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Evergreen lands $12 million for upgrades Page 8 Great hikes found at Sam Knob Page 32

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CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: The Great Smoky Mountains Association has released an album of recordings collected in 1956 and 1959 by legendary Southern Appalachian “song catcher” Joseph S. Hall. The recordings are of Haywood County group Carroll Best and The White Oak String Band. An official release party for the album will be Sept. 19 at Lake Junaluska. (Cover photo, from left to right) Billy Kirkpatrick (fiddle), Carroll Best (banjo), Lowell Messer (electric guitar) and French Kirkpatrick (guitar), in Teague Williams’ living room in White Oak circa late 1950s. Image courtesy of French Kirkpatrick (Page 22)

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News Teachers discuss state of education at forum in Macon County . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Vietnam veteran will see Swain County bridge named in his honor . . . . . . . . 7 Highlands looks to improve cell phone reception with new tower. . . . . . . . . . 7 Evergreen gets $12 million for natural gas upgrades after all . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 HCC debuts reliability maintenance curriculum using Duke grant . . . . . . . . 10 Haywood TDA considers fate of its visitor centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Webster is assessing “tangible” improvement via a planning grant . . . . . . . 13 First swan to grace Lake Junaluska, is now forever on its shore . . . . . . . . . . 14 Swain County relocates Whittier polling place to Cherokee reservation . . . 15 Sylva forgoes moratorium and considers ban on metal siding . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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Opinion When should government help private industry? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

A&E An out-of-town visitor inspires a local tour of fun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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Broken, breaking or blossoming?

English teacher Tyler Faetz speaks to the crowd while fellow panelists (left to right) Melissa Faetz, Stephanie Laseter, Gary Brown and Chris Baldwin look on. Not pictured: John deVille. Holly Kays photo

is a trend that concerns Stephanie Laseter, a hydrologist for the U.S. Forest Service and parent to a rising second grader and a 5-yearold. An Otto native, she and her husband chose to return to Macon County to raise their family largely because of the school system. She feels like staffing cuts will threaten the quality of education in the county, especially in light of conversations she had on a 2012 trip to Finland, a country whose education system is renowned worldwide.

“I said to those teachers, ‘So what is it?

What makes your school so awesome?’ They all told me the same thing first. They have two teachers in every classroom,” Laseter said.

“That’s what makes their schools awesome.

And that’s awesome. We can all do that.”

HUNTING FOR MONEY

Macon educators discuss state of public schools

Smoky Mountain News

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER orth Carolina education has seen its share of high-profile issues over the last couple of years. Teacher raises, tenure, vouchers, budget calculations and adoption — and then abandonment — of the Common Core State Standards have all made headlines. A roomful of people gathered at last week’s Macon County League of Women Voters’ meeting to hear a panel of Macon County teachers, administrators and teachers address those changes’ effect on the classroom. The question: Is public education reforming or declining?

It’s been a rough year for Macon County Schools, Superintendent Chris Baldwin said as he addressed the crowd. He cited challenges such as a $228,000 cut in state funding and $175,000 local cost for teacher raises that meant doing away with seven teaching positions and five teaching assistant positions. He expects to lose more teaching assistants next year. But that doesn’t mean the system is broken, Baldwin said.

“We have our challenges but we are not broken,” he said. “We have caring, dedicated professionals working with our students each and every day.”

He mentioned experiences such as serving on the Teacher of the Year search committee, hearing the ideas and experiences of the county’s top teachers. Compared to an 80 percent graduation rate statewide, Macon County’s rate is 88.2 percent, and the county ranks in the top 25 statewide in SAT scores.

Last year, 27 students graduated with both a high school degree and an associate’s degree.

“The bottom line is we’re graduating more students who are college- and career-ready 6 than ever before,” Baldwin said. “With this in

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mind I have to ask why are our public schools being portrayed as broken.”

AT THE BREAKING POINT But it’s not all hunky-dory, said panelist John deVille, a social studies teacher at Franklin High School and president of the Macon County chapter of the North Carolina Association of Educators. The system isn’t broken, deVille said, but it’s at the breaking point.

“In [fellow panelist Tyler Faetz’s] English department, he has 28 kids per class in a writing class,” deVille said. “The quality of education we were able to provide 10 years ago we are not able to provide.”

Gary Brown, long-time Macon County educator who last week resigned as principal of Iotla Valley Elementary School, threw out a series of figures to prove the point. In 200304, Cullasaja Elementary School had one teaching assistant for every 25 children. For 2014-15, that figure is one for every 54 children. Over the same time period, instructional supply dollars in Macon County have declined from $84 to $38 per student, and since 2008-09 textbook funding has gone from $67 to $14 per student. By comparison, the going rate for ebooks is now around $15, while a hard copy high school textbook typically costs between $75 and $125.

“North Carolina is set up so the local people are supposed to pay for the facilities and the state is supposed to staff it. That’s how it is supposed to be,” Brown said. “I find myself in a position where what is right and will work are two different things.”

It’s been a 10 years since Macon County has replaced any textbooks, so many classroom have just one set of books. That means that students can’t take them home to study.

That’s a situation that surprised Selma Sparks, a volunteer at Macon Middle School, when she first started helping out.

“I said, ‘How can you teach this subject

Of course, positions cost money. And the panelists had some ideas for where that money might come from.

Brown suggested that county commissioners consider a one-cent increase in the county property tax, adding that while he’d rather see the increased funding come from Raleigh, he doesn’t think that will happen. A one-cent increase would cost the taxpayer $100 per year for every $100,000 worth of property. without a child taking a book home to read.

“We can’t fix everything, but there’s some What’s going on?’ They said, ‘We don’t have things that by golly we have to pay for,” the money.’ I said, ‘How is that even possible?’” Brown said. “And I’m thinking education’s Sparks told the panel about her experience in a one of them. reading classroom. “One of the teachers was Tyler Faetz suggested that legislators look to trying to make copies but they were limiting some more upper-level decisions for potential the number of copies she could make.” cost savings. In the most recent legislative sesTextbooks were a topic of discussion, but sion, the N.C. General Assembly voted to abana good bit of the back-and-forth centered don the Common Core State Standards, a set of around teaching assistants, a position that’s learning standards now adopted by all but been disappearing from North Carolina class- seven states. North Carolina had adopted the rooms over the past several years. standards in 2010, spending about $76 million “Teacher assistants are everything to us,” on teacher training and materials development. said Melissa Faetz, a first grade teacher at “We have walked away from a $76 million South Macon Elementary School and Region 8 investment while at the same time spending Teacher of the Year. “They are those eyes and $110 million less on teacher assistants for the ears, but they’re so much more than that. They year,” Tyler Faetz said. “That’s not fiscal are help for students with disabilities. They are responsibility.” help for students who need challenges.”

However you slice it, though, it’s imporIn a classroom of 25 to 27 first graders, tant to fix the problem now before its effects Melissa said, there’s a whole range of abilities spiral, panelists said. That was a sentiment and learning styles. She’ll have students with echoed by John Knippel, owner of TekTone Sound & Signaling “Teacher assistants are everything Manufacturing, Inc. and father of Macon County Schools graduto us. They are help for students ates. Now a grandfather, he worries about how well the schools with disabilities. They are help for will serve the next generation — and how much of an attractant students who need challenges.” they’ll be for the young engineers — Melissa Faetz, a first grade teacher at his business counts on.

South Macon Elementary School “From a business standpoint, we moved up here and we ended autism, students with ADHD and students up relocating our entire business up here,” the who need some additional challenge to stay Florida native said. “Now we have a hard time interested. Having that extra person in the attracting young engineers, the young profesroom allows more opportunity for individual- sionals that are the backbone of our business.” ized instruction. But this year, Melissa’s classTo answer the original question, public room will have a teaching assistant for only education is not broken, the panelists said. part of the day. Upper elementary grades But it needs some serious maintenance to have long since been without those positions. keep it from meeting that fate.

“I’m a pretty good circus master,” Faetz “Public education is here to meet the needs said. “I can get them interested. But can I of our students,” Melissa Faetz said. “That’s reach them?” why we’re here. But we can’t meet those needs The disappearance of teaching assistants unless we have the funding to do it.”

Three-time Purple Heart recipient Dockie Brendle during his stint in Vietnam.

Donated photo

Highlands pursues new Verizon tower

Big Bear Pen and Horse Cove should also see better coverage.

The improved service will come from changes to a radio tower the town already owns in the Big Bear Pen area. Right now, the tower is 80 feet tall with an FM radio transmitter on top. The plan is to extend the existing tower 20 feet to install the cell tower antenna and to move the FM transmitter 10 feet above that. A 5-to-10-foot lightning rod would bring the entire height to about 120 feet, well below the county’s height limit of 180 feet.

“The tower’s already on top of a mountain to begin with, so we won’t really have any problems as far as coverage. Anywhere from 90 foot on up to 100 foot would be great with that tower,” said Matt Shuler, Highlands’ director of management information systems and geographic information systems.

“Nobody wants one that tall. We would prefer not to have anything close to the 180[foot] county mark.”

Currently, the town board is negotiating its lease rate for Verizon to use the tower.

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BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ighlands residents will soon be seeing better cell phone coverage in town following the town board’s unanimous vote to move forward in negotiating a contract with Verizon Wireless.

“Sometimes you’ll get a signal. Sometimes you won’t,” Town Manager Bob Frye said of the current situation. “It’s better in the winter when there’s no leaves on the trees. This will cover the town proper and everybody should see much better coverage once that’s up.”

Highlands Country Club, Wildcat Cliffs,

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The NCDOT doesn’t typically name bridges in honor of Purple Heart recipients, only Medal of Honor recipients. ans installed them on either side months ago in anticipation of their eventual success.

It will be another month or so before official signs are placed at the bridge. Currently, Maxwell is collecting the needed funds for the signage.

“The DOT doesn’t pay for the signs,” he said, “so me and the guys are raising the money. We’ve got half of it already.”

Verizon will also pay for all improvements to the tower.

Not everybody is happy about the pending agreement, however. Because the town already owns the existing tower, no public hearing was required, but two residents came to the meeting to express their disapproval.

“Two residents were there who were quite upset about it,” Frye said.

Talking points included health concerns related to the tower’s proximity to their homes.

However, Frye said, Highlands’ status as a tourist town makes cell coverage a necessity, not a luxury.

“We are a tourist-driven destination,” he said. “If people have a choice of coming here or a place where they have cell phones and iPads, they’ll make that decision.”

With smartphones becoming increasingly prevalent, better coverage is needed for those devices to work.

“Anything that will make it easier for the citizens and our guests to have cell phone reception, it’s a good thing,” Frye said.

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74, Exit 64 — in Brendle’s honor. It wasn’t an easy sell.

Because the NCDOT doesn’t typically name bridges for Purple Heart recipients, only for Medal of Honor recipients, the department rejected the initial request to honor Brendle. They requested further evidence illustrating the veteran’s place in the community following his return home from war.

The group of veterans went about securing such evidence. They got the governing boards of Swain County and Bryson City to draft resolutions of support. They organized Dockie Brendle Day, complete with food, drink and motorcade. They circulated a petition and reached out to local media for coverage.

The tangible show of support was appar-

Enjoy Spa Parties

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR group of Vietnam veterans in Swain County have accomplished their goal. Soon, an Alarkaarea bridge will bear the name of three-time Purple Heart recipient f Dockie Brendle.

“He’s real excited,” said Derrell Maxwell.

“Sure I am,” said Dockie Brendle Brendle.

Maxwell, along with fellow veterans Bill Williams and Bruce Cochran, were instrumental in getting the North Carolina Department of Transportation on board with naming the bridge — located off U.S.

ently enough for the powers that be at the DOT. In July, the department approved the request to name the Swain County bridge after the veteran.

“They deliberated on it about a minute,” Maxwell laughed.

Brendle said the process has required patience — “I learned you had to take your time” — but he’s looking forward to seeing his name on the bridge.

“It means everything,” the veteran said.

“It’s a real honor.”

Brendle was drafted when he was 21 years old. He would return home paralyzed on his left side and blind in his right eye.

His Purple Heart injuries involve getting shot in the leg with an M1 carbine, hit in the leg by mortar shrapnel and, finally, hit in the chest and head by a rocket-propelled grenade near Saigon.

The bridge in Alarka — on a stretch Brendle walked daily as a young boy — already has signs staking a claim. The veter-

news

Swain bridge to be named in honor of Vietnam veteran, Purple Heart recipient

7

news

Evergreen gets its green

Evergreen Packaging’s Canton paper mill.

Margaret Hester photo

Lawmakers approve $12 million for natural gas upgrades in Canton

BY J EREMY MORRISON & GARRET K. WOODWARD n a last-minute turnaround, North Carolina lawmakers wrapped up their short session last week with passage of a bill granting Evergreen Packaging’s paper mill in Canton $12 million for natural gas upgrades.

The economic incentive money was initially denied on grounds that the bill had been loaded down with extra amendments many were finding unpalatable. After being voted down Aug. 19, it was then passed the next day — minus the extra amendments. “[The bill] was lost yesterday and today it’s been found,” N.C. Rep. Joe Sam Queen, DWaynesville, said after the bill’s passage. “The mill is safe and the plant will be served with natural gas. I hope we have a long and secure future for Evergreen Packaging and the jobs and workers of Haywood County.”

The paper mill estimates it will cost $50 million to convert its coal-fired boilers to natural gas in order to meet stricter industrial air pollution limits coming down the pike.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

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Evergreen employs more than 1,000 people at its Canton mill and pumps around $500 million — including payroll — into the local economy.

Evergreen paper mill is currently the largest industrial air toxin polluter in Western North Carolina and one of the largest in the state, according to federal emissions reporting.

The temporary impasse was resolved by stripping out contentious amendments that

had been tacked on, such as $20 million in economic incentive money, and instead reverting to a previous Senate version of the bill, which hadn’t included those measures.

The House bill with extra amendments piled on had been sponsored by N.C. Rep. Michelle Presnell, R-Burnsville. She defended her failed bill, but also conceded that it was too loaded down to gain the necessary votes.

“They had put all these other amendments in,” she said. “It just weighed it down.”

Presnell did say that lawmakers who killed the original bill did so because they failed to grasp the importance of economic incentives in keeping and luring business to the state.

“They’re just not for jobs and economic development, and I was,” Presnell said. “They just don’t understand that states all around

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us — Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia — they all have incentives, therefore we have to.”

And while Presnell would have liked to see the economic incentives approved, she knows that the paper mill money was dead without carving away her bill’s add-ons and getting back to the basics of the original bill.

“It was the pure language,” Presnell said.

The $12 million headed to the paper mill in Canton will be doled out over six years.

“This action sends a clear message to current and prospective employers that North Carolina is a state that promotes economic development and stability while providing an environment for manufacturers to operate and thrive,” Dane Griswold, Evergreen’s general manager for its Waynesville-Canton operations, said in a statement.

The $12 million state grant comes on top of a $2.8 million grant already pledged to help Evergreen with the natural gas conversion — with $2.1 million coming from the N.C. Department Commerce and a $700,000 match committed by Haywood County.

Evergreen employs more than 1,000 people at its Canton mill and pumps around $500 million — including payroll — into the local economy. Financial assistance with the mandated upgrades — considered by critics to amount to corporate welfare — was painted by the company as essential to its operations.

The bill now awaits the signature of Gov. Pat McCrory. The governor, who was pushing for the economic incentives carved out of the passed bill, could potentially request the General Assembly reconvene to address such funds.

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U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows.

Jeremy Morrison photo

Round’n’round with Rep. Meadows

Recently, U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows made the rounds in his district visiting with constituents. While in Haywood County, he made a stop at the county fair. With a table full of political schwag, the representative held court in a building sandwiched between agricultural exhibitions and carnival rides.

Before hurrying on to his next destination — flipping a coin at a high school football game — Meadows agreed to sit down for a brief interview on the Ferris wheel.

But there was no Ferris wheel at the Haywood County Fair. So, Meadows took a ride on the considerably swifter Paratrooper. As the ride hummed and the wind hissed, the representative addressed topics ranging from beheadings in Iraq to Swain County’s Road to Nowhere money.

To watch the video from Meadows’ ride at the fair visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Superior Court Judge Robert Hobgood granted a permanent injunction against the Opportunity Scholarship Program, also known as the school voucher program, last week. The injunction halts future enrollment while allowing students whose funds have already been dispersed to continue this semester. The N.C. Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal to allow the program to continue enrolling until an ultimate ruling on the program’s constitutionality can be reached. An appeal to the N.C. Supreme Court is next.

Hobgood had issued a similar ruling in March, but the N.C. Supreme Court overturned it.

The program allows state dollars to be given to low-income students for private education. Proponents say it promotes educational freedom, while opponents say it illegally allows public dollars to go to private entities that are subject to little academic accountability.

Gala to help Hazelwood prison project

Forum addresses nations, language

The Franklin Open Forum’s monthly meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3.

The topic will be “Are nations necessary and should there be a universal language?”

Franklin Open Forum is a moderated discussion group, meeting on the first Wednesday of the month at the Rathskeller

The Haywood Helps 2014 Gala Event will be from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 28. The event is a fundraiser for the Hazlewood prison project.

The gala will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. There will also be a live and silent auction of items donated from local artisans and merchants.

Tickets to the gala are $100. Attire is business casual. The event will be held at the Laurel Ridge Country Club, located at 49 Cupp Lane in Waynesville.

The old Hazelwood prison is a defunct property on the cusp of reincarnation. A collective of organizations under the umbrella of Haywood Pathways Center — including Haywood Christian Emergency Shelter, The Open Door and Next Step — intends to transform the prison into a homeless shelter, soup kitchen and halfway house.

While the prison project has given some nearby residents pause, it has also been hailed as valuable to the community. The project recently won $50,000 in a contest sponsored by the home loan company Guaranteed Rate; in addition to the $50,000, TV personality Ty Pennington will assist with the project.

Haywood Helps is a non-profit organization that brings individuals, the private sector, educators and the faith community together to address issues of poverty.

Smoky Mountain News

Coffee Haus & Pub, located in downtown Franklin at 58 Stewart St. Those interested in an open exchange of ideas — dialog, not debate — are invited to attend.

828.371.1020.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

Judge grants injunctions against scholarship program

9

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Beyond the wrench

Doug Burchfield, industry training coordinator at HCC. Becky Johnson photo

Changing credentials for manufacturing fix-it men lead to new workforce training imitative at HCC

Smoky Mountain News

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER It’s an industrial mechanic’s worst nightmare.

A machine on the assembly line goes down, and production screeches to a halt.

Workers stand idle despite being on the clock. Orders are backing up. All eyes are on the mechanic. Is it a worn bearing, a loose belt, a slipped coupling, a blown fuse? The trouble-shooting within the bowels of the hulking metal parts is endless.

The high-stress scenario is one that Doug Burchfield doesn’t particularly miss from his 20 years as an industrial mechanic.

“It is extremely costly when you have broken equipment sitting there on the floor,” said Burchfield, the industry training coordinator at Haywood Community College.

“Everyone standing there can tell you how much money it costs every minute to run a piece of equipment and how much it is costing every minute that piece of equipment is down.”

The best bet is to avoid breakdowns in the first place, giving rise to the growing emphasis on a field known as reliability maintenance in today’s world of industrial systems technology.

Instead of putting out fires, today’s industrial mechanics are supposed to predict where they’ll happen, and intervene before they do.

“The focus has shifted from ‘What’s broken today, What do we have to fix today?’ to predictive maintenance,” Burchfield said.

“You want to effectively predict when something is going to go down and pre-empt that 10

with some focused maintenance on that machine.”

HCC has just announced a major new curriculum initiative in reliability maintenance, thanks to a $212,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. The niche workforce training in reliability maintenance will be developed with input from Haywood County manufacturing plants, including Evergreen Packaging, Sonoco, Consolidated Metco and Haywood Vocational Opportunities.

“Manufacturing is a critical part of the economic development landscape in Western North Carolina,” said HCC President Barbara Parker, crediting the Duke Energy grant for enabling HCC to provide a new area of workforce training that will in turn make local industries more competitive.

“Any time you can predict downtime or plan for downtime you are always going to be more profitable,” Burchfield said.

For example, one way to detect machinery problems before the blow up is vibration analysis.

“You use vibration detection equipment and set a baseline for vibration readings, and then follow it up with regular inspections. If you see a shift in vibration, you can look for brushes in the motor going bad, bad bearings, a worn belt — there are so many scenarios you could go through as you take a deeper dive,” Burchfield said.

Thermal imaging is another tool. Thermal readings can detect heat anomalies from rubbing parts, hidden corrosion in electrical wiring or a bad fuse.

When an industrial mechanic detects a problem on the horizon, he can order the parts he needs ahead of time and schedule an outage to fix it when it will least affect production.

“It lowers their inventory cost of having as many spare parts on hand, and also gives

them a tool to preempt any unnecessary downtime,” he said.

But to teach these skills, HCC needed equipment like vibration detectors and thermal imaging sensors for students to train on.

Half the grant money will be spent on this sort of equipment. Acquiring the technology was the biggest financial barrier to implementing the new program. The Duke grant solved that.

The other half of the grant will be spent developing the content and curriculum in reliability maintenance. Initially, HCC will offer courses as continuing education.

“Someone trying to brush up on skills, get some training to become more employable — that’s what continuing education is for,” said Burchfield, who is currently the interim dean of continuing workforce education at HCC. Manufacturing industries may also run teams of industrial mechanics through the courses.

Eventually, the training components will be incorporated into degrees within the advanced technologies program.

“We want to increase the skills of current employees at our manufacturing facilities and hopefully help them become more productive. And at the same time, we want to teach our students skills that would be beneficial once they graduate to make them better qualified, more employable and more productive the day they start,” Burchfield said.

HCC will hire consulting experts to develop the curriculum. Rather than hire special instructors to teach those units, however, existing instructors will be trained to assimilate it into the coursework — thus institutionalizing reliability maintenance as an ongoing component of industrial degrees.

“We don’t just want to throw a teacher at it for three years and then three years later it goes away when the money is gone,” Burchfield said. “We want it to be something we can sustain long term as part of our curriculum.”

Some aspects of reliability maintenance are already part of the industrial systems technology coursework. On a tour of the

machinery.

HCC has historically worked with local industries to offer courses and training that would contribute to a ready workforce. HCC has an open door policy with local manufacturing companies, inviting them to bring their workforce needs to the college at any time.

That’s how the idea for HCC’s new reliability maintenance training came about.

Evergreen Packaging, the paper mill in Canton that employs 1,200 people, asked the college if it could develop a program to help train workers in the field.

“So we started looking for a grant that would match some of their needs,” Burchfield said.

HCC looked to a special pot of grant funding from Duke Energy that’s earmarked for community college workforce readiness training initiatives.

“This is one of the things we continuously hear that there was a need for enhanced workforce training,” said Jason Walls, Duke’s district manager for a six-county area surrounding Asheville. “The purpose is to support our state’s community colleges in training the workforce that’s needed by industries we are helping to recruit and retain.”

Early this year, Duke gave $200,000 to Southwestern Community College to launch a new Mechatronics Engineering Technology program — a type of computer-based and robotic-driven manufacturing training. And Duke also gave $200,000 to AshevilleBuncombe Technical Community College to help its high-demand craft beverage and brewing institute buy equipment, including a seven-barrel brewhouse, a distillation system and wine making system.

Over the past 10 years, Duke has given more than $15 million in grants to 24 community colleges through the industrial and technical workforce training program aimed at supporting business and industry.

For Duke Energy, supporting workforce readiness goes hand in hand with economic development.

“One of the challenges we hear is ‘Do we have the workforce to support new industries

“Any time you can predict downtime or plan for downtime you are always going to be more profitable” — Doug Burchfield, industry training coordinator at HCC

industrial technology lab at HCC’s High-Tech Center, Burchfield pulled out a set of drive shafts joined by a coupling and mounted on moving plates.

“Both of those need to be in perfect alignment,” Burchfield said, pointing down the drive shafts. “Or you start to get a cam effect.

It quickly starts to wear on bearings in that piece of equipment and causes premature failure.”

Students learn to use laser alignment equipment to line up the drive shafts on either side of the coupling with hairline accuracy, analyzing the digital readouts of which axis is out of alignment and by how much, and then fix it — thus extending the life of

and do we have the strong workforce pipeline that existing companies need?’” Walls said.

Of course, industrial plants are some of Duke’s largest electric customers — particularly the Evergreen paper mill. When machines go offline, Duke loses money, too.

To that end, Duke runs its own economic development arm — from a team of business liaisons courting new companies to locate in the state to grants for community-specific economic development initiatives. The investment pays back.

“When there are good jobs, there is a strong economy,” Walls said.

And a strong economy eventually means more electricity sales.

REACH seeks volunteers for expanded store

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REACH of Haywood County is looking for volunteers, both women and men, who would like to assist in their newly expanded resale store, Within Reach, located at 456 Hazelwood Avenue. They welcome volunteers who can donate any amount of time — from a few hours one day per week or month to several days per week.

Volunteers will help in accepting donations to Within Reach, sorting and sizing clothing and other donations, preparing items for resale, pricing items, testing electrical appliances, cleaning the store, helping at the register or with displays and other tasks.

Training is in-house and as needed. Funds raised at Within Reach go towards assisting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse, and the store’s proceeds are crucial to the mission of REACH of Haywood to help insure that survivors of abuse are able to achieve a life of peace and independence, free from violence. For more information or to make a donation, contact Jennifer at Within Reach, 828.454.5998, call REACH of Haywood, 828.456.7898 or go to www.reachofhaywood.org.

WCU seeking questions for three upcoming political debates

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

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Smoky Mountain News

Western Carolina University’s upcoming Political Debate Series will feature both national and state candidates on the ballot this November.

The WCU debate series will get underway Thursday, Sept. 4, with opponents for the U.S. House of Representatives District 11 – incumbent Mark Meadows, R-Jackson, and challenger Tom Hill, DHenderson. The debate will be held in the Grandroom of A.K. Hinds University Center on the WCU campus.

That opening event will be followed on Tuesday, Sept. 23, by candidates in the N.C. House of Representatives District 19 race, which pits incumbent Joe Sam Queen, D-Haywood, against Mike Clampitt, R-Swain. The debate will be held in Room 204 of the Health and Human Sciences Building on WCU’s West Campus.

Wrapping up the series Thursday, Oct. 2, will be the contenders for the N.C. Senate District 50 seat, with incumbent Jim Davis, R-Macon, and opponent Jane Hipps, D-Haywood. That debate also will be held in Room 204 of the Health and Human Sciences Building.

All debates will begin at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live online by WLOS-TV on www.wlos.com. All three debates are open to the public free of charge.

WCU’s debate series is sponsored by the Public Policy Institute and Department of Political Science and Public Affairs. The institute is currently seeking questions from Western North Carolina voters to be asked during the series.

Questions relevant to the races for the U.S. House of Representatives District 11, N.C. House of Representatives District 19 and N.C. Senate District 50 should be submitted to the Public Policy Institute prior to each debate. Questions must be submitted by registered voters in the district, emailed to ppi@wcu.edu and must include the name of the sender and the county of residence.

For more information about the WCU Political Debate Series, contact the Public Policy Institute at 828-227-3898.

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Are visitor centers passé?

Haywood tourism authority mulls bang for the buck at visitor center sites

BY B ECKY JOHNSON STAFF WRITER he Haywood County Tourism Authority is exploring whether to close its two visitor centers in Waynesville and Maggie Valley, questioning whether money to run the sites could be better spent luring tourists in the first place rather than itinerary planning once they arrive.

The tourism authority spends about $85,000 a year on the visitor centers in Maggie Valley and Waynesville, which includes salaries for front desk staff, rent, utilities and related overhead.

“How much should we be spending on the visitor centers, which clearly takes money away from advertising?” asked Lyndon Lowe, a tourism board member and owner of the Visitors stop in to the downtown Waynesville visitor center run by the Haywood County Tourism Twinbrook Resort in Maggie Valley. “Is this Development Authority for suggestions on things to do during their stay. Becky Johnson photo the right mix? Is this not the right mix?”

The writing appears to be on the wall already, however. At the first meeting of an on things to do during their stay. ad-hoc visitor center committee this week, The advent of smart phones has liberated tourism board members spent little time talk- travelers, giving them the lowdown on things The number of walk-ins at visitor centers ing about whether to close the visitor centers. to do, places to see and where to eat, all at run by the Haywood County Tourism Instead, they their fingertips. As Authority has declined. jumped straight to a result, they sim“Ultimately, our number one the reasons for closply don’t stop in at WAYNESVILLE ing them. No counvisitor centers like goal is to get people here.

July 2013 ..........................................5,101 terpoints were they used to.

July 2014 ..........................................4,063 Are the visitor centers only offered in defense of “The numbers visitor centers, nor are dropping,” said MAGGIE servicing the visitor who is were any reasons Beth Brown, a July 2013 ..........................................1,212 already here?” brought up for keeptourism board July 2014 ..........................................2,055 ing them open. member from — Lyndon Lowe, TDA board member Visitor centers Maggie Valley, citwere at one time a ing a steady decline measuring visitor center traffic misses the ubiquitous role of tourism bureaus. But many in visitor center numbers over recent years. mark. The real question is how many visitors are phasing them out or scaling them back.

But the real motivation for closing the vis- who come in are actually walking out with a The most common trend: replace live people itor centers came down to bang for the buck. richer, more informed picture of attractions with digital kiosks.

“Ultimately, our number one goal is to get and activities in Haywood County.

“It’s all going digital,” said Ken Stahl, a people here,” said Lowe. “Are the visitor cen“How many are only seeking directions to longtime tourism board member and retired ters only servicing the visitor who is already the nearest public restroom?” the report asks. major hotel operator.

“At the very least, the TDA should begin here?”

Instead of two visitor centers, interactive Haywood, like other tourism bureaus that measuring the effectiveness of the visitor cenkiosks could be placed in numerous places all are forsaking their visitor centers, could be bet- ter by assessing both the volume of visitor over the county. ter off putting those dollars into marketing, traffic and the reason for the visit.”

“You get more coverage that way,” said according to a tourism consultant and strateTourism bureaus nationwide are “quesStahl. gist hired by the Haywood tourism authority tioning their investment in visitor centers,” Of course, it would cost money to create to assess its strengths and weaknesses. the report states. the interactive displays of digital kiosks and The consultant, Magellan Strategy Group, new travel apps, but the cost of the kiosks recently delivered a long-term strategic plan MOVING TARGET themselves could hopefully be covered, at to help Haywood’s tourism industry out of a The status of visitor centers in Haywood least in part, by business sponsors, with a net prolonged rut. Among the recommendaCounty has been in flux for the past several savings at the end of the day, Stahl said. And tions: can the visitor centers. besides, the development of better digital “Nothing can replace a smiling face and years. Who runs them, who funds them, technology is needed regardless, since the friendly advice on where to go and what to where they’re housed and how many the world is moving that direction, Stahl said. do,” states a section of the strategic plan. “But county needs has been a continual source of Some tourism members said the traveling the Haywood County tourism authority plays discussion and debate in tourism circles.

As recently as three years ago, the public would actually prefer a digital kiosk in a highly competitive category.”

The strategic plan suggests that simply Haywood County Tourism Development 12 over a real person serving up advice and tips

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Smoky Mountain News

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

By the numbers

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Authority funded five visitor centers — running some of them itself and merely making a financial contribution to others.

Now, it funds only two, both operated inhouse. The change caused an uproar initially.

The tourism authority decided it would no longer pitch in financially toward the visitor centers run by the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce, the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce and the town of Canton. It also closed its visitor center in Balsam.

Instead, the Haywood County Tourism Authority chose to open its own in-house visitor centers in Waynesville and Maggie Valley rather than subsidize ones run by other entities.

Since then, the Haywood County chamber has continued to run its own visitor center in downtown Waynesville at its own expense.

If the tourism authority nixed its visitor centers, that role would once again fall solely back to the chambers, but without the benefit of funding support from the tourism authority as in the past. The strategic plan by Magellan consulting group made a case for that model.

“Local chambers may in fact be better positioned to service visitor needs,” the strategic plan report states. “The tourism development authority is responsible for driving guests to the destination, and the chamber is responsible for meeting their needs once they arrive.”

The Haywood Chamber is obviously ready to fill the visitor center void.

“That’s one of the things chambers of commerce do,” said CeCe Hipps, the executive director of the Haywood County Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber has kept its own visitor center open, even after the tourism authority opened its visitor center three blocks away.

“We didn’t miss a beat. We continued to operate like we have always done in Haywood County,” Hipps said.

Hipps said any community as tourismoriented as Haywood needs a visitor center to greet and receive travelers.

“They still want a friendly face to talk to and they want the detailed insider information and customized advice,” Hipps said.

The chamber’s visitor center is actually used by local residents, too.

Teresa Smith, executive director of the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, said it is too soon to predict whether the Maggie Chamber would pick up the visitor center torch in Maggie. The Maggie chamber closed its visitor center two years ago when the tourism authority ended financial support.

She said visitor centers do play a role by convincing visitors to stay longer after learning how much there is to do here, or plan return trips.

The discussion of closing the visitor centers is still in the very early stages. The ad hoc committee tasked with exploring the visitor center issue represents only a portion of the tourism board. Any final decision is months away and would be made by the full board.

“We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t constantly examine the best strategy and use of our tourism dollars,” Lowe said.

BY J EREMY MORRISON “The town board did a planning retreat N EWS E DITOR and have some ideas already,” Breedlove said, ow can Webster be improved? What “but we want someone with a fresh set of eyes.” would make it more walkable? What So, the town is using its grant to hire planwould encourage community social- ner Don Kostelec. He’s familiar with the area ization?

— having done work in Sylva, and currently Town leaders aim to find out. Having in Cullowhee — and Breedlove said the board secured a $5,000 Southwestern Commission felt confident in Kostelec’s ability to produce Toolbox Implementation Fund grant — and a usable, tailor-made plan. matching it with another $5,000 — they are “Our board was very cautious in agreeing pursuing a planning study in an effort to map to do this study,” the mayor said. “We don’t out some possible changes to consider. want to end up with a plan that gathers dust “It’s going to be really great for the town to or a plan that is written for another town with see where we are, where we want to go and Webster’s name slapped on it.” what we could do better,” said Webster Mayor Nick Breedlove.

“The purpose of the project is to The grant can only be used conduct an overall townwide for planning purposes. Any implementation of resulting walkability assessment, increase recommendations would have awareness and appreciation for to be tackled with other funds.

“Like you can’t go out and the town history and develop a buy a park bench,” Breedlove explained. “It has to be used plan for the town of Webster” for planning.”

— from the grant application According to the town’s grant application, a planning study will be conducted that “examines walkKostelec said he will be focusing on ability, town history and strengthening exist- “small, bite-sized things they can work on.” ing town ordinances.”

He mentions possibly making improvements “The purpose of the project is to conduct to Buchanan Loop, a popular walking trail, or an overall townwide walkability assessment, considering developing a brand and logo. A increase awareness and appreciation for the water fountain could enhance the town, and a town history and develop a plan for the town library kiosk might encourage socialization. of Webster,” the grant application explains.

“Little things like that,” Kostelec said.

“This Plan will identify projects, programs The planning study began in August and and policies to improve health, by promoting will wrap up next March. It will entail fieldwalkability, and stimulate economic develop- work and public input. At that point, ment for the town.”

Webster will consider the recommendations This is not new territory for Webster. The — which Kostelec says will be “tangible” — town board has considered ways to accom- that arise from the planning study and how plish these ends before. best to accomplish them.

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Smoky Mountain News

Macon County Commissioners Vice Chair Ronnie Beale was sworn in as the 98th President of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) recently during the NCACC’s 107th Annual Conference, which was held in Buncombe County from Aug. 14-17. As president, Beale will lead the NCACC Board of Directors on legislative and administrative issues affecting counties throughout the year.

Beale becomes the second Macon County Commissioner to lead the state organization.

Former Macon County Commissioner Milles Gregory served as NCACC President in 198384. Gregory was on hand to see Beale be sworn in as President.

“It is an honor to be following in the footsteps of all of the presidents who have come before me, including Milles Gregory,” said

Beale during his acceptance speech. “I look forward to an exciting and productive year as your president.”

Beale’s major initiative will be to emphasize the county role as the state continues to revamp its mental health organizational structure. Beale said it is important for counties to remain focused on the consumers of mental health services while the state works on organization.

“We have an opportunity to help the state with a problem they have been struggling with for a long time,” he said. “For this reason, I am creating a special task force to study the impact on counties of the current system.

I believe it is crucial that clients remain the focus at the county level.”

Beale has served as a Macon County commissioner since 2006. He was elected NCACC Second Vice President in August 2011, and in 2013, he was named the Outstanding County Commissioner by the NCACC for his work on mental health reform, among other issues.

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GRAN FONDO ASHEVILLE Benefiting Friends of the Smokies

Malcolm’s swan song

Artist Grace Cathey worked on her sculpture of Malcolm the swan for five months.

ASHEVILLE, NC • SEPTEMBER 7, 2014 EVENT OPEN TO ALL AGE GROUP CATEGORIES • 3 LOOPS TO CHOOSE FROM: 25, 60, 100 4 TIMED SECTIONS, BEST COMBINED TIME WINS

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BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR alcolm graced the waters of Lake Junaluska for only a little while. He will be on its shore for much longer.

“I think it’s gorgeous, I think it’s simply gorgeous,” said Diane Nabors, of the sculpture of Malcolm the swan. “I stop and look at it all the time.”

Placed lakeside on a pedestal, the sculpture of Malcolm is frozen in perpetual motion — wings expanded, feet flapping, bill letting out an inaudible honk. To Diane and Daryl Nabors, who donated the art installation, it is a fitting tribute to a special swan that snagged their hearts.

“He was just an unusual guy,” recalled Diane.

“He was goofy,” agreed Darryl.

“He was just not your normal swan,” said Diane.

Malcolm was the first swan introduced to Lake Junaluska. The Nabors brought him here years ago.

“I’ve always had an interest in swans. I think they’re just an elegant bird,” said Darryl. “It’s just such a beautiful lake, I thought we needed some swans on it.”

Soon, Malcolm was joined by Margot.

And the Nabors were joined by other Lake Junaluska residents, who brought more swans to the lake.

The lake’s initial swans were black swans.

But that type of swan wasn’t destined or designed to last at the lake.

“These little black swans are very sweet, but they have a very thin neck,” explained Darryl, “which is their downfall because we have snapping turtles at the lake.”

When swans eat, they dip their head and neck under the water. Because of the black swans’ thin necks and the lake’s snapping turtle population, they risked decapitation when feeding.

Malcolm was not decapitated by a turtle.

He was run over by a truck.

“He survived the snapping turtles,” said Diane.

“But didn’t survive that truck,” said Darryl.

M

But for the few years Malcolm lived at Lake Junaluska, he seemed to enjoy himself.

The swan was often out of the water, socializing with people on the shore. He even went to church.

“I heard stories,” Darryl laughed. “He came walking down the aisle while they were having a service over there.”

Black swans don’t live at Lake Junaluska anymore. The lake is now home to white swans — known as mute swans because they don’t honk — that originated from swans owned by England’s royal family.

But the Nabors never forgot about Malcolm the black swan, the lake’s first swan. And so they decided to share Malcolm with visitors to the lake, commissioning local artist Grace Cathey to sculpt his likeness.

Stationed on the shore, a short distance from the lake’s dam, the sculpture of Malcolm is larger than life. Literally.

“Just a little bit bigger than a swan — exaggerated,” Cathey explained, pointing out the size of the enlarged feet.

The sculpture is made out of mild steel.

The essence of a swan — the wings, the neck, the flippers fixed flapping in mid-air — proved more difficult to capture than the artist anticipated.

“It took me five months,” said Cathey, looking up at her sculpture of Malcolm.

“Much more intensive than I thought.”

The Nabors hope that Malcolm does not sit alone along the lakeside for too long.

They envision others also donating art installations, with the shore of Lake Junaluska eventually becoming home to an outdoor gallery.

“It’d just be great to have an art-walk there, it’s the perfect place,” said Diane. “So many people come and walk that lake.”

Until then, Malcolm will wait on the shore. He will watch the passersby watching him. Just as he did during his years at the lake.

“He was out of the water a lot,” smiled Darryl. “He was very friendly, almost like a pet.”

Whittier site deemed non-ADA compliant, geographically off-center

To get to Whittier, voters coming from the furthest reaches of the reservation had to travel as many as 15 or 20 miles of windy mountain road to cast their ballot at a polling place right on the Jackson County line.

“Our reservation is not that large, but you know how it is,” Blythe said. “A country mile is a country mile.”

The new location will be closer to the geographic and demographic center of the precinct. Within its boundaries, 2,415 voters have a Cherokee zip, while only 849 registered voters have a Whittier one. The

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August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER wain County voters living in Cherokee and Whittier will begin a new routine on Election Day this November. The precinct’s longtime polling place in Whittier is moving five miles down the road to Birdtown, a change that board of elections officials say was prompted by accessibility concerns.

The Whittier polling place had a small parking lot — it could hold only about 20 cars — and everyone parking there had to cross railroad tracks to reach the building. Only one or two cars could park directly in front of the building to accommodate people In the November elections, Swain County’s largest precinct will with disabilities. vote at Birdtown Community Center, located on the Cherokee It was one of the Indian Reservation. Donated photo. smallest, if not the smallest, polling places in Swain County, but with 3,293 registered vot- Birdtown site will be closer to the larger population center of Cherokee voters. ers, it also served the highest population.

“The Whittier polling site really put a hardThat had long been the situation, but a November 2013 accident at a Charlotte polling ship toward anyone that wanted to come from place brought the North Carolina Board of the Cherokee area,” Herrin said. “I don’t know Elections’ attention to improving polling place whether that was really ever intended. It was safety statewide. The Charlotte incident result- just the way it was for years and years. The ed in two people being run over by a car and board stepped out and decided to change that.”

Blythe is hoping that the change of venue hospitalized, and the push for accessible will help Cherokee people get more involved polling places trickled down to Swain.

“There was an emphasis from the state in local elections, in which the Cherokee board of elections on safety,” said John turnout tends to lag behind that of the nonHerrin, chairman of the Swain County Board Cherokee. Presidential elections tend to show of Elections. “That just added to our concerns a stronger turnout.

“Things that the counties do from election about where we were with that particular site, and at that point we investigated the ability standpoints impact our people,” he said.

The lease agreement for the Birdtown cenfor us to move it.” ter lasts through 2020, and the tribe won’t the county for its use. In fact, the EING GOOD NEIGHBORS charge Eastern Band will provide law enforcement The winning location? Birdtown on Election Day to manage traffic at the site.

“It’s just an opportunity to coordinate the Community Center, a 10-year-old building with 150 parking spaces and full accessibility tribe and the county, and at the end of the day under the Americans with Disabilities Act. For that’s what it’s all about,” Blythe said. “Being the first time, members of the Eastern Band of good neighbors.”

Cherokee Indians will get to cast an Election Day ballot without leaving the reservation.

LANNING FOR THE FUTURE “For us to have a voting precinct on the Not that they didn’t look for options closreservation, of course I felt it was a great opportunity for our enrolled members to become er to the original polling place. Board memmore involved in the county elections, more so bers checked out churches and government than they probably had in the past,” said Larry buildings throughout the precinct but had no luck finding one with the space and handiBlythe, vice chief of the Eastern Band.

brought up. It’s been discussed unofficially.

We’ve never reviewed it for official action, but it is something that’s out there. We don’t want to disenfranchise everyone.”

Swain County has five voting precincts for its 10,500 registered voters, an average of 2,100 voters per precinct. Meanwhile, Jackson County, which also includes part of the Cherokee reservation, has 14 precincts for its 26,400 registered voters, an average of 1,886 voters per precinct. Jackson has had as many as 18 precincts, but some polling places had to close due to ADA compliance and budget concerns.

Running a polling place isn’t the most expensive proposition in the world, but it does cost some money.

“It’s baseline $2,000 and just depending on the election and everything that’s associated with the election, it could go up to $10,000, but probably more around $6,000,” said Lisa Lovedahl-Lehman, elections director for Jackson County.

Herrin said he hasn’t pinned down any hard numbers but puts the likely cost to operate a sixth polling place somewhere in the $2,500 to $3,000 range.

With early voting and absentee options, though — there are more early voting stations than there are precincts — Herrin said Swain voters have plenty of opportunity to cast their ballot.

“You can’t satisfy everybody, but then again our state has the ability for one-stop and for absentee voting both,” he said.

“We’ve got more than enough venues to allow people that chance.”

news

Swain polling place moves to Cherokee

cap-accessible infrastructure needed.

Especially because Whittier is complicated by a county line that runs right through it.

“Even though there are structures that might accommodate a voting precinct, we are required by law to hold it inside the county, inside the precinct that it belongs to,” Herrin said.

Nevertheless, the elections office has heard some less-than-positive comments from voters in the Whittier area.

“The people in Whittier didn’t want to lose their polling place,” said Swain County Elections Director Joan Weeks.

“A lot of people probably don’t like change, and they don’t understand the standards that we have to try to follow in conducting elections,” Herrin added. “We take it very seriously.”

Boards of elections must take care to locate polling places so that not only are they accessible to everyone, but they are also located and run so that they don’t disenfranchise anyone, regardless of address, political party, ethnicity or any other characteristic. The move to Birdtown helps Swain County better meet that mandate, Herrin said.

Of course, no matter which way you slice it, Whittier and Cherokee are two distinct communities, several miles apart. Down the road, Herrin would like to see Swain County add another precinct so that both communities could have a polling place.

“We even threw around the idea that someday we might divide the precincts since it is the largest, but that’s talk, unofficial, just discussion,” Herrin said. “This topic has been

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news

Metal-siding moratorium rejected in Sylva

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BY J EREMY MORRISON N EWS E DITOR The town of Sylva will not be enacting a moratorium on metal-sided buildings in its downtown area in an effort to preserve its aesthetic integrity, but an ordinance outlining such a prohibition will be explored.

“The appearance of a historic district is important,” said Sylva Mayor Maurice Moody.

A moratorium on metal-sided buildings was on the table at the most recent town board meeting because commissioners were

someone who wanted to put up a metal building,” the attorney said. “These are the people we in fact would want to put on hold.”

Town Manager Paige Roberson implored the board to consider enacting a moratorium on buildings with a skin of metal siding. She said that such a move would improve the town’s chances of a National Historic Register designation. “[Design standards are] so important right now,” the town manager said.

Sylva is seeking the historic designation for its downtown area in an effort to boost tourist traffic and put the town on more capable footing when pursuing grants.

Roberson stressed that the town had

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

461 E. Main St. (Hwy. 107) • Sylva Excellent commercial location between Arby’s and Subway.

The Sylva Town Board opted to not enact a moratorium on buildings sporting metal siding.

Jeremy Morrison photo

looking to temporarily prevent such structures, particularly in the downtown business area, while an ordinance doing the same is being mulled over. Ultimately, commissioners decided to hold off on the moratorium, while still considering an ordinance.

“I think we need to worry about how the town looks, but I don’t think now is the time for a moratorium,” said Commissioner Harold Hensley.

Some commissioners seemed a bit squeamish about passing a moratorium on possible development. Hensley told his fellow board members that “the word moratorium will scare people off.”

Eric Ridenour, Sylva’s town attorney, disagreed. He argued that a moratorium would only impact development that was in conflict with the aesthetic direction the town is pursuing.

“They only thing that would be held up is

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already expended a good bit of money in its effort to get the designation and that developments such as those sporting metal siding could hinder the town’s ambitions.

“And we’ve spent several years, the entire time I’ve been here, working on the historic registry,” she said.

The town board, however, remained divided over the issue. Ultimately, the moratorium failed on a 3 to 2 vote. While Mayor Moody’s vote was not needed to break a tie, he did formally voice his support for the moratorium.

Although the town will not be enacting a moratorium, board members did instruct Sylva’s planning board to consider an ordinance permanently banning metal siding from the downtown business area.

Roberson did not have an estimate for how long it might take for the issue to make its way back in front of the town board.

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Business

Smoky Mountain News

Cash mob downtown Sylva Sept. 5

Venture Local Franklin, a grass-roots community and business network in Macon County, is stepping up to help merchants in neighboring downtown Sylva following a fire on Main Street.

A “cash mob” to show support of Sylva’s businesses has been organized by Venture Local on Friday, Sept. 5.

A cash mob is a national phenomenon where people “mob” businesses pledging a small amount of cash ($20 per person is recommended) and showing support by shopping locally.

Those wanting to participate, or “mobsters,” will meet at the bottom steps of the old Jackson County Courthouse at 5:30 p.m. to ascend on Main Street, cash in hand.

“Small businesses are the foundation of any community,” said Tiffany Henry, director of SCC’s Small Business Center, who is also helping coordinate the event. “They employ local people, they give back to the local economy, they are our friends, our family, our neighbors.”

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, SCC’s Small Business Center and Western Carolina University have all teamed up with Venture Local Franklin to encourage shoppers to participate and show local merchants that even in a time of crisis, they are appreciated and supported. www.facebook.com/venturelocalfranklin.

Business notes • The new Goddess Shop has opened in Franklin, offering statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, books on angels, rosaries for all religions, books to inspire the Goddess in every woman, herbs, locally infused oils, salves, candles, stones, incense and more. 828.524.0440.

• Microtel Inn and Suites recently opened in Sylva. The hotel, located at 89 Rufus Robinson Rd., features 58 rooms, with a pool, meeting room and mountain views. The hotel will employ 10 full-time employees.

SWINGING FOR A CAUSE The Southwestern Community College Foundation Fall Foursome golf tournament will be held Sept. 16 at Balsam Mountain Preserve. It’s the first time the college’s fundraising arm will hold its tournament at the private Arnold Palmer design in Jackson County. The event raises money for scholarships to help students pursue their higher education at Southwestern. Pictured is Bill Hambling of the Andy Shaw Ford team teeing off at the SCC Foundation’s Fall Foursome last year. 828.339.4227 or k_posey@southwesterncc.edu.

Media firm expands operations

Maggie honors businesses

WNC Social Media Buzz has opened a new office location in downtown Waynesville, offering customized website design, Wordpress sites, search engine optimization, search engine marketing and social media packages.

Lorelei Garnes, the owner of WNC Social Media Buzz, has opened an office location after two years of developing a successful business out of her home. She is now located at 62 Church Street.

828.421.2807 or www.wncsocialmediabuzz.com.

The Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce gave out its annual awards earlier this month at its annual dinner. They include: • Event of the year to WNC BBQ Festival • Business of the year to Jelly Bellies Mountain Gift Shop.

• Spirit of Maggie to June Johnson.

• Volunteer of the Year to Glenn Reetz.

The Reece Family awarded the Wade Reece Visionary Award to Maggie Town Clerk Vickie Best.

News from SCC

Southwestern Community College will start offering a poker dealer certification course in September that prepares students for work at a casino.

Students will learn to proficiently deal the game of poker, as well as the legal and regulatory aspects of gaming from

News from HCC

The Small Business Center of Haywood Community College is launching a new monthly Small Business Roundtable series, held from 8:30 to 10 a.m. one morning a month. It will provide small business owners the opportunity to network and learn from one another in an intimate setting, featuring a topic for discussion, an introduction to the Small Business Center and various avenues to assist with business start-up, growth and expansion. www.sbc.haywood.edu.

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Jason Jones, poker manager at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Table management skills, communication with players and customer aspects of gaming will also be covered.

828.339.4426.

Southwestern Community College is offering a variety of free business semi-

nars in early September.

• Choosing a Legal Structure, Sept. 2 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in Sylva or Sept. 4 from 9 a.m.-noon in Franklin. • How to Prepare for a Lender, Sept. 3 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in Sylva.

• Marketing for Success, Sept. 8 w from 5:30-8:30p.m. in Franklin.

828.339.4211 or www.ncsbc.net

The Small Business Center of Haywood Community College will offer a free Mompreneurs: Balancing Parenthood and Entrepreneurship seminar from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, on the campus in the Regional Center for the Advancement of Children.

Learn strategies for coping with opposing emotional expectations, working around conflicting schedules, achieving time management when there aren’t enough hours in the day, and ways to be both a good parent and a good CEO. 828.627.4512.

Two upcoming free seminars through the HCC Small Business Center will offer start-up advice for new business owners.

• Business Planning for Business Success, September 11, 6 – 9 p.m. Learn simple techniques for writing an effective business plan.

• Business Start-Up Issues A-Z, September 23, 6 – 9 p.m. A “soup-tonuts” course that covers all the important issues you don’t want to overlook when starting your business.

828.627.4512 or email tbrown@haywood.edu

• The Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce has moved to a new location at 2781 Soco Road in the Eagle Plaza directly across from Maggie Valley Restaurant.

• CeCe Hipps, President of the Haywood Chamber of Commerce, is one of nine chamber directors nationwide to be awarded a scholarship for the new Leadership Diversity program through the American Chamber of Commerce. The scholarships have three-year terms and will aid in providing information, training and other resources to enhance the leadership skills of women and minorities.

• Mountain BizWorks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping small businesses start, thrive, and grow, has named Patrick Fitzsimmons as its new executive director.

Fitzsimmons served as executive director of American Red Cross, Western North Carolina Region, and development director for the Dogwood Alliance. www.mountainbizworks.org.

• Shannon Carlock, senior registered client associate, has once again been named a Distinguished Service Professional by Wells Fargo Advisors.

• Chris Allen and Megan Brown, owners of Waynesville Soda Jerks and Haywood Community College Entrepreneurship students, were recently named as finalists in the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship Student Entrepreneur Awards.

• Southern Port Traders recently opened a new store in Franklin. Owner Ron Sandage has 50 years of experience in retail and interior design. His love of antiques, artifacts and treasures has led him to Franklin to offer his collections from three previous stores. 828.200.4476.

• Pamela Harris is the winner of the 2013 - 2014 Highlands MountainTop Rotary Club Membership Blitz, bringing in the most new members, which is unique given that she was a new member herself in 2013.

• Sassy Kreationz will have its grand opening from August 30. The arts and crafts-based business, located at 567 Soco Rd in Maggie Valley, will be awarding hourly door prizes such as hand painted ceramics and sewn items.

• Mountain Vapes, located at 1016 E. Main St., recently opened in Franklin. The store offers alternative products to smoking tobacco cigarettes, pipes, cigars and even chewing tobacco.

• A professional office management course designed to help participants find employment in an office environment will begin Sept. 8 at Southwestern Community College. Topics covered will include office management, computer business application and several Microsoft Office software programs.

828.339.4296.

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Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

When should government help private industry?

“Shouldn’t the mill pay to keep themselves up to par as far as emissions? Why do our tax dollars have to help them? My small business doesn't get help from the state to cover upgrades!” hose comments above are from our Facebook page in response to a post about the General Assembly’s lastminute decision to come up with $12 million to help Evergreen Packaging in Canton. The money will go to help the company meet EPA-mandated requirements to switch from coal to natural gas in its boilers. The switch is expected to cost around $50 million.

The move will be good for the environment, helping the mill meet stricter emission requirements. Evergreen is currently the largest industrial air toxin polluter in Western North Carolina and one of the largest in the state, according to federal emissions reporting.

The company also employs more than 1,000 people at its two Haywood facilities, jobs with an average salary of $78,000 per year.

T

Sen. Davis’ comments come as no surprise

To the Editor: I’m really not surprised about the Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, quote, “I’m getting really frustrated with these people. You can never make them happy” in your recent article about the teacher pay raise. Sen. Davis has shown his disrespect towards teachers (“these people”) in so many ways.

He voted to eliminate longevity pay, an incentive for teachers with 10-plus years of experience to stay in the classroom. He voted to devalue educators who work on continuing their education by eliminating extra compensation for advanced degrees.

He voted to make teaching much more difficult by cutting funding for teacher assistants, at-risk student services, textbooks and instructional supplies. He co-sponsored a Senate bill to eliminate public school teacher tenure.

Anything which harms teachers also harms students.

In addition to his votes against teachers, Sen. Davis has shown his disrespect for public education in general. He voted to transfer public school funds to private schools, a law which has recently been declared unconstitutional. The Superior Court judge who ruled the law unconstitutional declared, “The General Assembly fails the children of North Carolina when they are sent with public taxpayer money to private schools that have no legal obligation to teach them anything.” It is clear that Sen. Davis does not think that public education in North Carolina is a priority.

If you think that public education in North Carolina is a priority, I urge you to learn about

But what about the argument that it’s not the government’s job to help Evergreen? I’ve written many times over the years against incentives for attracting new industry, wondering if that money to entice some company to locate here in our state is really money well spent.

It gets obscene sometimes, companies making demands of local and state governments, creating a bidding war that spirals downward as more tax breaks and more incentive money is thrown away to try and attract jobs.

But in the real world, reality and Editor philosophy don’t always line up. As we fight and scratch our way out of this lingering economic downturn, I wonder how much worse things might have been had the feds not jumped in to help banks and the auto industry? I’m no economist, but somehow one can only imagine that loans that are now very difficult to get would be even more elusive had the government not jumped into the fray.

In some ways North Carolina has been among the more

Scott McLeod

“Government’s job is NOT to fund private industry!”

Sen. Davis’ opponent in this November election. Jane Hipps spent more than 38 years in public education. She knows firsthand what it means to be an educator and the actions required to restore quality public education to give our children a foundation for the rest of their lives.

Learn about the specific actions she will take by visiting hippsforsenate.com.

Carole Larivee Waynesville

Don’t believe what fracking supporters say To the Editor: Western North Carolina is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The majestic mountains, the lush green forests and valleys, the small family farms, waterfalls, rivers, streams, along with the pristine sky all inspire us on a daily basis. We treasure this natural abundance, and like all inheritance, we must be wise stewards for our future generations.

Unfortunately, there is a fundamental threat to all of this: hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” This could destroy it all.

Fracking is an industrial process using millions of gallons of our pristine mountain water mixed with toxic chemicals pumped underground at extremely high pressure to break apart natural gas-infused shale rock thousands of feet below the surface.

Each well turns 3 to 5 million gallons of clean water into a poisonous stew. There is no “safe” treatment or disposal of the hundreds of millions of gallons of permanently-polluted water that return to the surface.

There has been a huge increase in earth-

restrained states when it comes to offering incentives. We missed out last year when a Caterpillar plant and its 1,400 jobs went to Georgia instead of the Wilmington area. And many still bemoan the fact that it was South Carolina and Alabama, respectively, who got the BMW and Mercedes plants in the 1990s.

Count me among those who think our restraint is, for the most part, wise. North Carolina has a lot to offer with our quality of life, university system, community colleges and public schools (recent funding cuts aside, I still believe our school system is better than most others in the South).

On the other hand, I do believe in using government incentives to help existing companies continue to be competitive.

Sometimes manufacturing going overseas can’t be helped. In some cases, though, a little help at the right time can save jobs and help keep companies with a proven track record of treating their employees and their community well.

If the state is going to hitch on to the incentive gravy train, then a 100-year-old manufacturer that is going to cut its emissions and save some good-paying jobs is exactly where that money should be used.

(Scott McLeod can be reached at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

LETTERS quakes since fracking began in Oklahoma, according to CNN. Well water has been permanently poisoned in many areas that that have been fracked in Pennsylvania, where more than 100 cases of pollution were confirmed over the past five years. Also, radioactive radium levels were about 200 times greater in sediment from a creek where wastewater was discharged from a treatment plant than in sediment upstream from fracking, according to USA Today.

Expensive homes have become uninhabitable and worthless as a result of toxic air pollution caused by fracking in Texas, where nosebleeds, migraines, vision problems, nausea, rashes and vomiting were caused by a neighbor’s fracking wells, according to CNN. We don’t need huge trucks rumbling by our homes at all hours, clear cutting for new roads and pipelines criss-crossing our fragile mountainsides over our state, federal and private property. We don’t need 20-foot-tall gas flare-offs lighting up the night sky and the whine of giant compressors keeping us up night after night.

Proponents of fracking tell us that it is safe, if done correctly. In a perfect world, where cost-cutting, corrosion and human error don’t occur, fracking might be safe.

There are no rules, no promises, no regulations, no penalties and no amount of money that can fix fracked groundwater. Once the ground water is contaminated, it is poisoned forever. That risk is unacceptable.

These are facts, and those of us who love this place don’t want fracking here.

Our homes are our greatest investment,

our greatest achievement, our greatest gift to our children. Let us preserve this gift for future generations. Tell our county commissioners. Tell our state legislators. Just say no to fracking.

State Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, now claims that fracking probably won’t come to WNC, yet the law he cosponsored was designed so that we local citizens can’t block it. In November, we need to retire Mr. Davis and the other legislators who voted for this.

We need to outlaw fracking before it starts, before it’s too late.

Dan Kowal Franklin

Thank Sen. Davis for losing $51 billion To the Editor: Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, and other Republican state legislators voted not to expand Medicaid. Early studies showed this would be a costly mistake. However, a new study completed by the largest non-profit organization devoted entirely to advancing health care for the public, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, shows just how costly this would be for North Carolina. The state will lose $51 billion in federal funding between 2013-2022. The North Carolina portion of Medicaid expansion totals $3.1 billion.

The report shows that for every $1 a state invests in Medicaid, it will receive $13.41 in federal funds.

The governor and state legislature have put forward the “big lie” that the state Medicaid program is too broken to be expanded. The facts simply don’t show a bro-

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Closed on Sunday. We specialize in handcut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

BREAKING BREAD CAFÉ 6147 Hwy 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) 828.648.3838 Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. closed Sunday. Chef owned and operated. Our salads are made in house using local seasonal vegetables. Fresh roasted ham, turkey and Roast Beef used in our hoagies. We hand make our own Eggplant & Chicken Parmesan, Pork Meatballs and Hamburgers. We use 1st quality fresh not pre-prepared products to make sure you get the best food for a reasonable price. We make Vegetarian, Gluten Free and Sugar Free items. Call or go to Facebook (Breaking Bread Café NC) to find out what our specials are. We are now open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights by

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Smoky Mountain News

To the Editor: Ah, August. Vacation time. Yeah!!

Never mind that ISIS is beheading its way through Syria and Iraq. That Christians are being driven into death or despair. As our esteemed leader said a few weeks ago, referring to ISIS; “The analogy we use around here sometimes, and I think is accurate, is if a JV team puts on Laker uniforms that doesn’t make them Kobe Bryant.”

Surprise — looks like they put on Chicago Bears uniforms and need to be taken seriously.

Can you imagine the State Department being surprised, with John Kerry at the helm? The same John Kerry who recently was ignored by diplomats from Egypt and Israel when cease-fire talks were held. A perfect moment to display his impotence as diplomatic spokesman for a country rapidly earning third-world status.

How I yearn for the days when Hilldebeast (Kerry’s predecessor) was “resetting” our relationship with Russia. Just push the reset button (“reset” was misspelled in Russian) and Putin will be our friend.

Remember a couple of years ago when the commander-in-chief was heard through an open microphone appealing to Dmitry Medvedev to allow him space on the contentious European missile defense issue, claiming he could be more flexible after his reelection? I wonder how the folks in Eastern Europe feel about that.

We have every right to advise others how to manage their affairs and protect their borders. After all, we’re doing such a stellar job of protecting ours. With the cartels and coyotes running the show, killing our border agents and ushering in disease and drains on our already depleted treasuries, surely we are the go-to experts.

When the going gets rough, our president and Congress get going — on vacation, that is. After all, it is August.

Don Swanson Franklin

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

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opinion

ken system. Data from the Kaiser Foundation show that “the average annual growth in NC’s Medicaid program has declined for the last 20 years.” “Current annual cost growth for Medicaid in N.C. is actually the lowest in the nation and much lower than the national average.” (http://pulse.ncpolicywatch.org/2013/06/1 2/nc-medicaid-success-four-charts-and-oneletter/).

Our state simply cannot afford to give away $51 billion in revenue. This is an awful economic decision. In addition, the fact that we as a state are letting on average four of our citizens die every day starting Jan. 1, 2014, because we are denying 414,000 of our citizens adequate health care is morally appalling and simply wrong. Davis and other legislators can pass a bill tomorrow to change this disastrous decision. Please contact him to correct this travesty.

Ed Morris, MD, PhD Franklin

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

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

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FRESH MADE DAILY SERVING BREAKFAST & LUNCH

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch every day from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays (weather permitting), featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herb-baked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade

SCRATCH-MADE PASTRIES & DESSERTS

OPEN DAILY

828.452.3881 MAIN STREET WAYNESVILLE WWW.CITYBAKERY.NET

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

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APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

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.

CITY BAKERY 18 N. Main St. Waynesville 828.452.3881.

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

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 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

UPCOMING EVENTS

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FRIDAY, AUG. 29

Karaoke w/Chris Monteith

828-456-1997 blueroostersoutherngrill.com Smoky Mountain News

breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer. The evening social hour starts at 6 p.m., and dinner is served starting at 7 p.m. So join us for milehigh mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

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

SATURDAY, AUG. 30 Soco Creek 83 Asheville Hwy. Sylva Music Starts @ 9 • 631.0554

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. Friday and Saturday serving freshly prepared small plate and tapas-style fare. Enjoy local, regional, or national talent live each Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m. www.classicwineseller.com. Also on facebook and twitter.

CORK & CLEAVER 176 Country Club Drive, Waynesville.

828.456.7179. Reservations recommended.

4:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Tucked away inside Waynesville Inn, Cork & Cleaver has an approachable menu designed around locally sourced, sustainable, farm-to-table ingredients. Executive Chef Corey Green prepares innovative and unique Southern fare from local, organic vegetables grown in Western North Carolina. Full bar and wine cellar. www.waynesvilleinn.com.

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

828.926.1820 Open Daily 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., closed Tuesday. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big

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S U N D A Y

B R U N C H

Check Out Our New Menu & Movie Showtimes Sunday Brunch: 10:30-2:30

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Join artist

Burgers to Salads Southern Favorites & Classics

Gay Bryant

-Local beers now on draft-

Live Music

for hikes and watercolor lessons.

September 7 -13.

ITALIAN

Call for reservations.

COUNTRY INN

SID’S 117 Main Street, Canton NC

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK 1863 S. MAIN ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.454.5002 HWY. 19/23 EXIT 98

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For reservations, please call 828.926.0430 • TheSwag.com • Waynesville, NC

MEDITERRANEAN

STEAKS • PIZZA CHICKEN • SEAFOOD SANDWICHES

ON MAIN

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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.

828.492.0618 • SidsOnMain.com Serving Lunch & Dinner

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tasteTHEmountains HERREN HOUSE 94 East St., Waynesville 828.452.7837.

Lunch: Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch 11 a. m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy fresh local products, created daily.

Join us in our beautiful patio garden. We are your local neighborhood host for special events: business party’s, luncheons, weddings, showers and more. Private parties & catering are available 7 days a week by reservation only.

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

Lunch Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m., dinner nightly starting at 4:30 p.m. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome.

Take-out menu. Excellent service and hospitality. Reservations appreciated.

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Winter hours; Friday through Sunday and Mondays, 7 a.m. to noon. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites. Joey & Brenda O’Keefe invite you to join what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

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

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

LABOR DAY HOURS:

City Lights Café: 11 A.M.-4 P.M. Pern & Pastry: 7 A.M.-4 P.M. DOWNTOWN SYLVA • NC Mon.-Fri. 7-4 Sat. 8-4

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SUB SHOP 29 Miller Street Waynesville 828.456.3400.

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

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

Locally owned and operated.

THAI SPICE 128 N. Main St., Waynesville.

828.454.5400. Lunch: Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday noon to 3 p.m. Dinner Tuesday-Saturday 4:30 to 9 p.m. Closed Monday. Thai Spice, an authentic Thai restaurant, warmly welcomes you to experience a superb dinning experience. Don’t be timid, the food comes mild, medium, hot and Thai Hot. You choose. www.thaispicewnc.com

Come take a wagon ride with us, back to the beginnings of the Ranch. In celebration of our 80th season, we’ll be serving up “Way Back When” dinners in an authentic re-creation of Mr. Tom and Miss Judy’s first primitive fishing camp. Just call us for reservations, then come join us on August 29 for mountain trout and mountain music. And Cataloochee Ranch enjoy old-fashioned hospitality a mile high.

119 Ranch Drive, Maggie Valley, NC 28751 | www.CataloocheeRanch.com | (828) 926-1401

Lunch is Back!

11:30 A.M.-2:30 P.M. DINNER NIGHTLY AT 4 P.M. MONDAY-SATURDAY

Vegetarian & Fresh Fish Classic local American options available. comfort foods, craft beers & small batch bourbons Check out our weekly & whiskey. Join us for drink specials.

Prime Rib Thursdays.

Smoky Mountain News

TAP ROOM SPORTS BAR & GRILL 176 Country Club Dr. Waynesville 828.456.5988. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Enjoy soups, sandwiches, salads and hearty appetizers along with a full bar menu in our casual, smoke-free neighborhood grill.

Welcome back. To 1932.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

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

828.586.3555. Open Tuesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Hand-tossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch. Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

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

828.497.4590. Open 7 a.m. daily.

The Freestylers

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

Reservations appreciated.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Bar open Monday thru Saturday; dining room open Tuesday thru Saturday at 5 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

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.

AUGUST 29, 7:00 pm

ORGANIC BEANS COFFEE COMPANY 1110 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

828.668.2326. Open 7 days a week 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Happily committed to brewing and serving innovative, uniquely delicious coffees — and making the world a better place.

100% of our coffee is Fair Trade, Shade Grown, and Organic, all slow-roasted to bring out every note of indigenous flavor.

Bakery offerings include cakes, muffins, cookies and more. Each one is made from scratch in Asheville using only the freshest, all natural ingredients available. We are proud to offer gluten-free and vegan options.

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

Monday through Saturday. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

www.CityLightsCafe.com

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appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

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Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. • Dinner Nightly at 4 p.m. • CLOSED ON SUNDAY 454 HAZELWOOD AVENUE • WAYNESVILLE Call 828-452-9191 for reservations 255-07

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Carroll Best (in the mid-1980s).

Image courtesy of Louise Best

Carroll Best and The White Oak String Band

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER

French Kirkpatrick can sum up Carroll Best.

“What he did with the banjo was above and beyond,” Kirkpatrick said. “He was the most, probably without a doubt, the most creative banjo player I was ever in a room with.”

Recently at his home in Ironduff, a mountain community a few miles outside of downtown Waynesville, Kirkpatrick, an acclaimed musician in his own right, relaxed further back into his couch and reminisced with a smile about his late friend.

“When you hear somebody put a string of notes together that just keeps rolling, and he just keeps rolling — it was amazing,” the 75year-old said. “[Carroll] was not restricted to one style of music. It was phenomenal what he did on a banjo.”

Regarded as one of the all-time great and influential banjoists, Best, a Haywood County native, was known for his signature “fiddle style,” which was a melodic, syncopated threefinger stroke he evolved and perfected. That specific style of playing allowed Best the capability to perform a wide-array of songs by following fiddle tunes note for note.

“Carroll was a gifted, regional banjo player who influenced national musicians. He was among the first, if not the very first banjo player to move three-finger hillbilly ‘pickin’ toward jazz and melodic melodies requiring a sophisticated ear and independent dexterity given only to few,” said Marc Pruett, Grammy Award-winning banjoist of Balsam Range and Haywood County native. “He farmed, he worked in the local mill for years, and to those of us lucky enough to have known him, he freely shared his music.”

And that unique sound echoing from Best’s fingertips was captured on a reel-to-reel tape by storied “song catcher” Joseph S. Hall.

During two recording sessions in 1956 and 1959, Hall gathered a handful of Haywood pickers, including Best and Kirkpatrick, to sit around a living room and simply play the melodies they knew and loved.

Some of the recordings were kept in Hall’s personal and extensive archives, while others were sent directly to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., for posterity and as a historical record of Southern Appalachian culture.

Those tapes were recently dusted off by Dr. Ted Olson, professor of Appalachian studies at Eastern Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn. Alongside the Great Smoky

Mountains Association, a nonprofit preserving the culture of Southern Appalachia, Olson has now released a 37-song collection of the Hall recordings with the album “Carroll Best and The White Oak String Band, Old-Time Bluegrass from the Great Smoky Mountains, 1956 and 1959.”

“The Smokies could not have found a better friend for preserving their history than with Hall,” Olson said. “The Smokies have always had such a rich and beloved music history, and were one of the least understood regions of music in the Appalachians, and the Hall recordings have brought such appreciation to the music of this area.”

The official release party for the record will be Sept. 19 at Lake Junaluska.

“Entering into the 21st century, things are changing so quickly, technologically and socially, so people want to understand where they came from, and Hall’s recordings provide a real window to the past,” Olson said. “To witness other people get reconnected to their family members and their stories, to bring this musical heritage to a new generation has been really gratifying.”

“When people look back at what was happening [with these recordings], they will see a major link between the [old-time] Appalachian music and how it ties into the bluegrass music that came out of Kentucky,” Kirkpatrick added.

“These guys were not copying Earl Scruggs or Don Reno’s versions, these guys wanted to make their own sound.”

WHO WAS THE ‘SONG CATCHER?’

Joseph S. Hall.

Image by Ted Olson

In 1937, Californian Joseph S. Hall was a 30-year-old graduate student. Hired by the National Park Service for a summer job, Hall was commissioned to seek out and capture the essence of the unique people, places and things amid the high peaks and hollers of the Great Smokies.

With notepad in-hand, he jumped into a pickup truck and headed into the isolated landscape, coming out with innumerable pages of stories told in a unique dialect — one that evolved partly out of the Scots-Irish and German ancestry of mountain settlers, and partly, it seemed, from the mountains themselves.

“He loved his work, and the mountain people loved him,” said Steve Kemp, interpretive products and service director for the GSMA. “He spent months in the work camps, at peo-

ple’s houses, in the fields, at church and funerals. He immersed himself in the culture.”

These people he interviewed had a variety of distinct accents and created beautiful music, things that ink and paper couldn’t do justice. He knew he had to come back, and did in 1939. Gathering up his primitive recording equipment (which included phonograph cylinders), Hall set out again for the Great Smoky Mountains, this time to be a fly on the wall, simply letting the music play and speak for itself.

Those initial recordings were held at the Library of Congress, with the GSMA compiling them into the album “Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music.” That record went on to receive a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Historical Album” in 2012. And with the success of the first release, Olson, the Hall estate and GSMA decided to dig a little deeper and see what other treasures were waiting to be discovered in Hall’s archives.

THE ‘SONG CATCHER’ RETURNS

In 1959, Hall returned to the Smokies for another round of music recordings at the Williams’ household. This time, Best was joined by 36-year-old singer/guitarist Raymond Setzer, 26-year-old fiddler Billy Kirkpatrick and his 20-year-old brother,

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Attend the release party The Great Smoky Mountains Association will host a release party for the Joseph S. Hall collection “Carroll Best and The White Oak String Band” at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, in Stuart Auditorium at Lake Junaluska.

Those anticipated to be in attendance and to perform at the event include French Kirkpatrick and Raymond Setzer, the last two remaining original members of The White Oak String band, both of whom still reside in Haywood County; Carroll Best’s widow, Louise; as well as several Haywood County-area musicians inspired by Carroll Best, including Kirkpatrick’s band, The Unexpected; The Trantham Family, Rob & Anne Lough; The Randleman Brothers; and Laura Boosinger & Josh Goforth.

The record, “Carroll Best and the White Oak String Band, Old-Time Bluegrass from the Great Smoky Mountains, 1956 and 1959,” includes 37 songs and a 64page booklet with photographs of the musicians, as well as extensive notes detailing their histories, their styles and the songs they played. The new album will be available for sale during the release party. It is now available for $14.95 at all park visitor centers, in local music stores or by contacting www.smokiesinformation.org or 888.898.9102 (x226).

Since its inception in 1953, Great Smoky Mountains Association has supported the preservation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park by promoting greater public understanding and appreciation through education, interpretation and research. A nonprofit organization, GSMA has provided more than $32 million to the park during its 60-year history.

Admission to the release party is free and open to the public.

Learn more The liner notes included in the album “Carroll Best and the White Oak String Teague Williams’ house, where the White Oak String Band Band, Old-Time Bluegrass recordings were made. Image by Ted Olson from the Great Smoky Mountains, 1956 and 1959” is also available online at www.smokymountainnews.com. The extensive 64-page booklet includes the complete history of the band, its members, as well as the life and work of “song catcher” Joseph S. Hall.

Smoky Mountain News

LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE

From left, French Kirkpatrick, Carroll Best, and Carroll’s daughter, Alpha, in the Best family’s living room, 1959. Image courtesy of Louise Best.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

After his trips to the Smokies throughout the 1930s, Hall became utterly fascinated with the mountains and its people. He never forgot the remarkable people and lifelong friendships he forged, many of which he nurtured until his death in 1992 at age 85. He cherished his time in Southern Appalachia, with several trips over the decades, as a NPS employee or freelance researcher, aimed at recording as much of the culture as the tapes could contain.

On July 21 and Aug. 5, 1956 and July 22, 1959, Hall hauled his recording equipment to the home of Teague Williams (brother-in-law to Best) in the Upper White Oak community on the edge of Haywood County, just outside the boundary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is thought Hall knew Williams from his travels around the mountains during the 1930s recording sessions.

“Teague set up the sessions, brought Hall in to make the recordings, and called up the musicians to come and play,” Olson said.

“There really was an atmosphere of trust between Hall and Williams and Williams with the local musicians.”

A seemingly “honorary Appalachian,” Hall found himself consistently in the good graces of mountain folk, something felt by a young French Kirkpatrick, who was just a teenager when he first met Hall.

“I remember [Hall] had a good demeanor about him, he wasn’t a know-it-all person, he just wanted to do a good job,” he said. “He was a real pleasant, easy going person, he would make you feel like he was your uncle.” “[Hall] was deeply respected and loved,” Olson added. “He gained a deep sense of trust with the families in the Smokies, he earned it and maintained it over the years.”

Within the July 21, 1956, session, one can hear the heavenly sounds of Carroll Best and The White Oak String Band. Only 25 years old at the time, Best played alongside 27-yearold fiddler/rhythm guitarist S.T. Swinger and another guitarist simply noted as “Joyce.”

Best’s new bride, 18-year-old Louise, also joined in on the recording, ultimately singing on a couple of ballads. During the Aug. 5, 1956, session, Best and Swanger were joined by 24-year-old rhythm guitarist Don Brooks and also Williams, who jumped on the microphone for “More Pretty Girls Than One.”

French, who played rhythm guitar on the July 22 session.

“Back in those days, we played every Friday and Saturday night at somebody’s house, and it might as well have been at Teague Williams’ recording as anywhere else,” French said.

And so, Williams got hold of the boys on the party line (multiple household phone line) on July 22, telling them to get down to his house to record with Hall. “[Hall] had this humungous reel-to-reel recorder, and I thought, ‘my goodness, what’s this guy going to do with this,’” French chuckled. “He told us he’d put the music in the Library of Congress and I really didn’t think much of it.”

French noted that one has to put things in the perspective of 1950s Appalachia when it came to the out-of-this-world notion that the sounds of he and his musician friends would end up in the national archives.

“You’ve got to think back to the 1950s.

There was not many televisions around then and the records you got were 78 rpms,” French said. “I mean for somebody to want to record you on a reel-to-reel recorder and put it in the Library of Congress of the United States, well, that was big stuff, man.”

Listening to the recordings, one can hear not only the youthful exuberance of the band, but also the foundation of lifelong melodic talents, especially through the hands of Best, whose banjo cascaded up and down the fret board with such style and grace.

“To hear Carroll Best, he really went on to reinvent himself and take his music to another level,” French said. “He was never comfortable to say ‘I’ve got this,’ he always tried to make the next time better than he did the last time and that’s what really identifies a good musician.”

Following the recording sessions, the members of The White Oak String Band continued to play for a time before going their separate ways. Each continued performing throughout their lives.

Over the years they would cross paths, jamming together again.

At the center of it all was Carroll Best, who went on to have a somewhat successful music career. Though many feel, even today, he never got the credit or success he deserved, those in the know, including banjo legends Tony Trischka and Bela Fleck, point to Best as an immediate influence on not only them, but also the evolution of the banjo sound itself.

“This is an extremely important album for banjo players, and really for anyone with an interest in historically significant old-time, country and bluegrass music,” Trischka said of the new album. “Carroll Best single-handedly created a unique banjo style that allowed one to play fiddle tunes note for note. He could also burn in a more Scruggsy sort of way, as these recordings will bear out.”

Throughout his life, Best played all around the Southern Appalachia region, winning banjos competitions, ultimately pushing his repu-

arts & entertainment

Thus, the tapes of Carroll Best and The White Oak String Band bubbled to the surface.

“Hall’s materials are so rich, valuable and carefully preserved, even though the tapes weren’t widely known they existed by even some of the families and communities in which he recorded,” Olson said. “It’s a bit of a treasure hunt, [where Hall] balances a sense of awe and respect with what continues to be a fair and empathetic representation of the Smokies.”

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Franklin’s Finest 55+ Community

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HWY. 441 S. FRANKLIN (2887 GEORGIA RD.)

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EXCLUSIVE CONTENT AT SMOKYMOUNTAINNEWS.COM A story on Appalachian musician French Kirkpatrick (pictured) can be read at www.smokymountainnews.com. A full video interview with Kirkpatrick will also be available for viewing online. Garret K. Woodward photo

Less than 2 miles from Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts, Ruby Cinema, Franklin Rec Park & Library

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August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

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tation as one of the finest pickers further into the industry-at-large. Sadly, on May 8, 1995, Best was murdered by his brother, Sam. Though his life extended 64 years, Carroll’s influence will seemingly live on forever in the hearts of this who continually discover and rediscover his deep catalog of material.

THE SOUND REMAINS It’s another sunny day in Appalachia as Louise Best gazes out onto the mountains of Haywood County from her porch nestled in the backwoods of the Crabtree community.

When she got word about the 1956/1959 Hall recordings being found, remastered and released, she couldn’t believe it.

“I was surprised when [the GSMA and Olson] said they were going to do it because it was so long ago,” she smiled. “I knew that they were in the Library of Congress, but I just didn’t think about them redoing it.”

Louise Best, 2014.

Of those recorded by Garret K. Woodward photo Hall, only Louise, French and Raymond Setzer are still alive. And with that, Louise is proud of what her husband accomplished, as well as his influence on what he called “fiddle music.” What makes her even prouder is seeing her grandson, Jerry, pick up the banjo and play just like his “papaw” did. She looks at the new album as a way for future generations to appreciate and embrace their roots.

“Younger people can hear them, children can hear what their ancestors did,” she said.

And it’s not only children and young adults taking notice, the collection has also brought back memories of Best in the minds and hearts

“When you hear somebody put a string of notes together that just keeps rolling, and he just keeps rolling — it was amazing.”

— French Kirkpatrick

of some of Appalachia’s biggest names in music.

“Carroll Best was the ‘best,’” said Steve Sutton, the Grammy-nominated banjoist of Whitewater Bluegrass Company and Haywood County native. “We played together under a tree at Merlefest the evening before his death. It was tragic and such a loss in so many ways. [He made] the most beautiful sounds to ever come from a banjo. He showed me just how versatile the instrument could be — he was a one-of-a-kind.”

And though Best is physically gone from the earth, the sounds of his body, mind and soul echo deep into the history and backwoods of Southern Appalachia, a strong undertow in the vast, melodic ocean of mankind, one that will be felt for countless future generations.

Even 19 years after his death, Pruett’s heart still holds a piece of Best in it.

“After a person is gone, their individual human history decays into little shards of memory in the minds of loved ones and friends,” he said. “As I close my eyes and remember Carroll, those shards of memory morph into sparkling music notes, diamonds almost. Then, I begin to hear a banjo rippling and pinging through cool night air at a Crabtree farm. And I see Carroll Best smile again, surrounded by family and friends he loved.”

Editor’s Note: Due to health concerns, Raymond Setzer opted to not be interviewed for this story.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Max Patch.

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

Saturday — Let’s wander Up bright and early, we headed to Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley for the inaugural Richard’s Run, a 5K-trail race atop a mountain. Filled with grueling hills and gorgeous meadows to roam through, the course was as beautiful as it was trying. After lunch, we shot over to the Waynesville Craft Beer Faire at the nearby American Legion. With several local and regional tents pouring their delicious nectar, the event overflowed with hundreds of friendly folks, live music and hearty barbecue. As the sun fell behind the mountains, we hit the road for Knoxville (only an hour and a half or so drive from Haywood County) to visit some dear friends for the evening, where we strolled around downtown, ultimately hitting up the skyline rooftop bar at the always-enchanting Preservation Pub. www.cataloocheeranch.com or www.waynesvillebeer.com or www.preservationpub.com.

Monday — Low-key goodbye Phew. What a long, joyous week together.

Time for some much needed rest and relaxation before it’s time to head back to the airport. But, no week of fun would be complete without a goodbye crab cake (one of the best you’ll ever come across, no joke) and adult beverage within the warm, inviting atmosphere at The Sweet Onion in downtown Waynesville. Capped off with a mesmerizing mountain sunset from my porch, and you have yourself a pretty darn good time in Southern Appalachia. www.sweetonionrestaurant.com.

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

Stuart Auditorium Lake Junaluska August 29 & 30, 2014

Open Tent Show 5-6:30 p.m.

Auditorium Stage 6:30-11 p.m.

Advance Tickets: $10 At the Door: $12 For Information: 828-452-1688 smokymountainfolkfestival.com

Paid for in part by the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

800-334-9036 www.visitncsmokies.com

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Smoky Mountain News

Sunday — Cruise to cap the weekend Heading back to Waynesville from Knoxville, we decided to take the long way home through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A winding, breathtaking drive through the heart of the Smokies, every turn and stop was met with staggering peaks and rolling valleys. Our three-hour “tour” ended up taking all afternoon, as time seemingly flew by while we soaked in the beauty of the park and wandered around Cherokee. Oh, and the free samples at the Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine and Sugarlands distilleries in downtown Gatlinburg wasn’t too bad either (wink, wink). www.nps.gov.grsm or www.olesmoky.com or www.sugarlandsdistilling.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN FOLK FESTIVAL

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

What to do?

That was the question I posed to myself when I found out my girlfriend was visiting from Upstate New York. She is someBlues/hard rockers The Hooten Hallers will one who has never been to perform at 9 p.m. Sept. 7-8 at No Name Western North Carolina, never Sports Pub in Sylva. been to Southern Appalachia, let alone anywhere in the South for The 2nd annual 7 Clans Rodeo will be held that matter.

Sept. 5-6 at the intersection of U.S. 19/441 in “A Yankee, huh?” some of you Cherokee. reading might say. Not quite. You Blues-rocker Blind Lemon Philips will see, she grew up where I did, on perform at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at the the rural and desolate Canadian Labor Day Extravaganza at the Village border, on the enormous Lake Commons in Cashiers.

Champlain, surrounded by the majestic Adirondack Mountains The Maggie Valley Labor Day Weekend Craft to the west, Green Mountains to Show will be held Aug. 30-31 at the Maggie the east. In essence, a lot of what Valley Festival Grounds.

I love about this area (WNC), the sincerity of the people, the Country star Tim McGraw will perform at 7:30 depths of the culture and sheer p.m. Aug. 31 at Harrah’s Cherokee. beauty of the geography, is very similar to what I was raised around, too. in Waynesville, we headed downtown to And yet, Western North Carolina is a unique place all unto itself. With that, I want- Frog Level Brewing for a pleasant riverside ed to plan out an unforgettable week of activ- beverage and hearty conversation, then to Tipping Point Brewing for their popular ities — places, spaces and faces that ideally Trivia Night. An evening of brain-crushing showcase the region. So, like something out questions, freshly made onsite craft beer and of the Family Circus comic strip, we meangut-busting meals under $10, it’s an environdered up, down and around the area. ment as fun as it is inviting to any and all.

It went something like this… www.froglevelbrewing.com or www.tippingpointtavern.com.

Tuesday — You arrived, now what?

It’s 8 p.m. I just picked her up at the airThursday — Sunshine, fun time port. Not wanting to go home, we rolled into Another beautiful day in Southern downtown Asheville. First stop was the reguAppalachia, with sunshine cascading down lar Tuesday night gypsy-jazz/big band show upon us. Drove down I-40 West towards Exit 7,

by The John Henry’s at 5 Walnut Wine Bar. rode into Pisgah National Forest, over to Max My favorite spot in downtown, the cozy 5 Patch, a bald mountaintop with 360-degree Walnut is a cosmopolitan hub of live music, priceless views of Southern Appalachia. It’s a great wine and craft beer, and an electric little tricky to track down, so make sure to get ambiance second-to-none. Onward to the proper directions beforehand. Oh, and what’s wild bluegrass jam (also every Tuesday night) this? Thirsty Thursday is today at McCormick at Isis Restaurant & Music Hall in West Field, home of the Asheville Tourists, a minor Asheville. Isis is an old movie theatre turned league baseball team. Is there nothing better in into a space of candlelit tables, filled with scrumptious culinary treats and the sounds of the summer than taking in an evening game at the ballpark? I don’t think so. Tickets are $7 for the world radiating from the stage nightly. adults, $6 for kids/military/seniors, with draft Both locations are key places to bring out-ofbeers on Thirsty Thursday starting at $1 (yes, towners. www.5walnut.com or www.isisas$1). www.hikewnc.info or www.theashevilleheville.com. tourists.com.

Wednesday — We don’t want to stay in Friday — Time to party Sure, it isn’t the weekend yet, but we With the weekend upon us, we headed want to go out and play. With my apartment

news

This must be the place

for a concert at The Mothlight, a new music venue in West Asheville, filled with neighborhood locals and the curious alike amid dim lighting and a wide-open dance floor. A raucous Americana/alt-rock band from Athens, Ga., Futurebirds, barreled into the building and overtook the stage — a show for the ages, to say the least, from one of the finest groups on the scene today. Afterwards, we met up with some of Haywood County’s finest at a house party for a friend’s wedding anniversary surprise party. Laughter echoed into the heavens above, as haphazard memories were rehashed over singing songs and porch storytelling. www.themothlight.com or www.futurebirdsmusic.com.

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arts & entertainment

On the beat

Smoky Mountain Folk Festival returns to Lake J

Ubuntu Choir brings world music to Franklin

The 44th annual Smoky Mountain Folk Festival will be held Aug. 29-30 at the Stuart Auditorium in Lake Junaluska.

Spectators will be treated by performances from over 200 mountain dancers and numerous performing groups. Each night will feature open tent shows on the lawn at 5 p.m., with the main stage show in the auditorium from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Tent shows are free to the public.

Performers include Whitewater Bluegrass Co., Betty Smith, Brooke & George Bunker, Folk Heritage Smooth Dancers, Stoney Creek Boys, Dixie Darlins, Bailey Mountain Cloggers, Fines Creek Flatfooters, Lee Knight, Betty Smith, Lorraine Conrad & Emma Best, Cockman Family, The NickPickers, Honey Holler, Helen Hunt & Tracy Best, Southern Appalchian Cloggers, Appalachian Mountaineers, Rob & Anne Lough, Donna Ray Norton & Melanie Rice, Southern Mountain Fire, Mack Snoderly & Flave Heat, Spirit Fiddle, Stoney Creek Cloggers, Carol Rifkin, Jeanette Queen, Sheila Kay Adams, Phil & Gaye Johnson and Green Valley Cloggers.

Main show tickets are $12 at door, $10 in advance, with children under 12 admitted free. Advanced can be purchased at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville and the Bethea

The Franklin Ubuntu Choir will perform a concert of music from around the world and here at home at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at the First Presbyterian Chapel in Franklin.

The 30-voice a cappella choir sings inspiring and uplifting music drawn from diverse traditions and cultures, in several languages including Aramaic, Hawaiian, Maori and Zulu.

This family-friendly event is presented by the Arts Council of Macon County, with funding from the Grassroots Arts Program of the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources.

Free, but donations are welcome.

828.524.7683 or www.artscouncilofmacon.org.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

Bryson City library welcomes Bean Sidhe The premier Celtic band of the Smokies, Bean Sidhe will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, at the Marianna Black Library in Bryson City.

Join Bean Sidhe (pronounced: ban-shee) for a lively evening of traditional music from the British Isles. The group began as a means for members to explore the connections linking traditional music from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales with its contemporary American counterparts, especially in the bluegrass, country and folk genres. The Friends of the Marianna Black Library will be there to provide snacks and refreshments.

Free.

828.488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

Tim McGraw.

Donated photo

Smoky Mountain News

WCU to present Arts Alive @ 125

Country megastar Tim McGraw will perform at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Harrah’s Cherokee.

Western Carolina University’s first couple will host a show celebrating 125 years of the arts at WCU called Arts Alive @ 125 at

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Welcome Center in Lake Junaluska.

828.452.1688 or 800.334.9036 or www.lakejunaluska.com.

McGraw to hit Harrah’s stage

For All of Life’s Important Moments, Champion Credit Union is Here.

Garret K. Woodward photo

An acclaimed multi-platinum singer and actor, McGraw is known for his numerous number-one country hits, including “Don’t Take the Girl,” “It’s Your Love,” “She’s My Kind of Rain,” “I Like It, I Love It,” and “Felt Good on My Lips,” amongst others.

Tickets are $75, $85 and $125.

800.745.3000 or www.harrahscherokee.com.

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Whitewater Bluegrass Company.

*Certain restrictions apply. Rates and terms based on creditworthiness.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee.

Chancellor David O. Belcher, a classically trained concert pianist, and wife Susan Brummell Belcher, a professional opera singer and vocal teacher, will host the event and make special appearances.

Performers will include students from the School of Music and School of Stage and Screen, the Catamount Singers and Electric Soul, and the WCU dancers. In addition, there will be a special surprise performance.

The benefit concert launches the 2014-15 membership drive for the WCU Friends of the Arts. www.celebrate125.wcu.edu or 828.227.2479 or www.friendsofthearts.wcu.edu.

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On the beat

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Bookstore Fri., Aug. 29 • 6:30 p.m.

Jon Sealy will read from his southern gothic novel, The Whiskey Baron

Sat., Aug. 30 • 3 p.m.

Timm Muth will present his new fantasy novel, Disciple of the Flames

• Blues-rocker Blind Lemon Philips will perform during the Labor Day Extravaganza from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at the Village Commons in Cashiers. www.visitcashiersvalley.com.

• Acoustic duo The Moon & You and jazz/rock/funk group The Preston Cate Trio will perform at Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City.

The Moon & You plays Aug. 29, with The Preston Cate Trio Sept. 5. Both performances are at 8 p.m. Free. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

ALSO:

3 EAST JACKSON STREET • SYLVA

828/586-9499 • citylightsnc.com

September 13th, 2014 9am Start for more info visit Active.com and Search for ‘Building Bridges Mud Run’ or use our QR code

• Multi-platinum country singer-songwriter Jo Dee Messina will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Tickets are $37, $33 and $26. 866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

• Classic rock outfit Dashboard Blue will perform as part of the “Concerts on the Slopes” at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Sapphire Valley Resort. Pre-show tickets are $20, with day-of-show tickets $25. 828.883.5662.

f• Guitarist Jay Brown and pianist Joe Cruz will perform at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Brown will play Aug. 29, with Cruz Aug. 30. $10 minimum purchase.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

• ‘Round the Fire, Dustin Martin & The Ramblers, SmokeRise, Electric Circus and Fine will perform at the Maggie Valley Rendezvous. ‘Round the Fire plays Aug. 29, with Martin Aug. 30, SmokeRise Aug. 30 and Aug. 31 (poolside 3 to 6 p.m.), Electric Circus Sept. 6 and Fine Line Sept. 7 (poolside 3 to 6 p.m.). All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.926.0201.

• Bluegrass band The Frogtown Four and Ms. Kitty & The Big City Band will perform as part of Pickin’ on the Square at the gazebo in downtown Franklin. The Frogtown Four plays Aug. 30, with Ms. Kitty & The Big City Band Sept. 6. All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. Free.

828.524.2516 or www.franklin-chamber.com.

Brave The Mud The Canton Lions Club and Waynesville Police Association are excited to announce the inaugural Building Bridges Mud Run on September 13th, 2014. The course is approximately 3.5 miles and encompasses creeks, hills, mud and plenty of sweat inducing obstacles!

100% of the funds raised will go to benifit the Lions Club projects both locally and internationally. A portion of the funds will also go to our local Waynesville Police Association.

Location: Starts at the Waynesville Recreation Center

Smoky Mountain News

• The Freestylers and Ryan Parmer will perform at City Lights Café in Sylva. The Freestylers play Aug. 29, with Parmer Sept.

6. Free. www.citylightscafe.com.

arts & entertainment

• Johnny Hayes & The Love Seats, Porch 40, Andrew Chastain, Old School, Celtic Keg Stand and The Hooten Hallers will perform at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. Hayes will play Aug. 28-29, with Porch 40 Aug. 30, Chastain Sept. 4, Old School Sept. 5, Celtic Keg Stand Sept. 6 and The Hooten Hallers Sept. 7-8. All shows begin at 9 p.m. Free. 828.586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

Registration: You can register your 4,3, or 2 person team at the website shown below.

Fee: $37 per person We will be updating our site via active.com with sponsor information and a course map in the coming weeks.

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arts & entertainment

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On the beat • Craig Summers & Lee Kram, Keli Nathan and Molly Fish & Ian Grady and The Wilhelm Brothers will perform at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville. Summers & Kram play Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, with Fish & Grady Aug. 29 and The Wilhelm Brothers Sept. 5.

All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free.

828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Bluegrass/Americana group Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys will perform at part of An Appalachian Evening concert series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for students. Dinner services begin at 6 p.m. in the Schoolhouse Café. Next up in the series will be Balsam Range on Sept. 6. 828.479.3364 or www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• The Summer Live Music Series will continue with Local, Ogya, Lefty Williams Band and The Bayou Diesel Band at the Nantahala Outdoor Center in the Nantahala Gorge.

Local plays Aug. 29, with Ogya Aug. 30, Williams Sept. 5 and The Bayou Diesel Band Sept. 6. Live music, barbecue and craft beer. All performances are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

Smoky Mountain News

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

ALSO:

• Reggae/rock group The Caribbean Cowboys and Americana/folk act Ian Moore & The Second Hand String Band will perform at the Bryson City Train Depot. The Caribbean Cowboys play Aug. 30, with Moore Sept. 6.

Both shows are free and begin at 6:30 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• Singer-songwriter Andrew Scotchie will perform as part of the Saturdays on Pine concert series at 6 p.m. Aug. 30 at KelseyHutchinson Park in Highlands. Free.

• Mountain High Dulcimer Group and Curtis Blackwell will perform as part of the Friday Night Live concert series at Town Square in Highlands. Mountain High Dulcimer Group plays Aug. 29, with Blackwell Sept. 5. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free.

• The Remnants will perform at Concerts on the Creek at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at Bridge Park in Sylva. Free. 828.586.2155.

• Multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Gary Zimmerman will entertain on the hammered dulcimer, fiddle and guitar at 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Cowee Farmer’s Market in Franklin. The market is open every Tuesday from 3:30 until 7 p.m. www.coweefarmersmarket.com.

• The Literacy Council of Highlands will host pianist Randall Atcheson in concert on Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Highlands Playhouse. With a champagne reception at 3 p.m., the show will be from 4 to 6 p.m. $50 per person. 828.526.2695 or www.highlandsliteracy.com.

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On the street

Garret K. Woodward photo

Author Michael Beadle will present an illustrated talk focusing on the history of the town of Canton and, specifically, the town’s annual Labor Day Celebration at 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 4, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

Beadle will address aspects of Canton’s development in conjunction with the growth of the Champion paper mill. The other focus of his talk, the Labor Day event, has been taking place in the town since 1906 and is one of the largest events of its type in the state.

Beadle writes poetry, history, fiction and journalistic pieces. He has published more than 1,500 articles in newspapers and magazines in North Carolina and is the recipient of several honors from the N.C. Press Association. As an author of local history, he has written or co-written four books about Haywood County, including a comprehensive history of the county. His most recent work is a collection of historic Canton photographs.

The event is being held in conjunction with WCU’s interdisciplinary learning theme for the 2014-15 school year, “North Carolina: Our State, Our Time.”

Free.

828.227.7129.

Canton Labor Day Celebration

SCC’s first craft beer program to kickoff With new equipment secured from onsite craft brewing, Southwestern Community College will host a brewing program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday from Sept. 4Nov. 20 in Sylva.

The brewing program will be led by Taylor Rogers of Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. Course content will focus on understanding the brewing process and beer ingredients. Those who successfully complete the program will be eligible for employment in the industry.

For beer enthusiasts interested in learning how to brew at home rather than employment as a craft brewer, SCC is also offering a beginner home brewing class on Tuesday evenings from Sept. 8-30, also at the Jackson Campus.

828.339.4426 or www.southwesterncc.edu.

The 108th Canton Labor Day Celebration will be Aug. 29-Sept. 1.

“Pickin’ in the Park” will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, with live music by Vintage Country and dancing from Southern Appalachian and Smoky Mtn. Stompers. On Saturday, Aug. 30, there will be a classic car show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and cornhole tournament from 3:30 to 6:30

p.m., with live music from 2:30 to 10 p.m.

by Gold Heart, Aaron Burdett, Joe Lasher Jr. and The Folsom Prison Gang. On Sunday, Aug. 31, there will be Southern Gospel from 2 to 5 p.m. and contemporary youth music at 6 p.m., all of which featuring multiple performances by local groups and choirs.

The Labor Day Parade will be at 10 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 1, in downtown. Live music will be provided, and an array of local clogging groups will also be preceding each musical act at the top of every hour. www.cantonnc.com.

• The 2nd annual 7 Clans Rodeo will be held Sept. 5-6 at the intersection of U.S. 19/441 in Cherokee. Gates open for both nights at 6 p.m., with a preshow performance by country/rock act Joe Lasher Jr. at 7:15 p.m., followed by the rodeo at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults in advance ($15 at gate), and $6 for children in advance ($8 at gate). A weekend pass is $18 in advance ($20 at gate).

• Drink-N-Think will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of the month at Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro in Sylva. Led by Curt Collins, the open forum discussion’s next topic will be “Israel and Palestinians: A Real History and A Real Solution” on Sept. 2. The open floor welcomes any and all to come and participate in the topic. Anyone may sign up to lead off DNT and will receive $20 in house credit for Soul Infusion. 828.586.1717.

• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad BBQ & Brews Dinner Train will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 30. Train will depart from the Bryson City Train Depot. Slow-cooked barbecue and beer tastings by Heinzelmannchen Brewery. Tickets are $69. For ages 21 and over. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

• The second annual Tattoo Fundraiser to benefit Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at Euphoria Tattoo and Piercing in Waynesville. Four pet-themed designs will be offered, with half of the proceeds going to Sarge’s. 828.356.6318.

ALSO:

arts & entertainment

Presentation on Canton at Mountain Heritage Center Sept. 4

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

Labor Day Weekend

CRAFT SHOW Saturday August 30 • 9-5 Sunday August 31 • 9-4 FREE ADMISSION • FREE PARKING

Jewelry Baskets FOOD DRIVE: Stained Glass Donate a Non-Perishable Clothing Food Item for a chance to Toys WIN a Craft Item Donated by the Artists!

Birdhouses Metalwork Woodwork and more!

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Smoky Mountain News

255-17

Handmade Arts and Crafts featuring artisans from throughout the southeast!

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arts & entertainment

On the wall • The Maggie Valley Labor Day Weekend Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 30 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. A variety of fine handmade crafts created by artisans will be for sale. A food drive for the Maggie Valley Methodist Church Food Pantry will also be occurring during the event. All non-perishable items or donations will be accepted. Admission is free.

ALSO:

There will be art and activities on the sidewalk, with the farmer’s market happening nearby. The last Art on Main will be Oct. 4.

828.369.6552.

• The deadline to enter a quilt in the 2014 Smoky Mountain Quilt Show has been extended to Sept. 10. The show will be held Oct. 2-4 at Western Carolina University.

Entry forms can be found at www.smokymtnquilters.org. 828.293.5004 or 828.508.7916.

Quilt expert Merikay Waldvogel. Donated photo • The “Elegance & Spirit: The Costume Designs of Downton Abbey” presentation

by Cornelia Powell will held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Peggy Crosby Center in Highlands. www.clehighlands.com or 828.526.8811.

• Art After Dark continues from 6 to 9 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 5, in downtown Waynesville.

Enjoy a stroll through working studios and galleries on Main Street and Depot Street.

Flags denote participating galleries. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• The Balsam Crafters Art/Craft Show will be held Aug. 30 at the Balsam Fire Department.

828.226.9352 or 828.269.8604.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

• The Uptown Gallery will host the First Saturday — Art on Main from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 6 in downtown Franklin.

• A mystery craft class will be offered by Kountry Krafters Extension and Community Association at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church.

828.586.4009.

• The film “The Amazing Spiderman 2” will be screened Aug. 29-31 at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Screenings are at 7:45 p.m. on Fridays; 2, 5 and 7:45 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6 per person, $4 for children. Saturday morning cartoons will also be shown at 10 a.m. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• A landscape-painting workshop for beginners with Jon Houglum will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 29-30 at the Historic Cowee School in Franklin.

828.369.7274 or houglumfineart2@frontier.com.

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Opelny Dai

Smoky Mountain News

Local residents will have an opportunity to learn interesting and historical details

Arts and crafts show in Cashiers The Cashiers Arts and Crafts Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 30-31, at the Cashiers Village Green.

With dozens of artisans from which to choose, there will be pottery, artworks, furniture, quilts, jewelry and clothing. Expect to see mountain and nature themes in many of the crafts, from bear sculptures and paintings to handcrafted wooden bowls and ceramics and much more.

A donation of $3-$5 per adult is encouraged. www.cashiersrotary.org.

Demo of watercolor batik on rice paper

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY FARM! • You-Pick Strawberries • Bicolor Sweet Corn $16/bushel • Tomatoes, squash, cucumbers .99/lb.

• Greasy back beans • White half runner beans $28/bushel • Canning tomatoes $8/box 3 or more $7/box.

• Heirloom, cherokee purple, & hillbilly tomatoes $1.59/lb. $ • Mountain majesty purchase of $10 or more tomatoes .99/lb.

Must present coupon.

• Now picking fresh Bell Peppers

Artist Barbara Brook of Waynesville will demonstrate Watercolor Batik on Rice Paper for Art League of the Smokies at 6:15 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 4, at Swain County Center for the Arts in Bryson City.

This demo will put a new twist on the

ancient art of batik, which is traditionally a wax resist and layers of dye on fabric.

Sponsored by Swain County Center for the Arts and Swain County Schools, anyone who is interested is invited to attend the demonstration free of charge.

828.488.7843 or www.swain.k12.nc.us/cfta.

Tunnel Mountain Crafts celebrates one year

Tunnel Mountain Crafts will celebrate their first year Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Dillsboro.

On Aug. 30, the celebration will begin with 20 percent off on selected items, demonstrations and light refreshments.

Demonstrators for the day will be: wood burner Buddy Hogan from 10 a.m. to noon, potter Connie Hogan from noon to 2 p.m., and wrought ironsmith Clyde Bowen from 2 to 4 p.m. Door prizes will be offered every half hour between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. during operation hours on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. tunnelmountaincrafts@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/tunnelmountaincrafts.

On the stage Smith brings feisty characters to Waynesville

1 OFF

2300 Governors Island Rd. Bryson City

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Quilt Discovery Evening at Mountain Heritage Center

about their family quilts during the Quilt Discovery Evening from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University.

Nationally known quilt authority Merikay Waldvogel will be on hand to give a presentation and analyze quilts that are brought in by their owners. She is the author of Soft Covers for Hard Times: Quiltmaking and the Great Depression and Southern Quilts: Surviving Relics of the Civil War. Attendees also are invited to view the Mountain Heritage Center’s exhibit focusing on WCU’s 125th anniversary. The exhibit includes a quilt made by Ella Madison, wife of the institution’s first president, Robert Lee Madison.

The presentation is free, but there will be a $5 fee for each quilt analysis, with a maximum of three quilts allowed per person.

Proceeds from the event will help support the museum’s mission of helping local residents connect with the history of the region.

828.227.7129 or www.wcu.edu.

828.488.2376 C Find us on Facebook

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A performance of “B. Smith Celebrates Lee Smith: Ivy, Alice, & Evalina” will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium.

Barbara Bates Smith, noted for her off-Broadway performance and 25 years touring of “Ivy Rowe” from Lee Smith’s Fair and Tender Ladies, stars in this sampler. Musical accompaniment will be provided by Jeff Sebens.

Highlighted are three characters from the works of Lee Smith: Ivy, the spunky mountain woman with a sensuous nature, from Fair and Tender Ladies; Alice, a feisty nursing home resident about to be kicked out of her writing group because her memories are not happy enough, from The Happy Memories Club; and Evalina, a young patient encountering Zelda Fitzgerald at Asheville’s Highland Hospital, from Lee Smith’s latest novel, Guests on Earth.

RSVP is required. Please contact Kathy Olsen at 828.356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net. www.barbarabatessmith.com.

Books

Smoky Mountain News

31

Book challenges me to critique the critic n Why Read?, University of Virginia professor Mark Edmundson discusses the practice of student reviews of a teacher, then writes: “As I read the reviews, I thought of a story I’d heard about a Columbia University instructor who issued a two-part question at the end of his literature course.

Part one: What book in the course did you most dislike? Part two: what flaws of intellect or character does that dislike point up in you? The hand that framed those questions may have been slightly heavy.

Writer But at least they compelled the students to see intellectual work as a confrontation between two people, reader and author, where the stakes mattered.”

This exercise in self-criticism intrigued me, and I have several times brought the professor’s questions into my Advanced Placement Literature classes. At first, some students don’t understand the question. They — and most of us, I might add — are accustomed, in matters of taste regarding art, to be judges rather than the judged. (One young man absolutely refused the questions, describing in his essay what he considered wrong with both my test and the book he’d chosen to attack).

To help the students, I offered my take on opera. I could have used any number of examples, rap music, abstract art, and any other “arts” that have failed to engage me. Why, I asked the students, did I dislike opera, which many regard as one of humankind’s great achievements? What did that dislike say about me? In part, I told them, my lack of operatic pleasure stemmed from ignorance.

Incomprehension left me with the inability to love. Impatience and laziness, too, played a part; to understand opera required more work than I was willing to undertake. In other words, opera was not flawed; I was.

For this week’s review of Pascal Mercier’s Night Train to Lisbon (Grove Press, 2004, 438 pages, translated by Barbara Harshav), this approach of looking not at the book’s flaws,

Jeff Minick

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but at my own failures as a reader and reviewer, might be the best approach. The novel contains four pages of compliments paid to Mercier’s magnum opus. Typical of these blurbs is the one from a German paper, Die

egger compared to any college professor, and am also a creature of routine). A chance encounter with a beautiful Portuguese woman leads Gregorius to a book written by Amadu de Pardo, a Portuguese physican and writer.

Intrigued by Amadu’s philosophy, Gregorius impulsively abandons his university post and travels to Lisbon, seeking to discover more of this mysterious writer.

The rest of the novel follows Gregorius throughout his explorations, revealing more and more of Amadu through his friends, family and writing, while simultaneously recounting how these revelations alter the life and thinking of Gregorius.

The first half of the novel I read avidly but then began skipping the italicized thoughts of Amadu. Soon I was skimming paragraphs, then jumping over entire sections. The last hundred pages or so I read as quickly as possible, looking only for the fate of Gregorius.

Now, I could tell you that the book was turgid, slow in places, far too loaded with philosophical asides distracting from the plot. I could add that an editor might have chopped a hundred pages from the story without damage to the plot. And though I usually enjoy aphorisms, I could also tell you that Night Train to Lisbon has so many characters speaking Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier. Grove Press, 2004. aphoristically that one could 438 pages. publish a volume of these sayings.

Welt: “One reads this book almost breathless“This sucks,” some of my students might ly, can’t put it down ... A handbook for the say were they to attempt the book, and soul, intellect, and heart.” though I dislike those words, I found myself Night Train to Lisbon caught my attention thinking similar thoughts as I plugged away in not because of these compliments, but the middle of Night Train. But as I neared the because the protagonist, Raimond Gregorius, end, sprinting now simply to follow the plot, I is a classics teacher at a Swiss lycee, a man in thought of the compliments of so many his fifties who lives his life according to a authors and reviewers, and asked myself: strict routine. (The appeal was one of harmoWhat were my imperfections as a reader and ny; I teach Latin, though I am a ham-anda critic? What were the flaws in me that

Muth to present fantasy novel Jackson County writer Timm Muth will read from his new fantasy novel at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Disciple of the Flames chronicles the story of Darn, whose life as a herder’s son was hard, dirty and not in the least adventurous.

Fate intervenes when on a journey with his father, a stranger saves Darn from a near fatal rousting by local bullies, eventually leading to Darn’s induction into a powerful religious and military order: The Disciple of Flames.

Muth lives near Sylva and spends a lot of time hiking, biking

and looking for shiny rocks all over Cowee Mountain. Disciple of Flames is his first novel.

828.586.9499.

Sealy to read new gothic noir Writer Jon Sealy will read from his southern gothic noir novel The Whiskey Baron at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Late one night at the end of a scorching summer, a phone call rouses Sheriff Furman Chambers out of bed. Two men have been shot dead on Highway 9 in front of the Hillside Inn, a one-time

caused my dislike of a story so many other readers and critics found impressive?

For the first time in my life, I realized I lacked the ability to appreciate much of European literature. Russian and British authors have always appealed to me; over the course of my lifetime, I have read them with pleasure and interest. But with few exceptions, modern French, German, Spanish and Italian authors rarely find their way to my desk or bookshelves. Why this is so baffles me, and will doubtless lead me to some painful discernment. Some of it, I think, has to do with the ponderousness of European thought; with the exception of Nietzsche, I found the modern European philosophers I read long ago in college an uphill trudge. Part, too, stems from the European sense of humor, which seems to me to differ drastically from British, Russian and American humor.

Europeans are, somehow, more icy in their humor, favoring an arched eyebrow to a belly laugh.

I am also aware that focused, prolonged reading, once a pleasure 30 years ago, has become nearly an impossibility. This circumstance derives not only from many hours in front of a computer screen, during which the attention jumps from site to site like a jackrabbit on speed, but from a life of work in which a long bout of reading became impossible, a pleasure denied by work. Even today, when life offers more leisure, I cannot sit very long with a book before the conscience begins its nagging, telling me to wash the dishes, write emails to students, call a friend. I still read a great many books, but the reading is done in snatched moments. Night Train requires focus and lengthy sessions lost to me along the way.

Finally, I have to admit my sympathies are limited when reading novels burdened with ideas, particularly with long philosophical speculations offered by a character I find unsympathetic. This aversion I also regard as a weakness; I lack either the resolve or the intellectual capability of meeting the author halfway. Were I to meet Mr. Mercier and were we to discuss his book at all, I would feel a fool informing him he needed to write so that someone as dim as I might understand.

boardinghouse that is now just a front for Larthan Tull’s liquor business. When Sheriff Chambers arrives to investigate, witnesses say a person named Mary Jane Hopewell walked into the tavern, dragged two of Tull’s runners into the street, and laid them out with a shotgun. Sheriff Chambers’s investigation leads him into the Bell village, where Mary Jane’s family lives a quiet, hardscrabble life of working in the cotton mill. While the weary sheriff digs into the mystery and confronts the county’s underground liquor operation, the whiskey baron himself is looking for vengeance. Mary Jane has gotten in the way of his business, and you don’t do that to Larthan Tull and get away with it.

828.586.9499.

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

32

Sunshine on Sam Knob Ranger-led hikes help locals explore trails along Parkway

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER espite warnings of thunderstorms earlier in the week, Aug. 22 came with a blue sky and a light breeze, temperatures hovering around a sunny 70 degrees at the Black Balsam Trailhead. Gail Fox, a National Park Service ranger for the Blue Ridge Parkway, predicted fantastic views from the top of Sam Knob as a group of about 15 people gathered in the parking lot.

“I had wanted to come here a long time, and I thought coming with a group would be fun,” said Arden resident Aprill Rhodes, a camera strapped around her neck.

There were plenty of reasons to have a camera at Black Balsam that day. After climbing up a small rise out of the parking lot, the trail flattened out across a treeless meadow, where tall grasses and abundant late summer flowers waved gently in the breeze. By this point in the year, Fox’s co-leader Mary Lou Glennon said, the flowers are mostly composites, species whose colorful faces are made of a bunch of tiny flowers pressed together —

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flowers that form Queen Anne’s lace, angelica, daisy. Bright purple blazing stars, butterflyladen bull thistle and the last hurrah of fireweed rounded out the show.

The group spread out along the trail where Glennon and Fox had stopped to point out the rainbow of species around them, alternately listening to the talk and simply drinking in the surroundings.

“This is so incredibly lovely,” Rhodes said.

It was only Rhodes’ second time in nine years on the Sam Knob trail, but she’s hiked plenty of others led by Blue Ridge Parkway rangers. The hikes run weekly from late May to mid-October, usually somewhere under 3 miles, always somewhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway or very near its property. Though the Black Balsam area is U.S. Forest Service property, the trailhead is accessible only through a short, bumpy road off mile 420 of the Parkway.

Most ranger programs in the National Park System attract mainly out-of-town visitors, but the Parkway hikes are a little different in that they mostly draw from the local crowd.

“We get some families [on vacation], but we do kind of have this core group,” Fox said.

“We get a lot of locals from Asheville, Brevard, Waynesville.”

REFINED BY FIRE The location varies from week to week — sometimes east of Asheville, sometimes west.

So does the difficulty. With a 2.5-mile roundtrip and a little over 500 feet of elevation gain, Sam Knob is on the upper end of exertion for a Parkway Hike of the Week, but it’s still one of the easiest summit hikes around.

And it comes with one of the most interesting ecological histories. Hearing the story provided a great excuse to stop and rest for a while after the trail left the meadow and began to climb through a deciduous forest heavily populated with yellow birch. Reaching a rocky outcrop surrounded by blueberries on one side and a view of the valley on the other, Fox launched into her tale.

“This area has been affected by a lot of

Give it a try This week’s Parkway hike will hit the Black Balsam area too. At 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, rangers will lead an easy-to-moderate 2 mile hike along the Art Loeb Trail where it intersects with Black Balsam Road, also called Forest Service Road 816, about 0.7 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 420. Rangers will talk about the origins of the place’s name and of the grassy meadows that offer such striking views of the surrounding mountains.

And whether Friday works or not, it’s best to get your Black Balsam hikes in soon. The road will be closed to motorized vehicles beginning Sept. 2 and will stay closed through early October for road repairs.

828.298.5330, ext. 304.

time and a lot of change,” she said.

To start with the mountains’ formation would dredge up eons of history, but even just going into the past couple hundred years brings up plenty worthy of discussion.

Back in the mid-to-late 1800s, a powerful windstorm kicked up in the mountains, felling countless trees for miles around. Then logging came into the area, cutting down what remained and hauling it off on a long-gone mountain railroad. And in 1925, a red-hot forest fire burned 25,000

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Hikers file through a flower-filled meadow at the beginning of the Sam Knob hike. Holly Kays photos

Ranger Gail Fox consults her map to name the mountain peaks on display at the top of the knob. (above) Butterflies and bees congregate on a cluster of bull thistle flowers.

Hike to hit high point of the park

Classic Hikes of the Smokies series, organized by the Friends of the Smokies, is moderately difficult and will include 7.2 miles of trail, 1,600 feet of elevation gain and commentary from hiking guide author Danny Bernstein. The route begins on the Appalachian Trail and Mountains-to-Sea

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Breath is important not only for walking. It’s also a vital ingredient for talking, something that happens quite a lot in the course of a hike, especially among people who find themselves sharing the trail with each other week after week.

“It’s like a little hiking club,” Fox said.

Emerging out onto the bald, that “club” takes a collective breath. The waves of the Blue Ridge peak out behind the closer mountains that rise green from the mountain valley. The sun shines on Courthouse Rock, on the tree-dotted meadows across the valley, on hats and arms and t-shirts.

Some people break out the snacks. Some break out the camera. Some head over to the blueberry bushes.

“I’d rather do this than Disney World any day,” says Lester resident Douglas May. The clarity of a sunny day at 6,000 feet makes it hard to disagree, especially when there are wild blueberries ready for the picking. Sunshine makes it easy to smile.

By the time we make it back to the trailhead, it’s after 1 p.m. Less than 3 miles in three hours might not be the best time record, but sometimes a trail is about more than just the destination. It’s about what you’ve learned, who you’ve talked to, what you’ve seen.

“For us to be able to go out and lead hikes and share the beauty of the Parkway with people is one of the best things we get to do in our job,” Fox said.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

acres of land where wild blueberries now grow.

“It wasn’t just your regular forest fire,” Fox said. “It was a fire that burned so absolutely and completely that it sterilized the soil. Then it rained.”

The rain carried off the scorched earth, leaving a moonscape behind that would take years to restore itself to a functioning ecosystem. That’s why, nearly 100 years later, the area is still mostly meadow, flourishing with grasses and wildflowers as few places do in the Appalachians, where trees sometimes seem to grow like weeds. Over time, the trees will likely return, but it’s hard to know for sure. From her vantage point on the mountainside, Fox pointed out a distinct line running down the opposite slope: shrubby meadow on one side, spruce-fir forest on the other.

It’s things like that which an untrained eye attached to a solo hiker might not notice, or be able to decode. By joining these guided outings, hikers get the chance to see things through an expert’s eyes in a way that’s a little more active than sitting through a 45-minute campfire lecture.

“You learn a little bit more than when you’re on your own,” said Peggy O’Donnell, an Asheville resident who came out with her husband to celebrate her 66th birthday.

That’s a benefit of keeping the hikes short. There’s plenty of time to stop along the way, whether to take a photo, point out an interesting flower species or simply catch a breath.

A monument built to commemorate a popular 1800s watering hole has long been hidden by ivy and vines, but an Eagle Scout project by Joey Rolland has restored the Pigeon Gap Watering Hole outside the Bethel community of Haywood County to its former glory.

Carolina Development, which owns the site where the old watering hole is, After Joey Rolland’s restoration project, the historic watering hole had contacted the site used by horseback riders traveling through Bethel is a lot more Bethel Rural visible. Donated photo Community Organization about restoring the wall and monument.

To visit the site, turn on the small gravThe site was under a conservation easeel road between the crest of Waynesville ment requiring protection and preservaMountain and Estates at Boulder Creek. tion, and the Bethel community club in It’s a left turn coming from Bethel and a turn recommended it as an Eagle Scout right coming from Waynesville. Park and project for Rolland. Rolland, together with walk past the gated barrier to the spring.

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View from Clingman’s Dome. Chris Hatfield photo

Trail up to Clingmans Dome, continuing along the improved Forney Ridge Trail out to Andrews Bald.

The hike will also give participants a chance to see Friends of the Smokies donations put into action. Rebuilt stairs, redirected waterflow and improved walkability all make the pathway safer and more enjoyable.

The trail work was carried out by special crews under the Smokies’ Trails Forever program, which is currently finishing a major overhaul of the park’s Chimney Tops Trail. $10 for members; $35 for nonmembers with a one-year membership included.

Members who bring a friend hike free. All donations benefit the Smokies Trails Forever program.

Carpools available from Asheville, Maggie Valley and Gatlinburg. Register with annalee@friendsofthesmokies.org or 828.452.0720. Monthly hikes listed at www.friendsofthesmokies.org/hikes.html.

members of his family and BRCO affiliates Bill Terrell and Mike McDonald, helped with the restoration. McDonald funded the improvements, including clearing overgrowth and inhibiting regrowth, cleaning the wall, polishing the monument and building a bridge.

outdoors

A hike above the clouds on the reconstructed Forney Ridge Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will allow hikers soak up vistas from the highest point in the park while enjoying a bevy of improvements to the trail itself on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

This September installment of the

Eagle Scout restores watering hole used in the old days

Lake Junaluska Bookstore and Cafe 710 North Lakeshore Dr. 828-454-6777

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Freestyle paddlers to hit the Nantahala wave

outdoors

Bryson City. File photo

Bryson seeks outdoors honors in magazine contest Bryson City is currently in the lead for the Top Outdoors Town contest in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine. But votes are still needed to secure the honor of first place and a November article in the magazine.

The voting site pits two random towns against each other; to help Bryson City get ahead, click “draw” until Bryson City comes up as one of the two choices and then vote.

Unlimited per-person vote. Polls close Aug. 31. www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/ top-towns-2014.

A major freestyle paddling competition will come to the Nantahala Gorge Sept. 4-6, with top freestylers from across the continent converging on the Nantahala River’s famous “wave” to vie for the title of Pan American Champion.

The 2014 International Canoe Federation Canoe Freestyle Pan American Championships will be based on the campus of Nantahala Outdoor Center outside Bryson City.

Live music, a competition DJ and a lineup of activities will keep things exciting for spectators making their way to this family-friendly event.

Training will begin as early as Aug. 28, but the first heats won’t take place until 11:30 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 3. Semifinals will be held 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 5, with finals 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 6 and an awards presentation following at 6:15 p.m. Live music will be held on both Friday and Saturday evenings along the river at Big Wesser BBQ. www.noc.com/events/2014-freestylepanam-championships or 828.785.5082.

Running for support

MST photos sought

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

Paddlers ready their canoes for a 2013 competition on the Nantahala river. SMN photo

More than 350 runners streamed down Main Street in downtown Waynesville last Friday evening for the annual Main Street Mile. Top male runners crossed the finish line in just over 4 minutes. These runners who ran the mile wearing full firemen’s turn-out gear weren’t among them, however. The gluttons for punishment include Chris Bowers of the Savannah Volunteer fire department and his friend Josh Moss, owner of Catamount Crossfit, who threw in partly for the challenge and partly for moral support. The race raised $5,000 for the Shriners Hospitals for Children Greenville. Patrick Parton photo

A photo contest for the Mountainsto-Sea Trail will provide an opportunity to win cash prizes, gift cards and outdoors gear, as well as photo publication.

Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is looking for winners in three categories: The View from the Trail, People on the Trail and Youth Photographer (17 and under). Photo submission closes Friday, Oct. 31. Enter at www.ncmst.org/getinvolved/photo-contest.

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A documentary featuring legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold will air 4:30 and 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. The first full-length, high-definition documentary ever made about Leopold and his legacy, Green Fire: Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for Our Time, shares highlights from Leopold’s career and explains how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. Leopold’s vision of a community that cares about both people and land continues to inspire projects worldwide today, connecting people and land.

Sponsored by the Nantahala Hiking Club, the Wilderness Society and the Macon County Public Library. greenfiremovie.com.

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Smoky Mountain News

Jump on the gem mine caravan tour A tour of four historic gem mines will give a view into Franklin’s past, beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30.

Following a gem mine introductory presentation, tour-goers will get in their own vehicles and caravan to historic mines in the Cowee and Burningtown areas. The gem industry has played an influential role in Macon County’s past, though it has declined in recent decades. $5 per vehicle donation requested.

Carpooling encouraged. Meet at the Historic Cowee School, a.k.a. Macon Heritage Center. Hosted by Friends of the Rickman Store. 828.349.7476 or 828.371.7689.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

The Radical Reels Film Tour is coming to Asheville, 7-10 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, featuring more than a half dozen adrenalinepumping action sport films — from epic big mountain ski descents to jaw-dropping bike jumps to stomach-turning kayak drops, all as seen through the eyes of some of today’s top athletes.

The film is on a national circuit and will make a stop at the Regal Biltmore theater. $15 general admission through Sept 7, or an extra $2 at the door. www.radicalreels.com

2nd Annual 7 Clans Rodeo September 5–6 Between the broncos that will be busted, the bulls that will be bucking, and the rodeo clowns looking to avoid getting stomped in the head, there will be all sorts of skills competitions and top-name riders in this PRCA-sanctioned event. Gates open at 6 nightly, with the rodeo starting at 8. Located at the intersection of Highways 19/441 in Cherokee, NC. Buy your tickets at VisitCherokeeNC.com.

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outdoors

Costa to close out Zahner series with Darwin lecture

Young naturalist guides wanted The student volunteer docent program at the Highlands Nature Center will give children ages 9-14 the chance to learn about regional plants and wildlife while sharing their new knowledge with visitors as museum interpretive guides.

An orientation from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, will give interested students a further introduction to the program. A student docent’s primary responsibilities include assisting visitors — especially other children — with interactive exhibits and answering questions about regional biology.

Parents should accompany children to the orientation. Enroll with Patrick Brannon, 828.526.2623.

Dried seed workshop held in Sylva A workshop on making dried seed flowers will be the centerpiece of the September meeting of the Sylva Garden Club, 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 2 at the First Presbyterian Church of Sylva. Brenda Anders of Dogwood Crafters will lead the workshop.

The meeting opens with a social time, followed by short business meeting, the presentation beginning shortly after 10 a.m.

Jim Costa, executive director of the Highlands Biological Station, will close out the Highlands Biological Foundation’s summer Zahner Conservation Lecture Series with a talk titled “The Force of Admiration: Wallace and Darwin on the Evolutionary Trail,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 at the Highlands Nature Center.

Costa has long studied the work of naturalists Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, co-founders of evolutionary biology. The lecture will trace the independent development of Wallace’s and Darwin’s evolutionary insights and compare their ideas.

Costa will also evaluate the ups and downs of their relationship, evaluating the many conspiracy theories surrounding Darwin’s receiving credit for discovering natural selection instead of Wallace. Costa has authored three books on the subject, including Wallace, Darwin and the Origin of Species, first released this spring.

Costa’s lecture will follow that of William Kimler of N.C. State University,

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014 Smoky Mountain News

standing, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28 at the Highlands Nature Center.

Free. 828.526.2221 or www.highlandsbiological.org.

A program on the role of Wilderness Areas within national forests will be led by Brent Martin of The Wilderness Society at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Macon County Public Library.

Martin will discuss the history of the Wilderness Act and efforts to protect national forests from ecological threats and pressures.

North Carolina is home to some of the first designated wilderness areas following Congress’ passage of the Wilderness Act in 1964. Of the more than 1 million acres that comprise the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests, 66,550 are protected as wilderness. The Wilderness Society would like to see additional acreage designated as wilderness in the future.

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A work hike Saturday, Aug. 30, will give Nantahala hikers the chance to give back to the trails they cover.

The outing will include a 5-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail from Burningtown Gap halfway to Telico Gap and back.

Participants should bring their own food and water and wear long pants, boots and gloves, with clothing packed for changeable weather. The Nantahala Hiking Club will furnish tools and supervision. The group will meet at the Nantahala Hiking Club clubhouse, 176 Carl Slagle Rd. in Franklin, at 9 a.m. Newcomers and families welcome.

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Key rule makers to speak at fracking forum

Smoky Mountain News

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August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

A forum organized by N.C. Sen. Jim Davis, R-Franklin, will give the public a chance to learn more about shale energy rulemaking, exporation and development in North Carolina at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

Jim Womack, former chairman of the Mining and Energy Commission, will be the featured speaker, followed by a questionand-answer panel discussion with fracking experts.

Topics will include: n Guidelines from the N.C. General Assembly. n The organizing and rulemaking process of the MEC. n Known information about shale energy deposits in the Triassic Basin. n Potential benefits of developing shale resources. n Myths about shale energy development, or fracking.

Following Womack’s presentation, Davis will moderate a question-and-answer session between the audience and a guest panel of experts on the N.C. shale energy program, environmental issues and related legislation. Information including peerreviewed papers, videos, books and maps will be available for audience members to take home.

Questions must be submitted in writing on blank index cards and will be drawn at random. No signs are allowed inside the building.

828.524.1598.

37

38

WNC Calendar

Smoky Mountain News

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Kountry Krafters ECA, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, Tuckasegee Wesleyan Church, Tuckasegee.

828.586.4009.

• $10 Fall Fix: get unfixed pets for spay/neuter and rabies vaccination for only $10 through Nov. 30, through Haywood Spay/Neuter. Pet owner must live in Haywood County and sign their pets up at the Haywood Spay/Neuter office, noon to 6 p.m. open Tuesday through Friday. 452.1329.

• P.A.W.S. Adoption Days first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the front lawn at Charleston Station, Bryson City.

• “Drugs in Our Midst” will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 27 at New Covenant Church. Program will include update from the Sheriff’s Department. 767 Lee Road, Clyde.

• Angel Medical Center Disease Management Services will be offering a lunch and learn class for the public at 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28. The class includes information on discussing the different classes of medications. 828.349.8290.

• Fontana Village Resorts will hold its fifth annual Labor Day Weekend LakeAlooza celebration Aug. 29-31.

The Josh Fields Band will be performing, and games and contests will be available. www.fontanavillage.com.

800.849.2258.

• The Friends of the Rickman Store will be hosting a tour of local gem mines at 10 a.m. Aug. 30 at 51 Cowee School Rd., Franklin. A self-drive caravan will allow visitors and residents alike to travel together to four historic mines in the Cowee and Burningtown areas. The tour will begin with a gem mine introductory presentation. A $5 per vehicle donation is requested and carpooling is encouraged. Box lunches will also be available. 828.349.7467.

• Southern Vintage Trailer Friends (members of the national group the Tin Can Tourists), annual fall rally, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, Pride Resort, 4393 Jonathan Creek Road, Waynesville. More than 30 restored and period decorated vintage trailers open to public viewing.

• WestCare Wellness will be hosting an event focusing on preparing healthy family meals from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, in the main lobby of Harris Regional Hospital. This event is one in a series and is in partnership with Jackson County Department of Public Health. Recipes for the “Kitchen Showdown Competition” must be submitted by Thursday, Aug. 28.

828.586.7734.

• Training for Fracking Hearing, 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, Jackson County Public Library, 310 Keener St., Sylva. 828.631.3447 or info@canarycoalition.org.

• Swain County Coalition Against Fracking, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 9, Marianna Black Library.

828.736.5529.

• Shale Energy Rulemaking forum with Sen. Jim Davis, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin.

919.733.5875.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • The Small Business Roundtable series will provide small business owners the opportunity to networking from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Aug. 27 at Haywood Community College in the Library Conference room.

Online registration required. 828.627.4512. www.haywood.edu.

• Haywood Community College will offer a series of Student Success Seminars from 1-2 p.m. on Aug. 27 in

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. building 300, room 335A. These seminars are free of charge and open to the public. 828.627.4646. drowland@haywood.edu.

• The Jackson County Public Library will offer a free class on making a business/contact card using MS Word Templates at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug 27.

This is the intermediate level of the class. This program is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Library of the Jackson County Public Library. RSVP to sign up.

828.586.2016.

• Southwestern Community College’s small business law seminars will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 2, and Wednesday, Sept. 3 ,from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SCC’s Jackson campus. RSVP required.

828.339.4211 or www.ncsbc.net.

• Southwestern Community College Craft Brewing Program. Starts 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, until Nov. 20, SCC Jackson Campus, 447 College Dr., Sylva. 828.339.4394 or www.southwesterncc.edu.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • PAWS Wine Tasting and Silent Auction, 7 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 30, Harmony Hall at Lands Creek Cabins, Swain County. Tickets, $20. 488.0418; 333.4267.

• The Highlands Playhouse will be holding its Bubbles and Big Band event at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29. All you can eat low country boil dinner. Concert will follow, featuring the Asheville Jazz Orchestra. $85 per person.

Proceeds benefit The Highlands Playhouse and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital. 526.2695.

• PAWS will be having their 11th Annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at Harmony Hall. 3336 Balltown Rd, Bryson City.

Purchase tickets at PAWS Thrift Store. 333.4267.

• The Designer Showhouse will be held through Aug. 31 in Cashiers. The location of the home is in Timber Ridge. A shuttle will be provided. Proceeds support the Cashiers Historical Society. cherietibbetts@yahoo.com.

• Eighth annual Baskets and Bags Bingo, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 12, Haywood County Fairgrounds.

Presented by the Catholic Women’s Circle of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Proceeds go to local community agencies. $20 for 21 games. Sponsorships also available. Great prizes. Karen Conner, 452.0768.

Sponsorship information, Belinda Lowe, 648.5568.

• Benevolence Fundraiser: Tickets are on sale to win a 2001 Ford Ranger XLT 4X4. Proceeds to benefit Macon/Jackson Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #81.

Tickets are $10 each or six for $50. Drawing, Sept. 23.

Tickets available from John O’Conner, 369.0698; Joe Hall, 332.8568; or Larry Miller, 369.6924. Truck will be displayed at various places around town for certain events.

• Euphoria Tattoo and Piercing second annual tattoo fundraiser, 1 p.m. to closing. Thursday, Sept. 4, 157 Depot St., Waynesville. Half of proceeds will go to Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation. 828.356.6318.

BLOOD DRIVES Jackson • American Red Cross Blood Drive, noon to 5:30, Thursday, Aug. 28, University Center, Western Carolina University, Highway 107, Cullowhee. 800.733.2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.

HEALTH MATTERS • Angel Medical Center Disease Management Services will offer a lunch and learn class for the public, 11:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, back of Angel Medical Center Dining Room. 828.349.8290.

• Two-day diabetes management class for the public, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4 and Tuesday, Sept.

9, Angel Medical Center, Franklin. Pre-registration required, Barbara Hall, 369.4166.

RECREATION & FITNESS • ISA Fall Softball League mandatory team registration meeting, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, Waynesville Recreation Center. 456.2030 or email dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

KIDS & FAMILIES • The Charles Kidz Program will meet at 5 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Charles Heath Art Gallery. 175 Everett Street, Bryson City. 828.538.2054. charlesheath.com.

• Kidz on Main will be holding a Block Party 6-10 p.m. on Aug. 30. Art activities, live music and food will be available. Main Street, Waynesville. 828.456.3517. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• The Macon County Public Library will host a frog kissing party to celebrate children’s summer reading accomplishments at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 28. For each child that has read for 15 minutes a day, for at least 49 days during the summer, the children’s librarians will kiss a frog that many times. Bring your own frog. 149 Siler Farm Rd, Franklin. 828.524.3600.

• Children’s Storytime, 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, Jackson County Public Library, 310 Keener St., Sylva.

828.586.2016.

• Preschool Storytime, 10:30 a.m. Every Wednesday, starting Sept. 3, Marianna Black Library, 33 Fryemont St., Bryson City. 828.488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org.

POLITICAL GROUP EVENTS & LOCAL GOVERNMENT • WCU Political Debate Series, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, between Mark Meadows (R-Jackson) and Tom Hill (DHenderson), Grandroom of A.K. Hinds University Center on the WCU campus; 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, between Joe Sam Queen (D-Haywood) and Mike Clampitt (RSwain), Health and Human Sciences Building on WCU’s West Campus; and 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, between Jim Davis (R-Macon) and Jane Hipps (D-Haywood), Room 204 of the Health and Human Sciences Building. All debates will be broadcast live online by WLOS-TV on www.wlos.com.

• The Libertarian Party of Haywood County meets at 7

A&E FESTIVALS, SPECIAL & SEASONAL EVENTS • “Understanding our Past, Shaping our Future,” exhibition of Cherokee language and culture, is on display at the Snowbird Complex in Robbinsville through Aug. 29. 479.6178.

• Cherokee Bonfire and Storytelling, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday through Saturday nights, through Aug. 30, Oconaluftee Island Park, U.S. 19 and U.S. 441.

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: n Complete listings of local music scene n Regional festivals n Art gallery events and openings n Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers n Civic and social club gatherings • Bingo, 5:45 p.m. Thursdays, through Sept. 5 in the Pavilion next to Maggie Valley Town Hall. Cash prizes.

• Arts Alive @ 125, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, Western Carolina University. A celebration of 125 years of arts at WCU, presented by Chancellor David O. Belcher and his wife, Susan Brummell Belcher. Reception sponsored by Fusions Spa and Wellness. Ticket information at www.celebrate125.wcu.edu or the box office, 227.2479.

• Mountain Heritage Day, 40th Anniversary, Saturday, Sept. 27, Western Carolina University campus. Mountain Heritage Day contests, whisker-growing, old-fashioned costumes, home-canned goods; chainsaw competition, antique auto show and Mountain Heritage Day 5K. Artists and craftspeople juried competition. Applications at www.mountainheritageday.com or 227.7129. www.facebook.com/mountainheritageday or @WCU on Twitter.

• Multi-platinum country singer-songwriter Jo Dee Messina will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets are $37, $33 and $26. 866.273.4615 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• Jackson County Green Energy Park seems vendors for the Youth Arts Festival. The festival is Saturday, Sept. 20.

An estimated 1,600 children and adults will be in attendance to watch artisans practice their craft, listen to local music, and get their hands dirty with art projects.

Artists should fill out the online form at JCGEP.org or call the Green Energy Park Director Timm Muth at 631.0271.

• Call to restaurateurs for Fifth annual Taste of Sylva culinary tour, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, downtown Sylva and McGuire Gardens. Julie Sylvester, 226.0181 or by email at julie@pinnacleeventswnc.com. Deadline is Aug. 22. www.mainstreetsylva.org.

• Balsam Crafters’ 5th annual art and craft show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, Balsam Fire Department.

• The 2nd annual 7 Clans Rodeo will be held Sept. 5-6 at the intersection of U.S. 19/441 in Cherokee. Gates open for both nights at 6 p.m., with a preshow performance by country/rock act Joe Lasher Jr. at 7:15 p.m., followed by the rodeo at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults in advance ($15 at gate), and $6 for children in advance ($8 at gate). A weekend pass is $18 in advance ($20 at gate).

LITERARY (ADULTS) • Mary Joyce will discuss her new book, Cherokee Little People Were Real, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Call to RSVP. 828.356.2507.

• Timm Muth will sign copies of his debut novel, Disciple of the Flames, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at City Lights Bookstore, 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva.

828.586.9499

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • Haywood County Public Library presents “Lee Smith: Ivy, Alice, and Evalina”, 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7, The

Fly Fishing the South

Protect your world

• Timm Muth will sign copies of his debut novel, Disciple of the Flames, at 3 p.m. Saturday Aug. 30, at City Lights Bookstore, 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva.

586.9499

Auto ~ Home Life ~ Retirement

• Single tickets now on sale for the 2014-15 Galaxy of Stars Series at Western Carolina University’s John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center. 227.2479, www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

• Celtic band of the Smokys Bean Sidhe will perform traditional music from the British Isles, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 28, Marianna Black Library, 33 Fryemont St, Bryson City. 828.488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org.

wnc calendar

• The Artist and Writer Retreats + Workshops, Sept.

15-21, Lake Logan Retreat Center. Details, www.cullowheemountainarts.org or 342.6913.

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Waynesville Library Auditorium, Waynesville. RSVP is required. 828.356.2507.

• Gaither Homecoming Tour, 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, Western Carolina University’s Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. Tickets are $73 for platinum seating, $36 for artist circle seating, $26 for regular reserved seating and $23 for seniors and children.

Groups of 15 or more with reservations, $21 per person. 227.7677. 227.7722 or visit the Ramsey Activity Center box office.

• Ninth annual Nashville Songwriters’ Round, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 20, Trillium Links & Lake Club, Cashiers. Proceeds benefit Blue Ridge School Education Foundation. Tickets, $75 per person.

743.5191.

• The hour-long radio show Stories of Mountain Folk airs at 9 a.m. every Saturday on its home station, WRGC Jackson County Radio, 540 AM on the dial, broadcasting out of Sylva. Stories of Mountain Folk is an ongoing all-sound oral history program produced by Catch the Spirit of Appalachia (CSA), a Western North Carolina not-for-profit, for local radio and online distribution.

• Literacy Council of Highlands presents Randall Atcheson in concert at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Highlands Playhouse. $50 for general admission.

526.2695.

• Tim McGraw will be appearing live at Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31.

McGraw is a #1 country artist that has sold over 40 million albums over 20 years. 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee. 800.745.3000. www.ticketmaster.com.

• Johnny Hayes & The Love Seats and Porch 40 will perform at No Name Sports Pub in Sylva. Hayes Aug. 28-29 and Porch 40 Aug. 30. All shows begin at 9 p.m.

Free. 586.2750 or www.nonamesportspub.com.

• Acoustic duo The Moon & You will perform at Nantahala Brewing in Bryson City. The Moon & You Aug. 29. 8 p.m. Free. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• Guitarist Jay Brown and pianist Joe Cruz will perform at The Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. Cruz Aug. 30 and Brown Aug. 29. $10 minimum purchase. 452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

the summer's

biggest fish.

And

biggest purse.

The Qualla Country Trout Tournament

Smoky Mountain News

• Haywood Arts Regional Theater will present Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple” at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 and 30 and at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31. $22 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students. 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville. 456.6322.

take home August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

‘• Round the Fire, Dustin Martin & The Ramblers, SmokeRise, Electric Circus and Fine will perform at the Maggie Valley Rendezvous. ‘Round the Fire plays Aug. 29, with Martin Aug. 30, SmokeRise Aug. 30 and Aug. 31 (poolside 3 to 6 p.m.), Electric Circus Sept. 6 and Fine Line Sept. 7 (poolside 3 to 6 p.m.). All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.926.0201.

It's not too late to

• The Music on the River series continues at the Oconaluftee River Stage in Cherokee. Amazing Grace Ministries Aug. 29-30 and The Boomers Aug. 31. All shows are at 8 p.m. Free.

• The Freestylers will perform at City Lights Café in

39

Sylva Aug. 29. Free. www.citylightscafe.com.

wnc calendar

• Friday Night Jazz! with The Kittle & Collings Duo will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 29 at Lulu’s on Main. www.mountainlovers.com.

• The Remnants will perform at Concerts on the Creek at Bridge Park in Sylva Aug. 29. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. Free. 586.2155.

• Craig Summers & Lee Kram, Keli Nathan and Molly Fish & Ian Grady and The Wilhelm Brothers will perform at Frog Level Brewing Company in Waynesville.

Summers & Kram play Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, with Fish & Grady Aug. 29 and The Wilhelm Brothers Sept. 5. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Bluegrass band The Frogtown Four will perform as part of Pickin’ on the Square at the gazebo in downtown Franklin on Aug. 30. Shows begin at 6:30 p.m.

Free. 524.2516 or www.franklin-chamber.com.

• “An Appalachian Evening” concert series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center in Robbinsville will present Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for students. Dinner services begin at 6 p.m. in the Schoolhouse Café. 479.3364 or www.stecoahvalleycenter.com.

• Reggae/rock group The Caribbean Cowboys will perform at the Bryson City Train Depot Aug. 30. Free at 6:30 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• Singer-songwriter Andrew Scotchie will perform as part of the Saturdays on Pine concert series at KelseyHutchinson Park in Highlands. Aug 30. All shows begin at 6 p.m. Free.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

MUSIC JAMS.

Smoky Mountain News 40

• All-Adult First Class Moonshine Car during the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Moonshine Experience on the new Carolina Shine. Tickets, $98 for adults (21+), through September, and $104 for adults (21+) during October. 488.7024 or 800.872.4681 ext. 7024, www.gsmr.com.

SMSH.co

• The Maggie Valley Labor Day Weekend Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 30 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 31 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. A variety of fine handmade crafts created by regional artisans. A food drive for the Maggie Valley Methodist Church Food Pantry will take place during the event. All non-perishable items or donations will be accepted. Food vendors will be onsite. Admission is free.

• The “Elegance & Spirit: The Costume Designs of Downton Abbey” presentation by Cornelia Powell will held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Crosby Center in Highlands. www.clehighlands.com or 828.526.8811.

CLASSES, PROGRAMS & DEMONSTRATIONS

• Jon Houglum’s North Carolina Mountain Landscape Oil Painting Workshop will take place at 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Aug. 29 and 30 at the Historic Cowee School.

This workshop is for advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced oil painting students. 51 Cowee School Rd., Franklin. 828.369.7274. www.houglumfineart.com.

• The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad BBQ & Brews Dinner Train will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 30. Train will depart from the Bryson City Train Depot. Slowcooked BBQ and beer tastings by Heinzelmannchen Brewery. Tickets are $69. For ages 21 and over.

800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

Monday - Friday 9-6 | Saturday 9-5 | Cosed Sunday

• Juried competition for artists and craftspeople, Mountain Heritage Day, 40th Anniversary, Saturday, Sept. 27, Western Carolina University campus.

Applications at www.mountainheritageday.com.

• Cruso Circle Play & Jam, 7 p.m. every Tuesday, Cruso Community Center and Friendship Club in Cruso. www.facebook.com/crusocircleplayjam.

FOOD & DRINK

828.452.7276

• Haywood Community College’s Professional Crafts department 2014 Graduate Show, through Sept. 14, Southern Highland Craft Guild Folk Art Center, Mile Post 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, near Asheville.

565.4159.

• The deadline to enter a quilt in the 2014 Smoky Mountain Quilt Show has been extended to Sept. 10.

The show will be held Oct. 2-4 at Western Carolina University. Entry forms can be found at www.smokymtnquilters.org. 828.293.5004 or 828.508.7916.

• Buy Haywood will be hosting their “Uniquely Local Food Crawl” event on Aug. 28-31. 828.734.9574. www.buyhaywood.com.

82 Lucust Drive, Waynesville

• Artists get two festivals for the price of one: Dillsboro’s 125th Birthday Fall Festival, Sept. 6, and Dillsboro Fine Arts & Crafts Fair COLORFAIR, Oct. 4. www.visitdillsboro.org, 506.8331, Jackson County Chamber of Commerce or Town Hall in Dillsboro.

The Franklin Ubuntu Choir will perform music from around the world, 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, First Presbyterian Chapel, Church St. at Harrison Avenue, Franklin. 828.524.7683 or www.artscouncilofmacon.org.

• 7 p.m. Fridays, Pickin’ in the Park, through Labor Day, Canton

Exit 100 Off US 23/74

Art/Craft Show, Aug. 30 and Nov. 29, Balsam Fire Department. No tent needed; show inside. 226.9352, 269.8604.

ART/GALLERY EVENTS & OPENINGS • “FLORA: Contemporary Botanical Prints from the FAM’s Littleton Studios Vitreograph Archive,” through Sept. 5, Fine Art Museum, John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center, WCU. 227.3591 or fineartmuseum.wcu.edu.

• Climatic Contours, an exhibition of large scale paintings, by Craig Voligny, through Sept. 7, North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. www.ncarboretumregistration.org.

• Crafters wanted for the 5th Balsam Crafters

• Art League of Highlands-Cashiers monthly meetings, 4:30 p.m. Sept. 29 and Oct. 27, The Bascom in Highlands. Guests welcome. www.artleagueofhighlands.com..

• Call for artists and volunteers to works hands-on with children for 2014 Youth Arts Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, Jackson County Green Energy Park. www.jcgep.org.

• Rug Hooking Group, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Jackson County Public Library. Beginners welcome.

631.2561.

• Children’s Art Classes, by Scottie Harris, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesdays. www.iamclasses.webs.com or contact Char at 456.9197, orcharspaintings@msn.com.

• Art classes with Dominick DePaolo, 10 a.m. to noon on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Old Armory Building, 44 Boundary St. in Waynesville and from 1 to 3 p.m. every Friday at Mountain Home Collection at 110 Miller St., Waynesville. Watercolor classes, 10 a.m. to noon, oil painting classes, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays, Uptown Gallery, Franklin. Registration requested. Armory classes, 456.9918; Home Collection classes, 456.5441; Franklin classes, 349.4607.

• The Smoky Mountain Knitting Guild offers free Learn to Knit classes for adults and children at the Waynesville Library on Tuesdays. The adult class meets from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Children (boys and girls ages 8-12) meet from 5 to 6 p.m. Pre-registration required. 246.0789.

• A landscape-painting workshop for beginners with Jon Houglum will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Aug. 29-30 at the Historic Cowee School in Franklin.

369.7274 or houglumfineart2@frontier.com.

FILM & SCREEN • The Macon County Public Library will be showing “The Lost Bird Project” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28. The independent documentary explores the story of five birds driven to extinction in modern times. 149 Siler Farm Rd, Franklin. 828.524.3600.

• “The Amazing Spiderman 2” will be screened at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Aug. 29-31.

Screenings are at 7:45 p.m. on Fridays; 2, 5 and 7:45 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $6 per person, $4 for children. Saturday morning cartoons will also be shown at 10 a.m. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com • Banff Mountain Film Radical Reels Tour, high adrenaline films, will show at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15, 292 Thetford St., Biltmore Park Town Square, Asheville. Presented by REI and Radical Reels. Benefit for SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association). Tickets at REI only, $15 ($17 starting Sept. 7) VIP tickets, $30, or over the phone, 687.0918. www.rei.com/asheville, www.pisgahareasorba.org, www.racialreels.com.

• The Mad Batter Food & Film now showing featured films, 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, downtown Sylva location. Special kids’ matinee at 2 p.m. Saturdays. Free. Movie listings and information, www.madbatterfoodandfilm.com.

586.3555.

• Movies at the Macon County Library. New movies, documentaries and foreign films every Monday at 3:30, Wednesday at 4:30 and again at 7 p.m., and classic matinees at Fridays at 2 p.m. The movies and popcorn are free, but donations are welcome.

524.3600.

Outdoors • Nature Photography Exhibit: Our Spectacular Southern Appalachians, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah National Forest. $5 for 16 and up.

Youth free.

• Free guided, themed nature walks, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays, Highlands Botanical Garden, Highlands Nature Center, Highlands. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2623.

• Learn about the eating habits of the Highlands Nature Center’s animals, 11 to 11:30 a.m., Fridays, Highlands Nature Center, Highlands. All ages. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2623.

• Featured Creature program, 11:30 a.m. to noon, Saturdays Highlands Nature Center, Highlands. All ages. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2623.

• Volunteer-guided hikes, 1 p.m. Saturdays and

• The Carolina Mountain Club will be hosting a 20mile hike to Cold Mountain in the Shining Rock Wilderness at 8 a.m. This will be a part of the Wilderness Act 50th anniversary hike series. RSVP to attend. 587.9453.

• The Highlands Biological Station and the HighlandsCashiers Land Trust will be exploring salamanders with herpetologist Kyle Pursel from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. Bring a bag lunch and water. $15 for members and $20 for non-members. 526.2221.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will be meeting for their 5-mile Work Hike at 9 a.m. on Aug. 30. Bring lunch, water and snacks for the day. Wear long pants, boots and gloves. Prepare for rain. Tools and supervision will be provided. Newcomers and families welcome. 176 Carl Slagle Rd, Franklin. RSVP at 369.1983.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS • Tuckasegee Nature Series “Conserving the Natural and Cultural Histories of the Southern Blue Ridge, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, Jackson County Public Library’s Community Room, 310 Keener St. Sylva.

524.2711 or www.ltlt.org.

• Village Nature Series: The Scoop on Poop and Facts about Tracks, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 30, The Village Green Commons, Frank Allen Road, Cashiers.

• WMI - Wilderness First Responder (WFR), nine-day comprehensive wilderness medical course, Sept. 1614, Cullowhee. Landmark Learning, 293.5384 or main@landmarklearning.edu.

• Bird walk along the Greenway, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, Macon County Public Library, Franklin.

828.524.5234.

• A weekly bike ride in Sylva meets Tuesday at 6 p.m., departing from Motion Makers bike shop for a tough 25-mile ride up to the Balsam Post office via back roads and back into Sylva. 586.6925.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., departing from Smoky Mountain Bicycles at 179 Highlands Road. Geared for all levels. 369.2881 or www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Tuesday at 6:15 p.m. at Macon Middle School on Wells Grove Road.

Ladies and beginners’ ride. 369.2881 or www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

• A weekly bike ride in Franklin meets Saturdays at 8 a.m., departing from South Macon Elementary School.

369.2881, www.maconcountycycling.blogspot.com.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDES • Weekly mountain bike ride at Tsali, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesdays. Hosted by Nantahala Area SORBA. Social ride, so all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to come. Meet in the Tsali parking lot. www.facebook.com/nantahalaareasorba. Andy, 488.1988.

• Monthly “Girlz Ride” at Tsali, last Friday of every month. Sponsored by Nantahala Area SORBA. Meet at 6:30 p.m. in Tsali parking lot. All skill levels welcome.

Social and snacks provided after the ride. 506.115, www.facebook.com/nantahalaareasorba.

ONGOING CLUBS • Cold Mountain Photographic Society is a camera/photography club for amateurs and professionals who want to learn about and share their

knowledge of photography with others. Must be 18 or older to join. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month in the conference room of MedWest Health and Fitness Center, 262 Leroy George Drive in Clyde. More information at www.cmpsnc.org or info@cmpsnc.org.

• The Cherokee Riders, a new cycling club in Cherokee, seeks members for weekly group rides.

Hugh Lambert 554.6810 or hughlamb@nccherokee.com.

• The Cherokee Runners meets each month on the 1st and 15th of the month (if the first falls on Sunday, the group meets on the 2nd), at the Age Link Conference Room. Group runs are being held each Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. starting at the Flame. www.cherokeerunners.com.

• Small RV Camping club is seeking additional members. We camp one weekend per month March through November. All ages are welcome. No dues, no structured activities. Just an enjoyment of the outdoors, fellowship, good conversation, potluck dinners and a roaring campfire. Contact Lillian for more details lilnau@aol.com or 369.6669.

• Mountain Wild, the local chapter of the N.C. Wildlife Federation works to preserve and increase wildlife and wildlife habitat of the region. Free programs and guest speakers held periodically at the WNC Nature Center in Asheville. Call 338.0035.

• Free Fly Fishing Classes are offered at River’s Edge Outfitters in Cherokee every week. Participants of all ages and skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Classes will be approximately an hour and half long. For more information contact Rivers Edge Outfitters at 497.9300.

• The Jackson-Swain Master Gardeners’ Association meets at 9:30 a.m. every second Wednesday at the Jackson Community Services Building on Scotts Creek Road in Sylva. Mike Glover at 736.2768 or lmgofish@gmail.com.

End of Summer

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Registration for the 2014 Men’s Wooden Bat League will be available until Aug. 29. Entry fee is $375 with a $100 non-refundable deposit. Games will be played Tuesday Nights at Mark Watson Park beginning Sept. 16. 293.3053.

FARM & GARDEN • Food Preservation 101, 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, Jackson County Extension Office. Free, but seating is limited. Register, 586.4009.

• Mountain Heritage Day’s “A Gathering In” traditional foods competition, Saturday, Sept. 27, Western Carolina University campus. Also a “Best in the West Sweet Potato Recipe Contest” adult and youth winners. www.mountainheritageday.com/Contests, or contact Peter Koch at pkoch@email.wcu.edu or 227.7129.

• “Why We Plant for the Winter Season” with John McCarley, 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 28, Devecote Porch and Gardens, 35 Flash Point Drive, Cashiers.

828.743.0307 or dargan.com.

BIKE RIDES • A weekly bike ride in Waynesville meets Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at Rolls Rite Bicycles on the Old Asheville Highway. Beginner to intermediate rides led by Bicycle Haywood advocacy group. Eight- to 12-mile rides.

276.6080 or gr8smokieszeke@gmail.com.

Look for markdowns throughout the store Fun, Affordable Gifts in Downtown Waynesville!

Painted Ponies • Puzzles • Flags & Mailbox Covers Sauces, Rubs & Candy • Jewelry • Scarves

Smoky Mountain News

OUTINGS, HIKES & FIELDTRIPS

• Blue Ridge Parkway’s Pisgah District summer program schedule: Hike of the Week, 10 a.m. Fridays, between Milepost 356 and 469; Evening Campfire, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Milepost 408.8; After Hours Hike, Parkway ranger guided hike, 7 p.m. every other Thursday, along Mountains-To-Sea Trail near Asheville; Family Night, 7 to 8:30 p.m. every other Thursday, opposite After Hours Hike, Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center in Asheville, milepost 384. www.nps.gov/blri, or 298.5330, ext. 304.

• A weekly bike ride meets in Bryson City on Wednesdays around 6 p.m. Depart from the East Swain Elementary school in Whittier on U.S.19 off exit 69 from U.S. 23-74. All levels. 800.232.7238.

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

• Family movie days at Marianna Black Library, Bryson City, are at 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Classic movies at 1 p.m. the second and fourth Friday. Other films also shown. Free movies and popcorn. 488.3030 or www.fontanalib.org/brysoncity.

Tuesdays through November, The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville. www.ncarboretumregistration.org.

wnc calendar

• Jon Houglum’s North Carolina Mountain Landscape Oil Painting Workshop will take place at 9:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Aug. 29 and 30 at the Historic Cowee School. This workshop is for advanced beginners, intermediate and advanced oil painting students. 51 Cowee School Rd., Franklin. 369.7274. www.houglumfineart.com.

Affairs of the Heart

————————————————————————————— 120 N. Main St. • Waynesville, NC • 828.452.0526

255-59

41

Hiring Bonuses available.

Call Nick Vollmer today

828.452.0010

ARTS & CRAFTS

MarketPlace information:

ALLISON CREEK Iron Works & Woodworking. Crafting custom metal & woodwork in rustic, country & lodge designs with reclaimed woods! Design & consultation, Barry Downs 828.524.5763, Franklin NC

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.

AUCTION BANKRUPTCY AUCTION, Live w/ Internet Simulcast, Volvo Trucks, Trailers, Office Equip. & More, Greensboro, NC. 8/26/14 at 11am. Koury Convention Center.

800.997.2248. NCAL3936. www.ironhorseauction.com HARPER’S AUCTION COMPANY Summer is Here! Need some Extra Cash? How about an Auction?

Estates, Collectibles, Auto, ATV’s, Antiques, Boats, Lawn Equipment, Household Goods and Lots More.. Give us a Call, 828.369.6999, harpersauctioncompany.com Debra Harper NCAL# 9659 NCFL# 9671 47 Macon Center Dr. Franklin, NC

Rates: n Free — Residential yard sale ads, lost or found pet ads. n Free — Non-business items that sell for less than $150. n $12 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2. n $12 — If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type. n $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad. n $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold. n $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words. n All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 | classads@smokymountainnews.com

WAYNESVILLE TIRE, COO

Serving Haywood, Jackson & Surrounding Counties

R

Di

sC Ov E R E

ATR

PE

INC.

Offering:

MAJOR-BRAND TIRES FOR CARS, LIGHT & MEDIUM-DUTY TRUCKS, AND FARM TIRES.

Service truck available for on-site repairs LEE & PATTY ENSLEY, OWNERS

MON-FRI 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE PLAZA

828-456-5387

255-77

ABSOLUTE AUCTION 300 acre Alamance County (Gibsonville), NC Farm - August 29th at 5:30 pm. This is a beautiful working farm! There is a perfect combination of hay fields, crop land, grazing land and wooded forest. 2 homes, large barn, ponds, springs and creeks, offered in 12 tracts. Perfect for mini farms, estate properties or purchase it all!

Easy commute to Greensboro, Burlington, Winston Salem, PTI Airport and minutes from Elon University.

Property address 5205 NC Highway 87 North, Gibsonville, NC 24249.

Auction will be held at Altamahaw Ossipee Fire Department. View land anytime at your leisure auctioneers will be on-site Sunday, August 10; Saturday, August 16; and Sunday, August 24 from 1-5 pm. The houses and barns will be open and you can ask questions about the land and auction process. See woltz.com for more information with pictures, surveys, etc.

Call Woltz & Associates, Inc. (NCAL#7560), Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers, 800.551.3588.

AUCTION REAL ESTATE AUCTION 28.93+/-ACRES Zoned M-1. Sat. Sept. 6, Noon. 907 Eden Terrace.

Archdale, NC 27263.

ParcelID#7708581997 (Randolph Co.) www.HughesAuction.com RICHIE HUGHES AUCTION. 336.874.7472 NCAL6206/NCREL202693 TAX SEIZURE AUCTION Saturday, August 30 @ 10am. 201 S. Central Ave. Locust, NC. (East of Charlotte) Heavy Equipment, Vehicles, Lawn Equipment, Cat 943, Komtsu Backhoe, Kubota Tractor & Mower, Mercedes & more.

704.791.8825 ncaf5479/5508. www.ClassicAuctions.com

BUILDING MATERIALS HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING ALL THINGS BASEMENTY! Basement Systems Inc. Call us for all of your basement needs! Waterproofing, Finishing, Structural Repairs, Humidity and Mold Control.

FREE ESTIMATES! Call 1.800.698.9217 DAVE’S CUSTOM HOMES OF WNC, INC Free Estimates & Competitive rates. References avail. upon request. Specializing in: Log Homes, remodeling, decks, new construction, repairs & additions.

Owner/Builder: Dave Donaldson.

Licensed/Insured. 828.631.0747 or 828.508.0316 SULLIVAN HARDWOOD FLOORS Installation- Finish - Refinish 828.399.1847.

CEMETERY PLOTS 1 MAUSOLEUM CRYPT Inside Chapel on Floor Level.

Located at Garrett Hillcrest. $2,700/OBO, some financing available. Call for more info 828.452.2729.

PAINTING JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Interior, exterior, all your pressure washing needs and more.

Specialize in Removal of Carpenter Bees - Cedar or Log Homes or Painted or Siding!

Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING

BY FREDRICK Interior Painting, Over 40 yrs.

Exp. Specializing in Painting and Modernizing of Kitchen Cabinets & Furniture. Located in Haywood County. For more info & Free Estimates - 561.420.9334 Where Pride & Workmanship Still Exists!

AUTO PARTS BLOWN HEAD GASKET Cracked Heads/Block. State of the art 2-part Carbon Composite Repair! All Vehicles Foreign or Domestic including Northstars!

100% guaranteed. Call Now: 1.866.780.9038 SAPA DDI BUMPERS ETC. Quality on the Spot Repair & Painting. Don Hendershot 858.646.0871 cell 828.452.4569 office.

CARS & TRUCKS 1988 CHEVY S-10 BLAZER 162K Miles, Good Cond. Asking $2,200/OBO. For more info call 828.586.8242 DONATE YOUR CAR, Truck or Boat to Heritage for the Blind. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, All Paperwork Taken Care Of. 800.337.9038.

TOP CASH FOR CARS, Call Now For An Instant Offer. Top Dollar Paid, Any Car/Truck, Any Condition. Running or Not. Free Pick-up/Tow. 1.800.761.9396 SAPA

R

CAMPERS

30’ CARRI-LITE CAMPER Set up in Cherokee Campground.

Sleeps 4, $3,500/OBO. Call 828.497.2610.

36’ PIONEER CAMPER Sleeps 9. Like New! $9,500/OBO. For more info call 828.497.2610.

MOTORCYCLES ‘02 YAMAHA V-STAR 650 Vance & Hines Pipes, Saddle Bags.

12k Miles & Mechanic Owned! Like to Trade for a small pickup or boat.

For more info call 828.246.0480.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES GREAT MONEY FROM HOME With Our Free Mailer Program.

Live Operators On Duty Now! 1.800.707.1810 EXT 901 or visit WWW.PACIFICBROCHURES.COM SAPA

EMPLOYMENT

CAN YOU DIG IT? Heavy Equipment Operator Training! 3Wk Hands On Program.

Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators.

Life-time Job Placement Assistance w/National Certifications. VA Benefits Eligible!

1.866.362.6497

FULL/PART TIME - ENERGETIC Housekeepers - The Chalet Inn 828.586.0251.

GAIN THE SKILLS YOU NEED To earn $30,000-$50,000/yr in a real career for as little as $180!

Train at home through a NC community college, save thousands on tuition, and gain the skills to improve your life. Visit CareerStep.com/NorthCarolina today.

GORDON TRUCKING, INC. Solo & Team Positions CDL-A Driving Jobs for OTR * Regional * Dedicated * Home Weekend Opportunities. Big Sign-On Bonus & Pay! No Northeast. EOE. Call 7 days/wk!

866.646.1969.

GordonTrucking.com HIGHLANDS-CASHIERS HOSPITAL Positions now available: Family Nurse Practitioner, ER Registered Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Supply Tech, Receptionist, MDS Coordinator, and Dietary Aide.

Benefits available the first of the month following 60 days of full-time employment. PreEmployment screening required.

Call Human Resources.

828.526.1376, or apply online at: www.highlandscashiershospital. org JOB DEVELOPER (Based out of Murphy, NC) - Catholic Charities seeks experienced professional to help unemployed clients find work. Complete job description at: ccdoc.org/jobs Cover letter and resume must be submitted electronically by 5pm on Friday, September 19, 2014 to: sbluc@charlottediocese.org No phone calls please.

LOCAL CLOTHING GIFT & ACCESSORY BOUTIQUE Seeking an experienced retail sales associate with customer service background. Must work during Holiday Seasons (except Thanksgiving & Christmas day), have extensive retail exp., be self-motivated and have knowledge of apparel & trend landscape. Serious Candidates Only!

Email Resume & Contact Info to: HBoutiqueHR@gmail.com MAPLE TREE VETERINARY Hospital & Dog Camp is hiring PT experienced Veterinary Technician and PT Administrative Assistant.

Positions may be combined for FT. Submit cover letter, resume and references by September 5th to: kbirthright@mapletreevet.com NEED MEDICAL BILLLING TRAINEES Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experienced Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122

NOW HIRING IN CHEROKEE, NC

$10/Hour FULL TIME POSITIONS

• ROOM ATTENDANTS (EXPERIENCE PREFERRED)

• JANITORIAL MUST PASS CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND DRUG SCREEN

Apply online at: https://application.hssstaffing.com

CALL FOR APPOINTMENT AT 828.274.4622 OR 828.390.7178 222 Wolfetown Road, Cherokee, NC 28719 AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE Get FAA Approved Maintenance Training Financial Aid For Qualified Students. Job Placement Assistance. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 WWW.FIXJETS.COM. SAPA ATTENTION: Drivers - New Kenworth Trucks!

APU equipped. Earn up to 50 cpm plus bonuses! Full Benefits + Rider/Pet Program. CDL-A Req. 877.258.8782. www.addrivers.com AVERITT EXPRESS New Pay Increase For Regional Drivers! 40 to 46 CPM + Fuel Bonus! Also, Post-Training Pay Increase for Students! (Depending on Domicile) Get Home EVERY Week + Excellent Benefits. CDL-A req. 888.602.7440 Apply @ AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer - Females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

EMPLOYMENT THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Is recruiting for a Social Worker in Child Protective Services for its Cherokee office. This position investigates reports of child abuse and neglect and provides services to families where needs have been identified. It also requires limited availability after hours and on weekends on a rotating basis. The salary range is $41,276.54 – $73,300.73, depending upon qualifications.

Minimum qualifications include a four year degree in a Human Service field. Preference will be given to applicants with a Master's or Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and/or experience providing Social Work services. Applicants should complete a NC State application form (PD-107) and submit it to the Sylva branch of the NC Division of Workforce Solutions (formerly ESC) as soon as possible.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

CAREER FIXING JETS Hands on training for career in aviation, manufacturing and more.

Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance.

Call AIM 877.205.1162

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

THE JUNALUSKA SANITARY District has an opening for a General Manager. Applications are currently being accepted through the Employment Security Commission in Waynesville. Qualifications and Job Requirements are available at the Commission Office.

THE NAVY IS HIRING Top-notch training, medical/dental, 30 days vacation/yr, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34. Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a driver for Stevens Transport! No Experience Needed! New drivers earn $800+ per week! Paid CDL Training, Stevens covers all costs! 1.888.748.4137 drive4stevens.com DRIVERS: CDL-A. Average $52,000 per yr. plus Excellent Home Time + Weekends.

Monthly Bonuses up to $650.

5,000w APU’s for your comfort & ELogs. Excellent Benefits. 100% No Touch. 877.704.3773.

EARN $500 A DAY: Insurance Agents Needed; Leads, No Cold Calls; Commissions Paid Daily; Lifetime Renewals; Complete Training; Health/ Dental Insurance; Life License Required. Call 1.888.713.6020.

ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS Engineering Instructor needed at Beaufort County Community College, Washington, NC. For details and application, see Jobs.BeaufortCCC.edu or call with questions: 252.940.6404

FINANCIAL BEWARE OF LOAN FRAUD. Please check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Agency before sending any money to any loan company.

SAPA DELETE BAD CREDIT IN 30-DAYS! Raise your credit score fast! Results Guaranteed! A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau Call Now 1.855.831.9712 INJURED? IN A LAWSUIT? Need Cash Now? We Can Help! No Monthly Payments to Make. No Credit Check. Fast Service and Low Rates. Call Now 1.866.386.3692. www.lawcapital.com (Not available in NC, CO, MD & TN) SAPA

FURNITURE COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

CHECK OUT OUR NEW BEDDING CENTER!

POSITION AVAILABLE: Would you volunteer your talents and make a difference in someone living with a physical or intellectual disability? Volunteer at Pathways Thrift Store, 828.631.5533 or Disability Partners, 828.631.1167.

Our non-profit, welcomes your partnership. Please bring a friend.

There is strength in numbers.

EDITOR The Courier-Tribune, an awardwinning daily newspaper in Randolph County seeks an editor with strong skills in organization, communication & photography that has the ability to manage a seasoned staff & possesses a strong sense of community & a can-do attitude. Email cover letter, resume, at least three clips, photography samples, salary history & at least three professional references to Diane Winnemuller, Publisher, dwinnemuller@couriertribune.com

smokymountainnews.com

PART TIME DRIVER HAYWOOD PUBLIC TRANSIT Applicants are required to pass a DOT physical, drug test, criminal background check and have a clean driving record. A CDL license with a P-Endorsement will be required within 60 days of hire. Must be 21 yrs. of age to obtain a CDL license. Must be able to bend, lift and push a wheelchair, learn how to operate lift equipment, assist elderly and disabled passengers. High school diploma /GED required.

Detailed paper work and good communication skills required. Hours of operation, 6:00 am – 5:30 pm M-F. Applications will be taken at Mountain Projects, Inc., 2251 Old Balsam Rd, Waynesville, or 25 Schulman St, Sylva, NC or you may go to our website www.mountainprojects.org and fill out an application.

Pre-employment drug testing required. EOE/AA.

EMPLOYMENT

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

$1,000 WEEKLY!!

Mailing Brochures From Home.

Helping home workers since 2001.

Genuine Opportunity. NO Experience Required. Start Immediately. www.MailingMembers.com SAPA

EMPLOYMENT

WNC MarketPlace

25’ TRAVEL TRAILER - EXCELLENT With new awning and carpet, central heating and cooling. Queen bedroom. Everything in top condition. Sleeps 6. $9,400, Call 813.753.9626.

99 WEST MAIN ST.

SYLVA • 631-9992

Mon-Fri 7:30 to 5 • Saturday by appointment

43

WNC MarketPlace

LAWN AND GARDEN

PETS

HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

Call now for more information 828.734.7819, 828.926.7883, Or Email us at: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com

MUSIC LESSONS LEARN GUITAR & BANJO With Leigh Hilger. Many guitar styles. Clawhammer banjo. All skill levels welcome. Fun, relaxed teaching style for kids & adults.

Located near Waynesville Library.

828.456.4435

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

Prevent Unwanted Litters!

The Heat Is On! Spay/Neuter For Haywood Pets As Low As $10.

Operation Pit is in Effect!

Free Spay/Neuter, Microchip & Vaccines For Haywood Pitbull Types & Mixes!

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 12 Noon - 6 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville, NC.

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. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT FORECLOSURENC Mtns. Handcrafted log cabin on 2 ac. w/stream. Lg loft open living area, private setting, needs work.

Only $67,100, won't last.

828.286.2981.

LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578 REAL ESTATE AUCTION 28.93+/-ACRES Zoned M-1. Sat. Sept. 6, Noon. 907 Eden Terrace.

Archdale, NC 27263.

ParcelID#7708581997 (Randolph Co.) www.HughesAuction.com RICHIE HUGHES AUCTION. 336.874.7472 NCAL6206/NCREL202693

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor shamrock13@charter.net McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

www.smokymountainnews.com

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

RIVER PARK APARTMENTS KAI A LOVELY RETRIEVER MIX, ABOUT 45-50 LBS. AND 2 YEARS OLD. SHE APPRECIATES ATTENTION FROM HER HUMAN COMPANIONS AND IS EXTREMELY AFFECTIONATE.

SENECA A GORGEOUS KITTEN WITH BEAUTIFUL CALICO MARKINGS AND LONG, SILKY HAIR. SHE IS SLOWLY LEARNING TO TRUST PEOPLE AND LOVES TO PLAY, BUT NEEDS A PATIENT, LOVING FAMILY.

Class A Office/Professional/Medical space, 1850 sq. ft. MOVE IN ready Building was a complete renovation and space was first built out for Edward Jones office in 2005. Space was recently occupied by Haywood Co. Insurance Health Clinic and is in excellent condition. Unit includes 2 restrooms, kitchenette and mechanical room. There is direct access to an outdoor covered patio area on the creek. The building has excellent onsite parking and is located in Waynesville only 3/10 mile North of the courthouse. Location is centrally located to all commercial areas of Way. without the traffic backups. Lease is $11.64 sq.ft. and includes exterior maintenance, taxes, water and 3’x8’ lighted sign.

Nicest 1850s/f move in ready space in Haywood County!

627 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Waynesville.

Shown by appointment only, Call Jeff Kuhlman

44

93 Wind Crest Ridge in Dillsboro. Social community designed for the Elderly (62 or older) or persons with disabilities, has regularly scheduled, varied activities.

Energy efficient, affordable 1 BR apts.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! Rental Assistance Available.

Accessible units designed for persons with disabilities subject to availability. $25 application fee; credit/criminal required. Call site for information 828.631.0124.

Office hours are M-Th 1-3 pm or by appointment.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

This institution is professionally managed by Partnership Property Management, an equal opportunity provider, and employer.

828-646-0907.

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT BULLFROG STORAGE Convenient Location 19/23 Between Clyde and Canton

5 x 10 = $15 10 x 10 = $35 10 x 20 = $70 • NO CONTRACTS • Nobody Beats Our Rates

828.342.8700 CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT 1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

828.734.6500, 828.734.6700

COMM. PROP. FOR SALE APARTMENT COMPLEX FOR SALE 14 - 2/BR Units. Excellent Rental History. Sylva Area. Call Broker, Robert A. Kent, NC Broker Lic. #274102, The R.A. Kent Co., LLC 828.550.1455

MEDICAL ACORN STAIRLIFTS. The Affordable solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1.800.291.2712 for FREE DVD and brochure.

ATTENTION VIAGRA USERS! Viagra 100MG! 40 pills + 4 FREE! Only $99! 100% Guaranteed FREE Shipping! No Prescription Needed!

1.800.479.2798 SAPA

maggievalleyselfstorage.com GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more info.

CANADA DRUG CENTER Is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 1.800.265.0768 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.

SAPA

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Tues. & Wed. 10:00am - 5:00pm & Thurs. 10:00am- 12:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.725.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

Puzzles can be found on page 46.

These are only the answers.

MEDICAL

SAFE STEP WALK-IN TUB. Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made.

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46

CROSSWORD

WHAT THEY ALL HAVE ACROSS 1 - dish (biology lab container) 6 French river 11 “Hey, buddy, over here” 15 Bow shapes 19 “Dad” co-star Hawke 20 Building wing 21 Blues singer - James 22 It may hit a bull’seye 23 Ringing-up places 26 Kitchen draw 27 High-flying toy 28 Nutrition info 29 Altar promise 30 - stop to 32 With 83-Down, glacial epoch 33 Egyptian beetle 35 Common back-toschool buys 39 Kind of eye surgery 41 University official 42 Arrives 43 Hollywood stars, say 48 La Scala star 51 Jean - (Revlon brand) 52 Lawlessness 53 Slacks with folds 57 Singer Berry 58 City near Phoenix, on an envelope 61 Mendes or Longoria 62 Plant that’s the source of poi 63 Pig sound 64 - Piper 67 Do-nothings 72 Pastiche 73 Family trees show

them 76 Telling sign 77 Rocked from shock 79 Writer - St. Vincent Millay 80 Granted 81 “La Dolce -” 82 Grassy field 84 Footwear part 86 Hybrid offspring of two kinds of roaring cats 87 Anglers’ tools 93 Impartial 95 “Do - others ...”

96 Repeated word in a Doris Day song title 97 Casanovas 100 Specialist on a running track 102 “Nothing - it seems” 105 Tricks 106 Coaster sites 110 Cause long-lasting anger 115 Hollywood’s Cage, to pals 116 Hip-hop pal 117 -Kosh B’Gosh 118 Tavern cask 120 Spots in la Seine 121 Roman 202 123 Operators are involved with them 127 2009 Wimbledon semifinalist Tommy 128 Dreaded dino 129 Fixes text 130 Once upon 131 Bone in the forearm 132 Old oil name 133 Feeling 134 Things that this puzzle’s nine longest

answers have

60 Timetable, for short 63 Humorist Nash and DOWN others 1 Light kisses 65 Frozen waffle brand 2 Body of moral values 66 Turning tuner 3 Sorority letter 68 Comic Jon 4 Relay runner 69 Political exile 5 Ballpoint fluid 70 Rip again 6 Acclaim 71 Sounds like an angry 7 Toronto site dog 8 Mag for execs 74 Blue dye from a plant 9 Do another lube job on 75 “... - we speak” 10 Radiated, as charm 78 Drug magnate Lilly 11 House cat, e.g.

83 See 32-Across 12 “Hurry up!”

85 Opposite NNE 13 Walk cockily 86 Verdi’s “- Miller” 14 Small sample 87 Mustache named for 15 Rumpus a Chinese criminal 16 Guy using a CB 88 Hostile 17 Davy of the frontier 89 Native of a 18 Accents Caribbean island nation 24 1969 Tony winner 90 Weeders’ tools Jerry 91 Chips brand 25 Branching point 92 Brewery kiln 31 “Nashville” network 94 Oomph 34 “Alas and -!”

98 Mork from 36 Kiev’s land: Abbr.

99 Pirates’ guns 37 Nil 101 Crimson, e.g.

38 Chaplin’s fourth wife 103 Per each unit 40 Confound 104 Pageant bands 43 Part of SPF 107 Unglossy 44 Get a lungful 108 Pitchers 45 One of TV’s 109 - Island Partridges 111 Mafia boss Frank 46 Hip dude 112 Fashionable Calvin 47 Vacation facility 113 “- at ‘em!”

49 Peace sign 114 Slalom turns 50 Counsel 119 To be, to Livy 54 Olympic swimmer’s 122 “Well, this - surassignment prise!”

55 Operatic bass Pinza 124 Prefix with skeleton 56 Dog paw part 125 Writer Anaïs 59 Relative of -ette or - 126 Mineo of movies trix

answers on page 44

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WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 44

Digging deeper into the Kephart-Calhoun relationship

T

George Ellison

the glass. His eyed brightened; for the first time he seemed more alive than dead; then he fell away to sleep.

“In an hour Granville woke him with a glass of milk, but Kephart pointed a finger beyond the milk, silently pleading for more wine. ‘No you try this sweet milk,’ insisted Granville.

“So it went for three week. Granville spoonfeeding Kephart, first milk, then bread and butter and fish from the stream, while Kephart arose very slowly from his torpor and tremens, the long hangover, the flight away from himself and the world he knew before.”

In a version published in Carson Brewer’s Valley So Wild: A Folk History (1975), Granville recalled, 70 or so years later, that the strawberry wine was “a pale red wine and you could smell it all over the room when I took out the stopper.”

That is not realistic description. It is the colorful and playful sort of language utilized by a gifted storyteller who knows how and when — to borrow a phrase Sylva storyteller Gary Carden sometimes uses — “to gild the lily.” Any index of motifs in American folklore will turn up a category devoted to stories relating how an outlander is saved or outwitted by the locals.

In their Letter to the Editor of Aug. 20, 2014, Jim and Don Casada point out that “the category where exaggeration is most likely to occur with any story is that of measurement,” and they cite the accuracy of his route description. In this instance, however, the exaggeration occurs in regard to time.

(Before moving on, however, I’ll get readers of this column to serve me up a big helping of crow, which I richly deserve for transposing Bushnell to the mouth of Hazel Creek from its actual location near the confluence of the Little Tennessee and Tuckaseigee rivers. Geography is important, and I messed that up.)

I do, as the Casadas infer, “place considerable reliance on the index to the lost Kephart diaries.”

And I also place considerable reliance on

Kephart’s Photo Album, which they don’t mention. Both are available via the “Horace Kephart: Revealing an Enigma” digital web site maintained by the Special Collections department of Hunter Library at Western Carolina University: www.wcu.edu/library/DigitalCollections/K ephart.

Kephart kept a diary following his

departure from his parent’s home in Dayton, Ohio. The two volumes are presumably “lost,” but being an inveterate library cataloger he created an ‘Index to Diary’ that has been preserved in Journal 1 of the 27 Kephart journals on deposit at WCU. The Casadas downplay the Index, maintaining that it is a “rough table of contents, and while Ellison cites the relevant dates of coverage as November 1 there are no actual dates with the notes.” That’s true, but in several instances captions of related photos in the album do confirm dates.

In late October, Kephart broke camp on Dicks Creek and headed for Medlin. The event is noted in section 35 of the Index with the brief notation “Addio!” But in the “Camp on Dick’s Creek” section there is a photo of Kephart dismantling a lean-to captioned: “Addio! / Sunday, October 30,

1904.”

There is no entry in the Index for Monday. Section 36 has the following notations: “Off for Medlin,” “Second Class Travel,” “Grade at Nantahala,” “Tramway,” “Delayed freight,” “Barefoot kid (chores, barefoot in snow),” Blacksmith (butteris),” “Trip to Medlin,” “Ginseng,” “Buzzards and hog cholera,” “Holly,” “mistletoe,” “ivy,” and “The Mail Rider.”

[The steep grade in the Nantahala Gorge was infamous and Kephart would have known about it even if he had never been there. The “barefoot kid … in snow” theme reappears in Chapter XIII of Our Southern Highlanders. A butteris is a steel instrument used for paring the hooves of horses and mules.]

There is no indication of where he spent the night (probably at Medlin with the Calhouns), but the first two notations in section 37 of the Index read: “The Everett Mine” and “The Cabin.” Page 21 of the Photo Album provides photographs of or from the cabin. One is captioned “The Cabin in Autumn” and just above it is Kephart’s notation: “Lived here alone, Nov. 2, 1904, to Jan. 1906.”

The opening sentence of volume 2 of Kephart’s Camping and Woodcaft (1917) reads: “From the autumn of 1904 until the winter of 1906 I lived, most of the time, alone in a little cabin on the Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains.”

According to a page in Kephart’s journals captioned “Southern Appalachians — Seasonal Changes” five inches of snow had fallen by Nov. 13, when, according to Granville Calhoun, Kephart still had a week to go in his recovery from “the torpor and tremens.”

George Ellison wrote the biographical introductions for the reissues of two Appalachian classics: Horace Kephart’s Our Southern Highlanders and James Mooney’s History, Myths, and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees.

In June 2005, a selection of his Back Then columns was published by The History Press in Charleston as Mountain Passages: Natural and Cultural History of Western North Carolina and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Readers can contact him at P.O. Box 1262, Bryson City, N.C., 28713, or at info@georgeellison.com.

Smoky Mountain News

“When they arrived at the house it was dark ... ‘You need a stimulant,’ said Granville, pouring a half glass of wild strawberry wine mixed with a little sugar. Now Smoky Mountain wine is reputed to awaken the dead and delight the angels; besides, Kephart’s nostrils were attuned to the smell of such medicine, and stronger. His hand shook reaching for the glass. ‘If it helps, I’ll bring you a little more ye a little more,’ said Granville encouragingly and hopefully. Kephart drowned the wine in three gulps and held out

BACK THEN

August 27-Sept. 2, 2014

he meeting between Granville Calhoun and Horace Kephart (the quintessential highlander and outlander, respectively) is a noteworthy event in this region’s cultural history. Janet McCue and I are especially interested in events associated with that encounter for the Kephart biography we are writing. The ongoing exchanges in the pages of this newspaper have been more than informative.

Granville’s father, Thomas Joshua Calhoun, moved the family from South Carolina to the Smokies region after the Civil War. By 1904, Granville was married to Lillie Hall.

They built a store at Medlin, situated alongside Hazel Creek at the mouth of the Sugar Fork. In Strangers in High Places: The Story of Columnist the Great Smoky Mountains (1967) Michael Frome described Granville as “squire of Hazel Creek … a man with a sparkle in his eye and flood of mountain stories rolling from his lips … a famous hunter … and a credit to the mountain breed in every way.”

The bare bones of Kephart’s story involving alcoholism, a broken family, a lost profession, and subsequent retreat to the Smokies are well rehearsed.

He arrived by train in Western North Carolina in early August 1904. Shortly thereafter, he established a base camp on Dicks Creek about a mile west of Dillsboro. By October he had discovered the idealized “Back of Beyond” for which he had been searching. A copper mining company that had gone into litigation gave him permission to use one of its abandoned cabins at the Everett Mine near Medlin. Calhoun had been asked to meet Kephart at the train depot in Bushnell, 16 miles southeast of Medlin.

I noted in an introduction to the 1976 reissue of Our Southern Highlanders by the University of Tennessee Press that aspects of Granville’s accounting of events “conflicts with available sources.” I had in mind, in particular, the assertion that Kephart remained in the Calhoun residence for three weeks. In a chapter devoted to Kephart in Strangers in High Places (1966), Michael Frome provides this account:

47

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