A new group is in the process of purchasing the now-closed Ghost Town amusement park, hoping to breathe new life into what was once one of the region’s major tourist attractions. Page 6 A unique charm still persists on Ghost Town’s old main street. Cory Vaillancourt photo
News
Longtime associate superintendent gets top job in Haywood Schools..............3 WCU to lease land to developer for student housing..............................................4 Outside prosector chosen in deputy shooting case..............................................10 NCAE runs online ad campaign against Clampitt..................................................11 Macon faces increasing costs for airport expansion..............................................13 Franklin moves forward with new Main Street parking plan................................17 Valley River Casino bets on expansion........................................................................19
Opinion
Intangibles a large part of Folkmoot’s value..............................................................24
A&E
Jam rock band carves a niche........................................................................................28
Recently, the Town of Maggie Valley’s property tax rate was incorrectly stated as 45 cents per $100 assessed value. It is, in fact, 43 cents, as it was last year. SMN regrets the error.
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S UBSCRIPTIONS
Nolte chosen as new Haywood superintendent
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER
The search for a new superintendent of the Haywood County Schools system is over, and as it turns out, those charged with conducting the search process didn’t have to look very far.
Dr. Bill Nolte was perceived as a frontrunner ever since his candidacy was first made known, and Chuck Francis, chairman of the Haywood County Schools board, said there was never really any doubt the job would go to Nolte.
“Well I don’t think there was,” said Francis. “I think that the main thing is, the board wanted to reach out and see who was out there, and we saw, and we chose Dr. Bill Nolte.”
After interviewing four candidates, three of whom were from outside Haywood County, board members voted unanimously the night of July 3 to issue Nolte a 4-year contract worth $10,551 a month plus $14,500 in local supplement pay per year. Previously, Nolte earned $7,599 a month and $8,000 in local supplement pay.
Nolte replaces former superintendent Dr. Anne Garrett, who left her position of 13 years this past March.
Since then, Nolte, who previously served as associate superintendent, had filled the role of interim superintendent. Under Garrett’s tenure, student performance in Haywood County public schools soared from a so-so 40th place ranking among North Carolina’s 115 school districts to 11th place in each of the last two years.
“In the last four years Haywood County schools has made some very good progress in this state,” said Francis. “We’re now ranked in the top 10 percent in the state and it’s due to a lot of hard work with our personnel, our people. The board makes policy decisions, and we let our folks, administrators, do the day-to-day operations. They are the ones that do the work.”
Like Garrett — a 30-year veteran of Haywood County Schools — Nolte will be responsible for maintaining and improving on the top ten percent ranking of a school system that serves more than 7,000 students from kindergarten though high school in the largest school system west of Asheville.
GOODTOGREAT
Born in Munich the son of two members of the U.S. Army, Nolte grew up in the service, but was most solidly rooted in the American South.
“We settled on a farm that was owned by my mother’s parents. My parents bought a large proportion of that farm in the early 1960s and I bought that from my parents about three years before my father passed, on the Tennessee and Alabama line,” he said. “I’m certainly a Southern guy.”
Nolte first attended tiny Motlow College before moving on to Middle Tennessee State University.
“I thought I was an athlete and I really
wasn’t,” he said. “I thought I was going to play basketball.”
Instead, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine, and then a master’s degree in education from UNC Charlotte followed by a doctorate from Western Carolina University.
Upon joining Haywood County Schools more than 30 years ago, Nolte filled a variety of roles, including those of assistant principal and principal as opportunities arose throughout the county.
When Dr. Anne Garrett was hired as superintendent in 2004, she hired Nolte as her associate superintendent.
“We made a concerted decision that we were not going to be average anymore,” he said. “The school system had performed a little above the state average for several decades.”
Around that time, a book called Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap … and Others Don’t was making the rounds; since its release in 2001, it’s been hailed as one of the best management books ever written.
Nolte said the lessons learned therein sparked HCS’s leap from good to great, and continue to influence him today.
“One is that we build very specific district plans across the board to help us look at the next steps,” he said. “The other thing that we’ve done is we are really well known in the region for some of the best post-college training for teachers. We have a big training day — some years more than one day — where we bring in highly respected national speakers and we have a lot of our own people speaking. So our people are on the cutting edge in terms of training.”
The final lesson is an intensive conversation in every school, each semester, about data trends — the who’s and what’s of students, subjects and standards.
“We take that data every year and we look at what the next thing is that we’re going to work on to get better,” he said.
“I know that Dr. Bill has been an employee that’s always been a team player, always excelled everywhere we’ve ever had him, whether an assistant principal or moving on up the ladder, he’s always excelled in every position that he’s been assigned to.”
— Chuck Francis, Haywood County Schools Board chairman
Invariably, if things aren’t getting better they’re getting worse; Haywood’s top 10 percent ranking isn’t as self-perpetuating as one might think.
“It’s a constant challenge for a lot of reasons. First of all you have new staff all the time, new teachers,” said Nolte. “You get new principles, new assistant principals. So a lot of the tools you have to go back and retrain on those tools, and we take a back-to-
New Haywood County Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Nolte expresses his appreciation at being selected by the board July 3. Cory
basics approach.”
Reverting back to basketball analogies, Nolte said that being a successful free throw shooter is contingent on technique and being a successful rebounder depends on first blocking out, just as being a good student involves a firm command of the basics.
“There are levels of questions — the harder questions are beyond recall, they’re beyond just memorizing the math formula. They’re very conceptual,” he said. “You have to understand what’s going on mathematically be able to figure out the problem maybe by combining a couple of formulas that you have learned.”
Maintaining the level of performance that Haywood County parents have come to expect also involves challenges that lie outside the students’ abilities themselves; chief among them is the environment in which learning takes place.
“Our buildings are in pretty good condition, but we have probably too many buildings in too many places. I’ve talked to the board about this and I think they’re very much in consensus with this,” Nolte said, noting that it was one of the topics that came up during his interview.
“The county continues to attempt to sell the [old Haywood Hospital building, currently used as the district’s central offices]. I think they should, and I hope somebody buys it and pays taxes,” he said. “I think it would be good for all of us.”
Other choices that need to be made include the former Central Elementary School, closed in 2016 amidst controversy, as well as some far-flung facilities in Crabtree
Vaillancourt photo
New housing planned for WCU
Project will push TWSA water/sewer expansion timeline forward
BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER
With no end in sight to rising enrollment, Western Carolina University is hoping a public-private partnership with Wilmington-based Zimmer Development Company will help meet the housing needs of future upperclassmen.
“We like to house our freshmen and underclassmen (on campus), and then kind of part of our scheme is once you become an upperclassman you kind of naturally move off campus,” explained Mike Byers, WCU’s vice chancellor for administration and finance. “So making sure that there’s enough places to live, enough inventory in the environment, seemed appropriate.”
The 500-bed housing complex will be constructed off of Blackhawk Road and Dr. Killian Road, across N.C. 107 from the main WCU campus on property that is part of the university’s Millennial Campus. WCU leases Millennial Campus property to the WCU Endowment Fund, which has more flexibility in the types of contracts it can enter into. The goal is to improve the university and the opportunities it offers students and faculty through public-private partnerships.
Under the agreement, the WCU Endowment Fund and Zimmer will enter into a long-term sublease for a yet-to-be-determined fair market value. After agreeing on a design concept with WCU and the Endowment Fund Board, Zimmer will build the housing complex and manage the property. The complex will likely offer the apartment-style housing that upperclassmen seek
WCU selected a conceptual plan from Zimmer Development Company from a field of many applicants for the project, four of whom were invited to present their ideas in person. Donated graphic
in off-campus living but that the university makes it a point not to provide in its on-campus housing.
“We aren’t going to manage this property,” said Byers. “We aren’t going to fill the beds. We aren’t going to bill the students. It will be just like any off-campus apartment complex. They’ll just happen to be leasing the property from us.”
Many “very good” developers submitted their qualifications for the project, Byers said, with four invited to come present their ideas. Zimmer emerged as the “best fit” due to the effort they put into studying the site and how their plan would fit in with the university’s master plan. The “all-star” team they’d put together to work on the project, including local acts like Vannoy Construction and Civil Design Concepts, also proved impressive, Byers said.
With the N.C. Promise tuition reduction program coming online this fall, enrollment
will rise, and while it’s too early to say for sure how large the 2018-19 freshman class will be, as of now it looks like the number of students will outstrip initial projections of a 300-student increase over last year, Byers said. Every spring, the university’s enrollment office sends thousands of acceptance letters with the understanding that many applicants have applied to more than one school and will decline admission. Exactly what percentage of accepted applicants will ultimately enroll is always something of a guessing game, and as a school becomes more or less competitive with other similar institutions, that proportion can shift.
WCU is currently in the midst of completing a dormitory renovation and replacement plan on campus, constructing a 600-bed residence hall on the upper campus and then demolishing and replacing two aging dorms, Scott and Walker. However, the replacements
for Scott and Walker will have fewer beds than the existing buildings, meaning that by the end of the renovation and replacement plan WCU will have no more beds than it does currently. Taking into account these oncampus plans and planned housing projects from private developers off-campus, WCU concluded there would be a “pretty major deficit of beds” in the Cullowhee area if it didn’t move ahead with the Millennial Campus project.
WCU’s plans will likely force the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Association to move up its timeline on a planned water and sewer expansion project in the Little Savannah area. The existing water and sewer systems there are already reaching their limit, and adding 500 beds would push them past it, TWSA Executive Director Dan Harbaugh wrote in a memo to the TWSA board.
In the current capital improvements plan, advanced planning for the water/sewer expansion is set to begin in fiscal year 20192020, with construction in fiscal year 20202021. However, with WCU hoping to see the housing complex operational by July 2020, TWSA is considering moving that timeline up by one year. The board discussed the issue during a July 10 work session and will likely vote on revising the capital improvements plan timeline during its July 17 meeting.
Planning and construction for the water and sewer expansion is expected to cost just over $1 million. How much of that tab TWSA will pick up and how much it will ask the developer to cover is still under discussion.
The student housing complex is but one pending project on WCU’s Millennial Campus property. While the university’s Health and Human Sciences Building is the only completed project on the Millennial Campus, a few more are in the works.
WCU is still hoping to see a medical office building constructed there, a project envisioned as a 30,000-square-foot facility filled with tenants who would use their space for various medical practices while also collaborating with WCU faculty and staff to enhance learning and teaching
and property adjacent to the Folkmoot Friendship Center.
“It is my goal as we do our strategic longrange planning, maybe sooner if our central office sells, but certainly during that process this coming year that we build a facility plan with help from the community, and everyone in the community knows with the plan is,” he said. “We tell everyone about it, and then we implement that plan in a logical fashion, step-by-step.”
A factor in that is the possible appearance of large housing developments that could impact the system rapidly and unexpectedly. Last month, the same concern was raised during a Waynesville Board of Aldermen hearing concerning a large proposed housing development off Plott Creek Road.
Physical security is also an issue both in Haywood County and across the country. Nolte’s been frank in the past, and hasn’t yet deviated from his assertions.
“If we are going to spend money, we need to make sure that it’s money well spent and doesn’t just feel good, doesn’t just look good in the newspaper or sound good on the radio,” he said. “I think we need to continue to do what we can to add physical security. We need to be very careful about that though because a fence keeps bad guys out but if there are bad guys inside we need to get out too. We need to be very thoughtful about that.”
School resource officers are a welcome addition, and this year Haywood County will get at least one more, but Nolte expressed disappointment that funding recently appropriated by the General Assembly is either nonrecurring or grant funding.
at the university. The project was initially expected to be complete as early as fall 2017, but while still a “very likely project,” it’s in a “holding pattern” for now, Byers said.
“There’s an anchor tenant that our developer’s been talking to that would lease about half the building,” he explained. “That anchor tenant needed more time before they could commit.”
Once the tenants are lined up, the building will take just under a year to build, so “on any given day (the project is) at least a year out,” Byers said.
Another Millennial Campus project will finish up a bit earlier. A 185-foot FM radio tower is under construction atop 3,680-foot Brown Mountain and should be done by the end of 2018. Once complete, the tower will house the WCU radio station at its new, wider-ranging frequency, 90.5 FM. It will also house reception for Jackson County Emergency Services, and WCU plans to seek out cell service providers wishing to co-locate there. Affixing cell antennae to the tower would extend service up N.C. 107 past WCU, much of which is currently a dead spot for cell coverage. FCC requirements dictated that
“Those grants will go to the poorest school systems first, many of them will, which means we’re not likely to get much of that money,” Nolte said.
Still, HCS has the best security device that money can’t buy.
“We have great kids who talk to us. It’s our best security device. Grandparents, parents — tell your kids to keep talking to us,” he said. “Most of the time it’s nothing, it’s not credible. But every now and again when it is, we need that.”
Nolte added that starting August 25, staff will engage in a particular type of training that has become an unfortunate necessity in the reality of today’s American educational experience.
“We’ve looked at the data from across the country, and the reason people die is because they bleed to death,” he said of school shooting victims. “We have plans and security and evacuations and law enforcement who will come quickly and you can’t prevent everything, but one of the things we will start looking at is training lots of people to stop bleeding. People don’t like to hear that, but it’s one of the things we need to add to what we do.”
With a focus on academics, administration, facilities and safety, Nolte appears poised to lead Haywood County Schools into the post-Garrett era, while augmenting the progress they made together.
“It’s been interesting and watching him grow,” said Francis, an 18-year veteran of the board. “I know that Dr. Bill has been an employee that’s always been a team player, always excelled everywhere we’ve ever had him, whether an assistant principal or moving on up the ladder, he’s always excelled in every position that he’s been assigned to.”
Tues.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. We also cater! Serving all of
WCU begin broadcasting from the new frequency by the end of May in order to keep it, a requirement that WCU fulfilled by erecting a temporary pole.
During its March meeting, the WCU Board of Trustees voted to designate the Brown Mountain tract, among several other pieces of property, as part of the Millennial Campus, with an eye to improving the university’s ability to take advantage of public-private partnerships going forward.
Other parcels that have newly joined the Millennial Campus include Reservoir Ridge, where the university hopes to place a cell tower to replace the one atop soon-to-bedemolished Scott Residence Hall; land on either side of the Cullowhee Dam and 6 acres behind Tuck’s Tap and Grille to be used for the redevelopment of Old Cullowhee; 36 acres off of Norton Road to be used for public-private partnership student housing development; various areas around Whitmire Stadium, as public-private partnerships could be instrumental in future construction and other improvements; and Noble Hall, to allow for continued retail activity in parts of that building.
Taste of Local Ingles in West Waynesville
1678 Brown Ave #1
Thursday, July 26 • 3-6 p.m.
Celebrate all things local! Stop by Ingles Markets and meet over 25 local food and beverage artisans that supply this and other Ingles stores and SAMPLE their products!
Here are just a few of the vendors:
Annie's Breads - Asheville • Celtic Sea Salt - Asheville
Growing up in Gastonia during the 1960s, Mike Withers would pile into an old Ford sedan with his parents and siblings for the long drive to the now-shuttered Maggie Valley mountaintop amusement park called Ghost Town.
Over generations, Ghost Town left an indelible cultural mark and an enduring economic impact on the Valley, the county, the state and the region.
The park faltered in recent years, but a planned reopening this fall has given hope to thousands that the cherished childhood memories created there in the past half-century could be revisited; certainly, Mike Withers would have been first in line to return to the top of Buck Mountain, were his ashes not already scattered atop it.
Likewise, local elected officials, economic developers and entrepreneurs relish the thought of all the associated tourism activity that comes with a revitalized Ghost Town.
In many ways, it’s all still a tremendous gamble — a smallish, small-market park with dated and decaying attractions and a history of substantial infrastructure challenges being
resurrected in a town that has learned to grow without it and where some residents are leery about lingering safety concerns.
‘DEMONSONTHATMOUNTAIN’
It’s not surprising that an amusement park deigned to capitalize on “wild west” nostalgia has generated so much nostalgia of its own.
“It was just a really special time for all of us. It was something families could do together,” said Libby Withers Wilder, Mike Withers’ sister. “Mom would pack a picnic lunch and we’d stop somewhere on the side of a mountain and have a picnic.”
Like many in the Southeast, Wilder and her family still hold fond memories of time spent at Ghost Town, which opened in 1962 after Virginia native R.B. Coburn blew off the top of a mountain and installed a small 100acre theme park that would go on to become big business.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors jammed Maggie Valley each year for the opportunity to ride a ski resort-style chairlift up a 1,400-foot incline to the small main street lined with colorfully named storefronts
and costume-clad performers.
“It was just so much fun with the old Western people out walking the streets,” said Wilder. “They had that gun fight, and I had to hide behind my daddy because I was afraid of the gunfire.”
Those guns have been quiet for some time now. After a steady decline during the 1990s, the park closed upon the retirement of Coburn in 2002. A group of investors reopened Ghost Town in 2007 but filed for bankruptcy in 2009.
Local businesswoman Alaska Presley purchased the park out of foreclosure for $1.5 million in 2011, and quickly found major cosmetic and mechanical issues with the chairlift, the rides and the water system that she estimated would cost $11 million to fix.
“Poor management and bad debts has plagued it for years,” Presley told The Smoky Mountain News in February 2012. “A friend thought there was demons on that mountain, it has had such bad luck.”
The park sputtered along for another four years, until in June 2016, after more than 15 years of fits and starts and fixes and fiascos, it failed to reopen.
Just one month later, Mike Withers made
his final trip up to Ghost Town.
“He had been sick for probably the last 20 years of his life,” said Wilder, who on July 9, 2016 sprinkled Mike’s earthly remains near Ghost Town’s church and, ironically, in its faux cemetery. “He would joke about it — he didn’t want a memorial, he didn’t want an obituary posted, he didn’t want a gravesite. He said ‘If you can take me to the mountains, and you can take me to Ghost Town, that would be fine.’”
Months after that, the property went up for sale at $5.95 million, and about a year after that, it was learned that yet another group of investors had big plans that would again attempt to reinvigorate a park so beloved that people are still dying to get into it.
‘THESAVIOROFTHETOWN’
Globally, the amusement park industry is a multi-billion dollar a year effort that coasted through the Great Recession nearly unscathed, according to annual reports issued by the Themed Entertainment Association, an amusement industry group that monitors worldwide trends.
“Poor management and bad debts has plagued it for years. A friend thought there was demons on that mountain, it has had such bad luck.”
— Former owner Alaska Presley in a statement to The Smoky Mountain News in February 2012
The top five parks in North America, all Disney properties, experienced attendance growth from 2007 to 2017 of between 10 and 24 percent. Most of those parks saw attendance remain flat or drop ever so slightly during 2007 and/or 2008, but between the five — Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, and Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California — more than 74 million people walked through the turnstiles in 2017 alone.
From that world comes Valerie Oberle, the public face of a small group of Ghost Town investors that also includes her husband, Spencer.
Oberle declined to be interviewed for this story, but a website for her business consulting agency, The Oberle Group, says she spent 27 years with Disney, holding leadership roles in guest relations, human resources, operations and resort management on her way to becoming Disney’s first female executive.
Her husband Spencer holds similar Disney credentials over a 32-year career that ended in 2004 when he joined The Oberle Group, whose clients include the City of Mount Airy, the High Point Police Department, the North Carolina Association of CPAs and, further afield, the Florida Department of Insurance, the Florida Department of Revenue, and of course Disney.
Maggie Valley isn’t Disney, as testified to by the string of vacant mom-and-pop motels for sale along Soco Road that have languished during Ghost Town’s absence.
In recent years, however, public sentiment came around to the realization that Maggie Valley could no longer wish upon a star for its economic development dreams to come true.
“The good thing is, we have really learned how to survive without Ghost Town, so that was good at making our economy more robust and healthier,” said Dave Angel, owner of Elevated Mountain Distilling Company in Maggie Valley.
Although Angel serves as the chairman of the board of the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, it’s his distillery at the center of that resurgence; the only one of its kind in the area, it’s become a year-round global attraction in what was once a disused dinner theater in a highly seasonal tourist town.
“Even over the last two years, we have grown year-over-year in Maggie Valley,” he said, rattling off new restaurants, new gift shops and proposed hotel developments that S EE G HOST TOWN, PAGE 8
“When I find out when the grand opening is, we’ve all been talking about this as a family since we read that someone had purchased it, we’re planning to be there on the opening day and bring some of our grandkids with us, so we can walk them through and show them.”
Libby Withers Wilder (center) scattered her brother Mike’s ashes at Ghost Town in July, 2016. A billboard (below) still shows a previous incarnation of Ghost Town in the Sky. Cory Vaillancourt photos
— Libby Withers Wilder
will compliment existing attractions like the Wheels Through Time motorcycle museum, Cataloochee Ski Area and Cataloochee Ranch. “That just brings more people, and gives people more things to do, more reasons to stay in Maggie. So instead of coming up, going to that one shop they came for or that one attraction they came for and leaving, now they’re starting to spend more time saying ‘What else can I do while I’m here?’”
Maggie Valley Alderman and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Janet Banks said that the most important thing she’s seen in the five years she’s been on the board is a willingness among the business community to move in another direction.
“We cannot look at one particular business as the savior of the town,” said Banks. “And as a result, we have new businesses coming into town. We were able to get Elevated Mountain, we were attractive enough and had a place for Cavalry Road Baptist Church to come. I just passed a new business driving into Maggie Valley that I didn’t even know existed.”
That’s not to say that a flourishing Ghost Town wouldn’t be welcomed, according to Banks.
“I’m very encouraged,” she said. “I’m happy that people are interested in developing the property. I am on a board that wants to encourage new businesses coming to town, and I am very hopeful that whoever develops this property will be a success.”
Lynn Collins has been the executive director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority for a decade. The TDA is the entity responsible for administering tax revenue from the county’s room occupancy tax, and Collins knows the industry — and its ever-growing revenue numbers — as good or better than anyone else in the county.
“I definitely think it has the potential to increase our overnight stays here in the county, not only through people who haven’t been visiting in recent years coming back, but also increased stays when people get here and find out about [Ghost Town] and decide to stay longer to take advantage of it,” Collins said. “So I think we will see maybe some new markets coming in, and others maybe staying longer.”
The Town of Maggie Valley government itself wouldn’t likely derive much of a direct benefit from the park’s operations, as the park’s property taxes are paid regardless of operations and sales tax revenues are mostly redistributed to other counties. It does, however, stand to benefit greatly from the ancillary economic and social activity associated with the park’s operations.
“I would like to see Ghost Town attract families with young children,” Banks said. “There isn’t that much to do in Maggie Valley for families with young children. We are doing a great job of attracting retirees, and second homeowners, but for our town to grow in the future we have to attract the entire demographic.”
In an era of well-funded large-market year-round megaresorts with gleaming new attractions draped in state-of-the-art audiovisual presentations of licensed, contemporary
Alaska Presley (center) prepares to purchase Ghost Town in 2012. File photo
Maggie Valley Alderman
Dr. Janet Banks says the town’s optimistic. Cory Vaillancourt photo
characters — from Bugs Bunny to Batman — the prospect of cowboys and can-can girls attracting young children seems dubious. Former Ghost Town owner Presley herself called the western theme “passé” in 2012.
“The gun fights are good,” she told SMN at the time, “but they are not enough.”
Still, both Angel and Banks believe that Ghost Town’s brand still has enough momentum in the market to succeed.
“I know that nostalgia is a big draw for a lot of people, for a generation who may have grandchildren or even great-grandchildren, to share some of what we were interested in,” said Banks.
“It’s nostalgia,” Angel said. “On a daily basis people come into our business and they’ll say, ‘Well you know when I was a kid …’ and they’ll go back 40 years ago, 50 years ago, and tell you about the gunfight, about the can-can girls, just the memories of riding up the chairlift. For a lot of people, it just brings back good fun memories.”
Those memories for some include popular television actors like Burt Reynolds, who
made guest appearances as a gunslinger at Ghost Town in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
“He left ghost town to make the movie Deliverance,” Angel said, adding that Reynolds took Haywood County resident and fellow Ghost Town performer Herbert “Cowboy” Coward with him to play the role of the villain that had audiences squealing in theaters across the country in 1973.
“It’s got a rich tradition and history that goes with it,” said Angel of the park. “I’m optimistic that the folks that want to move it forward will honor that past and also find the path forward.”
SIGNSOFLIFE
The path forward begins with the path upwards, according to Valerie Oberle, who gave a short speech to a group of people gathered at a breakfast sponsored by the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce July 3.
“The sky lift — we have done all kinds of testing. We’ve had two groups of engineers including the original electrical engineer that
“We cannot look at one particular business as the savior of the town. And as a result, we have new businesses coming into town. I just passed a new business driving into Maggie Valley that I didn’t even know existed.”
— Janet Banks, Maggie Valley alderman
built the sky lift,” Oberle told the group. “They pushed the power button, and it ran. It was really exciting.”
That’s a big step. No rides are currently certified to operate at Ghost Town, according to Mary Katherine Revels, a public information officer with the N.C. Department of Labor. The last inspections at Ghost Town took place almost four years ago, in 2014. The chairlift was inspected by NCDOL’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau, on June 17, 2014, and was not certified to operate.
Three rides were also inspected on that same day. All three failed.
The chairlift was re-inspected weeks later on July 3, 2014, and was certified to operate, but that certification would have been good only for one year. Additionally, rides that have not been in operation for two years or more require additional testing.
“We have tested the chairs. They passed,” Oberle said. “They’re now being painted so they’ll all be fresh and clean. The grips on the top have been tested up in New York and they have passed, so they’ve are being crated and
are on their way back. The cable has been tested, and passed.”
The Department of Labor says that other than representatives of its Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau travelling to Ghost Town July 10 “to witness preliminary testing on the chairlift,” no other inspections have taken place or are scheduled.
“In order for NCDOL to conduct an inspection, the owner of the amusement ride must request an inspection, or an advance location notice,” said Revels by email. “Currently, there are no requests for inspections at Ghost Town.”
Oberle said that engineers had already tested the bases of the 17 towers, and had also performed core drilling tests and assured her that everything would be fine.
“Once that occurs we are going to be able to let the community know about our preview opening,” she said. “We hope to be able to do that this fall. We were hoping maybe Labor Day but it’s probably going to be more like the beginning or mid-October. There’s so many things that you can imagine that we have to sequence — water and sewer and electric, big, big things.”
Another issue that needs to be sequenced, according to Oberle, is the transfer of the property itself, which as of press time July 10 still hadn’t happened, according to the Haywood County GIS system.
“We have a series of contracts that have occurred, that we closed on. It’s not that easy, like just go buy the property and there you go. Because of the nature of Alaska [Presley]’s holdings and the nature of our investors, there’s been a series of closings that have occurred and we have one more milestone closing with a big investor,” she said. “But we have the money to keep doing what we’re doing.”
What they’re doing is renovating the Aframe welcome center building at the bottom of the chairlift and planning for a buffet restaurant the top, in what’s called Heritage Landing. The haunted house will be no more, but aside from that, there was little mention of any other specific demolitions or, for that matter, near-term additions.
“We will be doing a lot of construction and Ghost Town, it’s going to look very much the same,” she said. “[Visitors] are going to be pleased with the nostalgia that we’re really protecting, because it’s such a cool town.”
The can-can girls will be back, as will the beloved gunfights that so scared a young Libby Wilder 50-some years ago — albeit with a different twist that bows to the current political climate as well as the discerning tastes of today’s tablet-toting toddlers.
“We’re going to do a gunfight, but it won’t be like it was, because we couldn’t do that nowadays. That’s just not appropriate, with all the gun violence that’s going on everywhere,” she said. “So instead of getting shot, and blood, and the gravedigger comes and drags you away and the kids are all traumatized, you get shot, no blood, you spin around, the guy spins around, falls on the ground, acts like he’s dead and then he jumps up and starts to breakdance.”
Some of the park won’t be open during the scheduled preview period Oberle mentioned. However, her operation will be in
business long before that; on August 11, as a part of the annual Explore Maggie Valley event, she’ll be selling what she calls legacy souvenirs.
“We’ve got hundreds of T-shirts and 2.2 bajillion postcards, at least,” she laughed. “Mugs and glasses and other souvenirs that don’t make any sense whatsoever but we’re going to be selling them.”
Oberle added that she’d engaged the same marketing agency that was recently re-signed by Haywood TDA, Crawford Strategies, to craft a marketing strategy for this year’s short season, which will likely last until Thanksgiving, as well as next year’s full season beginning in April.
THE PILGRIMAGE
Not everyone, however, is looking forward to the traffic around the park’s entrance on Fie Top Road; a small bridge off Soco Road leads to Ghost Town’s parking lot, creating a dangerous bottleneck that some neighbors say could be a deadly safety issue.
“Our concern for Ghost Town opening is
“The sky lift — we have done all kinds of testing.
We’ve
had two groups of engineers including the original electrical engineer that built the sky lift,” Oberle told the group. “They pushed the power button, and it ran. It was really exciting.”
— Valerie Oberle to a gathering of the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, July 3
we think it’s great if it works out,” said Fie Top homeowner Linda Lennon Leeke. “But we’ve been down this road before.”
When Ghost Town first opened, Leeke explained, Fie Top road was little more than a cow path. In subsequent years, it grew to become a vacation community, and has since seen more and more permanent residency.
A lot of those residents are elderly, according to Leeke, and share her apprehension.
“What concerns us is what they going to do about the traffic entering Fie Top if emergency services needs to come up.” she said. “They’ve not looked at it, they’ve not addressed it. I met the lady who is part of the buyers group, I mentioned it to her and she looked at me like I had three heads.”
Leeke gained some unfortunate firsthand experience in the middle of the night on July 7, when her mother suffered a stroke and later passed away; Leeke commended the ambulance crew that showed up for their promptness and professionalism, but said they were concerned about how it may have turned out had it happened early one busy summer day.
“Every second counts,” she said. “Would
those seconds have made a difference for her? I don’t know. If they get to the bottom of this hill and they are waiting in a line of cars to get out, what’s their plan?”
Leeke was careful to note that Fie Top residents are hopeful for the success of Ghost Town, but think the bottleneck needs to be addressed before visitors like Libby Withers Wider begin their pilgrimages back to the cherished park.
“When I find out when the grand opening is, we’ve all been talking about this as a family
since we read that someone had purchased it, we’re planning to be there on the opening day and bring some of our grandkids with us, so we can walk them through and show them,” Wilder. “Even though Mike’s not here, I know he’s here. He’s always with us and just to be able to feel his presence and be able to walk around and enjoy what God’s given us, even to go up there and stand on the side of that mountain and see over the side and how beautiful it is, I’m just really looking forward to it.”
Parcel maps (above) show Alaska Presley’s substantial Ghost Town holdings. Haywood GIS photo The home page of www.ghosttownadventurepark.com shows revised branding (below).
Outside prosecutor to review Knibbs shooting case
BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR
An outside prosecutor has been called in to review the State Bureau of Investigations’ report regarding an officer-involved shooting that left Scott Knibbs dead inside his Macon County home.
In a recent press release, 30th Judicial District Attorney Ashley Welch said she received the SBI report two weeks ago and after careful review decided to have a second pair of impartial eyes on the case file.
“I have decided to request neighboring District Attorney to review the investigation out of an abundance of caution and out of respect to all parties involved in this matter,” she said. “District Attorney Greg Newman of District 29B has graciously
shooting are coming from Melrose’s interviews with the family members present that night and a brief press release from the sheriff’s office. Deputy Anthony Momphard had responded to a neighbor dispute call just before midnight April 29 between from Knibbs’ neighbor, who claimed Knibbs had placed wooden boards in the roadway that contained nails.
Melrose claims Knibbs did place boards in the road to slow down his speeding neighbors who were endangering the safety of children playing outside but that the boards didn’t contain nails.
agreed to manage any and all prosecutorial decisions in this case.”
Welch also stated that prior to receiving the SBI report, she met with the Knibbs family along with their attorney Mark Melrose to listen to their concerns about the case. It’s been a high-profile case with strong opinions on both sides. Melrose has been a vocal advocate for his clients and organized a rally at the Macon County Courthouse on May 8 — just a week after Knibbs was shot and killed by a Macon County Sheriff’s deputy.
Melrose said Knibbs and his wife were in bed asleep when they awoke to noise outside their window. Thinking it was the neighbor trying to cause more problems, Knibbs retrieved his shotgun and headed to the front door to see what was happening outside. He didn’t make it outside before he was shot through the window multiple times by the deputy outside.
According to the sheriff’s press release, Momphard fired his weapon because Knibbs wouldn’t drop his gun and exhibited aggressive behavior toward the deputy. However, Melrose said Knibbs had no idea it was a deputy outside his home. He said there were no blue lights or patrol vehicle in his driveway and he didn’t hear any law enforcement officers give him any instructions before he was shot four times through the window.
Based on the family’s account, Melrose said Momphard then busted through the front door and shot Knibbs two more times while he was down on the floor.
I’M NOT JUST HERE TO PUT IN THE HOURS. I’M HERE TO PUT IN THE YEARS.
As a defense attorney Melrose has a little more freedom to express his opinions of the case to the media, but at a recent criminal justice forum, Welch said a DA has to be careful not to talk about the case while it’s still under investigation. While Melrose has been critical of Macon County Sheriff’s Office and has stated Welch wasn’t immediately responsive to questions from the Knibbs family, Welch said there’s little she can say to respond to his accusations at this time.
“I can’t. I’m not allowed to get up and say this person is guilty, etc. … they’d take all our law licenses away,” she said at the forum. “People don’t realize when you’re a prosecutor there’s a higher level of ethics.”
The SBI report is not public record at this time. The only accounts of the April 30
Knibbs’ wife, his 13-year-old son, his 22year-old daughter, and his 5-month-old grandson were all in the home at the time of the incident.
Momphard, who is currently on paid administrative leave until the results of the investigations are complete, was a new deputy with the department. Before coming to work for the sheriff’s office, he was a U.S. Marine who served two tours in Afghanistan.
Knibbs worked in construction and was married to his wife, Missy, for 25 years. According to Melrose, he had no criminal record and graduated from Basic Law Enforcement Training at Southwestern Community College in the 1990s.
More than 100 people attend a support rally for the family and friends of Scott Knibbs. Macon Media photo
Targeted ads hit Clampitt early
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER
November’s General Election is still months away, but that hasn’t stopped the North Carolina Association of Educators from coming hard after freshman Rep. Mike Clampitt, R-Bryson City.
According to Andrew Dunn of www.longleafpolitics.com, a flurry of online video ads began appearing on Facebook on June 25 targeting seven Republican representatives besides Clampitt — Ashe County’s Jonathan Jordan, Mecklenburg’s John Bradford, Bill Brawley, Andy Dulin and Scott Stone, and Wake County’s Nelson Dollar and Chris Malone.
Dunn reports that each of the ads has “between $100 and $500 behind it, which equates to 5K-10K views.” The ads, he said on Twitter, mostly target women aged 35 to 54.
The video ads have also been seen on YouTube, Netflix and other such online streaming sites, but no matter where they air, the message is the same no matter who the target is.
As the camera pans out over empty school desks, a voice states, “North Carolina schools are falling behind.” A sketch of Clampitt appears on a blackboard that also reads, “Per student spending in North Carolina is $2,400 below the national average,” while the narrator says, “But Mike
Clampitt supported more tax breaks for corporations, and now he wants to lock in tax breaks for millionaires.”
The blackboard then changes to read, “Ranked 39th in the country — National Education Association” and also then reads “Mike Clampitt voted for billions in corporate tax cuts” as the narrator ends with, “Tell Mike Clampitt no more tax giveaways. Start funding
our schools.”
When reached via email July 9, Clampitt called the ads “dark money attacks” that are based on “cherry-picked talking points” designed to deceive voters.
“As I told the teachers from our area that came to Raleigh to voice their concerns, I respect and value their hard work, and I will continue support more significant invest-
ment in our state’s education and our children,” Clampitt said.
He then detailed in a bulleted list everything he says the legislature has done for teachers in the past five or so years, including an average $53,600 teacher salary for the coming school year.
Clampitt also listed a $233,000 increase in lifetime earning potential of a North Carolina teacher since 2013, thanks to five consecutive pay raises averaging 19 percent, or about $8,600. More than 44,000 teachers, according to Clampitt, have received a pay raise of at least $10,000 under Republican leadership.
“The real irony is this group hopes to elect my opponent, who claims to support teachers, but before voters kicked him out of office, he voted against many teacher pay increases, voted to cut teacher pay and force furloughs and even voted to lay off teachers, all while significantly raising taxes on all North Carolinians,” Clampitt said.
His opponent, Joe Sam Queen, DWaynesville, sees things differently.
“Since 2010 and the Republican takeover, we’ve gone from being in the solid middle, sometimes the upper half,” said Queen, the son of two educators. “Now, we’ve literally dropped almost all the way to the bottom. There’s no question we’ve lost relative ground.”
Queen, who has served in both the state
House and Senate, also criticized recent Republican tax breaks as misguided and harmful to the most vulnerable in North Carolina.
“We have cut the tax base for the privileged and powerful,” he said. “When you cut out your revenue streams with tax breaks for the wealthy, you cut education and health care. Education is nominally 60 percent of the budget, health care is nominally 30 percent. Everything else is 10 percent. They’re very proud of their big tax cut, but it comes right out of education and health care, and it goes right to the top 1 percent. The tax cuts didn’t hit the average citizen. The service cuts hit the average citizen, the little man.”
The NCAE ads were a surprise to Queen, he said, but a welcome one.
“I’m glad they’re looking at my race as an important one,” he said. “I’m glad of that. I want their support. I’ve got their endorsement.”
Queen narrowly lost to Clampitt in November 2016 in one of the tightest races in the state; fewer than 300 votes separated the two men despite Queen defeating Clampitt in 2012 and 2014 by more than 1,000 votes.
Targeted spending by interest groups is likely to be high in this district, as it’s seen by Democrats as a viable target and seen by Republicans as a defensible seat.
“The trends have been in the progressive direction, whether it’s Virginia or Alabama, or across the nation,” said Queen. “We got beat in a Trump wave, and now the trend is going the other way.”
Mike Clampitt.
Macon Airport Authority still eyeing expansion project
More funding needed to complete archeological recordings
BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR
The Macon County Airport Authority may have hit a roadblock in the planning process for a project that will add another 1,000 feet to the runway.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation approved $4.5 million for an expansion project that will provide safety upgrades at the small private airport, but unfinished work from the last runway expansion project in 2011 could hold up progress.
Airport authority members were surprised to learn several months ago that the archeological piece of the project started in 2009 — meant to document and catalogue any Cherokee artifacts found on the land being disturbed — was never completed.
Airport authority chairman Miles Gregory said he was worried the uncompleted work will mean delays for the next project.
Back in February, Paul Webb with TRC Environmental in Chapel Hill — the firm contracted to complete the archeological work during the last extension project — presented the authority board with an update on the project and asked for an additional $193,000 to complete the last phase within the next 18 months. That includes cataloging the items discovered, completing a final report and displaying the artifacts.
The airport authority will have to use NPE (Non-Primary Entitlement) funding from the
Macon County Airport history timeline
• 1969 — Macon County Airport was opened under county ownership.
• 1995 — A husband a wife died in a plane crash trying to land at Macon County Airport.
• 1998 — The North Carolina General Assembly established the Macon County Airport Authority and the county deeded the land and facilities over to the authority. Peggy Milton and Neil Hoppe, owners of Franklin Aviation, received a 20-year contract from the county to manage Macon County Airport. That contract expires this year
• 2009 — Macon Airport Authority receives criticism over a proposed runway extension from 4,400 feet to 5,000 feet after an archaeological assessment called the site one of the more significant areas in the state because of some 400 Cherokee burials and artifacts.
• 2011 — The 600-foot extension to the runway at Macon County Airport is completed to the tune of $4.5 million. The project was paid for with a combination of federal, state and local dollars.
• 2012 — A plane crash at the Macon County Airport kills five people.
Federal Aviation Administration to pay for the additional work needed. General aviation airports receive $150,000 a year from the FAA in NPE funds to put toward safety and building improvements, but it requires a 10-percent match from the county government. The Macon Airport Authority has two years’ worth of NPE grants available to put toward the project as long as the commissioners approve the match.
Authority members said they had no idea that portion of the project wasn’t completed back in 2011. Webb was invited back to the authority’s June meeting to answer more questions about the work still needed.
“The board is trying to be patient with the process but the concern we have is it’s taken so long — going on nine years now — and we don’t understand the mechanics of the EPA and the other environmental people, but we’re in the process of adding another 1,000 feet hopefully… why does it take so long?”
Gregory asked.
Webb said there hadn’t been any more work completed on the project since 2014, but now the Department of Aviation has made it a priority again.
“The hold up is we haven’t had the funds,” he said.
He said these types of delicate archeological and environmental projects took a long time because a certain “sequence of operations” has to be followed when collecting these materials.
“Certain analysis has to be done first before we can move on to the next step,” Webb continued. “Did it stretch out longer than it needed to? Yeah, but not a lot considering the scope of this project — it takes a
while to deal with those materials.”
Knowing another environmental and archeological study will have to be done for the next runway extension, Gregory asked how long it would take to complete the next project.
Webb said it was hard to say — it’s really depends on what the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Federal Aviation Administration decide is required.
“That property out there has been farmed and disturbed for over 150 years, so I don’t think it will require as much,” Gregory said.
Webb said $193,000 would definitely be enough to complete the outstanding work so the airport authority can proceed with the next project, which could still be several years out. He added that while the recording and displaying of the work was included in the original scope of work, it was never funded in the final request for proposals because of budgeting concerns.
Even if the entire scope of work wasn’t included in the final contract, authority member Richard Rhodes said he still couldn’t understand why a change order wasn’t done to finish the work when the project was still in progress.
“That should have taken care of everything — to me it’s nine years later and you’re coming back saying you need more money,” he said.
Airport Authority Clerk Teresa McDowell said the issue was brought up during the project but that the Division of Aviation didn’t make it a priority until now.
“This shouldn’t hold up other grant funding. It wasn’t our fault and should have been
• 2013 — Macon County commissioners narrowly approve providing a $290,000 local match in order to get a $2.5 million grant from the FAA and DOT to repave and widen runway from 75 feet to 100 feet.
• 2016 — DOT wants to complete another $4.5 million expansion project to lengthen the runway from 5,000 feet to 6,000 feet. Commissioners voted unanimously to support the project, which will require another 10 percent match — $450,000 — from local coffers.
done as the grant was closed out,” Rhodes said. “It looks to me like it shouldn’t hold the project up now.”
Airport authority attorney Joe Collins asked Lori Hall, the county’s finance officer, about the steps needed to get the financing for the project.
Hall said a representative from the airport authority would need to get on the agenda for the July 10 board of commissioners’ meeting to request the NPE matching funds, which would be a request for $33,334. The commissioners have already approved $450,000 in matching funds for the next runway expansion project.
Authority member Tommy Jenkins made the motion to authorize someone to request the funds from the county and it passed unanimously.
County Commissioner Karl Gillespie, liaison to the airport authority board, said the authority representative should be prepared to answer some questions before the commissioners regarding the past and future expansion projects.
Macon County Airport.
“I think knowing my fellow board members, I think there’s questions I don’t have the answers to that would be helpful to have ahead of time,” he said. “The obvious question that will be asked is what was the original scope of work and was it not included in the original scope?”
Authority members said they would put together a brief history of the project and an update on what’s going on to present to commissioners.
LASTEXPANSION
The 2009 expansion project, which expanded the runway over Cherokee burial grounds, was met with a good deal of opposition from the community. Even today the debate continues over whether the airport is a never-ending sap on taxpayer dollars to accommodate a few wealthy people that use it or a major economic development benefit.
Macon County based companies and large employers like Drake Enterprises and Duotech Services have said the airport is extremely beneficial to their businesses. It helps them operate out of rural Western North Carolina and still be able to fly employees all over the country to meet with customers.
When the last expansion was proposed,
some residents said disturbing Cherokee burial ground was disrespectful and others felt the need for an expansion didn’t outweigh the environmental impact it would have on the area.
While Cherokee artifacts can be found in many places throughout Macon County, an archeological assessment at the time said the airport property was one of the more significant areas in the state.
At the request of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, none of the estimated 400 burials were to be removed from the area. The airport authority only wanted to excavate 25 percent of the artifacts from the 5-acre project site, but EBCI wanted 100 percent of the artifacts removed and preserved.
The entire project cost, including $535,000 for archaeological work, ended up costing about $4.5 million. Ninety percent of the funding came from the N.C. DOT Division of Aviation and 10 percent from a county match. At the time, the authority said it would cost $2 million to excavate 100 percent of the materials.
When the authority submitted its permit application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which would allow a creek within the project site to be rerouted, it was denied until the authority addressed the concerns from EBCI as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
By 2011, the expansion project was completed and the artifacts removed, but apparently the recording and displaying process for the material was never finished.
FUTUREEXPANSION
The authority also discussed the future expansion project to extend the runway from 5,000 to 6,000 feet, which will better accommodate larger private jets.
Jimmy Luther, engineer for the authority, said he has developed four different plans for the expansion work, which will be submitted to the DOA and FAA to evaluate and decide the best option.
Ideally, Gregory said he’d like to see the entire expansion happen on the west end of the runway since there is a creek on the east end that would make the project more time consuming and costly. He added that the neighboring residents on the east end had already made it clear they didn’t want the runway any closer to their property as the larger jets fly right over their home.
On the other hand, jet pilots complain about having to hit the short runway at 160 miles an hour and wearing out their brakes — which can run $30,000 to replace — to be able to stop in time.
“The neighbors are upset — a big plane came in and shook their house. The plane (pilot) couldn’t make the turn quick
enough to stay off above her house,” Gregory said. “I’m concerned about that. We may not be able to but I want us to do everything we can do to put everything out on the west end.”
While there is about 1,200 feet of property on the west end to work with, Luther said it would cover the 1,000-foot runway extension but wouldn’t be enough to cover the additional land required for a displacement threshold.
“Whatever we do isn’t going to be the best solution, but it will be the best we can do with what we have,” Luther said.
“Can’t we just let them take off from that end?” Richard asked.
“Yes we can, but they may not let us do it — they may say it’s not worth millions to not benefit the pilot up in the air trying to land,” Luther said.
In order to do the entire expansion on the west end, the authority would have to purchase another 500 feet of land. Building it on the east end would mean involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for further environmental impact studies and mitigation efforts.
The airport authority will continue to move forward with the preliminary work for the next expansion project and hope the remaining work can be completed in the next year as not to hold up construction plans for the next expansion.
Shining Rock looks to the future
Shining Rock Classical Academy has contracted with a broker as it projects to eventually outgrow its current campus composed of modular units. A Shot Above of WNC photo
BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER
Haywood County’s only public charter school is forecasting increasing enrollment for the coming year and has always had expansion in mind, but after a special called board meeting earlier this week, Shining Rock Classical Academy is getting serious.
“It’s always been our goal to either have a permanent home or a high school,” said Anna Eason, chair of the board of Shining Rock. “So we’re always looking for property, for the future.”
Since opening four years ago, the school has utilized modular components to house students and administrators, on a lot near Lake Junaluska at 1023 Dellwood Road. The 2.82-acre parcel is owned by the Lake Junaluska Assembly.
After a 90-minute closed session on July 9, members of the SRCA board voted unanimously to offer a contract for broker services to Ron Breese, a Haywood County realtor with Re/Max.
Even without finding itself a permanent home or expanding into high school instruction, SRCA in its current location will likely begin to run out of space at some point, especially if School Director Nathaniel
Duncan’s suppositions are correct.
“There’s a boom across the county, as we’ve talked to Haywood County public schools and Haywood Christian Academy. We’ll probably be close to 460 this year,” said Duncan of projected enrollment totals.
Duncan is entering his first full year as director at the school, which accepted former founding director Ben Butler’s resignation last October; Duncan was hired in late January of this year.
Last year, the school settled in right around 400 students after adding a few new enrollments and losing a few students who, for whatever reason, decided they no longer wanted to attend.
“I would say that 460 will wiggle itself back this year so that adds some [room],” he said.
But, Duncan also said he was adding a fourth kindergarten class for the upcoming year.
“The goal cohort as we move forwards is 63 [students] per grade level,” he said.
That means about 15 or 16 students per class.
“What the idea is after this,” he said, “is that as those kindergartners become firstgraders, I will add another first-grade teacher to march those kids forward.”
Diane E. Sherrill, Attorney
The next installment in the Friends of the Haywood County Public Library “Let’s Talk About It” series “Picturing America: Making Tracks” is Housekeeping, a novel by Marilynne Robinson that was published in 1980.
The novel was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and awarded the PEN/Hemingway Award for best first novel. In 2003, The Guardian Unlimited named Housekeeping one of the 100 greatest novels of all time, describing the book as “a haunting, poetic story, drowned in water and light, about three generations of women.”
Time magazine also included the novel in its TIME 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923 to 2005. Copies of the book are available now at the Waynesville Library office, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lorena Russell will leads the discussion. Russell is a professor in the Department of English at UNCA. She currently serves as director of UNC Asheville’s quality enhancement program on critical thinking.
The program is from 4 to 6 p.m. on July 19 at the Waynesville Library auditorium. No registration is required. Contact Bob Bahnsen, Friends Program Coordinator, at 828.421.6798 for information.
Russian expert to speak in Franklin
The Macon County Public Library in Franklin will host linguist and history enthusiast Alan J. French for a discussion titles “Russia — Then and Now,” at 6 p.m. on July 19.
A U.S. government interpreter since 1989, French will provide insights into Russia and the Russians before and after the fall of the Soviet Union based on his experience work-
ing in Moscow, Siberia, Geneva, and the United States.
For more information call the Macon County Public Library in Franklin at 828.524.3600.
Friends annual book sale is July 26-28
The annual Haywood County Friends of the Library Book Sale will be held July 26-28 at the lower level of the Waynesville Library, 678 S. Haywood Street.
There are thousands of gently used and new books in all categories. Also included are DVDs, CDs, puzzles, and books on CD. This year we also have a great collection of vinyl.
For a $5 fee, the book committee will look for an item for you. Prior to the sale, come to the circulation desk at the library and fill out a request form. The book sale committee members will do their best to find it for you.
Book sale hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 26-27 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 28.
All items are put out on the first day of the sale and prices begin at 50 cents. Volunteers are available every day of the sale to assist with getting your purchases to cars.
Volunteers are needed to help with the sale to assist with check out, loading purchases, and clean up at the end of the sale. If you are interested in volunteering, call Chairwoman Sandy Denman at 828.627.2370. Contact Sandy also if you are interested in purchasing items that are leftover at the end of the sale (at a greatly reduced price).
Service dogs are allowed but no pets please. Please note that parking is limited at the library but there is ample parking in the First Methodist Church lot across Boyd Avenue. We will accept donations against after Oct 1. If you have a large amount of books or are physically unable to get books to the library call 828.452.5169 to arrange for pickup.
New parking pattern coming to Franklin
BY J ESSI STONE
ADITOR
fter a successful trial run, the parking pattern on Main Street in downtown Franklin will soon be changing permanently.
Frustrations about the downtown parking pattern have been a topic of discussion among the Franklin Town Council for several years as complaints have filtered in from residents and visitors. Main Street through downtown is a two-lane, one-way road with 45-degree angled parking on both sides.
One of the complaints has been about large trucks or SUVs using the angled parking that isn’t long enough to accommodate them. Rear-ends sticking out into the traveling lanes create a safety hazard for vehicles driving through downtown. The angled parking and large vehicles also limit visibility for pedestrians trying to cross Main Street.
Most agreed something needed to be done, but no one could agree on how to fix it — make Main Street a two-way street, make it a one-lane and keep the angled parking, or turn it all into parallel parking. After commissioning several parking studies throughout the years, the town board decided last November to test a different parking pattern using temporary tape and see what kind of response it received.
Beginning March 23, the town temporarily made the right-hand side of Main Street into parallel parking spots and the left-hand side was changed to 30-degree angled parking spots while a foot was added to both sides of the two one-way lanes to give drivers more space.
While the trial change was in place for 90 days, Town Planner Justin Setser said the town asked residents and visitors to complete a survey either online, over the phone or at town hall to provide feedback on the pattern. He reported to the town board last week that he received 47 surveys and 33 of them were favorable responses to the new traffic pattern.
Out of the positive responses, 11 respondents said they liked it and provided no other feedback while nine others suggested
having parallel on both sides. A few folks still wanted to see two-way traffic and six people said the large trucks were still a safety issue on the left-hand side with angled parking spots.
Other suggestions included no parking spots at all downtown, more green space and landscaping, one lane of traffic and the need for a parking garage somewhere in town.
Those who didn’t like the new parking pattern said the change was too significant a decrease in the number of spots and the wider lanes would lead to more problems with speeding.
Two other respondents said the parking pattern nearly caused them to get into an accident.
Setser said he checked with the police chief who said there weren’t any reported collisions or fender benders downtown during the trial period.
If the town can finalize a plan soon, Town Engineer Nathanael Moore said work could begin on making the permanent changes to Main Street in the fall with work finishing next spring. The town will also have to get final approval of the plan through the North Carolina Department of Transportation since Main Street is a state-maintained road.
include landscaping and are commonly used as a traffic-calming measure. They can also extend a sidewalk, giving pedestrians a shorter crossing distance and create better visibility for drivers.
Mayor Bob Scott asked councilmembers about the feedback they heard on the new parking pattern and if they wanted to move forward with it. All councilmembers said they had heard positive comments from a majority of people.
Councilmember David Culpepper said he
right now as much as I’m for it in the long term,” he said. “As we sell the bulb out approach, we may get buy in but it could be deceptive since we were just talking about one side being parallel.”
McMahan agreed that he wants parallel on both sides but didn’t think it would be fair to change the plan without any warning for residents.
Moore said having parallel on both sides of a one-way street with two lanes could also be a safety issue.
Councilmember Brandon McMahan asked if the plan would include bulb-outs since those would allow for more landscaping and shrubs.
Moore said bulb outs are a possibility in certain places depending on the final design. Bulb outs are curb extensions that can
would prefer a design with parallel parking spaces on both sides of Main Street because it would be better suited for more bulb outs and would make it safer for pedestrians and drivers.
While he would also like to see both sides of the street uniform, Councilmember Joe Collins said it isn’t what the residents have been asked to assess over the last three months.
“I think it would be too much of a shock
Town Manager Summer Woodard said there was a sense of urgency to move forward with finalizing the plan so that the town could be eligible to receive some DOT funding that would cover a majority of the project cost while the town will have to share some of the costs for crosswalk design.
The board unanimously approved proceeding with a permanent plan to keep the parallel parking on the right side of Main Street all the way down to Macon Avenue.
Downtown Franklin with its old parking pattern.
Margaret Hester photo
8 Locations Serving you in Western North Carolina
721 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC · 452-2216
219 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC · 252-8234
1453 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC · 667-7245
3270 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC · 684-9999
746 East Main Street, Franklin, NC · 524-4464
8005 NC Highway 141, Murphy, NC · 837-0460
30 Highway 107, Sylva, NC · 586-0425
3533 US 441 North, Whittier, NC · 497-6211
Murphy casino reports growth
Enterprise spurring economic activity in Cherokee County
BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER
Now nearing its third birthday, the Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in Murphy is seeing strong numbers as it heads toward the July 23 launch of its first addition since opening in September 2015 — a 41,000-square-foot entertainment area featuring bowling, arcade games and a full-service restaurant.
“All indicators and all metrics that we look at are very solid,” said General Manager Lumpy Lambert. “We’re very proud of the team and the performance that we’re experiencing now.”
As far as visitation goes, Lambert said, the figure has been steadily increasing each year, with 138,673 unique Total Rewards cardholders visiting in 2016, the casino’s first full year of operation. That number rose 22.3 percent to 169,616 in 2017, with 103,867 unique cardholders so far in 2018. Total visitation is north of 1 million, with 1.1 million visits logged at the end of the casino’s first year.
For the fiscal year-to-date, which ends Sept. 30, hotel occupancy has been at 97 percent, Lambert said, and employee turnover is coming in below the target 33 percent.
“Our turnover has continued to decrease year-over-year since opening,” said Lambert. “It’s good, but obviously we want our turnover to be a lot lower, so we’re going to continue to try to do the right things for the employees and make sure that we’re addressing employee concerns and needs of employees and trying to be the best employer of choice we can be.”
ADDITIONTOOPENSOON
The casino employs just over 900 people, with another 75 positions to be added once the entertainment addition opens. That wing of the facility will be managed by UltraStar, the same company that manages a similar, though larger, facility that opened at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in September 2017. The new UltraStar Multi-tainment Center in Murphy will boast a 225-seat restaurant, 16 bowling lanes, 25 arcade games and two bars, Lambert said. The project also includes a small addition to the gaming floor that will add 55 gaming units and some bar top units such as video poker.
“It’s about 41,000 square feet of additional space that we’re looking forward to,” said Lambert. “The teams are doing a really good job with the expansion.”
The project is slated to finish on time and within the budgeted $13 million. It will also include some dedicated parking space for the
new facility, including self parking, valet parking and 12 Tesla charging stations.
Valley River also saw ground break on a new project this spring, with the May 29 kickoff of a $2.36 million project to install a 700-kilowatt solar farm on the property.
Lambert said he expects the solar farm to supply 8 to 10 percent of the casino’s power once the project is complete, likely at the end of 2018.
“It’s more about starting to migrate more into some of the solar initiatives,” Lambert said. “We’re excited about that project.”
As far as future improvements go, the next step will be to develop a master plan to more strategically determine how and when the casino should grow, said Lambert. Though there are no immediate plans to begin such a process, it’s on the radar.
“That’s huge, just trying to make sure that we address the needs of the business and that the footprint that we have here maximizes to the best of our ability,” he said. “It’s going to be one of the next projects that we engage with, getting an architect involved to help us with that master planning so we make good, smart decisions going forward.”
IMPACTONTHECOMMUNITY
Located just over a mile from the town limits of Murphy, the casino doesn’t exist in a vacuum — its presence has had a substantial impact on a small town whose population has barely shifted over the past few U.S. Census surveys, logging 1,603 residents in 2000 and 1,627 in 2010.
According to Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce Director Meridith Jorgensen, that impact has been a positive one.
“We know that definitely visitors have increased here. Our hotel/motel sales tax has increased,” she said. “Our general sales tax has increased. We know there’s more people coming to the area, staying in the area, buying in the area. I would say overall it’s been a really positive thing for Cherokee County.”
Cherokee County Finance Director Candy Anderson said room tax collections leapt 24 percent the year after the casino opened. In the 2014-15 fiscal year — county fiscal years run from July 1 to June 30 — the county collected $269,351 in room tax. But after the casino’s Sept. 28, 2015, opening, room tax collections for the 2015-16 fiscal year rose to $334,196. The first full fiscal year after the casino’s opening, 2016-2017, saw yet another increase with collections reaching $366,769 — 9.7 percent more than the previous year. Numbers for 20172018 are not yet available, as June taxes are not due until July 20.
These room tax totals don’t reflect bookings at the casino’s hotel, as that’s located on Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians land and not subject to county taxes — the increase in collections stems solely from bookings at lodging in the surrounding area.
“There is no way to know with certainty how much of an impact the casino has had
in the county on various things like occupancy tax and sales tax,” said Cherokee County Manager Randy Wiggins. “We do know that it has had a positive impact, just unable to quantify with any meaningful precision.”
However, there are other positive indications in the county’s economy. For instance, a number of new businesses have been popping up in the Murphy area over the past couple years. In 2017, the Chamber of Commerce had 412 members, and it’s added more than 90 members since 2016. Many of those new businesses have come from the medical services sector, Jorgensen said.
“The trickle-down effect we’re still having, so not only the employees doing shopping in the towns and community, but a lot of our guests stopping in for gas and conveniences to and from on their trip,” said Lambert. “That continues to be positive.”
While all 900 casino employees don’t live in Murphy — they come from various places in Western North Carolina, as well as Eastern Tennessee and Northern Georgia — some of them do, and the casino’s presence has created more incentive for people to move to the area. That, in turn, has given new urgency to an already-existing housing issue in Cherokee County.
“Cherokee County has had an issue with housing for some time now, even prior to the casino,” said Wiggins. “Any impact there would simply be increased demand where demand already outpaced supply. When you speak to our rental agencies, real estate companies, etc., and look at the recent housing study performed for Cherokee County, one can see that there is a need for more housing in Cherokee County — there just is not much product available across all levels for both home purchase or rental.”
Valley River is now the county’s top employer. A March 1 study evaluating the need for a multifamily housing development in Murphy — a study commissioned by the county — fixed the number of casino employees at 850 in February 2017. The next-largest employer on the list is Murphy Medical Center, with 530 employees at the same date.
“Many of the employees are reasonably transient and do not stay with the casino long-term, and they often seek short-term rental options (less than two years),” the report reads. “However, no new rental housing has been added to the Tri-County Region since the casino opened. All new housing stock has been upscale single-family homes targeted to second homeowners and retirees. Many casino employees make long, regional commutes to the Murphy area.”
With aging housing stock and one-fifth of those working in Cherokee County driving at least 50 miles to work each day, more new housing is needed, the report said. However, because building costs are high in the area, it’s less attractive to developers — value engineered costs and county tax incentives could help encourage construction.
Cherokee casino breaks ground on expansion
A$250 million expansion project at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort in Cherokee is now underway, with a June 26 groundbreaking marking the start of a 30-month project that will add 83,000 square feet of meeting space, a parking garage and more than 700 hotel rooms to the existing facility, which comprises nearly 2 million square feet.
“I couldn’t help but think about the people who lived here thousands of years ago,” Principal Chief Richard Sneed said during the groundbreaking, motioning toward the archeological site that had been unearthed behind him, where the expansion would soon be built, according to a Harrah’s press release. “I can only wonder if they ever imagined that one day our people would be leaders in Indian Country, financial leaders in the state and region. This project really just represents the first phase of diversification [of Tribal investments] of many projects to come.”
The Cherokee Tribal Council approved the expansion project in January 2017, authorizing the Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise to borrow up to $250 million to complete it. The casino’s director of planning and analysis, Jeremiah Wiggins, told council the project is expected to cost $150 to $200 million, with $250 million possible as a contingency.
Council approved the project 8 to 3, with one councilmember absent, but when the body convened the next month Councilmember Albert Rose, of Birdtown, introduced a resolution to kill the already approved project. Rose had initially voted in favor of the expansion.
After a long discussion during which opponents questioned the project’s timing, whether issues with collapsing parking decks had been resolved and whether the loan would benefit banks that have supported the Dakota Access Pipeline, councilmembers ultimately held a vote split right down the middle — the weighted vote came out 50-50, meaning that the resolution was dead and the project could continue.
The expansion is expected to diversify the casino’s customer base by appealing to conventions and other large events. It’s also expected to quell a continual shortage of hotel rooms on the premises. The casino holds contracts with outside hotels to take on overflow customers, resulting in casino guests spending about 80,000 hotel nights per year in accommodations outside of Harrah’s. However, the casino still denies about 120,000 hotel reservations per year due to lack of space, then-regional vice president for marketing Leeann Bridges said during a January 2017 interview.
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The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently held a grand opening/ribbon-cutting ceremony for Pie Times Pizza Company. Located adjacent to Innovation Brewing at 414 West Main Street, Pie Times offers wood-fired pizza with plenty of farm fresh toppings, amazing crust, eclectic salads and of course, plenty of Innovation’s renowned craft beer and other refreshments. 828.608.0309 or 828.586.9678.
Berkshire Hathaway top ranked agency
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was recently recognized as “Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year” and “Most Trusted Real Estate Brand” in the 30th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend.
More than 77,000 U.S. consumers rated 3,000 brands in about 300 categories in the online study earlier this year. Berkshire Hathaway received the highest ranking in the real estate agency category based on consumers’ perception of its brand familiarity, quality and purchasing consideration, among other qualifying factors.
“We are honored to be recognized by consumers in the respected Harris Poll EquiTrend study,” said Gino Blefari, president and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. “It’s a tribute to our franchisees’ tireless work and support of clients and the exemplary way they represent our brand in the marketplace.”
Local company part of architecture expo
Mountain Laurel Handrails will be exhibited at this year’s AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City to help architects and designers provide their clients with attention-grabbing and show-stopping interiors and facades.
A sample installation showcasing this unique railing system will be on display with almost 20 linear feet of railing to view. These custom-made, artistic branch railings transform your home into a stunning work of art. Mountain laurel branches are woven and joined together by skilled woodworkers in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Mountain Laurel Handrails are available nationwide including Alaska and Hawaii as well as
niently located next to the Macon County Library and Southwestern Community College. It offers a range of office space from 96 -square-foot office cubicles to over 5000 square feet that includes state-of-the-art conference and receptionist areas, kitchenette break areas and a friendly atmosphere. Current tenants include legal services, computer programmers, real estate, counseling and satellite corporate office use.
For more information, call Wonderful Earth Treasures, Inc. at 828.369.5343, email stengernc@aol.com or visit www.onesourcerentals.com/franklin-nc-office-rentals.html.
SCC grad lands position at Tesla Motors
Only one in 30 applicants for Tesla Motors is offered a position, and recent Southwestern Community College graduate Dakoda Hall recently became one of those few to make the cut.
After seeing an open position online at Tesla Motor’s Gigafactory in Nevada, Hall decided he would take the chance and apply. He earned his associate degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology in May.
• Macon County’s monthly business forum, Eggs & Issues, will be held at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, July 12, at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce, 98 Hyatt Road. Rep. Kevin Corbin, R-Franklin, will be the speaker. Admission is $10. Call 828.524.3161 to register.
ALSO:
• An open house/hiring event will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, July 13, at Franklin Tubular Products, 66 Van Raalte Street, Franklin. The public is invited to attend for onsite interviews, tours of the plant and free food.
• The Swain County Chamber of Commerce recently held a grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony for Xscape Bryson City located at 96 Greelee Street in Bryson City. Owned by Jeff and Paula Fuller, Xscape Bryson City offers two fully themed escape rooms available in hourly appointment. For more information or to book an appointment, call 828.488.5333 or visit www.xscapebrysoncity.com.
Canada.
There is really no other railing system that has the unique organic beauty and creative artistry of Mountain Laurel Handrails, said company owner James Pader. “I’m excited to showcase my unique works of art to the national architectural and design community,” he said.
Waynesville manager receives dynamic award
U.S. Cellular recently announced that it recognized Nick Deyton, store manager for U.S. Cellular in Waynesville, with the company’s Dynamic Excellence Award.
The annual Dynamic Excellence Award is given to associates who have clearly demonstrated the values of the organization. Deyton has been with U.S. Cellular since 2012 and is being recognized for his leadership skills and ability to deliver business results by motivating, developing and inspiring associates.
“I am honored to receive this award. I strive to embrace the dynamics of our organization such as trust, passion and motivation every day. I look forward to continuing to provide unmatched customer experience and encouraging my peers to do the same,” said Deyton.
Macon office space available
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Professional Suites of Siler Road located at 673 Siler Road in Franklin.
Professional Suites of Siler Road is an office building that offers reliable high speed fiber optic internet with modern rental office space conve-
Within a few days of applying, Hall heard from a Tesla recruiter. After Skype interviews with two managers and a senior technician, Hall was surprised when he was offered the job.
“I’m not sure what made me stand out among the other applicants; I can only say that perhaps it was my education and the way I answered their questions,” Hall said. “If it hadn’t been for my teacher Jim Falbo going over potential interview questions with us, I likely wouldn’t have made as good of an impression.”
For more information on the mechatronics program at SCC, contact Jim Falbo at 828.339.4299 or at j_falbo@southwesterncc.edu.
Harrah’s HERO program helps community
For the second quarter of 2018, employees at Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos remained steadfast in their volunteer efforts, accumulating a total of 13,777 service hours through the companies’ employee community outreach program, HERO (Harrah’s Employees Reaching Out).
• A ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held for Carolina Bound Adventures in Bryson City. CBA is a concierge vacation-planning service specializing in the Bryson City/Smokies area and is owned by Mark and Bernadette Van Ostal. Call 727.267.7232 or visit www.carolinaboundadventures.com.
HERO focuses on improving the local communities, with one central goal of leaving a positive, lasting impact. Throughout the quarter, employees at Harrah’s focused on volunteering with different organizations that specifically support health, wellness and environmental sustainability.
Volunteers participated in roadside and river clean ups, celebrated Alzheimer’s Awareness day by volunteering at the Tsali Care Center, the Hermitage and the Hayesville House, and also volunteered at The Equinox Ranch, a veteran therapy retreat center that offers services to Veterans who are suffering from combat trauma.
In addition to their volunteer efforts, Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos also donated $107,200 in cash and services to nonprofit organizations in Western North Carolina, including Cherokee Indian Hospital, United Way, Manna Food Bank and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Workshops for women
The Western Women’s Business Center will present a workshop “Marketing your Business” from noon to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6, at the Small Business Center Room 2046 at AB TechEnka Campus, 1465 Sand Hill Rd., Candler. A workshop “Preparing for a Small Business Loan” will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 7, at the same location. The workshops are free to the public. The workshops will be led by Tonya Snider who has served in the economic development arena in Western North Carolina since 1998. To register, contact Jasmine Hanks at jhanks@carolinasmallbusiness.org or 828.633.5065.
Festival’s intangible value is immeasurable
Lori and I have always loved to travel, to go to new places or to get better acquainted with places we’ve been before. It’s part curiosity, part adventure. As the now more famous dead than alive chef and world traveler Anthony Bourdain put it in his show’s title, it’s the thrill and the surprises that come with discovering “Parts Unknown.”
That appetite for discovering new things about old cultures is what has always drawn me to Folkmoot, the international dance and music festival that begins July 19 and goes on for 12 days in and around different parts of Western North Carolina. The festival is about bridging cultures, fostering international understanding and learning new things.
I was heavily involved in Folkmoot, now in its 35th year, for more than a decade. I was a volunteer, then a board member, then the board president, and then a volunteer again. Although I’m no longer formally involved with Folkmoot as a new generation of leaders has taken the reins, I am still a huge supporter.
The reasons I think this festival is still important for Western North Carolina are numerous, but the positive influence it has had on a couple of generations of young people is reason enough for people in this region to support Folkmoot. I’m talking about the kids who volunteer or work for the festival, or those who attend events, perhaps mingle with performers, and become enamored with learning more about the world we live in.
That spark has changed lives, and I know dozens of young people — most of them now adults — whose choices of a major in college and a career afterward have come directly from their early experience interacting with Folkmoot performers.
There’s a contingent that looks at a 35-year-festival and says perhaps it has run its course. The world is a smaller place than it was back when the Iron Curtain separated much of Eastern Europe from the rest of the world, when relations with China were almost non-existent, when travel visas were easier to get before 9/11 and when Muslims and Hispanics were not vilified for the transgressions of less than one-one-hundredth of 1 percent of their brethren.
Editor Scott McLeod
To the contrary, there’s never been a time when a festival founded on the values that Folkmoot embraces was more important. I won’t list them all here, but check out the infobox with this story that lays out Folkmoot’s official “values.” Never has there been a better time in this country to work toward a better understanding of the world around us.
Parents and teachers who see that hunger for international knowledge in these kids help feed it, as we did with my own kids. Soon they are studying abroad, visiting museums and cathedrals, hiking mountains and walking historic trails, reconnecting with performers they met here and making new friends, learning languages and new cultures, becoming worldly and adventurous and confident in their abilities to go out in the world and make a difference. It’s a beautiful thing.
President Trump doesn’t understand volunteerism
To the Editor:
It is not hard to find a lot of things to detest about what President Donald Trump says when he attacks the news media, women, Muslims, immigrants, Sen. John McCain, etc., but I was particularly struck by his attack on George H.W. Bush at his speech in Montana. It really hit a nerve for me.
What is it that POTUS does not understand about the former President’s Thousand Points of Light program? It is about volunteerism, a completely apolitical thing that we ALL should support. I actively volunteer in my community and I don’t think that my fellow volunteers care about my politics nor do I
Folkmoot is having a hard time finding ways to be self-sustaining. Ticket sales don’t nearly cover the costs of the festival and keeping the Folkmoot Friendship Center operating yearround. The board of directors and staff are turning Folkmoot into more than the annual festival. It now hosts international friendship dinners, has created a “cultural conversations” series, and has performances and concerts in the auditorium and in the cafeteria year-round.
LETTERS
care about theirs. We do it because we can and because there is a need for the work that we do.
I can only surmise that POTUS doesn’t get it because he can’t understand why anyone would do anything from which they receive no personal benefit. Americans have historically cared about others, but clearly there is no room in Donald J. Trump’s agenda for volunteerism or generosity.
Kent Stewart Waynesville
The whole truth about Red Hen incident
To the Editor:
Just a note to let you know that I did not
Still it’s a struggle. Funding entities have very specific criteria, whether it’s attracting overnight visitors or producing a tangible economic impact. I believe Folkmoot does both, and that many visitors plan their trips in the latter part of July because they know they can take in a performance or two.
But Folkmoot is an asset to the region in many intangible ways. It’s hard to measure the value of cultural experiences and their impact on a community and its residents, which also makes it difficult for funding entities to support this festival. In looking at Buncombe County’s Tourism Development Authority guidelines, it’s obvious that our neighbor to the east — which collects millions more in room tax revenue than Haywood — has recognized this reality.
Here’s an excerpt from their grant application that awards money annually to festivals new and old: “Festivals and Cultural Events across Buncombe County enrich the quality of life of residents and the experiences of visitors. They enhance our lives by accentuating the diversity of arts and culture embraced by our communities. These festivals and cultural
Folkmoot Values
• Folkmoot finds strength in diversity and embraces differences.
• Folkmoot recognizes the importance of cultural exchange to create peace, prosperity and understanding.
• Folkmoot is inclusive and does not represent any one political or religious perspective.
• Folkmoot honors and celebrates creative expression.
• Folkmoot preserves cultural heritage and cultivates opportunities for community education and prosperity.
• Folkmoot recognizes that a community’s arts and cultural assets are a strong tool for economic development and an essential element of sustaining and improving quality of life.
events are also economic drivers that attract out-of-region visitors, but also us, our neighbors and our friends who are all seeking unique and authentic experiences.”
“Authentic” and “unique” experiences for visitors and “our neighbors and our friends.” That sizes up Folkmoot well. I just hope that as this festival seeks to find solid financial footing in the coming years, we recognize the gem that it is.
(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)
like your Opinion editorial about the Red Hen restaurant incident. Maybe you did not intend for the article to be completely negative about President Trump, but it was. In my opinion you wanted your readers to think that you were really trying to be honest and sincere in what was good for the country; however, honest writing did not happen. In your writing you said that:
“… the owner asked her into a relatively private area before asking her to leave. There was no heckling, no loud showing off, no tweeting to millions about the incident or insulting to anyone.”
You were telling the public readers what a kind, and thoughtful person this owner was. But you did not tell us the rest of the story.
The real truth is that Secretary Sanders’ family went across the street to another restaurant after the Red Hen owner refused
service. Well guess what happened? According newspaper accounts, the Red Hen owner followed the Sanders family and organized a protest. The protesters were yelling and screaming at them from outside the other restaurant.
Your Opinion piece would have been so much better if you could have said at least one little ole piece of information about President Trump that was positive. But you did not! I certainly agree that the President Trump has used language that I would not use; however, a lot of Americans, including your readers, think highly of the accomplishments of our president. President Trump has a good chance of being reelected because the citizens of our great nation know that changes must be made in the way we govern. You would have to agree that for the past 20 years before President Trump, our country has not handled
It’s a broken record, that’s for sure
Quite a few people have contacted me this week seeking an English translation of President Donald Trump’s recent reflections on Elton John, breaking records, hockey, which people need space and which ones do not, whether the brain is or is not attached to the mouth, and the correct order of importance of different body parts.
“Hey, Chris, you write a lot of meaningless gibberish in the paper,” one fan wrote. “Do you have any idea what the hell Trump is talking about?”
Columnist Chris Cox
to see him, and how unfair the press is not to acknowledge all of this. Here is one excerpt from his speech, which I assure you I am not making up, and could not make up:
In case you missed it, President Trump was in Great Falls, Montana, last week for another one of his campaign rallies. Have you noticed that when the President of the United States, Donald Trump, is feeling a little low or needy, he schedules a campaign rally, even though he is already the president and doesn’t really need to campaign for any practical reason? His campaign rallies are his “safe space,” where he can feel good about himself, the equivalent of taking himself out for an ice cream at the taxpayers’ expense.
There, he can say whatever he likes with the confidence that the crowd will cheer wildly, whether he is mocking the “me too” movement, making a joke about an ailing former President from his own party, or sneering at a senator with terminal cancer who may well be on his deathbed. On this particular occasion, he was riffing on one of his favorite topics — how much people love him, how big the crowds are that come out
its problems very well.
Your Opinion piece would have been better if you had told us the whole truth about he actions of the Red Hen owner.
Lowell Crisp Graham County
Hold off on vote for new justice
To the Editor:
I am appalled that Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr want to rush through any nominee for a Supreme Court position that this president puts forth under the current circumstances. I think it is an unconstitutional conflict of interest for a person who is under investigation for possible collusion with a foreign government (Russia) to influence his election and for other impeachable offenses to appoint the possible deciding vote in Supreme Court cases that can influence the ongoing investigation. There should be no confirmation hearing for any nominee, however “qualified”, until the investigations of Trump are over.
“I have broken more Elton John records. He seems to have a lot of records. And I, by the way, I don’t have a musical instrument. I don’t have a guitar or an organ. No organ. Elton has an organ. And lots of other people helping. No, we’ve broken a lot of records. We’ve broken virtually every record. Because you know, look, I only need this space. They need much more room. For basketball, for hockey and all of the sports, they need a lot of room. We don’t need it. We have people in that space. So we break all of these records. Really, we do it without, like, the musical instruments. This is the only musical — the mouth. And hopefully the brain attached to the mouth, right? The brain. More important than the mouth is the brain. The brain is much more important.”
Before we dig into decoding Trump’s speech, let’s admit a couple of things up front. First, some of Elton John’s records deserve to be broken, especially the ones he made in the 1980s and thereafter. While it is true that very few recording artists produced more great singles than Elton churned out in the 1970s, by the time the 80s rolled around, he was pretty much spent. Everyone who owned a radio in the 70s remembers “Rocket Man,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Tiny Dancer,” but how many people out there remember “Reg Strikes Back” or “Sleeping With the Past?” I didn’t think so. There’s a good reason for that, which is that they are awful, even if Elton did have an organ and “a lot of people helping,” as Trump correctly claims. I may have broken those records myself.
There will likely be several cases from the investigation that will test the very core of our democratic system of government and will decide whether “We The People” maintain our values of equal liberty and equal justice for all or we become a plutocracy of the wealthy, by the wealthy, for the wealthy. Critical cases on whether the president is above the law or not, worker’s rights, voting rights, religious freedom, access to free and equal education, healthcare, a clean environment and immigration policies that match our espoused values or promote ethnic cleansing.
All of this is in addition to maintaining women’s rights to choose. Overturning Roe v Wade should not be the main litmus test of a seat on the Supreme Court when so many of our core democratic principles are at stake because there is nothing in Roe v Wade that prevents anti-abortion advocates from exercising their First Amendment rights to practice their beliefs.
I also find it appallingly undemocratic and a violation of our basic value of fairness that Republicans will use one set of rules when Democrats are making judicial nomi-
With that stipulated, what are we to make of the President’s claim that the mouth is the only musical? No one will ever mistake Trump for a theater buff, but surely somewhere along the way, he must have encountered Rodgers and Hammerstein, or seen at least a segment of “The Sound of Music” or “The Wizard of Oz” on some hotel television while waiting for Stormy Daniels to get out of the shower?
As to Trump’s claim that the mouth is attached to the brain, well, this is a matter of no small dispute, as we all know quite well. Most of us would probably say that there are times when this connection — even in ourselves — is a little looser or more frayed than we’d like to admit, especially on those occasions when we speak (through our mouth) before we have fully thought through (in our brain) what we want to say, only to wind up hours later stewing in the bitter juices of deep remorse, muttering to ourselves, “The brain is, after all, much more important than the mouth. So much more important.”
On those occasions, we may want to pull out and break some more of those Elton John records. But not the one with “Honky Cat.” Man, that’s a great song!
That’s a rough translation of the speech for those readers who dislike or have no strong opinion about Trump. For his supporters, no translation is necessary, since they always hear the same message, regardless of what he says: “The media is the enemy. It’s all fake news. Democrats are socialists. Crooked Hillary should be locked up. Obama wasn’t born here. Got it?” Crystal clear, even without musical instruments.
(Chris Cox is a writer and a teacher who lives in Haywood County. jchriscox@live.com.)
nations but use a different set of rules when it is Republicans doing the nominating. You know what I am talking about — blue slips honored vs. eliminated, 60 votes vs. 51 votes.
Of course Trump lost the popular election by 3 million plus votes and only won the electoral vote because of probably unconstitutional gerrymandering and voter suppression (something this nominee will help decide) in key Republican-controlled states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The fact that all of the potential nominees were selected by the Heritage Foundation and the Federalist Society means that they are ultra conservative or extremely conservative and not reflective of where America needs to be in the 21st Century. It will be a violation of your oath of office and a violation of your job description if you move forward with a vote on this nominee before the Mueller investigation is complete. Your constituents are watching whether you put country first or you vote for plutocracy and party power over “equality and justice for all.”
Jane Harrison Waynesville
tasteTHE mountains
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
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.
BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY
50 N Main Street, Waynesville. 828.246.0350. Taproom Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Gem Bar Open Tuesday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Enjoy lunch, dinner or drinks at Boojum’s Downtown Waynesville restaurant & bar. Choose from 16 taps of our fresh, delicious & ever rotating Boojum Beer plus cider, wine & craft cocktails. The taproom features seasonal pub faire including tasty burgers, sandwiches, shareables and daily specials that pair perfectly with our beer. Cozy up inside or take in the mountain air on our back deck.”
BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE
454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch daily 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner nightly at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Sunday and Monday. Wine Down Wednesday’s: ½ off wine by the bottle. We specialize in 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.
CATALOOCHEE RANCH
119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley. 828.926.1401. Breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, fresh fruit, some-
times French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch menu every day from 12 noon to 2 p.m. includes homemade soup du jour and fresh-made salads. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night will feature an evening cookout on the terrace. On all other nights of the week, dinner is served family style and includes locally sourced vegetables, homemade breads, jellies, desserts, and a wide selection of wine and craft beer. The evening social hour starts at 6 p.m., dinner is served starting at 7 p.m., and cozy rooms and cabins are available if you love us so much that you want to stay for breakfast, too. Please call for reservations. And see our dinner menu online at www.cataloocheeranch.com/dining.
CHEF’S TABLE
30 Church St., Waynesville. 828.452.6210
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday dinner starting at 5 p.m. “Best of” Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine. Set in a distinguished atmosphere with an exceptional menu. Extensive selection of wine and beer. Reservations honored.
CHURCH STREET DEPOT
34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville. 828.246.6505. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mouthwatering all beef burgers and dogs, hand-dipped, hand-spun real ice cream shakes and floats, fresh handcut fries. Locally sourced beef. Indoor and outdoor dining. facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot, twitter.com/ChurchStDepot.
CITY LIGHTS CAFE
Spring Street in downtown Sylva. 828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more. Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.
THE CLASSIC WINESELLER
20 Church Street, Waynesville.
828.452.6000. Underground retail wine and craft beer shop, restaurant, and intimate live music venue. Kitchen opens at 4 p.m.
Wednesday through Saturday serving freshly prepared small plates, tapas, charcuterie, desserts. Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.
COUNTRY VITTLES: FAMILY STYLE RESTAURANT
3589 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley.
828.926.1820 Winter hours: Wednesday through Sunday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.
828.944.0010. Warm, inviting restaurant serving delicious, freshly-made Southern comfort foods. Cozy atmosphere; spacious to accommodate large parties. Big Farmhouse Breakfast and other morning menu items served 8 a.m. to noon. Lunch/dinner menu offered 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Come see us. You’ll be glad you did! Closed Wednesdays.
EVERETT HOTEL & BISTRO
16 Everett St.,Bryson City. 828.488.1934
Open daily for dinner at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday Brunch from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; dinner from 4:30-9:30 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. 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.
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.
FILLING STATION DELI
145 Everett St., Bryson City, 828.488.1919
Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays (in October) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locals always know best, and this is one place they know well. From the high-quality hot pressed sandwiches and the huge portions of hand-cut fries to the specialty frozen
sandwiches and homemade Southern desserts, you will not leave this top-rated deli hungry.
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.
HARMON’S DEN BISTRO
250 Pigeon St., Waynesville
828.456.6322. Harmon’s Den is located in the Fangmeyer Theater at HART. Open 5:309 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday (Bistro closes at 7:30 p.m. on nights when there is a show in the Fangmeyer Theater) with Sunday brunch at 11 a.m. that includes breakfast and lunch items. Harmon’s Den offers a complete menu with cocktails, wine list, and area beers on tap. Enjoy casual dining with the guarantee of making it to the performance in time, then rub shoulders with the cast afterward with post-show food and beverage service. Reservations recommended. www.harmonsden.harttheatre.org
J. ARTHUR’S RESTAURANT AT MAGGIE VALLEY
U.S. 19 in Maggie Valley. 828.926.1817 Open for dinner at 4:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome. Takeout menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.
JUKEBOX JUNCTION
U.S. 276 and N.C. 110 intersection, Bethel. 828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.
LOS AMIGOS
366 Russ Ave. in the Bi-Lo Plaza. 828.456.7870. Open from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner Monday through Friday and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy the lunch prices Monday through Sunday, also enjoy our outdoor patio.
MAD BATTER FOOD & FILM
617 W. Main Street Downtown Sylva. 828.586.3555. Open Monday through
Open at 11am
tasteTHE mountains
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 through Saturday. Visit madbatterfoodfilm.com for this week’s shows.
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.
MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT
2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley. 828.926.0425. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Daily specials including soups, sandwiches and southern dishes along with featured dishes such as fresh fried chicken, rainbow trout, country ham, pork chops and more. Breakfast all day including omelets, pancakes, biscuits & gravy. facebook.com/carversmvr; instagram @carvers_mvr.
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.
PIGEON RIVER GRILLE
101 Park St., Canton.
828.492.1422. Open Tuesday through Thursday 3 to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
Southern-inspired restaurant serving simply prepared, fresh food sourced from top purveyors. Located riverside at Bearwaters Brewing, enjoy daily specials, sandwiches, wings, fish and chips, flatbreads, soups, salads, and more. Be sure to save room for a slice of the delicious house made cake. Relaxing inside/outside dining and spacious gathering areas for large groups.
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
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.
TAP ROOM BAR & GRILL
176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville. 828.456.3551. Open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, the Tap Room Bar & Grill has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Full bar and wine cellar. www.thewaynesvilleinn.com.
VITO’S PIZZA
607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.
828.369.9890. Established here in in 1998. Come to Franklin and enjoy our laid back place, a place you can sit back, relax and enjoy our 62” HDTV. Our Pizza dough, sauce, meatballs, and sausage are all made from scratch by Vito. The recipes have been in the family for 50 years (don’t ask for the recipes cuz’ you won’t get it!)
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.
Events begin at 7:15pm unless otherwise noted. Dinner and Music reservations at 828-452-6000.
Friday, July 13
'Round the Fire guitar, percussion, bass, vocals. Folk Americana, Pop, Originals
Saturday, July 14
Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.
Thursday, July 19
July 11-17, 2018
Wine Pairing with Winemaker Gabrielle O’Connell of O’Connell Family Estate Vineyard, Napa Valley. Four wines paired with food, Guest Master Chef Michelle Briggs, $55/person plus tax & gratuity.
Friday, July 20
James Hammel guitar, vocals. Jazz, Pop, Originals.
Saturday, July 21
Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.
Friday, July 27
Dulci Ellenberger & Kevin Williams guitar, piano, vocals. Pop, Americana, Originals.
Saturday, July 28
Joe Cruz piano, vocals. Beatles, Elton John, James Taylor + More.
Smoky Mountain News
Constant evolution
Jam-rock act to play Highlands
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER
In an era when rock-n-roll has seemingly taken a backseat to hip-hop and electronic acts — on the radio and on the charts — it’s refreshing to come across such a finelytuned entity like The Orange Constant.
Though a steady thread of rock runs through the core of the Athens, Georgiabased group, they live up to the moniker of “jam band,” where the unknown possibilities of improvisation emerge between the book ends of tight songwriting and intricate musicianship.
In its six years together, The Orange Constant has pushed its way into a very competitive southeast music scene, where they’ve been able to stand out as completely unique to their peers. It’s that seamless blend of jamrock and pop sensibilities that continues to serve the ensemble — a melodic force that will only get stronger in the coming years.
your sound is rock-n-roll. Though rock music will always be created — somehow, somewhere — what do you attribute to its disappearance from mainstream radio and the charts?
Nick Benson (guitar/vocals): There’s more genres now and there’s more internet. If you have more content of anything, it’s going to get diluted. Now you have every genre you can imagine and rock-n-roll has already had its time. Hip hop is newer, EDM (electronic dance music) is newer, whereas rock-n-roll was a new thing in the 1950s, so it doesn’t have that same aura or luster that it used to.
In some ways rock is underground right now. It’s like it’s in a resting phase — it’s hibernating. Rock music is waiting for its time to reemerge when everyone is exhausted of synthetic music. When that time happens, the analog sound of rock music will make a stronger comeback. I think things are cyclical. Back then, you had a big trend for synthetic, tight, digital music in the 1980s and Nirvana came along and put that back toward an analog, raw sound. I imagine something similar will happen again.
SMN: And in terms of the unique jam-rock styles you offer, where is the jam-rock scene today, especially when we have so many festivals now being dominated by EDM acts and elaborate stage gimmicks, rather than of a keen focus on musicianship?
Chris Freiberg (keyboards): The jam rock scene is very much caught up in production and stage gimmicks, even maybe caught up in the culture. It’s like the scene is too caught up in the scene rather than the music.
Want to go?
The Orange Constant (rock/jam) will perform during the “Saturdays on Pine” concert series at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 21. The show is free and open to the public.
The band will also hold a special latenight show that same evening around the corner at 9:30 p.m. at The Ugly Dog Pub in Highlands. www.theorangeconstant.com.
NB: Jam music is a trend now. Well, who is a “jam rock” band? All these bands have been given titles, but they’re not necessarily “rock” jam bands.
CF: That at its core is the issue, there’s too many genres and we’ve lumped them all into this jam band category and it’s doing something to the scene. The term “jam band” has gotten so inflated and it’s cheapening the diversity and individuality of the bands themselves. People that look on the outside say “Oh, they’re just a jam band” and people on the inside maybe aren’t really seeing the real personality differences in the bands.
SMN: Where we are we headed, in terms of independent music and an independent doit-yourself business model that has emerged nowadays in the music industry?
CF: That is where we are currently. It’s the “do-it-yourself” era. You exist for as long as you possibly can without a label picking you up. And sometimes you never get picked up.
NB: It’s weird because nowadays the fund-
ing and distribution is so different. It used to be the only way you could record your music, in my understanding, was you paid money to go into a studio. Nowadays, you can record so much at home and distribute it from home. Because of that, everybody can do that. Everybody is enjoying the same sensation. So, how do you make independent music recognized? That’s one of the biggest issues music is facing now — how do you stand out?
As printed music becomes less and less, we could be heading toward even more individuality and start to see record labels really have to shift their mindset toward bands, that is if record labels are even good to last. Really, it’s more about how are record labels adapting to this? The independent side of it is happening — it’s moving. Are the labels? I don’t know.
SMN: What are you discovering these days with your music?
CF: As far as the songwriting goes, there is a pop element to the band and people like pop music, and with that sound that you pull them into the show and then they like the improvisation. Why do people like our sound? Maybe because we have a lot of sides to it — I think it’s complex.
NB: It seems that once a crowd has committed, once they’ve made it through a few songs, we have flexibility in the setlist — that’s taken a long time for us to realize. We can play slower songs and they’ll probably stay. If they’ve decided they like a band, and I think this is with any band, people are willing to take the journey with you. And if you can find the right people, suddenly you can have a lot of people on your journey.
This must be the place
BY GARRET K. WOODWARD
I still don’t really know what day it is.
And I don’t think I’m alone with that sentiment. With the Fourth of July falling on a Wednesday last week, my sense of time and place seems to have been completely thrown out the window, still nowhere to be found by the time we put together this issue.
As I’m writing this column at my desk this past Tuesday morning, the space I’m currently inhabiting seems foreign to me. After several days of frolicking around Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, the four walls around my chair and airconditioning seems more like a cage with all this sunshine and bluebird sky we’re awakening to each day, teasing me just outside my office window.
HOT PICKS
1
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Amanda Anne Platte & The Honeycutters will return to the Cataloochee Ranch at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 15, in Maggie Valley.
2
The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre will present its summer production, “Rumors” by Neil Simon, at 7:30 p.m. July 13-15 and 20-23 in Bryson City.
3
The Cashiers Plein Air Festival will be held July 17-21.
4
The Marianna Black Library is will present the traditional music and storytelling of Lee Knight at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 12, in Bryson City.
5
Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Gold Rose (Americana/rock) at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 14.
So, there I was, the morning of July 4 — Independence Day — in the depths of Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City. The prior evening, I had attended another installment of the brewery’s annual “Week of Rock” (aka: 10 days straight of live music in honor of America’s birthday). I stepped out of the darkness of the brewery and into the blinding sunshine. Even at 9 a.m. the picturesque small downtown was packed to the gills with vehicles trying to find parking, folks pig-piling out into another glorious day in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
By 9:45 a.m. I knew I had to sweat out the shenanigans of the previous night. Heading to the Tsali Recreation Area on Fontana Lake, I threw on my running shoes
down N.C. 28 towards the Tail of the Dragon and into East Tennessee? I’d never cruised the legendary Tail of the Dragon, let alone stood atop the Fontana Dam and taken that route into Tennessee. Roll the dice. Seek adventure. Tail of the Dragon it is then.
Bolting down N.C. 28, I pulled over at the intersection and snapped a picture of the N.C. 143 sign. That number has been kicking around in my head for a long time, more so lately after recently seeing the new Mr. Rogers documentary “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (for Rogers, 1-4-3 is the number of letters in “I love you”). I figured in this day and age we all could use some 143 in our lives, that roadside marker signaling to me that love amid humanity only gets stronger in dark times.
Looking over the edge of the Fontana Dam (480 feet high), I marveled at the ingenuity and engineering skill needed to build such a structure with precision. It’s another milestone achievement in our vast and wondrous country, and also another chapter of a very long and tumultuous story between the U.S. government and the mountain folks of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee.
Pulling into a gas station (Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort) at the start of the Tail of the Dragon, I stood out like a sore thumb amid hundreds of leather-clad bikers milling about — bright neon blue running shorts and flip-flops, stretching my legs a tad before jumping back in the old pickup truck. Destination? Knoxville, Tennessee, where my best friend and his wife lived. Who better to spend my impending Fourth of July evening with, eh? Onward.
N.C. 28 turned into N.C. 129 as my truck meandered down the Tail of the Dragon — 318 curves in 11 miles. The endless shifting of the steering wheel left then right then left again, rolling along the desolate mountains of Southern Appalachia. Crossing the state line into Tennessee, the road went down and down (and down), where I soon found myself riding alongside several bodies of water. The beauty of Mother Nature flying by my windshield, the windows rolled down with that sweet scent of summer filling my nostrils.
and hit the dirt trails. Mountain bikers pulling their gear off vehicles with license plates from seemingly every part of the country, all here to enjoy our backyard. Three miles into my run I started to feel normal again.
Back at my truck, I stripped down to just my running shorts and jumped into Fontana Lake. Swirling around the small cove, I stared off into the distance, thinking about all of those I love, where they are today, what they’re doing, and if they’re happy in the grand scheme of things. I gazed upward into the sky with a mindset of gratitude.
Exiting Tsali, I stopped where the entrance meets N.C. 28. I looked left. I looked right. Bryson City or head further
My mind felt at ease — if but for a moment — on that stretch of hard pavement surrounded by the wonders of the universe. It had been awhile since I had felt that sense of internal peace, longer since that grin in the rearview mirror stretched from ear-to-ear. The summer has only begun, with so many unknown adventures ahead, just around the corner, eager and ready to surprise you at any given time.
I don’t know what the future holds — for myself, for this country, and the world atlarge. But, I remain optimistic. I truly do. Beauty isn’t coincidental on our planet. It grew up around us, and we also create it with our own hands. We have more in common with each other than we think, or are told. So, to you out there in cosmos reading this, soak in that sunshine and smile to those known and unknown around you. Be kind. Just be kind, dammit. It’s all we have in this existence.
Life is beautiful, grasp for it, y’all.
Fontana Lake.
On the beat
‘An Appalachian Evening’
The summer concert series “An Appalachian Evening” will continue with bluegrass act Helen White & Wayne Henderson at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Stecoah Valley Center in Robbinsville.
The annual bluegrass/mountain music series will also feature The Snyder Family (July 21), Salt & Light (July 28), The Jeff Little Trio (Aug. 4), Volume Five (Aug. 11), Unspoken Tradition (Aug. 18) and The Kruger Brothers (Aug. 25)
Tickets for the Fireside Collective performance are $15, grades K-12 $10. Tickets are a pre-show dinner are also available for purchase. The Lynn L. Shields Auditorium is air-conditioned. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.
Bryson City community jam
A community jam will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 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.
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.
Honeycutters return to Cataloochee Ranch
Acclaimed singer-songwriter
Amanda Anne Platte & The Honeycutters will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.
The Asheville-based band, led by Platt, is part country, part Appalachian folk, part honkytonk, part southern roots, yet wholly original, with musical influences that range from Hank Williams, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn to Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and beyond.
Platt, hailed by WNCW programming director Martin Anderson as “one of the best songwriters coming out of Western North Carolina these days,” is the principal creative force behind the band, which was formed in Asheville in 2007 and tours throughout the United States and Europe.
“They’ve got a sound as classic as grits,” writes a reviewer for Charlotte’s Creative Loafing. “I thought of those country songs that play on those diner jukeboxes you see in movies.”
The successes of their albums “On The Ropes” (2016) and “Me Oh My” (2015) propelled the band onto the national scene. They’ve been featured on the NPR World Cafe’s Sense of Place, NPR’s Mountain Stage, Nashville’s Music City Roots, and Folk Alley, as well as performing at AmericanaFest, MerleFest, and IBMA alongside a list of leg-
endary musicians that includes Guy Clark, Tony Rice, The Seldom Scene, Billy Joe Shaver and The Steep Canyon Rangers. Their new self-titled album, “Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters,” seems likely to add to the momentum.
Rounding out the band are Matt Smith on pedal steel/Stratocaster, Rick Cooper on bass, Josh Milligan on drums/harmony
vocals, and Evan Martin on keyboards/Telecaster. Tickets for the intimate performance, which will be held in the outdoor covered pavilion, are $35 per person. Cookout dinners, priced separately, will be available before the show.
For reservations, which are required, call Cataloochee Ranch at 828.926.1401 or visit www.cataloocheeranch.com.
Amanda Anne Platte.
On the beat
• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” with Kato Estill July 13. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted.www.andrewsbrewing.com.
• Balsam Falls Brewing (Sylva) will host Jeff Ginn July 13, Bird In Hand (Americana/folk) July 20 and John the Revelator (blues/folk) July 27. All shows begin at 9 p.m.www.facebook.com/balsamfallsbrewing.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. July 12 and 19. Free and open to the public.www.blueridgebeerhub.com.
• Boojum Brewing (Waynesville) will host The Henry Soffet Project (Americana/indie) July 14, Grayson Jenkins (Americana) July 20 and Aorta Node Trio July 21. All shows are free and begin at 9 p.m. www.boojumbrewing.com.
• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host ‘Round the Fire (folk/rock) July 13, Joe Cruz (piano/vocals) July 14 and 21, and James Hammel (guitar/vocals) July 20. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. 828.452.6000 orwww.classicwineseller.com.
• The Historic Cowee School, Arts & Heritage Center (Franklin) will host Carolina Blue (bluegrass) at 7 p.m. July 21. Dinner and festivities start at 5 p.m. Concert tickets are $15 for adults, $7.50 for ages 6-16 and free for ages 6 and under. Tickets available at the Franklin Chamber of Commerce or at the school the day of the performance. www.franklin-chamber.com.
• Currahee Brewing (Franklin) will host Gold Rose (Americana/rock) July 14, Brady Clampitt July 20 and Bradley Carter July 28. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.curraheebrew.com.
• The First United Methodist Church (Waynesville) will host a harp concert with Elzbieta Szmyt & Jan Jennings at 7 p.m. July 17 and organists Kyle Ritter & Kathy Geye McNeil and The Lake Junaluska Singers 4 p.m. July 22. Both shows are free with donations accepted.
• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Isaiah Breedlove (Americana/folk) July 13, Scoundrel’s Lounge July 14, Ryan Furstenberg Duo July 20 and Marc Keller (singer-songwriter) July 21. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.www.froglevelbrewing.com.
• Harmon’s Den Bistro at HART (Waynesville) will host karaoke and an open mic at 8 p.m. on Saturdays. www.harttheatre.org.
• Highlands Town Square “Friday Night Live” series will host The Johnny Webb Band
Marianna goes Americana
As part of a summer series of music, the Marianna Black Library is proud to present the traditional music and storytelling of Lee Knight at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 12, in Bryson City.
Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, Lee became interested in traditional folk music as a young man and soon found himself to be an amateur folklorist. During college, he became familiar with the music and stories of the Southern Appalachian mountains, as well as of the Adirondacks. He wanted to learn the music and stories from traditional sources — people who had them as part of their culture and community for generations.
He also collected songs and stories from other parts of the world, including England, Scotland, Central Asia, Columbia and the Amazon region of Peru and has recently released his third album, “An Untraditional Journey.”
Knight currently works as a folk singer, storyteller and outdoor leader, performing at concerts, workshops, Elderhostels, festivals, camps and schools. He leads hikes, canoe trips and guides whitewater rafts. He plays various instruments, including the fretless five-string banjo, various guitars, the Appalachian dulcimer, the mouth bow, the Cherokee flute and the Cherokee rattle, as well as the Native American drum. This program is free and open to area residents and visitors. The library is located in downtown Bryson City at the corner of Academy and Rector. www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.
(country) July 13 and Marce & Ben (Americana) July 20. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.
• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night July 11 and 18, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo July 12 and 19. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.
• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host Upland Drive (lawn concert) 6:30 p.m. July 12, Zoe Mulford & Emily Mure 7 p.m. July 12, The Lost Chord (Moody Blues tribute) 8:30 p.m. July 13, Beth Snapp w/Rebecca Haviland & Whiskey Heart 9 p.m. July 14. Shared Madness w/Haley Richardson 5:30 p.m. July 15, Flagship Romance 7 p.m. July 18, Lawn Concert w/Queen Bee & The Honeylovers 6:30 p.m. July 19, Freebo & Alice Howe 7 p.m. July 19, Lawn Concert w/Letters to Abigail 6:30 p.m. July 20, Oceanic 7 p.m. July 20, Jim Arrendell 9 p.m. July 21 and Jonathan Byrd 5:30 p.m. July 22. For more information about the performances and/or
Music” concert at 6:30 p.m. July 15.
• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host an open mic night every Thursday, Paul Davis (singer-songwriter) July 13 and 20, Twelfth Fret (Americana/folk) July 14 and Heidi Holton (blues/folk) July 21. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m.www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.
• Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host Jangling Sparrows July 13, Scott Moss Band July 14, Big Dawg July 20 and South Hills Banks July 21. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m.unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.
• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. July 21. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen.
• Pub 319 (Waynesville) will host an open mic night from 8 to 11 p.m. on Wednesday with Mike Farrington of Post Hole Diggers. Free and open to the public. www.pub319socialhouse.com.
• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and a Trivia w/Kelsey Jo 8 p.m. Thursdays.
• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic at 6 p.m. on Thursdays and live music on Friday evenings. 828.482.9794 orwww.satulahmountainbrewing.com.
• The Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts (Franklin) will host Mountain Voices, a 55-member chorus, who will present popular music from the past 50 years, at 7 p.m. July 13. Tickets are $12 per person. www.greatmountainmusic.com.
to purchase tickets, visit www.isisasheville.com.
• Kelsey Hutchinson Park (Highlands) “Saturdays on Pine” series will host Lance & Lea (Americana) July 14 and The Orange Constant (rock/jam) July 21. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.
• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday and Twist of Fate w/Tea 4 Three at 7:30 p.m. July 14. For more information and a complete schedule of events, click onwww.lazyhikerbrewing.com.
• The Macon County Public Library (Franklin) will host the “Songwriters in the Round” with George Gray, Bill Peterson and George Reeves at 7 p.m. July 21. Free. www.facebook.com/maconcopl.
• The Maggie Valley Pavilion will host the Haywood Community Band’s “Patriotic
• Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro (Sylva) will host The Build at 7 p.m. July 14. 828.586.1717 orwww.soulinfusion.com.
• Southern Porch (Canton) will host Jason Whitaker (singer-songwriter) July 12, Laura Thurston (singer-songwriter) July 19 and Joshua Simmons & Friends July 28. All shows begin at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.southern-porch.com.
• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.
• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Lance & Lea (pop/Americana) July 14 and The Orange Constant (rock/jam) July 21. All shows begin at 9:30 p.m.
• The Water’n Hole Bar & Grill (Waynesville) will host Humps & The Blackouts (psychobilly) July 13. All shows begin at 10 p.m. 828.456.4750.
Lee Knight.
On the beat
Groovin’ On the Green
The Groovin’ On the Green concert series will host Eat A Peach at 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 13, at The Village Green Commons stage and lawn.
Other performers this summer include: High-5 Band (July 27), Andalyn (Aug. 3), Sundown (Aug. 10), The Krickets (Aug. 17), The Buchanan Boys (Aug. 24) and The Boomers (Sept. 1).
Groovin’ On the Green is rain or shine. Bring a chair and your family, friends, coworkers and neighbors to The Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Road. Picnics and coolers are allowed, however concert goers can enjoy delicious food and beverage for sale from the vendors onsite. Concerts are free, but donations are always appreciated. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash and under the control of their owners at all times.
To learn more about the concert schedule, or about community events at The
Village Green visit www.villagegreencashiersnc.com. You can follow The Village Green on social media @cashiersgreen.
Concerts on the Creek
The Concerts on the Creek summer series will welcome The Super 60s Band (classic hits) at 7 p.m. Friday, July 13, at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.
The lineup for this year’s series will also include: Andalyn (rock/country) July 20, Summer Brooke & The Mountain Faith Band (bluegrass/gospel) July 27, Lance & Lea (Americana/pop) Aug. 3, The Get Right Band (soul/rock) Aug. 10, The Colby Deitz Band (rock/Americana) Aug. 17, Geoff McBride (rock/Americana) Aug. 24 and Dashboard Blue (classic hits) Aug. 31.
The concerts are free and open to the public. There will also be food trucks onsite. For more information, call 828.586.2155 or www.mountainlovers.com.
Pickin’ on the Square
The Pickin’ on the Square summer concert series will feature Frogtown (bluegrass) at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin.
Other upcoming performers include: Elderly Brothers (beach/oldies) July 21 and The Clydes (bluegrass) July 28. The concert series is free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chair. Food vendors will also be available. For more information, visit www.townoffranklinnc.com.
Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival
Tesla String Quartet.
The annual Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival festival will continue throughout the month of July around Western North Carolina. Performances are Saturdays at Warren Wilson College’s Kitredge Community Arts Center in Asheville and Sundays at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. There are also performances on Mondays at the Carolina Music Museum in Greenville, South Carolina.
All concerts at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville are Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. except at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 22.
• Program 3 — July 14, 15, 16: Franz Schubert String Quartet in A minor, No. 13 “Rosamunde”; Selections from Moment musicaux, Impromptu; String Quintet in C major, Op. 163 - Tesla String Quartet; Kathe Jarka, cello; Inessa Zaretsky, piano.
• Program 4 — July 21, 22, 23: Ludwig van Beethoven String Quartet in A major, Op.18, No. 5; Inessa Zaretsky Sextet for piano 4 hands and string quartet; Claude Debussy String Quartet in G minor, Op.10 - Tesla String Quartet; Lenore Fishman Davis, piano; Inessa Zaretsky, piano.
• Program 5 — July 28, 29, 30: Ern Dohnányi Serenade for string trio in C major, Op.10; Amadeus Mozart Concerto for piano in C major, No.21; Antonín Dvoák String Quintet in G major, No. 2, Op. 77 - All Star Ensemble with Alexander Velinzon, violin; Elisa Barston, violin; Tatjana Mead-Chamis, viola; Mihail Istomin, cello; Joe McFadden, bass; Inessa Zaretsky, piano. For tickets and additional information, visit Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival at www.scm-festival.com.
local American comfort foods, craft beers, along with small batch bourbons & whiskey. Vegetarian options available
On the street
Who’s coming to Folkmoot?
This summer’s Folkmoot Festival is just around the corner and the 2018 lineup is sure to be one to remember.
Starting with the Gala on Thursday, July 19, and finishing with the Candlelight Ceremony on Sunday, July 29, Folkmoot will host eight international cultures alongside Appalachian and Cherokee cultural groups. Video previews of each group can be found at www.folkmoot.org/performers.
• Sentir Venezolano is a diverse AfroLatino ensemble that presents an exciting family-friendly performance of folkloric
dancers, live percussion, songs, and costumes which represent the rich cultural diversity and traditional ethnic dances of Venezuela.
• Lampang Kalayanee School is an energetic youth group from Thailand performing a variety of folk dances from traditional history and from old tales. Notable dances include Dance of Four Regions, Flower Dance and Hill Tribe Dance.
• Based in the northern Cyprus town of Kyrenia, the Youth Center Association was formed in 1998 to celebrate and display the culture, tradition and folklore of Turkish
Folkmoot dinner, live music
Join Folkmoot for an evening of locally-grown, internationally-themed delicacies for the Sunday Soiree Friendship Dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 22, on Virginia Avenue in Waynesville.
Celebrating the second year of the Soiree, Folkmoot has invited the chefs of the Blind Pig Supper Club to share an array of street foods from eight world cultures, alongside four youth cultural groups practiced in Appalachian, African, American jazz and Cherokee inspired entertainment. After dinner, meet and greet Folkmoot’s international performers over dessert.
The Blind Pig is a local organization of reputable chefs, cooks, servers, designers, artists, farmers, foragers and hunters. Menus and dinner concepts are drafted upon ideas that inspire, and like Folkmoot, go beyond and above con-
ventional standards.
Cyprus to future generations and other cultures by participating in international festivals. The troupe jumps and twirls to live traditional Turkish Cypriot music.
• La Ragazze Italiane is eager to share the beauty of Italian culture by presenting Italian music and dance from different regions and time periods. Le Ragazze has been together since 2007 and brings 50 years of experience, sharing their love of Italian culture, music and dance with world audiences.
• Kasava has focused its activity on the preservation of folk materials traditional to the
Blind Pig has strict food philosophies, as you will find in their use of local and seasonal vegetables, meats, and seafood on their menus. Blind Pig has hosted hundreds of conceptcharity dinners since their inception and garnered local and national media attention and awards for its array of cultural preservation, documentation, research and philanthropy through their distinct merging of food and experience.
Folkmoot is honored to partner with Blind Pig for the Sunday Soiree dinner which will feature the foods of the countries of all visiting international groups.
Youth performers during the Soiree include Lillian Chase, a prodigious 14 year-old bluegrass and ballad singer. Lillian’s list of accomplishments include performing at Merlefest, Song of the Mountains, and recording her own debut album.
Dvdaya Swimmer is a impressive young Cherokee voice who will wow the crowd with a musical piece sung in the Cherokee language.
eastern regions of the Czech Republic since 1971. The repertoire of the ensemble combine music, dance, and drama. These arise from folk rituals and customs and use materials reflecting lives of past generations from the region.
• “Fiesta Mexicana” Ballet Folklorico, began in 1987 with a group of dancers, who decided to form a folkloric dance group with the purpose of spreading the cultural roots of Mexico. The group’s folkloric roots, full color, mysticism, joy and artistic content, have found their best form of expression in dance. Showcased in performances is the strength and vigor of the northern dancers.
• Represented at Folkmoot by a summer studies cohort residing at Western Carolina University, Jamaican educators integrate the arts into their classrooms on a daily basis. Dance is used in all areas of learning from science and mathematics to literature.
• Founded in 1985, the Nkrabea Dance Ensemble is one of the few existing cultural performance groups in Africa today. The group is based in Accra, Ghana. Energetic youth members are well rehearsed in African traditional drumming and dancing, folk music, acrobatics, fire eating, and stilt dancing. The group insists on high discipline, dedication, focus and passion.
For a full schedule of events, visit www.folkmoot.org. Tickets for festival events can be purchased in advance atwww.folkmoot.orgor by calling 828.452.2997.
Ticket sales and contributions support Folkmoot programs that sustain cultural arts for youth and families in western North Carolina.
Folkmoot’s programming initiatives have been made possible by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.
Folkmoot is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating many cultures in one community. The Folkmoot Friendship Center is located in the Historic Hazelwood School at 112 Virginia Avenue in Waynesville. 828.452.2997 or info@folkmoot.org.
The Urban Arts Institute is based in Asheville. UAI’s mission is to provide an outlet for artistic expression and mentorship to youth in Asheville’s urban community. UAI students will perform a dance number sure to excite and inspire.
The Tuscola High School Jazz Band will offer a lively show comprised of American jazz standards. These local students are highly practiced and musically skilled and are sure to impress.
Youth performances at the Sunday Soiree have been made possible by Folkmoot contributor, Thomas Ezell. Tickets for this event can be purchased in advance, $65 for adults, $30 for kids, atwww.folkmoot.orgor by calling 828.452.2997. Ticket sales and contributions support Folkmoot programs that sustain cultural arts for youth & families in Haywood County. Parking is available in the back of the Folkmoot building.
Folkmoot’s year-round programming initiatives have been made possible by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and the Cherokee Preservation Foundation.
Folkmoot is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating many cultures in one community. The Folkmoot Friendship Center is located in the Historic Hazelwood School at 112 Virginia Avenue in Waynesville. 828.452.2997 or by email at info@folkmoot.org.
On the street
Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling
The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 27 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.There will be no bonfire events in September. www.visitcherokeenc.com.
Indian village now open
The popular Oconaluftee Indian Village will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday through Nov. 10.
As you step into the Oconaluftee Indian Village, you’re transported back to witness the challenges of Cherokee life at a time of rapid cultural change. Tour guides help you explore the historic events and figures of the 1760s.
Visitors can interact with villagers as they participate in their daily activities. The Village also hosts live reenactments, interactive demonstrations, and Hands-On Cherokee Pottery for Kids classes
For more information, visit www.cherokeehistorical.org.
Ammons family reunion
The 10th annual Ammons family reunion will be held on Saturday, July 14, at the Holly Springs Historical Community Building in Franklin. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.
The Ammons family roots have been traced back to Germany 1689 and now run deep in many parts of this country. In 1730, Jacob Ammons was one of 260 people who imparted in the ship Thistle of Glasgow, Scotland, and began the long line of the Ammons family in America, eventually providing a strong family presence and much history in Western North Carolina.
At the reunion, family members will have the opportunity to interact with other Ammons relatives who are traveling long distances eager to explore their family heritage. As in the past reunions, a full day is planned with photo opportunities, knowledgeable Ammons genealogists, a wonderful lunch prepared by Martha Ammons Peak (owner of Martha’s Kitchen in Franklin), and a full program leading off with “Barn Stories,” a short video “Wild Water” featuring family member
Doug Ammons, Ph.D. from Montana, and the awarding of door prizes donated by local Ammons families.
Doug Ammons is a professional scientific editor, an expedition whitewater kayaker, who has written documentaries for National Geographic and ESPN Outdoor Life Network and author of A Darkness Lit by Heroes
A family photographer will be on hand to capture the events of the day through casual snap shots and a group family picture. Family reunion photographs will be posted on the Ammons Heritage Facebook site for everyone to enjoy.
You and your entire family are invited to join the Ammons clan in celebrating the Ammons family heritage. Attendees are encouraged, but not obligated, to bring a dessert and or donate a door prize.
Be aware that a bridge is out near the Holly Springs Community Building and Rabbit Creek Road is completely blocked. Cat Creek Road, off the U.S. 441 bypass at the Chevrolet dealership is the only access road to the Community Center. Call 828.226.0640 for more information.
On the street
• “Mater Fest” will be kickoff at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. Come out and enjoy the plentiful harvest of Western North Carolina tomatoes. Live music, crafts, food onsite, ice cream, children’s activities, and more. Free. Address is 2300 Governors Island Road. 828.488.2376.
• The Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will host the 15th annual barbecue and gospel sing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 14. The event will take place at “the barn” across the creek from the church. There will be drawings for door prizes, a barbecue lunch and musical performances by gospel groups and Christian singers. Bring a lawn chair. Cost is $8. Take-outs will be available. All proceeds will support church missions. Call 828.926.9794 for details.
• REACH’s much-loved Red, White, and Blue Bash will return at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Maggie Valley Club. Party games, silent and live auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, a photo booth, entertainment by Stone Crazy Band, and much more. Tickets are only $50 each and are on sale now. Purchase yours by credit card atwww.reachofhaywood.orgor by call-
ing REACH at 828.456.7898. Proceeds from this event will go to support the REACH mission, providing aid to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse in Haywood County.
• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host a craft beer tasting with Asheville Brewing Company and jerky tasting with Two Brothers Jerky from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 12. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.
• The Appalachian Heritage Festival will kickoff at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 14, in downtown Franklin. Heritage demonstrations, live music, and more.www.franklin-chamber.com.
• There will be several ballroom and Latin dance classes offered on Sundays and Mondays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Classes for beginners, intermediate and all levels. $10 per class. For more information, visit www.froglevelbrewing.com.
• The Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will host its 15th annual barbeque and gospel sing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 14. There will be door prizes, musical performances and a barbeque lunch. Cost is $8. Takeouts will be avail-
All aboard the BBQ, craft beer train
There will be a barbecue and craft beer tasting from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 21, on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, departing from Bryson City.
Board the GSMR and enjoy a steam train ride along with beer tastings, and your own basket of Southern-style barbecue goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans, house-made coleslaw, and apple cobbler.
Tickets start at $69 and include a souvenir tasting glass for three samples of finely crafted beer selections. Adults-only and family friendly seating.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 800.872.4681 or visit www.gsmr.com.
able. Bring a lawn chair. All proceeds will support church missions. The MVUMC is located at 4192 Soco Road. Call 828.926.9794.
• Line Dance Lessons will be held on Tuesdays in Waynesville. Times are 7 to 8 p.m. every other Tuesday. Cost is $10 per class and will feature modern/traditional line dancing. 828.734.0873 or kimcampbellross@gmail.com.
• “Laughing Balsam Sangha,” a meeting for Mindfullness in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, meets will meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Mondays at 318 Skyland Drive in Sylva. Included are sitting and walking meditation, and Dharma discussion. Free admis-
sion. For more information, please call 828.335.8210, and “Like” them on Facebook.
• There will be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m. July 14 and 21 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. www.waynesvillewine.comor 828.452.0120.
• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. July 14 and 21 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.comor 828.631.3075.
• Free cooking demonstrations will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturdays at Country Traditions in Dillsboro. Eat samples and taste house wines for $3 a glass. www.countrytraditionsnc.com.
Plein Air Festival is just ‘plein’ fun
The Cashiers Plein Air Festival will return July 17-21. The event is an art competition and sale featuring nationally acclaimed painters from throughout the country.
Plein air is French for “open air.” During the festival, more than 20 select festival artists will set up their easels outdoors to capture the beauty of the North Carolina mountains. Their original art is displayed for viewing and sale at a pop up art gallery at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. The artists’ medium, technique and subject matter are varied but every canvas highlights the unique landscape and lifestyle of the area. Special events, ticketed and open to the public, showcase their art.
The highlight of the week is the Palette to Palate Affair on Friday, July 20, a summer soiree celebrating the artists. Festival artists compete for the Ring Art Awards which are
Littleton’s Legacy in Contemporary Sculpture
The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum exhibition “Glass Catalyst: Littleton’s Legacy in Contemporary Sculpture” will run through Dec. 7 at the Bardo Arts Center.
Celebrating the efforts of the late Harvey Littleton, one of the greatest proponents of using glass as an expressive medium, the exhibition explores the work of contempo-
www.cashierspleinairfestival.com
announced during this event. Patrons will enjoy cocktails, delectable hors d’oeuvres and dessert with an artful flair catered by Chef 365 of Greenville, South Carolina. The gallery will be open to ticket holders only that evening who can browse the art for sale while listening to jazz music by The Hot Club of Cullowhee.
Tickets for the Palette to Palate Affair are $125 per person. For information, call 828.743.3434 or email info@villagegreencashiersnc.com. Visit www.cashierspleinairfestival.com for a full schedule of events or additional details.
Cashiers Plein Air Festival benefits The Village Green, the privately conserved 13acre park for public enjoyment. The Village Green relies on the generosity of individuals who are committed to preserving the legacy of the community through emerald gem in the heart of Cashiers.
rary artists concentrating in glass and how they are building off the foundations laid by Littleton during the early years of the Studio Glass Movement. A key work in the exhibition will be a new acquisition to the Museum’s collection: a glass sculpture by Harvey Littleton entitled “Terracotta Arc.”
This piece was unveiled at a special opening reception from on June 14 at the Bardo Arts Center, which would have been Littleton’s 96th birthday. Donated by the Littleton Family in honor of WCU Professor Emeritus Joan Falconer Byrd, this sculpture serves as a focal point in the exhibition and a reminder of how Littleton’s impact reverberates through the generations.
Artists featured in the exhibition include: Alex Bernstein, Carol Milne, Hayden Wilson, Matt Eskuche, Shane Fero, Robert Burch, Carmen Lozar, Carole Frève, Einar and Jamex de la Torre, Shayna Leib, and Dean Allison. Glass enthusiasts, sculptors, lovers of innovation, and even knitters will especially enjoy this display of works ranging from cast figures to blown glass to delicate lamp-worked forms.
Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Thursdays until 7 p.m. 828.227.ARTS or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.
On the wall
Sweet gourd necklace class
Artist Betsey Sloan will host a sweet gourd necklace workshop on Saturday, July 14, at the Uptown Gallery on Main Street in downtown Franklin.
Sloan will lead you through the steps of using a spinner gourd, marbleizing it, adding a bail and cord for just $7 non-members and $5 members. The process takes about 10 minutes. Adults and children are welcome. No need to register. Just stop in between the hours of 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 828.349.4607 or www.franklinuptowngallery.com.
Heritage Arts Summer Festival
The annual Heritage Arts Summer Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at Southwestern Community College on U.S. 74 just west of Bryson City.
Presented by the SCC Ceramic Arts Club, this event is rapidly growing into a fullfledged “don’t miss” with the work of over 30 of the best pottery students in the region featured, as well as pottery demonstrations,
food, live music, and more.
Free admission. For more information, visit ncheritageartsfestival.wordpress.com.
Haywood Arts member show
The Haywood County Arts Council annual “Artist Member Show” exhibit will run from through July 28.
The show is a celebration of our community of artists, allowing them to share their great work at the height of the summer season. It’s a show filled with variety, including local painters, potters, jewelers, and much more.
For more information about HCAC programs and events, visit the Haywood County Arts Council website at www.haywoodarts.org.
• The Cashiers 42nd Annual Antiques Benefit Show will be held July 20-21 at the Blue Ridge School on N.C. 107 North. Over 60 exhibitors, grand prize drawings, food onsite, and more. Admission is $10. www.mountainlovers.com.
• The Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild will hold its regular evening meeting Monday, July 16,
at Tartan Hall in Franklin. Social time begins at 6:30 p.m. Program begins at 7 p.m. with Round Robin of holiday gift ideas such as folded star, casserole carrier, tree napkins and handmade cloth bowls for microwaving soups. Anyone interested in the art of quilting is welcome to attend guild meetings. For more information about the guild, visit www.smokymtnquilters.org.
ALSO:
• “Paint Nite Waynesville” will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays (July 12, 19, 26) at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Sign up for either event on the Paint Night Waynesville Facebook page or call Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.
• The “Movies on Everett” outdoor series will run through Aug. 17 at the corner of Mitchell and Everett streets in downtown Bryson City. Screenings begin at 9 p.m. Family-friendly. Free to attend. For a full schedule of the films to be screened, click on www.greatsmokies.com.
• Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will host a free movie night at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For the full schedule of screenings, click on www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.
• The Waynesville Fiber Friends will meet from 10 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month at the Panacea Coffee House in Waynesville. All crafters and beginners interested in learning are invited. Keep up with them through their Facebook group or by calling 828.276.6226.
• There will be a “Thursday Painters Open Studio” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. at the Franklin Uptown Gallery. Bring a bag lunch, project and supplies. Free to the public. Membership not required. For information, call 828.349.4607.
• A “Youth Art Class” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Saturday at the Appalachian Art Farm on 22 Morris Street in Sylva. All ages welcome. $10 includes instruction, materials and snack. For more information, email appalachianartfarm@gmail.comor find them on Facebook.
• Free classes and open studio times are being offered at The Uptown Gallery in Franklin. Join others at a painting open studio session from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays. For information on days open, hours and additional art classes and workshops, contact the gallery on 30 East Main Street at 828.349.4607.
KITCHEN 743
TUESDAY THRU SUNDAY FROM 5PM UNTIL... SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH FROM 10AM TO 2PM
On the stage
Herman classic at HART
The Jerry Herman blockbuster “Mame,” starring Lyn Donley in the title role, will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 and at 2 p.m. July 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.
“Mame” is based on the play Auntie Mame, which is in turn based on the Patrick Dennis novel of the same name. Set in New York and spanning the Great Depression and World War II, it focuses on eccentric bohemian Mame Dennis, whose famous motto is “Life is a banquet and most poor sons of bitches are starving to death.” Her fabulous life with her wealthy friends is interrupted when the young son of her late brother arrives to live with her. They cope with the Depression in a series of adventures.
In 1958, a film based on the play was released, starring Rosalind Russell, who originated the role on Broadway. Russell was nominated for an Academy Award and won a Golden Globe for her portrayal. The decision to turn the show into a musical was almost immediate and Jerry Herman wrote the show with Judy Garland in mind for the title character. He was later persuaded that she was not up to the rigorous eight show a week performance schedule, so it was offered to Mary Martin, who turned it down.
The musical opened on Broadway at the Winter Garden Theater in May of 1966, starring Angela Lansbury and Bea Arthur. The production became a hit, running four years, racking up over 1,500 performances and garnered Tony Awards for all of its leads. The success of the musical spawned a 1974 film with Lucille Ball in the title role and Bea Arthur reprising her supporting role, as well
SMCT to present Simon comedy
The Smoky Mountain Community Theatre summer production “Rumors” by Neil Simon will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 13-15 and 20-23 in Bryson City.
“Rumors” starts with the guests arriving at the 10th anniversary party of Charlie Brock, the Deputy Mayor of New York, and his wife Myra. The host has shot himself in the earlobe and the hostess is nowhere to be found. Rumors fly when the guests try to figure out what has happened. Gossip about each of the guests are spread and it all comes to a head when the police arrive on the scene.
The show features strong language, parents be advised. Ticket prices are $14 for adults and $8 for students (ages 6-17), children under 5 are free. www.smtheatre.com.
as a London production, a Broadway revival, and a 40th anniversary revival at the Kennedy Center in 2006.
Jerry Herman was coming off the success of “Hello Dolly,” which was still running on Broadway when “Mame” opened. He would later create “La Cage aux Folles,” cementing his reputation for creating shows with elaborate sets, costumes, and showstopper numbers.
HART’s production will also feature Stephen A. Gonya, Allison Stinson, Karen Covington Yow, Janice Schreiber and Andrew Delbene in principal roles and an ensemble of nearly 35.
For more information and/or to purchase tickets, call 828.456.6322 or visit www.harttheatre.org.
• Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, North Carolina’s summertime professional contemporary ballet company headquartered in Asheville, continues its 15th Anniversary Season with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at the Daniel and Belle Fangmeyer Theater at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Tickets are $35 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $12 for children under 12. A special $65 Gala ticket includes a pre-show reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres by Harmons Den Bistro, VIP seating, and coffee and dessert with the cast after the show. Tickets may be purchased online through Eventbrite or at the Haywood County Arts Council located at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville.
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Books
Grab some books and keep the kids reading
Most of us, of whatever age, by a simple act of memory and willpower can revisit distant summers in our imagination and discover there the bright, shining pleasures of being a child. Trips to the beach, recreating Civil War battles in the woods surrounding my house, playing badminton and roll-thebat in our side yard: these will remain a part of my interior landscape until death or dementia erases them along with the rest of me.
One of my great delights in what F. Scott Fitzgerald called “my younger and more vulnerable years” was reading. Boonville, North Carolina, had no public library at that time, a sad circumstance since righted by my best friend’s mother, Mrs. Frieda Speer. Had that library existed 50-odd years ago, I have no doubt that I would have become one of its chief patrons. As it was, however, I stormed aboard the book-mobile on its once-weekly visit to our street, rode occasionally into Yadkinville with my father to visit the public library, and spent hours in the front window of the Weatherwax Pharmacy, where there were comic books — Classics Illustrated, Sergeant Rock and Superman — and several dozen different magazines. Mr. Weatherwax allowed me to read unmolested, perhaps because my father was the town’s only doctor, perhaps because he thought my presence provided a living advertisement for passerby to visit his store.
These were the years when I read the Hardy Boys, dozens of volumes from the Childhood of Famous Americans series, histories of American heroes and most of the stories, poetry and biographies in the Childcraft Books purchased by my mother. My brother and I shared a room, and we would read in
Coffee with a poet
bed before sleeping and break open a book before rising. I loved to read on the sofa in our living room, listening to my mother play the show tunes she loved on a stereo as big as a
books they introduced to me.
steamer trunk. Back then I could read for an hour solid stretched out on the grass, a feat unimaginable now, or sitting in a tree, another position which I cannot today hope to attain.
Most of my grandchildren are readers as well, not as dedicated or as voracious as I, but they still like books. The older female cousins, for example, enjoy many of the books their mothers enjoyed: Little House on the Prairie, the Magic Tree House books, Nancy Drew (the twins particularly love this series) and books on horses.
Curious as to what books particularly appealed to elementary school readers this summer, I visited my local library and spoke with the children’s librarian. During our conversation a 12-year-old girl who was working as a volunteer ceased her shelving of DVDs and also began making recommendations. Here, in no particular order, are some of the
The “Coffee with the Poets and Writers” series will feature poet Karen Paul Holmes at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 18, at the Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville.
A member of the North Carolina Writers’ Network, the Atlanta Writers Club and the Georgia Poetry Society, Holmes has studied with poets: Thomas Lux, Denise Duhamel, Dorianne Laux, Joseph Millar, William Wright, Carol Ann Duffy and Nancy Simpson. Holmes has two full-length poetry collections, No Such Thing as Distance (Terrapin Books, 2018) and Untying the Knot (Aldrich Press, 2014). In 2012, she received an Elizabeth George Foundation emerging writer grant for poetry. She was chosen as a Best Emerging Poet in 2016 by Stay Thirsty Media. Publications include Prairie Schooner, Valparaiso Review, Tar River Poetry, Poet Lore and other journals and anthologies. Holmes’ work can be found at www.karenpaulholmes.com. The event is free and open to the public. An open mic will follow the
Rachel Renee Russell’s Dork Diaries is a series of stories about Nikki Maxwell and her friends told by Nikki in diary form. The illustrations are amusing, the stories should appeal to those in upper elementary school or possibly middle school, and Rachel Russell displays her sense of humor in her author’s note, where she tells her readers that she prefers writing books to working as an attorney, “mainly because books are a lot more fun and pajamas and bunny slippers aren’t allowed in court.”
In their format — drawings, text that looks handwritten rather than typed — Russell’s Dork Diaries look a lot like Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Here we follow Greg Heffley in middle school. Greg suffers all the angst of that tender — to some of us, awful — age, and we see him involved in a series of physical and emotional collusions with his family and fellow students. A middle-school boy I taught a few years ago was enamored of these books and highly recommended them during a discussion on reading with the classmates.
The girl I met in the library gave a similar thumbs-up for yet another series. When the librarian asked her to recommend a favorite book, this kid cried out “The Land of
presentation. For more information, contact Glenda Beall at glendabeall@msn.com.
Journalist releases debut novel
Set amid the windswept prairies of Wyoming and rounded mountains of southwest Virginia, Shadows of Flowers is a debut novel about love, loss and the power of place from award-winning Smoky Mountain News journalist Holly Kays.
Kays will host a reading at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the reading.
It follows the story of Virginia native Dana Stullman, whose world turns upside down when her boyfriend dies in a car accident. At 22, she finds herself moving across the country to escape reminders of the tragedy and the life that preceded it. Becoming lonelier than she could have imagined, Dana finds solace in an unexpected friendship, but her life remains paralyzed until a crisis
Stories!”, practically took me by the hand, and led me to this series of books on the library shelves, books I had never heard of. “These are my favorites,” she said, and so along with the librarian’s selections I took home Volume I of The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
I just spent half an hour reading the first 40 pages, and fell in love with Alex and Conner Bailey, twins who are the central heroes, and the mystery book given them by their grandmother, the Land of Stories where fairy tales become real. The action is fastpaced, the characters are real, and the quirky approach to fairy tales, at least as written in the beginning of the book, should catch the attention of a variety of readers. These I will share with my granddaughters, one of whom keeps requesting more adventure books.
Other books recommended by the librarian include The Sisters Grimm, The Fairy-Tale Detectives, in which sisters Daphne and Sabrina, descendants of the Brothers Grimm, must solve mysteries based on fairy-tales; Tui T. Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series, a series about dragons; and I Funny: A Middle School Story by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein that tells of Jamie Grimm, a boy bound to a wheelchair who also wants to be a comedian.
So there you are, some books for ages 10 to 14 (And maybe older, as I will be reading The Land of Stories). Remember: I didn’t read these books. The librarian recommended them.
Try these books or ask your local children’s librarian for recommendations. Investigate the book online if you have misgivings. The Land of Stories, for example, has some strong language issues, according to one reader.
Grab some books, good books, entertaining books and keep the kids reading this summer.
(Jeff Minick can be reached at minick0301@gmail.com.)
in the wind-swept Wyoming wilderness forces her to confront the past and choose her path into the future.
For more information, call Blue Ridge Books at 828.456.6000. Shadows of Flowers retails for $12 and is available online at www.paypal.me/hollykaysfor a $15 payment that includes shipping. www.facebook.com/shadowsofflowers.
New thriller from Hetherton
J.G. Hetherton will present his debut thriller Last Girl Gone at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Set in Hillsborough, the book “is one of the most sure-footed, accomplished debut thrillers I’ve read in ages. Readers are going to fall hard for J. G. Hetherton. He’s a terrific talent and makes the rest of us look bad. It would be a shame if something were to happen to him,” said New York Times bestselling author Chelsea Cain. To reserve copies of Last Girl Gone, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.
Writer Jeff Minick
Wandering elk dies following car crash
Overall prognosis positive for elk population
BY HOLLY KAYS STAFFWRITER
Ayouthful lark ended in tragedy July 1 for a Maggie Valley elk that trekked through the Pisgah National Forest to wind up in Henderson County.
The young bull’s travels ended when he wandered onto I-26 near Hendersonville, just before 5 a.m. Sunday, July 1. A woman driving a minivan struck the elk, and while nobody in the vehicle was injured, the elk was hurt badly enough that he had to be put down.
For the young male elk, the traffic accident was the final chapter in an adventurous couple of months that began when he decided to leave his herd in Maggie Valley.
“This guy around the middle of May left Maggie Valley and went to Waynesville for a little while, and then he went down toward Lake Logan and hung out in that area for a little while,” said Justin McVey, district biologist for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.
“Then he headed due east and eventually made his way over to the Etowah area in Henderson County and hung out there for several weeks. Then he started making his way through Hendersonville.”
McVey knows all of this because the elk was wearing a radio collar, which he placed on the animal back in October 2017, when the the elk was likely 6 to 8 months old. McVey was keeping an eye on the bull as he moved through the mountains.
“I checked on him on Friday the 29th (of June),” said McVey. “And he was there in a yard eating apples.”
While McVey was monitoring the elk’s movements, he didn’t attempt to relocate him back to the main herd, and following the traffic accident he’s gotten some heat for that.
“The question that I’m getting a lot is why didn’t we move him,” said McVey. “We didn’t
“Population-wide it doesn’t matter too much, but I was rooting for the guy.”
The time of year and the elk’s phase of life had a lot to do with it. It’s been pretty hot this summer, which can be physically stressful for the animals — anesthetizing him under those conditions could ultimately prove harmful to the elk.
In addition, the young elk was in velvet — the term used for antlered animals like deer and elk that are still in the process of growing their antlers.
“The antlers are actually growing, and there’s blood vessels all through it,” McVey explained. “If you feel it, you can feel the warmth of the blood and you can feel a pulse. If we dart this bull and he goes off and runs into the woods, there’s a high probability he’ll break those antlers off.”
Breaking the antlers would open up a large number of blood vessels, leading to substantial blood loss and possibility of infection. Even if the bull were to go down without running off first, he would still have to be transported in a horse trailer once the anesthesia wore off, providing another opportunity for him to damage his antlers.
So, relocating him would incur some risk. And in McVey’s experience, wandering elk usually end up making their way back to the main herd.
“Every year we get reports of young bulls dispersing and moving around,” said McVey. “Years ago we had a bull come down from Kentucky. Though it’s not uncommon or unheard of for these bulls to disperse pretty great distances, in our experience they always seem to go back to the main herd.”
While this is the only such dispersal McVey has dealt with this year, other years have seen reports of a bull wandering out to Franklin and then down to Georgia, and of a separate bull making it out to Cashiers and then into Greenville, South Carolina. It’s common for young male elk to wander, and it’s also common for those same wandering elk to eventually decide it’s time to return to their home range.
“We figured he would follow suit and make his way back to the main herd,” said McVey. “Unfortunately things became a bit more complicated. I had reports of people feeding the elk, which of course made him
more acclimated to people, less fearful of humans, thus less fearful of cars and human things, which may have led to him going out on I-26.”
While McVey was sorry to get that 5 a.m. call that the elk had been hit, he said that the elk population is doing well overall.
“We still estimate around 150 animals,” he said. “We think the population is pretty stable and pretty slow-growing. Each individual elk seems to be pretty healthy. Body conditions are good, and all those factors look good for the elk.”
The elk population is also getting some help from the William H. Silver Game Land, a nearly 2,000-acre Haywood County property that The Conservation Fund acquired over the course of several years and transferred to the Wildlife Commission in 2017. The Wildlife Commission has since completed substantial habitat work on the property using funding from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
Projects included clearing openings and planting them with a variety of grasses, leafy plants and other elk-
In full velvet, the young male elk looks for snacks in the yard of Bradley and Ibby Jones in Hendersonville.
Bradley Jones photo
Kids gather around during a Highlands Nature Center program.
Grant supports science education
A $3,500 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation will help support the school outreach program at Highlands Nature Center.
The nature center offers more than 50 STEM outreach programs for public, private and homeschool students in grades pre-K through 12 in Macon, Jackson and
surrounding mountain counties. In the past school year, the program served nearly 9,800 students through more than 250 programs presented at 54 different schools.
The Duke Energy Foundation funds will help the nature center expand its offerings to more schools while still charging minimal or no fees.
Get ready for back-to-school
The Jackson County Farmers Market will celebrate Christmas in July during its market 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 21.
The event aims to give parents and kids a chance to collect required but nonfunded school supplies for the upcoming school year by interacting with community members. The morning will include youth activities, school supply giveaways, farm-fresh food, crafts and more. All proceeds from Backwoods Bakery Pizza sales will benefit local children and the farmers market.
Local businesses and organizations, corporations and individuals are encouraged to donate items and cash to help with the event, and drop-off locations are available in Sylva. Organizations that
Tree seedlings for sale
donate will receive a free-of-charge table/tent site at the market to set up informational displays about the organization.
For more information, contact Lisa McBride, market manager, at jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.comor 828.331.7684.
Seedlings are available for sale from the N.C. Forest Service Nursery Program, with specimens offering superior growth, form and disease resistance due to solid nursery research and production experience.
The NCFS produces about 16 million quality seedlings for nearly 50 species each year. Hardwoods are sold in quantities as low as 10 and conifers in quantities as low as 50. Demand for seedlings is up, so those interested in buying trees should make their orders as soon as possible. Seedlings will be distributed in the fall to one of 13 locations statewide.
Seedling catalogs are available at local NCFS offices and online at www.ncforestservice.gov. Order online at www.buynctrees.com, by phone to 888.628.7337 or by mailing an order form to Seedling Coordinator, 762 Claridge Nursery Road, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
The initial herd of 52 elk released to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2001 has since grown to about 150 animals split into multiple herds. Mark Haskett photo
friendly forage. This year, the Wildlife Commission started work to convert old skidder tracks into linear wildlife openings — reshaping roads, clearing out branches so sunlight can hit the ground and planting roadbeds with vegetation.
During a recent trip to the property, McVey said, he saw signs of elk and stumbled across an elk and her calf, also sighting a deer, grouse and black bear.
“They’re there, they’re using it, and as the habitat is developed and grown a little bit we’re going to see more and more elk use it,” he said. “They’re there already. It just takes a while for them to find every-
thing there.”
The I-26 crash is only the second elk death reported in 2018, the other one being a female elk that died while giving birth. In 2017, the Wildlife Commission recorded eight elk deaths. The agency does not have any birthrate estimates but is currently involved in a project that will hopefully yield some numbers. The bottom line, though, is that while nobody is happy about how the story ended for the Hendersonville elk, overall the population is looking good.
“Population-wide it doesn’t matter too much,” McVey said, “but I was rooting for the guy.”
JOIN THE TEAM!
Project MARS/AmeriCorps is recruiting for full-time positions in Haywood, Swain , Transylvania, Cherokee, Graham and Buncombe counties.
MEMBERS WILL:
• Serve children directly within the schools
• Provide mentoring, academic assistance andresources for success
• Collaborate with teachers, staff and administration to identify students with needs
HIT THE MARK
Clingmans Dome tower closed for repairs
The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be closed through Friday, July 27, to complete a rehabilitation project that began last year.
The remaining final surface overlay work was supposed to be completed earlier this summer. However, continued rain delayed the project.
Trail photos wanted
The Clingmans Dome parking overlook area will remain open, offering outstanding mountaintop views. The visitor contact station, store, trail to the tower and access to nearby trailheads will remain open as well, though there will be construction traffic along the trail and near the contact station.
Restoration work began last year when contractors repaired deteriorated areas on the concrete columns and walls, stabilized support walls at the base of the ramp and repaired stone masonry. A $250,000 grant from Partners in Preservation, awarded in 2016 to Friends of the Smokies, made the work on the 1959 tower possible.
A photo contest seeking the best images of trails in the national forests and grasslands will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act.
Open through the end of the month, the National Forest Foundation’s The Summer of Trails Photo Contest will reward the best trail photos with prizes. Images may have people in them but don’t have to. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third-place winners, with the first place winner receiving two roundtrip Southwest Airlines tickets. Enter at bit.ly/2tXwJec.
Eat lunch with wild animals
An afternoon of BBQ, games, crafts and opportunities to meet live animals will raise money for a new fawn rehabilitation barn, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Edith Allen Wildlife Sanctuary in Canton.
Kids will have a chance to make crafts for the animals, and all visitors will get to meet Edith Allen wildlife ambassadors, view other rescues and win door prizes. The wildlife sanctuary’s primary mission is to rehabilitate injured, mistreated or otherwise unwanted wildlife, and it also works to educate others about responsible animal ownership and advocate for the animals it helps.
Free, with vegan BBQ options available.
The sanctuary is located at 539 Buckeye Cove Road in Canton. 828.788.1805.
Square dance with Friends of the Smokies
Farm-to-table food, live music and square dancing will mark the Friends of the Smokies’ 25th anniversary while raising money to benefit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Saturday, July 21, at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview.
“The Smokies Stomp is not just a gathering for Friends of the Smokies’ anniversary, it’s a celebration of
25 years of caring for trails, restoring historic cabins, protecting species like hemlock and trout, and many other projects and programs that make our park such a special place,” said Meridith Powell, emcee and board member. “We hope all will join us to mark this milestone and kick off the next 25 years of supporting the Smokies.”
In addition to the gourmet dinner, the evening will include live music by NewTown, drinks, a chance to meet National Park Service rangers and square dancing called by Rep. John Ager, D-Fairview, and his wife Annie.
Purchase tickets at www.smokiesstomp.org.
Clingmans Dome. Kristina Plaas photo
Explore Whitewater Falls
A 4-mile hike to one of the Appalachian Mountains’ most impressive waterfalls will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21.
The Nantahala Hiking Club will start from Bad Creek near Cashiers and hike a gentle 2 miles to Lower Whitewater Falls, with glimpses of Lake Jocassee along the way. Visitors are welcome, but no dogs. RSVP to Mike and Susan Kettles, 828.743.1079.
Tour wildfire aftermath
Nearly two years after wildfires tore through Western North Carolina, a guided hike will give participants a firsthand look at those fires’ impacts, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 21, on the Lover’s Leap Trail near Hot Springs.
Hike leaders Josh Kelly and Bob Gale of MountainTrue will show the positive and negative outcomes of the fires while taking the group past scenic views of the French Broad River and stopping to identify trees and flowers.
The 5-mile hike contains about 700 feet of elevation change, with the trail quite narrow in places. Space is limited, and hikers should bring their own water, food and clothing for a day outdoors. $10 for MountainTrue members; $35 for nonmembers. Sign up at mountaintrue.org/event/summer-fire-ecology-hike-at-lovers-leap.
{Celebrating the Southern Appalachians}
Hike Hazel Creek
A strenuous hike exploring the rich and varied history of the Hazel Creek watershed along the Lakeshore and Hazel Creek Trails will embark at 9 a.m. Monday, July 16, from the Fontana Marina.
Hiking guides Lloyd and Charlene Shiver will lead the adventure, which will start by boarding a pontoon to shuttle across the lake to the trailhead. The route will include Cable Branch, the Proctor/Farley area and the Bradshaw and Higdon cemeteries.
The hike will be a minimum of 12 miles, with small stream crossings common.
Organized by the Great Smoky
Tally the turkeys
The Hazel Creek area is home to several now-abandoned logging communities.
Mountains Association. $80 for GSMA members; $95 for non-members with one-year membership included. Register at https://conta.cc/2IOBZX2.
Help is wanted logging wild turkey sightings in North Carolina.
Through Aug. 31, volunteers can record and submit their observations to management biologists through an online survey tool. This information indicates annual wild turkey productivity, gobbler carryover and other population trends, all of which help the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission better manage the state’s turkey population.
Volunteers who submit observations this year will be automatically contacted in 2019 with a request to participate again. In 2017, more than 1,200 people helped with the survey, reporting their observations of more than 35,000 turkeys. Before the 1970s, wild turkeys were scarce in North Carolina, with only 2,000 birds statewide. Today, there are more than 265,000 birds from mountains to coast.
The survey is available at www.ncpaws.org/PAWS/Surveys/PublicEntry/TurkeyBroodLogin.aspx, and observations can be entered from any smartphone device.
For more information, contact upland game bird biologist Chris Kreh at 336.386.0892 or chris.kreh@ncwildlife.org.
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MOUNTAIN SOUVENIRS
Train History Day returns
The old logging trains that once wound their way through the forest coves of Western North Carolina will get center stage during Train History Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard.
A 1914 Climax logging locomotive will be on display, with train historian Jerry Ledford giving a talk on local logging history, complete with old photographs at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Asheville Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society will
be there with a hands-on railroad yard and HO scale-switching layout, providing opportunity to learn how to move railroad cars within the yard, switch tracks and set up an entire train from engine to caboose. Photos from the 1950s Southern Railway, old railroad lanterns and other railroad memorabilia will also be displayed. Free with regular admission. The Cradle is located along U.S. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, about 35 miles south of Waynesville. 828.877.3130.
Explore a living laboratory
Kids ages 5 to 13 will get the chance to explore an outdoor laboratory with a trip to Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in Macon County 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, July 16.
Coweeta’s focal point is its outdoor living laboratory. The facility provides a state-of-the-art facility for chemical determinations of water. soil, and vegetation in support of the research activities at Coweeta.
The event is part of the Macon County 4H Summer Relief program, which offers a full and diverse schedule of summer activities for kids. All participants must have a current 4H enrollment form and medical form on file.
$3. To register, visit macon.ces.ncsu.edu or call 828.349.2046.
Brush up on wildflower ID
Learn how to identify summer and fall wildflowers during a workshop 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 21, in Balsam.
Participants will learn basic terms and methods for identifying wildflowers, including various wildflower guides, and take a short walk to try out their new knowledge. Bring rain gear, water, lunch and a favorite wildflower guide.
Larry Thompson, who served as the National Audubon Society’s Southeast Regional Vice President for 20 years, will teach the course. He has taught nature courses and led birdwatching, wildflower and photography trips for more than 30 years and resides in Balsam.
$35; open to ages 10 and up. Register at
828.452.5414 or lvthompson@earthlink.net.
Turk’s cap lily.
Highlands Biological Foundation photo
Logging trains once chugged through some of Western North Carolina’s most remote mountains.
Margaret Hester photo
COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The Jackson County Genealogical Society will have a covered-dish picnic at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, in the shelter at East LaPorte River Access Park. www.jcgsnc.org or 631.2646.
• The 10th annual Ammons Family Reunion is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, at Holly Springs Historical Community Building in Canton. 226.0640.
• Join Folkmoot for an evening of locally-grown, internationally-themed delicacies for the Sunday Soiree Friendship Dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 22, on Virginia Avenue in Waynesville. Celebrating the second year of the Soiree, Folkmoot has invited the chefs of the Blind Pig Supper Club to share an array of street foods from eight world cultures, alongside four youth cultural groups practiced in Appalachian, African, American jazz and Cherokee inspired entertainment. After dinner, meet and greet Folkmoot’s international performers over dessert. Tickets for this event can be purchased in advance, $65 for adults, $30 for kids, at www.folkmoot.org or by calling 452.2997.
• Grace Church in the Mountains is accepting grant applications from nonprofit organizations in Haywood County. Distribution of proceeds from the church’s Annual Parish Fair will be made to local county charities. The fair is from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. 456.6029 or admin@gracewaynesville.com.
• Registration is underway for participants in the Southwestern Community College Automotive Club’s annual car show, which will take place Aug. 10-11 at the Wayne Proffitt Agriculture Center in Franklin. Entry fees range from $10-25. d_myers@southwesterncc.edu.
B USINESS & E DUCATION
• An Eggs & Issues event is scheduled for 7:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 12, at Franklin Chamber of Commerce in Franklin. $10 at the door. Preregister: 524.3161 or www.maconedc.com.
• Registration is underway for a “Powerful Communication Strategies for Women” workshop that will be offered by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 3 at WCU’s instructional site at Biltmore Park in Asheville. Featuring Dr. Betty Farmer, professor of communication and public relations at WCU. Registration: $99 by July 15. After, it’s $125. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.
• “Russia – Then and Now” will be presented by Alan J. French at 6 p.m. on July 19 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Insights into Russia and the Russians before and after the fall of the Soviet Union. 524.3600.
FUNDRAISERSAND B ENEFITS
• Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will host its 15th annual barbecue and gospel sing from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, July 14. $10. Door prizes and musical performances. 926.9794.
• A supper and singing event in support of Jimmy and Holly Owens will be held starting at 4 p.m. on July 14 at Cove Creek Baptist Church in Waynesville. Featuring singing groups: Hill County Band, Cold Mountain Band, Hwy. 40 and Eddie Rose and Terry Fisher.
All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.
in the Mountains” from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 14. Cost: $45 in advance or $50 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for:
■ Complete listings of local music scene
• FUR’s fourth annual barbecue fundraiser is scheduled for 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at Barn Star Events at 2436 Jonathan Creek Road in Waynesville. Live music by James Hammel. Games, raffles and silent auction. Tickets: $35; Sponsorships: $125. Tickets and sponsorships available at www.furofwnc.org. Info: 844.888.CATS (2287).
• REACH’s much-loved Red, White, and Blue Bash will return at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Maggie Valley Club. Party games, silent and live auctions, heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails, a photo booth, entertainment by Stone Crazy Band, and much more. Tickets are only $50 each and are on sale now. Purchase yours by credit card at www.reachofhaywood.org or by calling REACH at 456.7898. Proceeds from this event will go to support the REACH mission, providing aid to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse in Haywood County.
• A fundraising event for Shelton House will be held on July 26 at the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Tickets: $60. Four-course dinner and beverage. Tickets available: 452.1551 or stop by the Shelton House, an 1885 historic house and museum in Waynesville.
VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS
• A Guardian ad Litem training class will be held from 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday through Aug. 10 at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. The N.C. Guardian ad Litem program recruits, trains and supervises volunteer advocates to represent and promote the best interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in the state court system. Info: 454.6395 or www.volunteerforgal.org.
• The Town of Canton is accepting submissions for its 112th Labor Day Festival – “A Celebration of All Things Made in Western North Carolina.” Deadline for all arts and crafts is 4 p.m. on Aug. 21. Before applying: call 648.2363, email photos to lstinnett@cantonnc.com or mail to: Town of Canton, Attn: Canton Labor Day; 58 Park Street; Canton, NC 28716. Event runs Sept. 2-3 in downtown Canton. Cantonlaborday.com.
H EALTH MATTERS
• The Haywood County Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group will change the location of its meetings beginning with the July 24th meeting. The group will meet at the Haywood Senior Resource Center (81 Elmwood Way, Waynesville). The meetings are scheduled from 4:30 PM until 6:00 PM. 926.0018.
• Diabetes classes will be offered from 1-3 p.m. on Mondays through July 16 at the Canton Senior Center. Register: 648.8173.
• “Back in Control: New Ways to think about Chronic Pain” will be presented by Sheila Kaye, MSW, from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursdays, July 12 and 19, in the upstairs conference room of the Waynesville Library Upstairs. Registration required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.
• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, July 12, at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Clyde. 648.6372.
• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 7:30 a.m.-noon on Saturday, July 14, at Crabtree United Methodist Church in Clyde. 627.3666.
• The Waynesville Yoga Center will have a “Hike & Yoga
• The Maggie Valley United Methodist Church will host the 15th annual barbecue and gospel sing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 14. The event will take place at “the barn” across the creek from the church. There will be drawings for door prizes, a barbecue lunch and musical performances by gospel groups and Christian singers. Bring a lawn chair. Cost is $8. Take-outs will be available. All proceeds will support church missions. 926.9794.
• The Waynesville Yoga Center will have an “Exploring the Mainpura Chakra” program from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 14. Cost: $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
• The Waynesville Yoga Center will have a “Mini Retreat: Yoga, Acupressure and Qi Healing” from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18. Cost: $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
• “Osteo: What is it? Do I have it? What Can I Do?” will be the topic of “Talk with a Doc” seminar scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center in Clyde. Featuring Rheumatologist Kate Queen, MD. 800.424.DOCS (3627) or MyHaywoodRegional.com/FindaDoc.
• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva. www.redcrossblood.org or 800.733.2767.
• The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 12:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, at Franklin First Baptist Church. 369.9559.
• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, July 20, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Hotel. 497.8853.
• The Waynesville Yoga Center will have a “Self-Care Saturday: Essential Oils for Stress Reduction” from 23:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 21. Cost: $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Redcrossblood.org or 800.REDCROSS (800.733.2767).
• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, at Southwestern Community College in Sylva. 339.4305, Redcrossblood.org or 800.REDCROSS (800.733.2767).
• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. Redcrossblood.org or 800.REDCROSS (800.733.2767).
• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, at Lowe’s in Waynesville. 456.9999, Redcrossblood.org or 800.REDCROSS (800.733.2767).
R ECREATIONAND FITNESS
• The Waynesville Yoga Center will offer “Buti at Boojum” from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21. Cost: $14. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
• The Waynesville Yoga Center will have a “Seasonal Flow Master Class” from 1-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28. Culinary journey with leafy greens. Cost: $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.
S PIRITUAL
• Lake Junaluska Singers will perform at the Summer Worship Series at 10:45 a.m. on Sundays through Aug. 5 at Stuart Auditorium. www.lakejunaluska.com/singers.
• Lake Junaluska Singers will perform at 7 p.m. on July 13, in Memorial Chapel at Lake Junaluska. www.lakejunaluska.com/singers.
• Rev. Mitzi Johnson, Director of Programming at Lake
■ Regional festivals
■ Art gallery events and openings
■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers
■ Civic and social club gatherings
Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center, will be featured as part of the Summer Speaker Series at 8:20, 9:40 and 11:05 a.m. on Sunday, July 15, at Long’s Chapel in Waynesville. Info: longchapel.com.
• The Summer Worship Series at Lake Junaluska continues on Sunday, July 22, with Rev. Dr. Carl Frazier as guest speaker. Dr. Frazier has served Methodist churches in the N.C. conference since 1980. www.lakejunaluska.com/events/worship/summer_worship.
P OLITICAL
• The Jackson County Democratic Party will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, at party headquarters at 500 Mill St. in Sylva. Jacksondems.com.
AUTHORSAND B OOKS
• The North Carolina Writers’ Network-West will sponsor The Literary Hour on the third Thursday of the month unless otherwise indicated. This reading is free of charge and open to the public.
• Author Holly Kays will share her novel “Shadows of Flowers” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. Debut novel about love, loss and the power of place. www.facebook.com/shadowsofflowers or www.paypal.me/hollykays.
• J.G. Hetherton will present his debut thriller Last Girl Gone at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of Last Girl Gone, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.
• Coffee with the Poets and Writers will feature poet Karen Paul Holmes at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18, at Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville. www.karenpaulholmes.com or glendabeall@msn.com.
• Book Day is scheduled for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at Riverfront Park in Bryson City. A celebration of WNC history and literature presented by the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society. Writers and book compilers can sign up for a table: 488.2932.
• Friends of the Library will hold its annual book sale from July 26-28 at the Waynesville Library. Event is from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday.
K IDS & FAMILIES
• A new traveling recreation program called “Base Camp on the Go” will be present at the following locations and dates this summer: Jonathan Valley Elementary School: July 16, 23 & 30; Canton Park: July 17 & 31; Fines Creek Community Center: July 18, 25 & Aug. 1; Recreation Park in Waynesville: July 13, 20, 27 & Aug. 3. Log rolling in a large inflatable pool, badminton, ninja warrior obstacle course and other games. 456.2030 or cmiller@waynesvillenc.gov.
• A Kids “Summer Craft” event will be held from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, July 14, at the Shelton House in Waynesville. Water bombs. $5 donation. 452.1551 or info@sheltonhouse.org.
• Annual Summer Learning Program is being offered through the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Features prizes, story times, movies, STEAM programming, arts and crafts and more. 586.2016.
• The Cradle of Forestry in America will host a Junior Forester program for ages 8-12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 1 in Pisgah Forest. Topic for July 25 is “Be Considerate of Others.” $5 per youth and $3 per adult per program. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.
• The Cradle of Forestry in America will host “Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club” from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 2 in Pisgah Forest. $5 per youth and $3 per adult per program. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.
• “Smoky Mountain Elk”– a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays from through Aug. 5 and Saturdays, July 21, Aug. 11-18 and Sept. 8 & 22 at the Palmer House in Cataloochee Valley.
• “Return of the Elk” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 28 (not including July 24 and Aug. 14) at the Rough Fork Trailhead at Cataloochee Valley.
• The Cradle of Forestry in America will host a Junior Forester program for ages 8-12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 1 in Pisgah Forest. $5 per youth and $3 per adult per program. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.
• Camp Folkmoot – “Hands Around the World” is open to dancers of all abilities, ages 10-17, and is scheduled for July 20 at the Folkmoot Friendship Center at Sam Love Queen Auditorium. Learn basic movements and concepts, gain appreciation for differences and similarities between cultures, create “Make-and-take” cultural crafts, participate in short performance with groups. $30 per camper: Info: elizabeth@foolkmoot.org. Register: Folkmoot.org or 452.2997.
• “Nature Nuts: Stream Investigation” will be offered to ages 4-7 from 9-11 a.m. on July 13 and 30 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• “Eco Explorers: Raising Trout” will be offered to ages 8-13 from 9-11 a.m. on July 13 and 30 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• An opportunity to Explore Coweeta Hydrologic Lab will be offered to ages 5-13 through the Macon County 4-H from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 16 in Otto. Preregister: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu.
• “A Week in the Water” will be offered for ages 10-15 from 9 a.m.-noon on July 16-20 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• The 4-H Chop Camp will be offered for ages 9-18 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on July 17, 24 and 31 at the Cooperative Extension Kitchen in Franklin. Cost: $20. Preregister: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu.
• A “Doll and Me” Tea Party for ages 5-13 will be offered through the Macon County 4-H from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 18 at the Macon County Cooperative Extension Office in Franklin. Cost: $7. Preregister: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu.
• The Cradle of Forestry in America will host a Junior Forester program for ages 8-12 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 1 in Pisgah Forest. Topic for July 18 is “Respect Wildlife.” $5 per youth and $3 per adult per program. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.
• The Cradle of Forestry in America will host “Woodsy Owl’s Curiosity Club” from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 2 in Pisgah Forest. Topic for July 18-19 is “Forest Birds.” $5 per youth and $3 per adult per program. Registration required: 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.
• “Advanced WILD: Mountain Streams” will be offered to ages 18-up from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on July 19 at Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• Registration is underway for a Woodworking program through the Macon County 4-H running from 9 a.m.noon on July 17, 24 and 31 (for ages 10-14) in Franklin. Cost: $25. Preregister in person or by mail. Info: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu.
• A Week in the Creek will be offered to ages 6-10 through the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education from 9 a.m.-noon on July 23-27 in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• “On the Water: Looking Glass Creek” will be offered to ages 12-up through the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on July 25 in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/yb28fpz8.
• Registration is underway for a Macon County 4-H program entitled: “Learn How to Dehydrate Food,” which is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on July 30 at the Cooperative Extension Kitchen. For ages 9-18. Cost: $4. Preregister: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu.
• Registration is underway for a Macon County 4-H program entitled: “80s Flashback Water Station,” that will be offered for ages 13-18 from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 2 and from 4:30-8 p.m. on Aug. 4 at the Cooperative Extension Office in Franklin. Preregister: 349.2046 or macon.cec.nscu.edu.
• “Down on the Farm” – a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 1 p.m. on Sundays through Aug. 5 at the Mountain Farm Museum adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee.
• “Feeding the Pigs”– a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays through Aug. 9 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum.
• “Smokemont Night Hike” - a Great Smoky Mountains
National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 8:45 p.m. on Sundays through Aug. 5 at the Bradley Fork Trail in the Smokemont Campground, end of DLoop. Make reservations at least four days in advance: 497.1904.
• “The Four-Legged Weather Forecaster”– a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 10:30 a.m. on Mondays through Aug. 6 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum.
• “Hike: When the Roll is Called Up Yonder” – a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 3 p.m. on Mondays through Aug. 6 starting at the Mingus Mill Parking Area.
• “Feeding the Pigs” – a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays through Aug. 6 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum.
• “Feeding the Pigs” – a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays through Aug. 6 at the Davis Queen House, Mountain Farm Museum.
• A hike of Andrews Bald - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 7 starting at the Forney Ridge Trailhead at Clingmans Dome.
• “Go Out On A Limb, Branch Out”- a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 7 at the Oconlauftee River Trailhead adjacent to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
• “Gourmet Dining on Four Feet” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Junior Ranger program – is at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 8 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch near Cullowhee.
• “The Oconaluftee Compass Challenge” - a Great Smoky Mountains National Park Summer Ranger program – is at 3 p.m. on Wednesdays through Aug. 8 (except July 25) at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center Porch near Cullowhee.
S UMMER CAMPS
• Registration is underway for a “Basketball Shooting and Dribbling Camp” that will be offered from July 1619 at the Waynesville Recreation Center. Led by Kevin Cantwell, former head coach at Appalachian State and associate head coach at Georgia Tech. $150 per person. 456.2030 or academy7@live.com.
• The Summer Youth Filmmaking Experience, a twoweek intensive summer course for teenagers, will be offered for two weeks starting July 16 and again on Aug. 6. Cost: $495. Students will direct, shoot and edit a 5-7 minute script of their choosing. www.ashevilleschooloffilm.com.
• Youth Tennis Camp will be offered this summer through the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Juniors tennis camp is from 3-5 p.m. on
July 16-20; Teen camps (ages 14-18). Teacher is Rumi Kakareka, a certified teaching pro with 20-plus years of experience. Register: 703.966.7138 or rkakareka@me.com.
• Registration is underway for a summer youth event at Lake Junaluska, geared toward grades 6-12, featuring Celia Whitler (speaker) and Abbye West Pates (worship band), from July 20-23. Register: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth.
• Registration is underway for an “Outdoor Skills” camp that will be offered to grades 6-8 from July 2327 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. https://tinyurl.com/yan722ym.
• Registration is underway for a summer youth event at Lake Junaluska, geared toward grades 6-12, featuring Kevin Wright (speaker) and Abbye West Pates (worship band) – as well as a special performance from illusionist Matt Adams along with a talent show - from July 23-27. Register: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth.
• Registration is underway for a summer youth event at Lake Junaluska, geared toward grades 6-12, featuring Juan Huertas (speaker) and Jimmy Atkins (worship band) – as well as a special performance from illusionist Matt Adams along with a talent show and Sunday morning worship in Stuart Auditorium - from July 27-31. Register: 800.222.4930 or www.lakejunaluska.com/summeryouth.
• Registration is underway for a “Wildlife Management” camp that will be offered to grades 6-8 from Aug. 13-17 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville. https://tinyurl.com/yan722ym.
K IDSFILMS
• The “Movies on Everett” outdoor series will run through Aug. 17 at the corner of Mitchell and Everett streets in downtown Bryson City. Screenings begin at 9 p.m. Family-friendly. Free to attend. For a full schedule of the films to be screened, click on www.greatsmokies.com.
• Summer Film Fest 2018 will be presented by Suminski Family Books at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, July 12-19 and Aug. 9-16 at Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Featured movies will be “Paddington 2” (July 12), “Hidden Figures” (July 19), “Peter Rabbit” (Aug. 9) and “Wonder” (Aug. 16). Tickets $5 and available at Franklin Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Tartans Museums or members of benefitting non-profits: Grandpa’s Woodshop, Women’s History Trail (FHAMC), Read2Me and Friends of the Greenway. Info: 369.5417 or Claire@dometrics.com.
• Macon County Public Library will show a children’s movie (Rated PG) at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 16, in Franklin. Info, including movie title: 524.3600.
• A planetarium show entitled “From the Earth to the Universe” will be presented at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.
Puzzles can be found on page 54
These are only the answers.
• “Isle of Dogs” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on July 19 and 6:30 on June 20 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555
• Macon County Public Library will show a children’s movie (Rated PG) at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 23, in Franklin. Info, including movie title: 524.3600.
• Macon County Public Library will show a children’s movie (Rated PG) at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 30, in Franklin. Info, including movie title: 524.3600.
A&E
FESTIVALSAND S PECIAL EVENTS
• The annual Heritage Arts Summer Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at Southwestern Community College on U.S. 74 just west of Bryson City. Presented by the SCC Ceramic Arts Club, this event is rapidly growing into a full-fledged “don’t miss” with the work of over 30 of the best pottery students in the region featured, as well as pottery demonstrations, food, live music, and more. Free admission. ww.ncheritageartsfestival.wordpress.com.
• The Cashiers Plein Air Festival will return July 17-21. The event is an art competition and sale featuring nationally acclaimed painters from throughout the country. Plein air is French for “open air.” During the festival, more than 20 select festival artists will set up their easels outdoors to capture the beauty of the North Carolina mountains. Their original art is displayed for viewing and sale at a pop up art gallery at The Village Green Commons in Cashiers. The highlight of the week is the Palette to Palate Affair on Friday, July 20, a summer soiree celebrating the artists. Festival artists compete for the Ring Art Awards which are announced during this event. Patrons will enjoy cocktails, delectable hors d’oeuvres and dessert with an artful flair catered by Chef 365 of Greenville, South Carolina. The gallery will be open to ticket holders only that evening who can browse the art for sale while listening to jazz music by The Hot Club of Cullowhee. Tickets for the Palette to Palate Affair are $125 per person. 743.3434 or info@villagegreencashiersnc.com.
• Tickets are on sale now for Folkmoot: North Carolina’s International Folk Festival, which will be held from July 19-29. Schedule and tickets: www.folkmootusa.org or 452.2997.
• The Cashiers 42nd Annual Antiques Benefit Show will be held July 20-21 at the Blue Ridge School on N.C. 107 North. Over 60 exhibitors, grand prize drawings, food onsite, and more. Admission is $10. www.mountainlovers.com.
• “Mater Fest” will be kickoff at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 21, at Darnell Farms in Bryson City. Come out and enjoy the plentiful harvest of Western North Carolina tomatoes. Live music, crafts, food onsite, ice cream, children’s activities, and more. Free. 488.2376.
• The annual Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival will highlight two world premieres of commissioned works — Clarinet Quintet by Alyssa Weinberg, commissioned by Chamber Music America for the Enso String Quartet, and Sextet for piano 4 hands and string quartet by Inessa Zaretsky, commissioned by Lenore Fishman Davis for the St. Urban concert series. Sundays at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville at 3 p.m. though July 29, except July 22 will be at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and additional information including other locations, visit Swannanoa Chamber Music Festival at www.scm-festival.com.
F OOD & D RINK
• There will be a barbecue and craft beer tasting from
7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 21, on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, departing from Bryson City. Board the GSMR and enjoy a steam train ride along with beer tastings, and your own basket of Southern-style barbeque goodness with hand-pulled pork slider, a couple pork ribs, and chicken drumstick accompanied by baked beans, house-made coleslaw, and apple cobbler. Tickets start at $69 and include a souvenir tasting glass for three samples of finely crafted beer selections. Adults-only and family friendly seating. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.
ON STAGE & I N CONCERT
• As part of a summer series of music, the Marianna Black Library is proud to present the traditional music and storytelling of Lee Knight at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 12, in Bryson City. 488.3030 or visit www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.
• The Jerry Herman blockbuster “Mame,” starring Lyn Donley in the title role, will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. July 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 and at 2 p.m. July 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. 456.6322 or www.harttheatre.org.
• “Rumors” will be on stage from July 13-15 and 2023 at Smoky Mountain Community Theatre, 134 Main Street in Bryson City. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $14 for adults; $8 for students. Children under 5 admitted free. Strong language. Info on the theatre’s Facebook page.
• Haywood Community Band will have a “Patriotic Music” concert at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 15, at the Maggie Valley Pavilion.
• Acclaimed singer-songwriter Amanda Anne Platte & The Honeycutters will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. Tickets for the intimate performance, which will be held in the outdoor covered pavilion, are $35 per person. Cookout dinners, priced separately, will be available before the show. For reservations, which are required, 926.1401 or click on www.cataloocheeranch.com.
• Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance, North Carolina’s summertime professional contemporary ballet company will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at the Daniel and Belle Fangmeyer Theater at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville. Tickets are $35 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $12 for children under 12. A special $65 Gala ticket includes a pre-show reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres by Harmons Den Bistro, VIP seating, and coffee and dessert with the cast after the show. Tickets may be purchased online through Eventbrite or in person at the Haywood County Arts Council located at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville.
• The Summer Harp Academy will begin its 2018 season with a faculty concert featuring Elzbieta Szmyt and Jan Jennings at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17, at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.
• The Jukebox Babies will be on stage at 9 p.m. on July 21 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. $10. For 18 and up. 586.3555.
• Songwriters in the Round will hold its eighth event at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 21 in the Macon County Public Library’s Living Room in Franklin. Featuring George Gray (singer-songwriter and storyteller), Bill Peterson (vocalist, musician) and George Reeves (lead guitar/slide).
• Organists Kyle Ritter and Kathy Geyer McNeil will present “Cheek to Cheek” – a concert of four-hand organ and piano and organ duets – at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville.
S UMMER M USIC •
• The “Groovin’ on the Green” concert series at The Village Green in Cashiers will be hosting Eat A Peach at 6:30 p.m. on July 13. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.
• Highlands Town Square “Friday Night Live” series will host The Johnny Webb Band (country) July 13 at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.
• The Pickin’ on the Square summer concert series will feature Frogtown (bluegrass) at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Gazebo in downtown Franklin. Food vendors will also be available. www.townoffranklinnc.com.
• “An Appalachian Evening” will host Helen White at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Stecoah Valley Center. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• The Lake Junaluska Singers will perform at the “Lakeshore Goes Broadway” Concert and Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 17-18, at the Harrell Center Auditorium at Lake Junaluska. Cost is $50, including dinner. www.lakejunaluska.com/singers.
• Highlands Town Square “Friday Night Live” series will host Marce & Ben (Americana) July 20 at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.
• “An Appalachian Evening” will host The Snyder Family at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 21, at the Stecoah Valley Center. www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.
• The “Groovin’ on the Green” concert series at The Village Green in Cashiers will be hosting High-5 Band at 6:30 p.m. on July 27. www.villagegreencashiersnc.com.
CLASSESAND PROGRAMS
• A seminar teaching participants how to be prepared in case of societal collapse or other emergency situations will be held from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, at the Haywood Community College Auditorium in Clyde. Tickets: $25 at Carolina Readiness Supply in Waynesville or $30 online (www.carolinareadiness.com). $10 for lunch. 456.5310.
• Sylva Photo Club will feature Ryan Karcher Aerial Drone Photography and a presentation on “Photography from the Sky” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, at Cullowhee United Methodist Church. Sylvaphotoclub.wordpress.com or sylvaphotoclub@gmail.com.
• Smoky Mountain Quilters Guild will hold its regular evening meeting starting with social time at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 16, at Tartan Hall in Franklin. Program features round robin of holiday gift ideas. www.smokymtnquilters.org.
• Aviation Historical Society will show a panel discussion video featuring four WWII B-17 Bomber pilots at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 17, at the Macon County Airport. 506.5869 or aeroscribbler@gmail.com.
• Bingo will be held at 6:30 p.m. on July 19, Aug. 9 and Aug. 23 at the Pavilion next to Maggie Valley Town. Sponsored by the Maggie Valley Civic Association. Cash prizes; snacks available.
• Essential Oils 101, make & take blends event at Mad Batter Food & Film in beautiful downtown Sylva on July 18, 6:30 p.m. Each blend made is $5. Learned the Nitty Gritty of Empowered Wellness and go home with solutions to everyday health concerns. Contact Wende Goode at 246.2256 or goodeoils@gmail.com to reserve your spot, limited space.
• The Jackson County Farmers Market will have its second annual Christmas in July event on July 21 in Sylva. Opportunity for parents and children to collect required, non-funded school supplies for the upcoming school year through interaction with participating entities. Jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or 331.7684.
• A “Crafter Showcase Spotlight” is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at the Shelton House in Waynesville. Featuring Cindy Shock, knitter and quilter. $5 donation. 452.1551 or info@sheltonhouse.org.
• The Highlands Village Square Art & Craft Show is scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Aug. 25-26 at KelseyHutchinson “Founders” Park on Pine Street in downtown Highlands. Fine art, folk art and regionally made crafts. 787.2021.
• Registration is underway for a “Lichens of the Southern Appalachians” program scheduled for Aug. 4, through the Alarka Institute. Led by Jennifer Love. Register: www.paypal.me/cedartree. Info: alarkaexpeditions@gmail.com, 371.0347 or alarkaexpeditions.com.
• Registration is underway for an “Armor Construction: Gothic Serman Helm (Sallet): class that will be led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 4-5, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $390 (materials included). Preregistration required: 631.0271 or www.JCGEP.org.
• Registration is underway for “Bladesmithing: Seax Knife Class” – a class with Brock Martin that is scheduled for 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Cost: $380. Preregistration required: 631.0271. Info: www.JCGEP.org.
ARTSHOWINGSAND GALLERIES
• The Haywood County Arts Council will host its annual “Artist Member Show,” at HCAC’s Gallery & Gifts in downtown Waynesville. The exhibit will run through July 28. The show is a celebration of our community of artists, allowing them to share their great work at the height of the summer season. It will be a show filled with variety, including local painters, potters, jewelers, and much more. www.haywoodarts.org.
• A new exhibit exploring the artistry, history and science behind the fragrance industry is open through Sept. 3 at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville Lecture by Dr. Richard Stamelman on the mysterious allure behind fragrances and the plants.
• The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at the Bardo Arts Center is pleased to announce the opening of its newest exhibition “Glass Catalyst: Littleton’s Legacy in Contemporary Sculpture,” which will run through Dec. 7. Littleton’s work and other glass artist will be on display. A key work in the exhibition will be a new acquisition to the Museum’s collection: a glass sculpture by Harvey Littleton entitled “Terracotta Arc.” Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and Thursdays until 7 p.m. For information, call 828.227.ARTS or visit bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.
• The Haywood County Arts Council will accept donations and consigned items starting July 11 for its ArtShare exhibit, which runs from Aug. 3-25. Opportunity for collectors to be able to pass on art for someone else to enjoy. HaywoodArts.org.
FILM & S CREEN
“Ant-Man and the Wasp” is showing at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on July 11-19 and 4 p.m. on July 14-15 at The Strand On Main. See www.38main.com for tickets.
• “Finding Your Feet” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on July 12 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.
• “A Quiet Place” will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on July 13 and 14 at Mad Batter Food & Film in Sylva. Free. 586.3555.
Hikes, bird walks, live animals. Children free with paying adult. www.mountainwildlifedays.com or 743.7663
• Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway starting at 8 a.m. on July 18 at the Macon County Public Library parking lot in Franklin.
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will continue its “Smokies Service Days” volunteer program on Saturday, July 21 at Crosby. Sign-up: 865.436.1278 or logan_boldon@partner.nps.gov.
• Train History Day is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, at the Cradle of Forestry in America near Brevard. Includes a talk on local logging history at 10:30 a.m. Focus is on old logging trains. 877.3130.
• Learn how to identify summer and fall wildflowers during a workshop from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, July 21, in Balsam. Led by Larry Thompson, who served as the National Audubon Society’s Southeast Regional Vice President for 20 years. $35. Open to ages 10-up. Register: 452.5414 or lvthompson@earthlink.net.
• The inaugural Smokies Stomp Barn Party will mark the 25th anniversary of Friends of the Smokies on Saturday, July 21, at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. SmokiesStomp.org.
• Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway starting at 8 a.m. on July 25 at the Big Bear Shelter parking area.
• “Timber Rattlesnakes on the Highlands Plateau”part of the Zahner Lecture Series – will be presented at 6 p.m. on July 26 at the Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Station. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.
• Coffee with a ranger is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sundays through Aug. 5 at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center porch at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee.
• Registration is underway for a Fly Rod Making class that will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 7 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Cost: $360. Info or to register: 627.4669 or rgmassie@haywood.edu.
• “Foraging for Food and Farmacy” will be offered on Aug. 18, on part of the original route from Gatlinburg, Tenn., to Cherokee. Led by wildcrafter Ila Hatter. Cost: $69. Register: smfs.utk.edu
• Boating Safety courses will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 28-29 and Sept. 10-11 at Haywood Community College in Clyde. Must attend both meetings. Pre-registration required: www.ncwildlife.org.
FARMAND GARDEN
• “The Endangered Rock Gnome” - part of the Zahner Lecture Series – will be presented at 6 p.m. on July 12 at the Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Station. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.
• “Planting in a Post-Wild World” - part of the Zahner Lecture Series – will be presented at 6 p.m. on July 19 at the Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Station. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.
• Power of the Produce Club for children will meet at 10 a.m. on the last three Saturdays in July (14, 21 & 28) at the Jackson County Farmers Market. Educational activities and prizes. For more info: 393.5236.
on Saturdays at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva.
• Waynesville Historic Farmers Market runs from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon at the HART Theater parking lot. waynesvillefarmersmarket.com
• Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturdays through the end of October, on East Palmer Street across from Drake Software. 349.2049 or www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.
• The ‘Whee Farmers Market, Cullowhee runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October, at the University Inn on 563 North Country Club Drive in Cullowhee. 476.0334 or www.facebook.com/CullowheeFarmersMarket.
• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the end of October at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville. 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.
H IKING CLUBS
• Carolina Mountain Club will have an 8.5-mile hike with a 1,200-foot ascent on Saturday, July 14, along the East Fork Pigeon River. Info and reservations: 460.7066 and barbc129@gmail.com.
• “Old Growth Forest Frolic moderate” – a Chimney Rock Naturalist Niche Hike – is scheduled for 9 a.m.noon on Saturday, July 14, at Chimney Rock State Park. $23 adults; $8 for annual passholder; $13 youth (ages 5-15) and $6 per Rockin’ Discovery Passholder. Visit an area typically not open to the public. Advance registration required: chimneyrockpark.com.
• A strenuous hike exploring the Hazel Creek watershed history will start at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 16, starting at the Fontana Marina. Minimum of 12 miles; organized by Great Smoky Mountains Association. $80 for members; $95 for new members. Register: https://conta.cc/2IOBZX2.
• Friends of the Smokies will hold a 7.2-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail on Tuesday, July 19. $20 for current members; $35 for new members. Hike.FriendsOfTheSmokies.org.
• Carolina Mountain Club will have a nine-mile hike with a 900-foot elevation change on Sunday, July 22, from Jones Meadow to Allen Gap. Info and reservations: 231.2198 or bjsmucker@gmail.com.
• Carolina Mountain Club will have an eight-mile hike with a 2,400-foot elevation change on Saturday, July 28, to Charlies Bunion from Newfound Gap. Info and reservatsion: 606.3989, jqs290@gmail.com, 606.1490 or quilter290@gmail.com.
OUTDOORCLUBS
• The Jackson County Poultry Club will hold its regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office. The club is for adults and children and includes a monthly meeting with a program and a support network for those raising birds. For info, call 586.4009 or write heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.
FARMERS MARKETS
• “Locally Grown on the Green,” the Cashiers farm stand market for local growers, will be held from 3-6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Village Green Commons in Cashiers. info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or 743.3434.
Outdoors
• Mountain Wildlife Days will be hosted at Sapphire Valley Resort in the community center on July 13 & 14.
• The Swain County Farmer’s Market is held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through October on Island Street in downtown Bryson City. 488.3681 or chamber@greatsmokies.com.
• Jackson County Farmers Market runs from 9 to noon
• The North Carolina Catch program, a three-phase conservation education effort focusing on aquatic environments, will be offered through May 15. The program is offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free for members; daily admission for non-members. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.
• An RV camping club, the Vagabonds, camps one weekend per month from April through November. All ages welcome. No dues or structured activities. For details, write lilnau@aol.com or call 369.6669.
• The Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets the second Tuesday of the month starting with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Rendezvous restaurant located on the corner of Jonathan Creek Road and Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 631.5543.
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
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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UNABLE
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.
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Just sit on the porch and breathe
I write this down in the country again ... seated on a log in the woods, warm, sunny midday. Have been loafing here deep among the trees, shafts of tall pines, oak, hickory, with a thick undergrowth of laurel and grapevines — I sit and listen to the pine tops sighing above, and to the stillness ... — Walt Whitman, Specimen Days (1892)
Sometimes, particularly during the hot days of summer the only sensible thing to do is sit on your porch and breathe. That’s right — just breathe. One of the definitions of breathe is “to be alive; to live.”
An ancient Chinese sage once admonished his followers to “Study the familiar!” Sages are, of course, always admonishing their followers to do this or that. But that particular piece of advice has always struck me as being pertinent. When in doubt, one can do worse than simply plop down in a porch chair, breathe, and study the familiar. That’s
BACK THEN
what I did one recent Sunday afternoon recently.
Our porch overlooks a patch of yard in which Elizabeth has planted various wildflowers and a small creek bordered with shrubs. As I settled into the task at hand (breathing), the basic integrity and quiet beauty of this everyday landscape reasserted itself. I’d forgotten how nicely the creek bends below the house beneath an overhanging rock and disappears. After awhile, things I had not noticed became apparent. A queen snake with its brown body and yellow stripes was coiled in the top branches of a tag alder on the far bank not 40 feet from where I sat. Over the water dragonflies carried on their endless territorial disputes, reminding one for all the world of World War I fighter planes as they darted about seeking momentary advantages.
Along the near bank garden phlox and scarlet cardinal flower were almost incandescent. The cardinal flower was 19th century nature writer John Burroughs’ favorite flower. He never ceased to wonder at their petals, which literally glow in the shady moist recesses the plant favors.
I never cease to wonder at the color shifts garden phlox (Phlox paniculata) undergo during the course of a day.
Sometimes a stand of phlox will be blue in the early morning light, turning red during the day, and returning to blue in the evening. This year, Elizabeth’s stand of garden phlox is reddish purple in the morning, mostly red during the day, and a deep purple in the last hour or so before dark.
There is a densely worded scientific explanation of phlox color shifts online at: www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/119509 628/abstract. I have always thought about the shifts this way. Changes in ambient light trigger a series of color receptors in phlox petals during the course of a day. A plant
would evolve this capacity so as to advertise its availability to a variety of pollinators. Phlox attracts numerous pollinators (flies, bees, butterflies, etc.) and is helped by color shifts. But cardinal flower, for instance, which has just one pollinator (hummingbirds), has no need to shift colors.
Be that as it may, just sitting on the porch, breathing, and watching Elizabeth’s stand of garden phlox shift into its lateevening luminescent phase was the perfect thing to be doing.
(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer. He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com.)
