywood Square.

Designed to help lower-income families get services for their pets. 456.3753, 246.9050, www.sargeanimals.org.

• Donations are being accepted to help renovate the piano in the Elementary building of the old Fines Creek School. 593.7042.

• Waynesville First Presbyterian Church will hold a yard sale from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. 452.2460 or 926.4739.

• Registration is underway for the 2017 Charitable Golf Outing, which is July 7 at Springdale Country Club. Cost per player is $75. Proceeds support the Life Transformation Program, which helps men and women go from homelessness to independent, productive citizens in Haywood County. Register: www.haywoodpathwayscenter.org or 246.0332.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS Fabric supplies needed for art camp being held at Waynesville Recreation Center in June. If you wish to donate fabric, please drop off at the Haywood County Arts Council at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville.

They will accept donations through June 14. 452.0593, info@haywoodarts.org or www.haywoodarts.org.

• The preferred application period ends June 12 for arts, crafts and food vendors who want to participate in Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Day. www.MountainHeritageDay.com.

• Coach recruitment for the Haywood County Special Olympics will be held at 6 p.m. on June 13 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers to assist rangers with managing traffic and establishing safe wildlife viewing areas within the Cataloochee Valley area. To register for training or get more info: karl_danforth@nps.gov.

HEALTH MATTERS • Preparation for Childbirth classes will be taught by a certified childbirth educator from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays through June 22, Aug. 3, Aug. 24 and Oct. 12-Nov. 2 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

452.8440 or MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses.

Smoky Mountain News

• “Ready … Set … Baby” prenatal breastfeeding class will be offered at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 19, at the Haywood County Health and Human Services Agency.

Pregnant mothers-to-be and support persons welcome.

Registration required: 356.2207 or 452.2211.

• A TED talk discussion on “How to Make Stress Your Friend” will be offered on Wednesday, June 7, at the Waynesville Library. 15-20 minute talk followed by discussion. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Registration is underway for a Youth Mental Health First Aid training, which is from noon-4 p.m. on June 26-27 at the Hurlburt Juhnson Homeless Shelter in Murphy. Learn the skills needed to help a young person who’s experiencing distress due to mental health or substance abuse. Register: http:/tinyurl.com/lec20yl.

•”Breastfeeding A-Z” will be offered for expectant mothers from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays Aug. 31 and Nov. 9 at Haywood Regional Medical Center. Taught by BoardCertified Lactation Consultants.

MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA) meets at noon on Saturdays at the First United Methodist Church Outreach Center at 171 Main St. in Franklin. 407.758.6433 or adultchildren.org.

• “Your Amazing Newborn” classes will be offered for new parents from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays, Sept. 7 and Nov. 16 at Haywood Regional Medical Center.

MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• Western Carolina University’s student-run, Mountain Area Pro Bono Physical Therapy Clinic will be open from 6-8:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. 227.3527.

• The Haywood County Health & Human Services Public Health Services Division is offering a Night Clinic from 4-6:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month in Waynesville. Services include family planning, immunizations, pregnancy testing, STD testing and treatment. Appointments: 452.6675.

• The Jackson County Department of Public Health will offer a general clinic from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. 587.8225.

• A Food Addicts Anonymous Twelve-Step fellowship group meets at 5:30 p.m. on Mondays at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville. www.foodaddictsanonymous.org.

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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

SPIRITUAL • A “Divine Design Conference” will be offered June 910 at Refuge Church, 200 Marsh Lily Drive in Sylva. $55. For anyone who’s wondered why God made you like you are and why other Christians are seemingly living the abundant life when you’re not. $55 per person; childcare and Saturday lunch provided. Tickets and info: 508.3559.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Helen Vance and Lee Woods will discuss their new book “Growing Up on Hazel Creek” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, in the community Room of the historic Jackson County Courthouse. June program of the Jackson County Genealogical Society. 631.2646.

• Daniel Pierce, UNC Asheville history professor, will present and discuss his book “Hazel Creek: The Life and Death of an Iconic Mountain Community” at four upcoming events: 10 a.m. on June 9 at the Bryson City Visitor Center in downtown Bryson City; at 6:30 p.m. on June 9 at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva; at 7 p.m. on June 16 at Malaprop’s Bookstore in downtown Asheville; and at 3 p.m. on July 15 at Blue Ridge Bookstore in Waynesville. www.SmokiesInformation.org or 888.898.9102, ext. 254.

• Songwriter and Jackson County resident Grant King will present his book “Love Songs for a Country Lane” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499.

• The Coffee with the Poet series continues with Robert Lee Kendrick at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Kendrick will read new poems and present his collection, “Winter Skin.” 586.9499.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • A girls volleyball camp will be offered for rising second-through-sixth graders from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on June 12-16 at the Cullowhee Recreation Center. $125 per player. Info: 506.4676 or 514.1949.

• An opportunity the Bellyak (prone paddling/lay-on-top kayaking) will be offered through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation department at 11 a.m. on June 24, July 8, July 22 and Aug. 20. $30. Rec.jacksonnc.org or 293.3053.

• Open play and practice for adult coed volleyball will be offered at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays in June at the Waynesville Recreation Center. $4 per person for nonmembers; free for members. 456.2030.

• Yoga is being offered at the Fitness Connection in Waynesville. First class is free. Info: 476.0179 or 550.1640.

• ZUMBA! Classes, are offered from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays, at the Canton Armory. $5 per class. 648.2363 or parks@cantonnc.com.

• 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.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • A Cookout for Senior Citizens is scheduled for 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, at Vance Street Park in Waynesville. RSVP by June 1: 356.2813 or mclaytor@mountainprojects.org.

KIDS & FAMILIES • Registration has begun for Youth Spring Soccer through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department. Open to players born between 2003-12.

Birth certificates required for first-time players. $55. www.rec.jacksonnc.org.

• A Youth Fishing Day will be offered for ages 5-12 through the Jackson County Parks & Recreation department from 9-11:30 a.m. on June 17, July 15, Aug. 19 and Sept. 16. Introduction to freshwater fishing. $5 per day. Rec.jacksonnc.org or 293.3053.

• Marianna Black Library will present “Build a Better World” – a summer learning program – through July 30 in Bryson City. Children will be awarded prizes for reading (or being read to) 15 minutes each day. 488.3030.

• “Camping with Jesus” Vacation Bible School will be

wnc calendar

offered from 5:30-8 p.m. on Monday through Friday, June 19-23, at First United Methodist Church in Sylva.

For ages 4-12. Dinner served nightly. 586.2358.

• As part of the “Build a Better World” summer reading program, Marianna Black Library will have movies at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, story time for ages 3-5 at 10:30 a.m.on Wednesdays and a summer learning program each Thursday. Professor Whizzpop will be there on June 15. www.fontanalib.org or 488.3030.

• Haywood County Public Library’s summer reading program, themed “Build a Better World,” runs through Monday, July 31. Register at any of the library system’s branches. www.haywoodlibrary.org.

• “Art Beats for Kids” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City.

A new project every week. $20 per child, with includes lesson, materials and snack. To register, call 828.538.2054.

• Great Smokies Used Curriculum Sale/Homeschool Fair is from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at Covenant Christian Church in Sylva. www.gsche.org/home/sale or used.curriculum.sale@gmail.com.

• Stories, songs and a craft are offered for ages zerosix (and caregivers) at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

• The first in a series of swim classes for ages six months to teens will be offered on Monday, June 12, at the Reid Gymnasium Pool at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Classes will be taught by retired WCU faculty member Mike Creason. $75 for sessions for older students; $44 for younger ones.

Register: www.swim.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• A Junior Forester Program is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, June 14 through Aug. 9, at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. http://tinyurl.com/y87c3gqn.

• Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club meets from 10:30 a.m.3 p.m. on Thursdays, June 15-Aug. 10, at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. Outdoor-oriented activity each day explores a different forest-related theme. For ages 4-7. $4 per child per program; accompanying adults admitted for $2.50. http://tinyurl.com/yc7u5unk.

Smoky Mountain News

June 7-13, 2017

SUMMER CAMPS • The first Lake Junaluska Summer Youth event is June 15-18 for grades six-12. Morning and evening worship sessions, guest preachers, mission components, focus on giving. Free afternoons. http://tinyurl.com/yalehcto • The Summer Learning Program at the Jackson County Public Library started Monday, June 6 in Sylva.

586.2016.

• The first Lake Junaluska Summer Youth event is June 11-14 for grades six-12. Morning and evening worship sessions, guest preachers, mission components, focus on giving. Free afternoons. http://tinyurl.com/yalehcto • Western Carolina University’s School of Music will host concurrent summer music camps in trombone and saxophone on campus Sunday, June 11, through Friday, June 16, for high school and undergraduate college students. The cost of each camp is $599, which includes accommodations. Undergraduates may choose to pay a commuter/day student rate of $400.

There also are a limited number of scholarships available, with details and applications available by contacting Szabo at zszabo@wcu.edu or Jeffress at jeffress@wcu.edu. camps.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Highlands Biological Foundation will hold a Citizen Scientists Day Camp for ages 9-10 from June 13-16 in Highlands. 526.2623 or highlandsbiological@gmail.com.

• Registration is underway for this summer’s Adventure Day Camp at Lake Logan. One-week camps start on June 19. For grades 1-5. $225 weekly fee.

Snacks, crafts, activities, guest speakers and adventure. Susan@lakelogan.org or 646.0095.

ONGOING KIDS ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS 48

month. At 4 p.m. on third Tuesday. Children ages 612 are welcome to attend. Please call 648-2924 for more information.

• A Tuesday Library Club for ages 5-12 meets at 4 p.m. each Tuesday (except for the fifth Tuesday on months that occurs) at the Canton Library. Hands-on activities like exercise, cooking, LEGOs, science experiments and crafts. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• The Canton Library offers a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics) program each

• A program called “Imagine,” an art program for children 8-12 meets at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Jackson County Public Library. Program contains art, writing, and drama. 586.2016.

• Rompin’ Stompin’, an hour-long storytime with music, movement and books, is held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays at the Canton Library and at 11 a.m. on Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. For ages zero to six. 648.2924.

• Page Pals for ages 3-5 is from 10:30-11:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• Story time and kids can make their own piece of art from 10 a.m.-noon every Saturday during the Family Art event sponsored by the Jackson County Arts Council at the Jackson County Farmers Market located at the Community Table, downtown Sylva. On the first Saturday of each month, there is a scavenger hunt with prizes. 399.0290 or www.jacksoncountyfarmermarket.org.

• A Teen Advisory Group meets at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month to discuss YA books and teen program events at Canton Library. http://haywoodlibrary.libguides.com/teen or 648.2924.

• Michael’s Kids Club will be held for ages 3-and-up from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Michael’s in Waynesville. $2 per child for 30 minutes of creative crafts. 452.7680.

• A Lowe’s Build and Grow session for ages 3-and-up is scheduled from 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays at the Sylva (586.1170) and Waynesville (456.9999) Lowe’s stores. Free.

• Art classes are available for kids 10 and older from 4:15-5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Bascom in Highlands. $15 per class. 787.2865 or www.thebascom.org.

• Rompin’ Stompin’, an hourlong storytime with music, movement and books, is held at 11 a.m. on Fridays at the Canton Library. For ages zero to six.

648.2924.

• Art Adventure classes are taught for ages 5-10 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Bascom in Highlands. Theme: metal. Instructor: Bonnie Abbott. $20 per month. 787.2865.

• Crafternoons are at 2:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• A Lego Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 3:30-5 p.m. at Waynesville Library.

452.5169.

• Library Olympics will be held at 2 p.m. on Fridays at Jackson County Public Library. Children age 5 and up get active through relay races, bingo, mini golf.

586.2016.

• A Lego Club meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. at the Macon County Public Library. 526.3600.

• Get Moving, a program for children ages 5-12 to encourage children to live a healthy life through exercise and healthy eating, will be held on the first Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. 648.2924 • Full STEAM Ahead, a program for children ages 5-12 to allow them to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through fun hands-on activities. Program open to the first 15 participants, at 4 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month at Canton Public Library. 648.2924.

• Family Story Time is held on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 0-6. Stories, songs, dance and crafting. 648.2924.

• A Lego Club meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

• A Lego Club meet the second Wednesday of the month at 5 p.m. at Cashiers Community Library.

743.0215.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

• Storytimes are held at 10 and 10:40 a.m. every Thursday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• The Cherokee Summer Carnival is June 6-10 in Cherokee. 359.6113

• Wednesdays in the Stacks, “WITS”, a new program for children in grades 3-6, on the third Wednesdays of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Macon County Library. WITS will include lots of fun games, prizes, and hands-on activities. This club replaces book club previous held on the third Thursdays of the month. 526.3600.

• The “Highlands Motoring Festival” will be held June 8-11. Proceeds from the weekend of events will go to REACH of Macon County. For more information and a full list of events, click on www.highlandsmotoringfestival.com.

• Fun Friday, everything science, is held at 4 p.m. on Fridays at Jackson County Public Library. 586.2016.

• Teen Coffeehouse is at 4:30 p.m. on the first, third, and fourth Tuesday at Jackson County Public Library.

Spend time with other teens talking and sharing. 12 and up. 586.2016.

• Rock and Read is at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at Jackson County Public Library. 586-2016.

• WNC Martial Arts will hold karate classes from 67:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Old Armory in Waynesville. For more info, contact Margaret Williams at 301.0649 or mvwilliams39@gmail.com.

• Book Buddies for ages 0-3 is from 9:30-10:15 a.m. on Tuesday at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• The Cherokee Bluegrass Festival is from noon-10:30 p.m. on June 8-10 at the Happy Holiday RV Village and Campground at 1553 Wolfetown Road in Cherokee.

Tickets: $40 for adults in advance (until June 1) or $45 at the gate. Three-day adult ticket is $90 in advance or $95 at the gate. Children ages 7-15 are $15 per day or three days for $45 in advance or $50 at the gate. Children under seven admitted free with parents. www.adamsbluegrass.com. Info: 497.9204.

• The 20th annual Cherokee Voices Festival is June 10 at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee.

Living history encampments, arts and crafts demonstrations and more. 706.265.0655.

• A Taste of Scotland and Celtic Festival is scheduled for June 15-18 in Franklin. Ceilidh with Scottish Bands, sheep herding, heavy athletics, clan parade, tours of the Scottish Museum.

Tasteofscotlandfestival.org or 727.424.8901.

• The annual Appalachian Lifestyle Celebration will take place Saturday, June 10, on Main Street in Waynesville.

456.3517 or www.downtownwaynesville.com.

FOOD & DRINK • “Brown Bag at the Depot” – an opportunity to gather with neighbors – is at noon every Friday at Sylva’s newest park at the corner of Spring and Mill Street along Railroad Ave. For info, contact Paige Dowling at townmanager@townofsylva.org.

• Graceann’s Amazing Breakfast is 8-10 a.m. every Tuesday in the Sapphire Room at the Sapphire Valley Community Center. $8.50 for adults; $5 for children.

Includes coffee and orange juice. 743.7663.

• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5-7 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.

• A game day will occur from 2-9 p.m. every third Saturday of the month at Papou’s Wine Shop & Bar in Sylva. Bring dice, cards or board games. 586.6300.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 586.6300.

• A free wine tasting will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturdays at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.com or 452.0120.

• A wine tasting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesdays The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

Free with dinner ($15 minimum). 452.6000.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Heidi Holton (folk/blues) performs at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, at Southern Porch in Canton.

• Carolina Blue (bluegrass) will perform at 6:30 p.m. on June 8 at Bogart’s Restaurant & Tavern in Waynesville.

• Western Carolina University’s outreach program Road Works will present the musical variety show “Livin’ the Dream” at the following times and locations: at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville; at noon Saturday, June 10, at Bridge Park Pavilion in Sylva; and at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at Biltmore Park Town Square in Asheville.

• Dulci Ellenberger (guitar/vocals) performs at 7 p.m. on June 9 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• Betsy’s School of Dance will hold their production “Iconic” at 2 p.m. (beginner/intermediate dancers) and 7 p.m. (intermediate/advanced dancers) Saturday, June 10, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $7 students, $10 adults. www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• Joe Cruz (piano/pop) performs at 7 p.m. on June 10 and 17 at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• The National Theatre of London’s production of “Peter Pan” will be shown live via satellite at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets: www.highlandspac.org, at the door or 526.9047. No tickets needed for children under 18 when accompanied by an adult.

• The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre is hosting a membership drive at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 13, at 134 Main Street in Bryson City. Run by all-volunteer staff. 488.8227 or 736.3921.

• Carolina Express (bluegrass) performs at 6:30 p.m. on June 15 at Bogart’s Restaurant & Tavern in Waynesville.

• The DuPont Brothers (Americana) will perform at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16, at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville.

June 15, in Sylva. Wire jewelry with a “4th of July – Red, White & Blue” theme. Register: 586.4009.

• Tickets are on sale now for a 3 Doors Down performance as a fundraiser for the Better Life Foundation on Oct. 21 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000.

• A program on art forgery featuring author Thomas Thibeault will be presented at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, at the Haywood County Arts Council at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville. Thibeault wrote “Spot the Fake.” 452.0593 or HaywoodArts.org.

• “The Great Gatsby” will be on stage through June 11 at HART Theatre in Waynesville. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on May 26-27, June 2 and June 8-10 and at 2 p.m. on June 4 and June 11. Reservations: 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.

• “Unto These Hills” drama will be performed at 8 p.m. nightly through Aug. 19 at 688 Drama Road in Cherokee. A reimagining of the Cherokee Story. http://tinyurl.com/ycm83jwv.

• WCU Road Works will perform “Livin’ the Dream” at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at the Waynesville Library. To book Road Works: jhenson@wcu.edu or 227.2711.

• Tickets are on sale for Leslie Jones’ comedy performance, which is July 1 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. www.ticketmaster.com or 800.745.3000.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Paul H. Davis (singer-songwriter) June 8 and Darren Nicholson & Caleb Burress (Americana/soul) June 9. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Auditions for Highlands Cashiers Players’ production of the romantic comedy “Crossing Delancey” will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 11, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Scripts are available to read in the Highlands and Cashiers libraries. Performance dates are Aug. 24-27 and Aug. 31-Sept. 3.

Directed by Dr. Ronnie Spilton, the play has a cast of three women and two men. www.highlandscashiersplayers.org.

•The Canton Public Library will host Richard Hurley (Americana/traditional) at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 11.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • A “Cooking with Brenda (Anders)” program is scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge. Featuring Brenda Anders, president of Dogwood Crafters and frequent guest on WLOS-TV’s “Carolina Kitchen.” $25. Register

by June 9: 586.2248.

• The Share & Serve Garden will host a monthly workshop from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, at 277 West Main Street in Franklin. Master gardener Miles Hyman will present on topics of “Maintaining & Harvesting Your Summer Garden” and “Container Gardening.” 371.2019.

• The Franklin Uptown Gallery will host textile artist Teresa Lee Bouchonnet at noon on Monday, June 12.

She will share her love of textiles and teaching. The event is free and open to the public. 828.349.4607.

• The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild will welcome Asheville quilt and fabric artist Ann Holmes at 9:30 p.m. on Monday, June 12, at Tartan Hall in Franklin.

The SMQG will also host a sewing party titled “A New Age” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 19, at Tartan Hall. All are welcome to attend either event. www.smokymtnquilters.org.

• Jacson County cooperative Extension will hold its monthly craft class from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday,

• Registration is underway for Western Carolina University’s School of Music summer camps in trombone and saxophone. Camps run June 11-June 16 for high school and undergraduate college students. $599 cost includes accommodations. Undergraduates may pay a commuter/day student rate of $400.

Limited number of scholarships available. zsabo@wcu.edu or jeffress@wcu.edu. Info: camps.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

Nicest 1850s/f move in ready space in Haywood County!

627 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Waynesville.

Shown by appointment only, Call Jeff Kuhlman

828-646-0907.

• Penland School of Crafts has open spaces in its first summer session available at half tuition to area residents. Complete information is available in the workshops section of the Penland website: www.penland.org. 765.2359, ext 1306.

• The Jackson County Arts Council is now accepting applications for Grassroots Sponsorship for 2017-18.

Grassroots Sponsorships are awarded to organizations in all cultural disciplines The deadline for applications is June 30, 2017. www.jacksoncountyarts.org or info@jacksoncountyarts.org or 507.9820.

• “The Illuminated Moment: A Flash Fiction Workshop with Beth Keefauver” will be offered from 6-8:30 p.m. on Thursdays from June 8-July 6 at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial in Asheville. Offered through UNC Asheville’s Great Smokies Writing Program. Students explore the tension and resonance between narrative and lyrical elements. $152.50 for state residents. $20 nonrefundable application fee for new students. Info or to register: http://unca.edu/gswp or 250.2353.

• “A Walk Back in Time: Cherokee History in the Southern Blue Ridge” will be presented by Tom Belt – a Western Carolina University faculty member and Cherokee Elder, from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 8, at the historic Cowee Mound in northern Macon County. Tickets: $5 per person. Optional lunch is an additional $10. Reservations: 524.2711, ext.

301. www.mainspringconserves.org.

• Junaluska Flea Market will be held from 8-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the Weldon Gym at Lake Junaluska. Early bird shopping from 7:30-8 a.m. for $5. 456.8308 or edjulaf@bellsouth.net.

• A “Viking Axe” program will be offered June 10-11 at the Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. For ages 13-up.

Led by Brok Martin of WarFire Forge. Register: 631.0271 or chelseamiller@jacksonnc.org. www.JCGEP.org.

• An Art & Wine Night will be held from 6-8 p.m. on June 14 at B&C Winery in Maggie Valley. $35 per person includes all materials to paint, a glass of wine and finger foods. RSVP by June 11: 550.3610 or maggivalleygifts@gmail.com.

• “One Story: A Fiction Workshop with Abigail DeWitt” will be offered from 6-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays from June 12-19 and July 3-17 at RiverLink at 170 Lyman Street in Asheville. Offered through UNC Asheville’s Great Smokies Writing Program. Helps writers uncover their best material and discuss how to shape it into compelling narratives $152.50 for state residents. $20 nonrefundable application fee for new students. Info or to register: http://unca.edu/gswp or 250.2353.

mobile technology to help you get a lot less mobile.

Log on. Plan a trip.

And start kicking back.

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

Smoky Mountain News

• Box Turtle Day will be observed from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. Live retile demonstrations, Boykin spaniel “Turtle Dogs” and crafts. http://www.ncarboretum.org/event/box-turtle-day.

• The Town of Canton is accepting submissions for the 111th Labor Day Festival “A Celebration of All Things Made in Western North Carolina” until 4 p.m. on Aug. 21. Send artist bio, photos and sample of work to: Town of Canton, Attn.: Canton Labor Day; 58 Park Street; Canton, NC 28716. 648.2363.

Building was a complete renovation and space was first built out for Edward Jones office in 2005. Space is currently occupied by Junaluska Internal Medicine and is in excellent condition. Unit includes 2 restrooms, kitchenette and mechanical room. There is direct access to an outdoor covered patio area on the creek. The building has excellent onsite parking and is located in Waynesville only 3/10 mile North of the courthouse. Location is centrally located to all commercial areas of Way. without the traffic backups. Lease is $11.75 sq.ft. and includes exterior maintenance, taxes, water and 3’x8’ lighted sign. Available 5/1.

June 7-13, 2017

• Chatham County Line (acoustic. American roots, rock-n-roll) will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, at Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley.

• An iPhone/iPad users group will meet at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Class A Office/Professional/Medical space, 1850 sq. ft. MOVE IN ready

wnc calendar

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

Free. www.cantonnc.com.

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• Registration is underway for Cullowhee Mountain Arts’ workshop entitled “Abstracted Portraiture – a Photographic Water Journey,” which is from 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 15, at the Western Carolina University School of Art and Design. Led by photographic artist Barbara Tyroler, whose exhibit “Water Portraits” will have an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on the same day. $45 for the workshop. Info and to register: cullowheemountainarts.org or 342.7899.

wnc calendar

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

Ron Breese Broker/Owner

• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There will also be “Painting at the Porch” at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Southern Porch in Canton. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page (search event: Brush N. Brew) or call Robin Smathers at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com

• “Build a Better Community: What Could Be!” – a community building workshop – will be offered from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, at the Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center in Waynesville.

Featuring two TED talks followed by discussion.

Each office independently owned & operated.

Catherine Proben

• A “Viking Shield” workshop will be offered June 17-18 at the Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. For ages 13-up. Register: 631.0271 or chelseamiller@jacksonnc.org. www.JCGEP.org.

Cell: 828-734-9157 Office: 828-452-5809

cproben@beverly-hanks.com

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • Shady Ladies show is June 9-July 1 at the Haywood County Arts Council. 452.0593 or www.haywoodarts.org.

74 N. Main St., Waynesville, NC

• An Artist Talk featuring musician and instructor Iva Veazey will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Monday, June 12, at the Jackson County Public Library’s Community Room in Sylva. info@jacksoncountyarts.org or http://jacksoncountyarts.org.

828.452.5809

• Appalachian Mural Trail dedications will take place at 10 a.m. on June 17 on Depot Street next to town hall in Dillsboro. One mural was painted

by Doreyl Ammons Cain; the other by the youth of Jackson County led by Cain. www.muraltrail.com.

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

• Several exhibitions are on display this summer at the Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center. “Water Portraits: Barbara Tyroler” is on exhibition until Aug. 25 and has an opening reception from 5-7 p.m. on June 15. “Print Plus One: Beyond the Glass Matrix” by various artists at Harvey K. Littleton Studios in Spruce Pine has a closing reception from 5-7 p.m. on July 27. “Ancient Forms, Modern Minds: Contemporary Cherokee Ceramics” is on display through Nov. 10.

227.ARTS or bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

Mieko

Thomson BROKER/REALTOR®

Cell (828) 226-2298 www.ncsmokies.com

June 7-13, 2017

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WAYNESVILLE NORTH CAROLINA

Outdoors Judy Meyers 26 N. MAIN STREET • WAYNESVILLE

• A “Winged Wonders” butterfly exhibit is on display through Oct. 29 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. http://www.ncarboretum.org/event/winged-wonders-step-world-butterflies/all.

remax-waynesvillenc.com

• Mainspring Conservation Trust will host a “A Walk Back in Time: Cherokee History on Cowee Mound” from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on June 8 in Macon County.

Smoky Mountain News

(O) 828-564-9393 (C) 828-734-2899 JAMEYERS@CHARTER.NET

http://tinyurl.com/l9zvte5.

Ann Eavenson R B A ESIDENTIAL

ROKER

SSOCIATE

ann@beverly-hanks.com

www.beverly-hanks.com

828.506.0542

828.452.5809 office

50

• A cycling ride leaves at 8 a.m. on Saturdays beginning in June from South Macon Elementary School. Routes vary with distances typically 1525 miles. Road bikes only. A no drop ride. Organized by Smoky Mountain Bicycles, 828.369.2881 or info@smokymtnbikes.com.

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

• A Guided Tour of the Galaxy is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in Rosman. $20 for adults; $15 for students/seniors/military and $5 for children ages 6-11. Free for ages 5-under. www.pari.edu, 862.5554 or schappel@pari.edu.

Outdoor Center in Swain County. Open to kids under 17. Clinic led by three-time World Cup champion Jez Jezz. $99. Register: www.noc.com/event/paddle-with-the-pros-jez-jezz.

• A white water rafting trip on the Ocoee River is being offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department from 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. For ages 12-up; under 16 must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Trip is $15, plus bring $50 for the rafting trip as well as money for lunch and dinner. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• A birding experience with Brent Martin, Southern Appalachian Regional Director with the Wilderness society, will be offered by the Highlands Audubon Society at 7 a.m. on June 10 at the Cashiers Rec. Center. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939.

• World Oceans Day will be observed from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on June 10 at Highlands Nature Center in Highlands. Weekly Creature Feature at 11:30 a.m. and activities.

• A “Sensational Salamanders” program will be offered through the Smoky Mountain Field School from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, with several stops along Newfound Gap Road. $79. www.smfs.utk.edu.

• National Get Outdoors Day is from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. Skills teaching, demonstrations. http://tinyurl.com/ya9cnvax.

• The 16th annual Special Operations Adventure Race - an outdoor adventure race featuring mountain biking, paddling and running – is on Saturday, June 10, in Highlands. Twelve-hour race starts at 7 a.m.; sixhour race starts at 11 a.m. $170 for the 12-hour race; $110 for six-hour race. Benefit spaghetti dinner is from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 9. Funds support the Special Operations Warriors Fund. www.soarhighlands.org or nathankreuter@gmail.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will hike to several waterfalls on Sunday, June 11, in South Carolina. Four miles of easy hiking; little elevation gain. Reservations and info: 954.632.7270.

• Friends of the Greenway is holding a membership appreciation open house from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, at FROG Quarters, 573 E. Main Street. 15th anniversary. Rstcl10609@aol.com.

• A “Leave No Trace: Wilderness Ethics Program” will be offered from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, June 12, at the Waynesville Library. Led by Hannah Redmon and Jim Taylor of Mast General. Seven basic principles will be covered. Info: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• A “Week in the Water” program for ages 10-15 is scheduled for 9 a.m.noon on June 12-16 and June 19-23 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Weeklong series of hands-on classes focusing on the art and skill of fly-fishing. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3.

• The Charlotte Raptor Rehab Center will present “Birds of the World” at 7 p.m. on June 13 at the Highlands Biological Station at 265 N. 6th Street in Highlands. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939.

• “Birds of the World” will be presented by the Charlotte Raptor Rehab Center at 7 p.m. on June 13 at the Highlands Biological Station at 265 N. 6th Street in Highlands. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org or 526.1939.

• The Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council meeting is set for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus at 58 Stewart St. in Franklin.

• Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway at 8 a.m. on June 14. Meet at Big Bear Shelter parking area. 524.5234.

• “Wine in the Garden” is on Thursday, June 15, at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. http://www.ncarboretum.org/event/wine-in-the-garden/2017-06-15.

FARM AND GARDEN • A Master Gardener Plant Clinic is offered every business day through Sept. 22. Call 456.3575 with any gardening question.

• A birding expedition to see the blue-headed vireo, nesting wood warblers and flycatchers is scheduled for 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 9, at Newfound Gap Parking Area in Tennessee. 865.436.7318, ext. 349 or dana@gsmassoc.org.

• Local farmers can stop by the Cooperative Extension Office on Acquoni Road from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every fourth Friday to learn about USDA Farm Service Agency programs in the 2014 Farm Bill. Info: 488.2684, ext. 2 (Wednesday through Friday) or 524.3175, ext. 2 (Monday through Wednesday).

• Ribbon-cutting for a 10.5-mile, mixed-use trail system is scheduled for 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 9, at the trailhead at Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee. http://bit.ly/2ngNAmX.

• The Macon County Poultry Club of Franklin meets at 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Cooperative Extension Office on Thomas Heights Rd, Open to the public. 369.3916.

• A “Casting for Beginners: Level 1” program for ages 12-up is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on June 9 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: http://tinyurl.com/jq4r6x3.

• A one-day freestyle clinic on the water will offer youth a chance to learn paddling from a pro on Saturday, June 10, at the Nantahala

FARMERS MARKET • The Jackson county Farmers Market is from 9 a.m.-noon each Saturday at Bridge Park on Railroad Ave. in Sylva. www.jacksoncountyfarmersmarket.org. 393.5236.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

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LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICE Mountain Projects, Inc. is accepting written proposals for the purchase of the material and delivery portion of the North Carolina Low Income Weatherization Program for Haywood and Jackson counties. These funds are being provided NC Weatherization Assistance Program Department of Environmental Quality.

Materials must comply with State and Federal regulations, which govern the program. All work is to be completed by May 31, 2018. In addition, Mountain Projects, Inc. reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

Proposals will be received no later than 5:00 pm Monday June 26, 2017. For a proposal package contact Vivian A. Bumgarner at 828.452.1447 Ext. 119.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Mountain Projects, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEGAL NOTICE Mountain Projects, Inc. is accepting written proposals from certified licensed electricians & plumbers for the NC Low Income Weatherization Program for Haywood and Jackson Counties.

These funds are being provided

by NC Weatherization Assistance Program Department of Environmental Quality. All work is to be completed by May 31, 2018. In addition, Mountain Projects Inc. reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Proposals will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Monday June 26, 2017. For further information or a proposal package contact Vivian A. Bumgarner at Mountain Projects, Inc. 828.452.1447 ext. 119.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Mountain Projects, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEGAL NOTICE Mountain Projects, Inc. is accepting written proposals for subcontracting of the labor portion of the North Carolina Low Income Weatherization Program for Haywood and Jackson Counties.

These funds are being provided

by NC Weatherization Assistance Program Department of Environmental Quality. Homes shall be weatherized in accordance with State and Federal regulations, which govern the program.

All work is to be completed by May 31, 2018.

Mountain Projects, Inc. will contract with a competent responsible contractor. In addition, Mountain Projects, Inc. reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Proposals will be received no later than 5:00 pm Monday, June 26, 2017.

To schedule a bidders conference and receive a proposal package or for further information contact Vivian A. Bumgarner at Mountain Projects, Inc. 828.452.1447 ext.

119. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Mountain Projects, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

LEGAL NOTICE Mountain Projects, Inc. is accepting written proposals from certified heating contractors for the evaluation, cleaning, tuning, repairing or replacing of heating systems, and combustion safety analyzing if required, which is a portion of the NC Low Income Weatherization Program for Haywood and Jackson Counties.

These funds are being provided

by NC Weatherization Assistance Program Department of Environmental Quality. All work is to be completed by May 31, 2018. In addition, Mountain Projects Inc. reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. Proposals will be received no later than 5:00 p.m.

Monday June 26, 2017.

For further information or proposal package contact Vivian A. Bumgarner at Mountain Projects, Inc. 828.452.1447 ext. 119.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Discrimination is prohibited by Federal Law. Mountain Projects, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

WEBSTER’S BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS Will meet on Wednesday, June 14th at 5:40 p.m. at Town Hall (1411 Webster Rd.) to consider Southwestern Community College’s variance request regarding their proposed Health Science Building’s height.

For more information, call Webster Town Hall at 828.631.5103 WEBSTER’S TOWN COUNCIL Will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, June 14th at 5:15 p.m. at Town Hall (1411 Webster Rd.) for the purpose of a Public Hearing regarding Southwestern Community College’s variance request concerning the height and specifics of their proposed Health Sciences Building.

For more information call Webster Town Hall at 828.631.5103

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

ANNOUNCEMENTS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Up to $2,671/mo. (Based on paid-in amount.) FREE evaluation!

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June 7-13, 2017

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EMPLOYMENT

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FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Senior Secretary (Foundation). For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer LOCAL DRIVERS WANTED! Be your own boss. Flexible hours.

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FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

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REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

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HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

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mobrig@Beverly-Hanks.com

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mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

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maggievalleyselfstorage.com

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

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828.506.7137

aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

www.sunburstrealty.com/amy-spivey

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

Realty World Heritage Realty

Equal Housing Opportunity

Phone# 1.828.273.3639 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 This is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

——————————————

GEORGE

ESCARAVAGE

realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net Mieko Thomson - ncsmokies.com The Real Team - the-real-team.com Ron Breese - ronbreese.com Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

ASHEVILLE, NC 28804

• • • • • •

GESCAR@BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

Rob Roland Realty

BEVERLY-HANKS.COM

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

BROKER/REALTOR

—————————————— 28 WOODLAND ASTER WAY

828.400.0901

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

smokymountainnews.com

Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 4:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Lakeshore Realty

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management

Phone # 1-828-456-6776 TDD # 1-800-725-2962

OFFICE HOURS:

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Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

• Steve Cox - info@haywoodproperties.com

Mountain Home Properties

Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400

Haywood Properties - haywoodproperties.com

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Section 8 Accepted - Rental Assistance When Available -

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

beverly-hanks.com Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com George Escaravage - gescar@beverly-hanks.com Randy Flanigan - randyflanigan@beverly-hanks.com Billie Green - BGreen@beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy - michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - marilynnobrig@beverly-hanks.com Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com Brooke Parrott - brookeparrott@beverly-hanks.com Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com Pamela Williams - pamelawilliams@beverly-hanks.com

Keller Williams Realty

Offering 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS

• • • • • • • • • • • •

June 7-13, 2017

CAVALIER ARMS APARTMENTS

Beverly Hanks & Associates

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com

CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE FOR YOU

828.734.6500, 828.734.6700

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

WNC MarketPlace

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

HOMES FOR SALE

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

www.smokymountainnews.com

June 7-13, 2017

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CROSSWORD

BASEBALL BATTY ACROSS 1 Pennsylvania resort mountains 8 Puts glittery metal strips on 15 Hollywood’s Hawke 20 Small cousin of the flute 21 Patronizes, as a store 22 Bit of poetry 23 Baseballer’s paranormal power?

25 Brown ink 26 Yalies 27 Island group near Fiji 28 Gillette brand 30 Phone no.

31 Posed 32 Baseballer doing roadwork?

37 Drops seen at dawn 38 Be litigious 39 Citadel of a North African city 40 Baseballer with film and TV roles?

47 Bygone ruler 49 Be obligated 50 Dog sounds 51 Catch on film 52 “Amazing!”

53 Narnia lion 55 “Green-eyed monster” 56 Yearly period when a baseballer is gleeful?

60 Strip off 61 Barn bag bit 62 Bow’s shape 63 Soup legume 64 Neophyte 65 Baseballer working as a highway patrol cop?

70 No-hitter king Nolan

4 Table scraps 74 Serengeti grazer 76 Prefix for “the same” 5 Naught 6 Not anybody else’s 77 Always, to Keats 7 Fallen angel 78 Paltry 8 Groove for a letter79 What a baseballer shaped bolt plays in a band?

9 Start of a rumor report 86 Nastase near a net 10 Pre-Q queue 87 See 57-Down 11 Health club 88 Trailways transport 12 Grand home 89 No-frills river vessel 13 Actress Christine 90 Sought morays 14 Lead-in to foam 91 — laude 15 Hectic hosp. locales 92 Pet food brand 94 Two things at a base- 16 Letters after etas 17 Certain curve in math ballers’ snack bar?

97 Kind of earring or tie 18 From pretty far off 19 Pro-school org.

99 College coach 24 Typesetting widths Parseghian 29 Crooner Paul 100 FBI title: Abbr.

101 Baseballer’s hamper 32 Middle marks 33 Not waste contents?

108 Bit of lifting lingerie 34 Snarling dog 35 Wine server 111 Up to, in ads 36 “— a good time for 112 “Why am — suryou?” prised?”

37 Make no sense 113 Huxtable family 40 Cleaned with a broom mom 41 Brooklyn’s — Island 114 Foot 115-Acrosses 42 Nomad 115 Thumb, e.g.

117 Baseballer’s time to 43 Be fuming 44 Give — (heed) shine?

45 Follower of Mar. 121 In the bag 46 “Oy —!”

122 Was uncaged 47 Wee kid 123 “— Pie” (Oscar48 “Hush!” winning short) 52 Previously 124 Nash of verse 54 Most unctuous 125 Ursula of “Dr. No” 126 Absorption process- 56 Iraqi city on the Tigris 57 With 87-Across, soones to-be-inducted city official DOWN 58 Round body 1 Pear and quince 59 Dizzying designs 2 City in Florida 66 Smooch 3 “Hush!”

67 Winter hrs. in D.C. 68 Hull hazards 69 — -car (Hertz service) 71 Mello — (soda brand) 72 Neighbor of Pisces 73 “I — drink!”

75 Republic 79 Pilgrimage destination 80 Wailing in grief 81 Stiff, but not inflexible 82 Aptiva maker 83 Letters after mus 84 Mystifying Geller 85 Google Earth image 90 Skittish 93 Me, myself — 94 Utter loudly 95 Linden of TV 96 Loses width 98 Cops 99 Wait upon 102 Prefix with mural or net 103 Realm in “The Lord of the Rings” 104 Summits 105 “— Gold” (1997 film) 106 Delhi bread 107 “The same” 108 Boxing matches 109 Knot anew 110 Fire residue 114 Palm smartphone replaced by the Pre 115 Scooby- — 116 KO count 118 Producer: Abbr.

119 Metal deposit 120 Opposite of masc.

answers on page 49

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WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 49

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Flagged was in Morganton over the Memorial Day Holiday chasing birdies in the Grandfather District of the Pisgah National Forest per my annual Forest Service point count contract. I was headed to my motel room after coming out of the woods when I began to notice trees showing dead leaves at the ends of the branches. The first two I noticed were hickories and I began to wonder if there was maybe some kind of insect pest that targeted hickories — kinda like the locust leaf-miner that turns our locust trees brown in summer. But soon I began to see oaks and other species exhibiting the same symptoms. I noticed them in town, so there weren’t a whole lot of trees and the brown tipped ones really stood out.

Then one of those synapses, dumbed down by public education, fired and I remembered learning about how cicadas laid their eggs while I was researching Brood VI for the last installment of “The naturalist’s corner.” The female cicada has a sharpened, stout appendage known as an ovipositor kept in a retracted groove on the underside of her abdomen. She uses the ovipositor to slice into small branches making grooves

I

where she deposits her eggs. The deep grooves cause the distal (end) part of the twig to die, producing the brown foliage.

The result — the branches with brown ends — is known as flagging.

The next morning I decided to test my hypothesis in the woods. I found a concentrated number of cicadas and started looking around for flagging. It was easy to come by, although in the woods where there are many trees it is not quite as noticeable as in town. I found some affected branches low enough to examine and it was easy to see the grooves created by the cicadas. Voilà — the Theory of Oviposition joins the likes of the Theory of Evolution and the Theory of Global Warming.

The eggs remain in the flagged twigs until they hatch — generally between 6 to 10 weeks. The ant-sized, newly hatched larvae crawl out of the slits and fall to the ground.

Once on the ground they burrow down 6 to 18 inches and attach themselves to roots to feed and grow. The nymphs are actually active underground, where they go through five instars or growth stages. As they grow and molt underground they move deeper attaching to larger roots till time (13 or 17 years depending on species) for them to

suspect it may exacerbate the problem.

But there is a flip side: a 2004 report in Science Magazine states, “This study shows that resource pulses of 17-year periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp) directly increase microbial biomass and nitrogen availability in forest soils, with indirect effects on growth and reproduction in forest plants.

These findings suggest that pulses of periodical cicadas Flagging caused by 17-year periodical cicadas from create Brood VI laying their eggs. Don Hendershot photo ‘’bottomup ornamentals or young fruit trees can be seri- cascades,’ resulting in strong and reciprocal links between the aboveground and belowously damaged. These young trees can be ground components of a North American covered in cheesecloth or some other fine forest ecosystem.” In the long run it appears netting to protect them from females lookthat these emergences are more beneficial ing for places to deposit their eggs. While mature oaks and other hardwoods don’t suf- than detrimental.

(Don Hendershot is a naturalist and a writer fer lasting damage there can be collateral who lives in Haywood County. He can be damage. Flagging can reduce mast producreached at ddihen1@bellsouth.net) tion and in years where mast production is emerge and shed their last brown exoskeleton for their short-lived (4 to 8 weeks) adulthood, the purpose of which is solely procreation.

Flagging produces no long-lasting damage to mature trees. Young trees, especially

June 7-13, 2017 Smoky Mountain News 55

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