Smoky Mountain News | September 4, 2019

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Western North Carolina’s Source for Weekly News, Entertainment, Arts, and Outdoor Information

Sept. 4-10, 2019 Vol. 21 Iss. 14

TWSA mulls policies to soften N.C. 107 impact Page 4 Big changes coming to N.C. Medicaid system Page 12

CONTENTS On the Cover: As the summer season comes to a close, western counties continue to see a steady increase in visitor spending and room occupancy tax revenue over 2018 while tourism development agencies continue to look for new ways to bring more people to their communities. (Page 6) Tubing at Deep Creek in Swain County. Bryson City NC / Swain County Chamber of Commerce photo

News TWSA mulls policies to soften N.C. 107 impact ......................................................4 Jackson looks to boost off-season tourism ..................................................................6 Swain room tax revenue exceeds $1 million ..............................................................8 Big changes coming to N.C. Medicaid system ......................................................12 Input sought for Swain’s future ....................................................................................15 Some Haywood schools nearing capacity ................................................................17

Opinion Cherry binging is actually a thing ................................................................................18

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September 4-10, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS: NEWS EDITOR: WRITING:

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

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news

TWSA discusses ways to soften N.C. 107 impacts

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ith right-of-way acquisition for the N.C. 107 project in Sylva set to begin in January, the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority is hoping to adopt new policies this December aimed at assisting ratepayers impacted by the endeavor.

A TWSA Policy Committee meeting held Tuesday, Aug. 27, represented the first in a new round of discussions about what those policies should look like and who they should apply to.

“The goal in the end is that the property owner, the renter, is made whole,” TWSA Executive Director Dan Harbaugh told the committee. “Our goal is to make sure that DOT (N.C. Department of Transportation) makes them whole to the best of their ability. If for some reason there are impacts that are not accounted for by DOT, then that’s part of the reason we’re talking about what can be done from a policy standpoint, because it’s important for TWSA to recognize that we want to retain customers.”

The road project is expected to require 55 businesses and organizations to relocate, with an additional 131 properties expected to experience some loss of property below the threshold that would trigger relocation.

Of the 55 businesses, 12 are owner-occupied and 43 are renter-occupied.

A key consideration for TWSA is how to handle fees for customers relocating within its service area. TWSA charges what’s called a system development fee, an often-hefty charge designed to offset the cost of future capacity expansion projects required as existing capacity is used up. The fees follow the property, not the business or property owner — if a restaurant pays a $20,000 system development fee for its original location but then decides to open up in a new spot across town, the business could find itself paying that fee again.

If a business being forced to move by the road project is required to cough up that kind of money to relocate in Sylva, it might end up leaving the community altogether.

Businesses can use DOT relocation funds anywhere within a 50-mile radius.

“The real trick in the discussion is going

Smoky Mountain News

September 4-10, 2019

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to be developing policy changes so they don’t allow an impacted property to derive benefits from more than one source,” said Harbaugh. “That’s the real trick.”

It’s DOT’s job to reimburse affected parties for project impacts, said Harbaugh. For now, TWSA should be working to inform DOT about allocation issues and the associated fees so that it can more fairly compensate business owners. But the organization doesn’t want to foot the bill for expenses that are ultimately DOT’s responsibility.

Board member David Nestler didn’t agree with that approach. TWSA had earlier discussed the topic of N.C. 107-related policies in October 2018, at Nestler’s request.

The board decided to delay decision-making until the road planning got further along and more details emerged, but Nestler had maintained that TWSA should be more proactive. During the Aug. 27 meeting, Nestler pushed for a complete waiver of system development fees for relocating businesses.

“I think that people need to be reassured that if they are impacted by this project they’re not going to suffer a hardship at the hands of local government entities,” Nestler said. “And we want to guarantee that they feel completely OK to relocate in TWSA’s service area and that they’re not going to have to pay any fees to do so. I think that the only way to do that is to develop a hardship policy for situations like this that waives the system development fees for anyone relocating.”

Nestler questioned whether DOT would actually reimburse business owners for the cost of system development fees and pointed out that DOT rules require relocating businesses to find an equivalent space if their expenses are to be covered. With a dearth of suitable business locations available in Sylva, period, how many business owners will be forced to move into non-equivalent locations and so find themselves short on relocation funds?

“The only way to ensure that businesses relocate in this area and are disrupted by this as little as possible is that we not charge them fees for relocating within our area, and I don’t see any reason we should be collect-

vide and resources we provide, if we charge people that get relocated from this project an SDF there will be people that are left out,” Nestler replied.

Nestler was unwavering in his viewpoint, but he was in the minority.

Jeff Goss, a TWSA board member and local attorney, sat in on the meeting to give

The Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority is discussing policies it might adopt to help its customers who stand to see impacts from the N.C. 107 project in Sylva. File photo

“The real trick in the discussion is going to be developing policy changes so they don’t allow an impacted property to derive benefits from more than one source. That’s the real trick.”

— Dan Harbaugh, TWSA Executive Director

instituted, he said, so the odds look good that some won’t even think to request reimbursement for that particular expense.

“I think that’s why education is very important,” said Nancy Hoyle, finance officer for TWSA. “We need to help them. We need to assist them so that they know what to bring up and what to ask for. It’s a level of awareness and education.”

“No matter how much education we pro-

his perspective that TWSA would do better to create a broad granting program to cover deficits in DOT reimbursement — when a business owner applies to request such funds — than to do a complete waiver of all fees for everyone affected by the project.

“The problem is it is so incredibly factspecific on that property, the status of that ownership, what service is available at that site at that time,” said Goss.

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ing money from people that are forced to relocate,” said Nestler. “I think that’s going a little too far.”

In addition, he said, it is on the business owner to request reimbursement for specific items, like system development fees. Many of the businesses in question were established before these types of fees were even

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HCC to hold College Night

WCU to study alcohol sales at sporting events The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees elected a slate of officers for 2019-20 and made appointments to several committees, including a new group that will study the possibility of future beer and wine sales at WCU ath-

news

Area high school students and residents will have a chance to talk with college representatives from over 50 southeastern universities, colleges and trade schools at the 2019 College Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at the Haywood Community College auditorium.

Prospective students and college transfer students will have the opportunity to obtain valuable information and talk firsthand with college personnel, which could aid them in making the right choice of which college or university to attend.

All juniors and seniors in Haywood County, including private and homeschool students, are invited. High school teachers and counselors are also encouraged to attend. For more information about College Night, contact 828.565.4098.

letics facilities.

The board appointed a new special study committee composed of a wide cross-section of campus and external community representatives to examine issues surrounding a recently approved state law that empowers the boards at University of North Carolina System institutions to permit the sale of beer and wine at athletics venues.

Board of Trustees member Tim Haskett will serve as chair of the 17-member committee, with fellow board member Kenny Messer serving as vice chair.

In asking the board for approval of the appointments, Kinney cited Haskett’s family roots in the Jackson County community and Messer’s extensive background as a supporter of the Catamount athletics programs.

“We want to do this the right way,” Kinney said. “We have no preconceived conclusion. We want input from everyone. It is our intent, based on the schedule, for the board to receive an update about the committee’s progress at our annual retreat in November and tentatively reach a decision at our regular meeting in December.”

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will begin selling beer and wine in Kenan Stadium this fall, while officials at UNCPembroke have decided against alcohol sales at campus sporting events.

Swain to hear animal ordinance

for the board to look at some of these factspecific things for a grant,” said Goss. “It may be that only one or two people are impacted this way.”

The remaining Policy Committee members, TWSA Chair Tracy Rodes and Member Buddy Parton, favored Goss’s position.

“I think the statement should be that we are willing to support our ratepayers through this process in any way we can, and we have a willingness to do that,” said Rodes. “I genuinely think that’s what our intent is. Now as far as what might happen and who might get left out, we don’t know who those people are. We don’t know what that hypothetical is. How can we write a policy about a hypothetical?”

In 2015, TWSA developed a policy creating a grant fund to offset impact fees — the fees are now called system development fees — for economic development and community outreach projects. Rodes suggested that the board consider changes to that policy that would make grant funds more available to N.C. 107 relocatees.

The full board will discuss the issue at its upcoming work session, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the TWSA boardroom.

Smoky Mountain News

Because allocation follows the property, two equivalent businesses moving into two equivalent buildings could face vastly different system development fees. Someone moving into a building that already has sufficient allocation attached to it wouldn’t have to pay any additional system development fees, while someone moving into a structure with no existing allocation could face a hefty charge. If a move does require a system development fee, there’s then the question of how much allocation was available at the previous location and who owned it — the business, or a landlord unaffiliated with the new location? DOT may have its own ideas as to how much it should reasonably be expected to cover in any given situation.

“There is potentially a fight between that business owner and DOT as to whether that is a viable space for DOT, but we can’t make that determination,” said Goss.

“That’s one of the big concerns that the right-of-way meeting brought up for me is that you are expected to find an equivalent space, and when you don’t there are expenses DOT won’t cover,” Nestler replied.

“I would say that’s why you craft a very broad policy that presents an opportunity

September 4-10, 2019

The Swain County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing tat 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Swain County Administration Building Auditorium, 50 Main Street/third floor, Bryson City,.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive comments from the public regarding the proposed Swain County Animal Control Ordinance. The proposed ordinance was presented to the board of commissioners in 2016 after an ad hoc committee had formed, conducted a number of public meetings and drafted an ordinance to address everyone’s concerns about stray and dangerous dogs.

However, commissioners never acted on the ordinance. With the 2018 election came new members on the board, including new Commission Chair Ben Bushyhead, who said having the animal control ordinance heard would be one of his top priorities.

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news

Swain room tax revenue exceeds $1 million

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR wain County’s tourism industry recently marked a major milestone when the occupancy tax revenue from fiscal year 2018-19 exceeded $1 million for the first time.

The rural county, which includes the town of Bryson City, has seen steady growth for the last several years as more people flock to the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy mainstay attractions like Nantahala Outdoor Center and the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

“Most of Swain County’s tourism assets are focused on outdoor adventures. Half of Swain County is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its high-elevation views, hiking trails, mountain streams and waterfalls,” said Mary Ann Baker with the Swain County Tourism Development Authority. “From the Nantahala Gorge to the Tuckasegee River and Fontana Lake, there are a plethora of activities for people to choose from. And Bryson City is the hub for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which has added more specialty train excursions — a specialty wine excursion and a BBQ and Brews themed train ride. They have also added train cars to handle the increased demand.”

Every person or party staying overnight in Swain County pays a 4 percent room tax that is specifically earmarked to go toward tourism marketing efforts. The Swain TDA board of directors is in charge of distributing those funds to put “heads in beds” and support the local tourism industry.

Hitting the $1 million mark this past year is a big accomplishment in the tourism world, especially for a small county where 85 percent of the land is occupied by national park and forest. When comparing room occupancy revenues in other larger counties, Swain’s revenue is competing with Haywood County’s TDA numbers. Haywood has been surpassing the $1 million mark for the last several years and in 2018-19 the total collection from the 4 percent room tax was $1,613,276.

While Haywood has more hotel and motel accommodations than Swain County, Baker said the growth in Swain seems to be coming from an increase in the number of short-term rentals versus that of hotels/motels. Some of that increase is coming from Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway and other local professional cabin rental companies.

“We are hearing of normal gains in average daily rate, so we believe it is the increase of short-term rental inventory that is leading that growth,” Baker said.

Baker said the TDA — as well as the Swain County Chamber of Commerce — is passionate about looking for new tourism assets to bring to the community by utilizing some of the room tax revenues. For example, the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians moved from Cherokee to Bryson City a couple of years ago, which spurred the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium project with help from the county. Room tax 6 revenues are also paying the loan for the

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September 4-10, 2019

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N p g J A t s holiday weekend and alternative plans for C visitors who had planned to spend their trip “We talk to visitors daily on the Nantahala River (which is closed for $ recreation due to landslides in the gorge). e in our visitor centers “We are communicating with local busi- $ and listen to our local nesses so that both our visitor center, call cen- i ter, and social media inquiries can be up to date r business owners. We can with lodging vacancies,” Baker said. “And at the 7 change our marketing same time, we are coordinating alternative l adventures for visitors due to the Nantahala plan immediately if River being temporarily closed to recreational t rafting and kayaking while cleanup from last i needed.” week’s landslide takes place.”

— Mary Ann Baker, Swain County Even though the Nantahala is closed, T Tourism Development Authority Baker said there are plenty of other opportu- a nities for adventure with zipline, river and a lake kayaking and i paddle boarding, H river and creek tub- e ing, fishing, train t excursions, mountain Fiscal Year Tax Collected +/- over prior year biking, jeep tours, e 2018-19.....................$1,016,214...............................10% gem mining, horse- o 2017-18.......................$922,169 ................................10% back riding, and j 2016-17.......................$837,269 ................................10% 2015-16.......................$763,749 ................................18% Source: downtown shopping, e 2014-15.......................$648,540 ................................14% VisitNC.com dining and brewery options. i As for future a interaction that increases our destination’s growth, the TDA staff is optimistic that c visibility year over year. And because we are Bryson City and Swain County as a whole will c local, we can respond quickly to any current continue to grow its tourism reach. p “We are optimistic that tourism growth r events via social media and revise our marketwill continue. A new hotel is under construc- t ing and PR plan swiftly,” she said.

The Friday before Labor Day, the TDA tion in downtown Bryson City. Stonebrook team was busy working on two big issues Lodge will bring more hotel rooms to Swain w aside from the typical busy Labor Day week- County,” Baker said. “And we continue to w end — a plan to help any Hurricane Dorian learn of more short-term rentals that are 2 evacuees that may come to the area looking coming into the market. We have projected a r for accommodations on a busy and booked modest increase.” c

Some of Swain County’s increase in room occupancy tax revenue can be attributed to the growing number of short-term rental cabins.

Photo courtesy of Bryson City NC / Swain County Chamber of Commerce

county’s new outdoor event space at Inspiration Park where the county can now host festivals, fairs and concerts.

“Occupancy tax money benefits Swain County with increased local tourism jobs, a healthier economy for local businesses, and added infrastructure for locals and visitors,” Baker said. “Occupancy tax money has been used for downtown beautification, the new aquarium, the Swain County Heritage Museum, new restrooms at the soccer field of the Swain County Recreation Park, a portion of the restoration of the dome of the old courthouse, a turntable for the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, and the new Swain County Event Park.”

When it comes to promoting Swain County as a destination, Baker said the TDA’s in-house team takes a “boots on the ground” approach to marketing, public relations and social media. Being based in Bryson City makes it easy for the staff to recognize what’s working and what visitors and business owners need.

“Because of that, we feel we are in tune with visitors and what they like to do when they get here, how they make travel decisions, and what we might potentially do to address any new ideas or information,” she said. “We talk to visitors daily in our visitor centers and listen to our local business owners. We can change our marketing plan immediately if needed.”

According to Baker, visitors respond to video more than any other media, which means she can hop on a train excursion, hike the Road to Nowhere, or visit the Nantahala River and take video with her smartphone and post to social media the same day.

“Initiatives like that get overwhelming

Swain occupancy tax history

Jackson plans for growth

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TOURISM itive, Breedlove noted that economists are predicting a mild recession in 2020, so growth could falter in the coming years. He also said that keeping Jackson’s numbers strong will require regional collaboration.

The study showed that Jackson County’s top three attractions are the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Biltmore House — of the three, only the Parkway is actually located in Jackson County. A group of regional TDAs is now meeting quarterly to discuss how they can better support and enhance each other’s efforts, across county lines.

“While we would like the visitors spending in our counties, we realize that visitors travel all over Western North Carolina, so one thing we collaborate on it is what can we promote in your destination that’s unduplicated in ours?” said Breedlove.

STUDYING THE The Jackson TDA is making a concentrated effort to see its figures — and, consequently, its state ranking in tourism spending — continue to rise.

Over the past year, the organization has been working with Charlotte-based Young Strategies, Inc., to complete a study of tourism in Jackson County to better understand why people come to Jackson County, when they tend to visit and where the opportunities are for continued growth. The study — the first comprehensive research study the TDA had ever completed — was based largely on a survey that drew a total 3,783 responses, “well above” the necessary sample size, Breedlove told county commissioners

during an Aug. 13 work session. Of those survey respondents, 2,358 had visited Jackson County in the last three years, 483 had not visited Jackson County in the past three years, 505 were Jackson County residents, 267 were part-time Jackson County residents, 161 were visitors from a neighboring county and nine were residents of Cherokee. The study also included a survey of 150 local elected officials and key stakeholders such as longtime business owners.

All that data was used to develop the TDA’s first-ever strategic plan since it was created in 2012. The three-year plan is set to carry the organization through 2022. The TDA paid $30,000 apiece for the study and strategic plan “It takes in elected officials’ feedback, our visitors’ feedback, our residents’ feedback,”

spent $201.60 on their zero-night visit.

Respondents said that they were primarily interested in Jackson County’s offerings as an active outdoor destination, but they were also looking for nightlife, Breedlove said. By better promoting and developing Jackson County’s evening activities, perhaps more daytrippers would be tempted to stay overnight instead.

BOOSTING WINTERTIME VISITS

In creating his report on the data, Young Strategies founder Berkley Young told commissioners, he placed considerable emphasis on lodging. Jackson County has 779 hotel and motel rooms in its boundaries, Young said, and while they’re only about 30 percent full around January, during the summer and much of the fall occupancy rates push above 60 percent.

Expenditures Change from previous year “What that starts 2018 .......................$205.81 million ......................5.3 percent telling us is if we 2017.............................$195.44 .................................3.71 focus all of our pro2016.............................$188.45 .................................7.12 Source: motion on summer 2015 .............................$175.92..................................2.78 2014 .............................$171.16..................................4.99 VisitNC.com and leaf seasons, we don’t have much room to grow, Breedlove told county commissioners when because when you hit a number that high presenting the results at an Aug. 13 work ses- what you’re not selling is Monday and sion. “So we think that it will serve us well.”

Tuesday nights,” said Young.

The results, Breedlove said in a follow-up Those nights are always harder to sell, interview, confirmed much of what the but if you look to off and shoulder seasons county’s tourism leaders already knew but — wintertime, and the August/September also introduced new information. slump between the start of school and the “For example, nationwide the average is beginning of leaf season — there’s plenty of that an overnight visitor spends two to three opportunity to increase weekend visitation. times as much as a daytripper, and we found That could be hard, commented in Jackson County our overnight visitors on Commissioner Boyce Deitz, because some average will spend $1,000 and our daytrippeople have a pretty ingrained idea of what pers will spend $200,” he said. “That’s a five- winter is like in the mountains. fold increase.”

“People really think it’s almost Antarctic Among the 1,669 overnight visitors who up here,” he said. “Winter can be the most responded to the survey, the average travel beautiful time.” party included 3.5 people. The average One challenge to wintertime visitation, length of stay was 3.5 nights, resulting in though, is the fact that so many people come total spending of $1,082. By contrast, the 533 up here to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway — daytrippers responding to the survey came S EE JACKSON, PAGE 9 7 with an average travel party of 2.9 people and

Visitor spending in Jackson County

Smoky Mountain News

AVERAGE VISITOR

The Cashiers Valley Leaf Festival is just one of the many events that draws tourists during leaf season in Jackson County. Jackson TDA photo

September 4-10, 2019

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER ast year was a good one for the tourism industry in Jackson County, with visitor spending in 2018 increasing by 5.3 percent over 2017 numbers, according to recently released figures from the state tourism office Visit North Carolina.

Visitor spending in Jackson County generated $205.81 million over the course of the last year, equivalent to an average of $563,000 daily. The travel and tourism industry employs 1,890 people in Jackson County with a total payroll of $50.87 million. Last year’s visitor spending resulted in $9.5 million in local sales and property tax revenue — saving residents $464.01 in taxes — and $11.34 million in state taxes.

“I think it’s impressive that every single North Carolina county grew last year — 100 percent of our state experienced positive growth, which I think is excellent,” said Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Director Nick Breedlove. “I think that’s really impressive, and I think that speaks to the great job that Visit North Carolina is doing.”

Jackson County’s visitor spending topped $200 million for the first time in 2018, exceeding 2017’s figure of $195.4 million by $6.99 million, which itself was a 3.7 percent increase over the $188.5 million in spending reported in 2016. The 2016 number came in 7.1 percent higher than the previous year’s level of $175.9 million.

“For me looking at those numbers, I think us growing $30 million in three years is pretty impressive,” said Breedlove.

Breedlove credited the dedication of the TDA’s many partners — ranging from accommodations to restaurants to outdoor attractions — with providing guests the quality experiences that keep them coming back.

He also singled out the work of past and present members of the TDA Board of Directors to set Jackson County up for success.

“We’re able to create memorable experiences and provide gracious hospitality for our visitors and in return, sustain existing jobs and create new ones and keep the local economy thriving,” he said.

While significant, Jackson’s visitor spending growth came in behind the statewide average of 5.6 percent but in the top 50 percent in county rankings, at 44 out of 100 counties. Jackson is also at the head of the pack in both percentage growth and total revenue when compared to other counties in the far western part of the state.

In terms of percentage growth, Cherokee was far and away the leader among the seven western counties, its 7 percent increase over 2017 figures earning it the number four rank. However, the remaining five counties came in behind Jackson — Clay was 50th

with 5.2 percent, Macon was 60th with 4.8 percent, Swain was 69th with 4.7 percent, Graham was 76th with 4.5 percent and Haywood was 80th with 4.2 percent.

Jackson also came in second among the far western counties in terms of overall visitor expenditures, holding onto the 26th place spot it earned in 2017 with $205.8 million in visitor spending. Trailing Jackson were 28th-place Haywood, with $189.9 million; 32nd-place Macon, with $178.4 million; 62nd-place Cherokee, with $52.7 million; 79th-place Graham, with $29.4 million; and 92nd-place Clay, at $14.02 million.

The only one of the far western counties to come in ahead of Jackson was Swain County, which drew $215.2 million in visitor spending and took 24th place. Swain has long been the far west’s leader in visitor spending, but in recent years the gap between its totals and Jackson’s has grown smaller and smaller.

In 2015, Swain County drew $17.29 million more in visitor spending than did Jackson, but that lead has shrunk every year since, by 2018 nearly halved to $9.36 million.

While Jackson County’s future looks pos-

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With visitor spending strong, TDA looks to boost off-season tourism

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Haywood’s tourism growth comes in unexpected places, times

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER trong growth in winter and Haywood County’s smaller municipalities has local tourism numbers up over last year, in some cases, substantially.

“From a staff perspective, we’re always looking at the inventory that we have in the county and always looking at how we can create new products or sell something in a different way or find something to sell that we haven’t been selling,” said Lynn Collins, executive director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority.

Haywood’s TDA is the entity charged with collecting the county’s 4 percent room tax and then spending it on marketing and events designed to lure travellers to the area.

As such, the TDA meticulously tracks room tax revenue by month, as well as by zip code.

The data for the TDA’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30, show explosive growth during winter months that traditionally have been flat.

Room tax collections were up 28 percent for January 2019, as compared to January, 2018. January is the month with the lowest projected revenue of the entire year.

The second-lowest projected month, February, saw growth of 30 percent in 2019 compared to the previous year.

March, the third-slowest month, saw year-over-year growth of 13 percent.

Collins chalks up January and February to a good ski season, and March to decent weather.

“You’re going to have a lot of folks from the Ohio Valley come down and start playing some early golf, and things like that,” Collins said. “And then sometimes if we have cold weather and the ski season carries over, that can contribute to it. Then, if you have your snowbirds heading back home, this is a good halfway stopping point for them.”

Weather, though, can be a double-edged sword in this part of the country; the usually busy month of September saw an 8 percent decline in room tax collections in 2018, compared to 2017.

Smoky Mountain News

September 4-10, 2019

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“We did have a hurricane last September and that made some difference in September for a couple of different reasons,” she said.

“We did have an influx of folks here, but then we also had a couple of situations where a couple of big groups canceled on that Friday afternoon, and at that point it was too late to fill those, so that affected September some.”

All in all, room tax collection rates were up 5 percent for fiscal year 2018-19, with October, July and June, respectively, showing the greatest collections. Total collections for the year topped $1.6 million.

Of that revenue, roughly a quarter is designated for use in the zip codes from whence it was generated.

TOURISM

a project going on, but I don’t know of any significant projects that they’ve done to bring people in.”

Canton was the only zip code where TDA revenue actually increased in September, from $3,416 in 2017 to $5,431 in 2018.

“I think just looking at the events of the past few days is a pretty good indicator,” said Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers. Canton is home to the South’s oldest Labor Day parade, and hosted an Oak Ridge Boys performance this year. “We don’t have full numbers yet, but it appeared to be record-breaking. Just being there, I saw a lot of people coming over from Buncombe, Swain and Jackson counties.”

Expenditures Change from previous year Canton also saw 2018 ..................$189.94 million.................4.21 percent substantial growth in 2017 ........................$182.27 .............................1.95 revenues during 2016 ........................$178.79 .............................6.70 January and 2015 ........................$167.56 .............................3.69 February, as did 2014 ........................$161.59 .............................4.00 Source: VisitNC.com every other Haywood County municipality.

Smathers thinks that Maggie Valley has usually produced the overall, the tourism growth in Canton is another lion’s share of that revenue, nearly half, and step in the evolution of what was once a mostlyWaynesville usually claims about a third. shuttered mill town into a desirable place to live, Lake Junaluska is usually good for about 10 to work, and now, to play.

“In Eastern Haywood County, we’re takpercent.

That was true again during the 2018-19 fis- ing full advantage of economic development cal year, but growth over the previous year in opportunities due to our proximity to Haywood’s “big three” was less than inspiring, Asheville,” Smathers said. “However now at least in Lake Junaluska, where a 4 percent because of the wedding venues popping up, decline was reported, and in Waynesville, the AirBnB phenomenon, and outdoor recrewhere a 2 percent gain was reported. Maggie ation, for example tubing down the Pigeon River, we’re now poised to take advantage of Valley fared slightly better at 6 percent.

The real story this year is the double-digit recreational and tourism opportunities.”

While tourism spending has grown congrowth in Clyde — 13 percent — and in sistently since the recession, Haywood Canton, which was up 20 percent.

“That’s the one thing I haven’t been able County continues to see increasing competito figure out yet,” said Collins. “I keep looking tion from neighboring counties.

Jackson County’s revenues are up, and the at Canton and I keep asking about it because in Canton you can usually tell if Evergreen has TDA there has recently added another employ-

Visitor spending in Haywood County

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER urricane Dorian has slowly but surely been making its way toward the east coast of the United States, but Haywood County’s already been seeing some positive effects from the massive storm — evacuees seeking high ground, away from the coast.

“Yes, we have been getting calls already,” said Lynn Collins, executive director of the Haywood County Tourism Development Authority. “We’re usually pretty full around this [Labor Day] weekend anyway, so as the storm progresses we’re going to have to be on the watch.”

Collins was speaking last Friday, while the category 4 hurricane was still several hundred miles east of Florida but headed right for it.

“We have done call-outs for [lodging] availability, so we can help folks and we even have some property owners who rent out their homes who are calling to find a place to stay because their homes are rented,” Collins said. “So yes, we are getting calls and I’m sure that will pick up.”

As of press time on Tuesday, Sept. 3, Dorian sat nearly stationary off West Palm Beach with sustained winds of 120 miles per hour and was expected to track north during the week. Mandatory evacuations have been ordered along much of the eastern seaboard.

H

ee to its staff. Macon County’s revenues are also up, and Swain County just topped $1 million in collections for the very first time.

“We have to work smarter and harder to keep up with the competition,” said Collins.

“From the discussion at the board meeting, it all seems to go back to product development.

I’ve talked to more developers and investment people this past year than I have probably in the whole time I’ve been here, so there’s definitely interest in the area. It’s just making that come to fruition.”

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JACKSON, CONTINUED FROM 7

Over the next three years, the TDA will be working to meet seven goals laid out in the strategic plan resulting from the study.

These goals include: maintaining and supporting the highest-skilled and most dynamic sales and marketing team; promoting and expanding the active-lifestyle brand based on market research; maintaining/expanding a comprehensive research/tracking program to guide all decisions; ensuring all plans, marking, activities and events are on-brand; connecting visitors with memorable experiences; supporting improved and expanded access to traveler experiences; and encouraging and supporting unique mountain dining, shopping and entertainment that sets Jackson County apart from other mountain destinations.

The TDA has already accomplished much of that first goal with the Sept. 2 hire of Caleb Sullivan to a new sales and marketing manager position. Sullivan, a communication and public relations graduate from Western Carolina University, has been interning with the TDA since January.

“Two through seven are items that our board is going to work on in the coming months,” said Breedlove, work that will be accomplished with the help of committees formed from TDA board members as well as community members.

Smoky Mountain News

The survey responses from elected offig cials, large business owners and local government officials revealed other areas Jackson will need to work on. The surveys, part of a system called the Destination NEXT Future Study, looked at variables affecting the destination’s strength as well as its community support and engagement — 10 variables in each of the two categories — and had respondents rank the importance of each variable and then Jackson’s perceived performance on each variable.

Under destination strength, respondents ranked communication and internet infrastructure as the fourth most important factor but 10th in performance. Perhaps even more strikingly, respondents ranked workforce as the most important factor under community support and engagement but said it was 10th in perceived performance.

“We clearly have some work to do in that,” said Young.

— Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Director Nick Breedlove

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“We’re able to create memorable experiences and provide gracious hospitality for our visitors and in return, sustain existing jobs and create new ones and keep the local economy thriving.”

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and the Parkway is closed for much of the winter, even on days when the weather down in town is pleasantly warm and sunny.

“When they do that,” replied Young, ‘How can we divert the people that show up at one of the crossarms that are down and say, ‘We’ve got all these roads that are just as beautiful drives, that are spectacular, that you can take your scenic drive and stay right here in Jackson County and hopefully end up at lunchtime or dinner at one of our restaurants?”

The TDA has already made adjustments to this year’s marketing plan to reflect the focus on bolstering shoulder season and offseason tourism, said Breedlove. While the organization will still promote leaf season, for example, it won’t do so as vigorously.

Instead, it will put more marketing resources behind the winter season. In addition, it will work with Jackson County’s lodging providers to put together packages and specials to entice visitors to give winter a try.

It’s not just visitor spending that stands to grow from improved off-season offerings, said Young. The county could also realize more revenue from part-time residents who tend to vacate during the colder months.

Survey results indicate, said Young, that, “even though they’re not in the habit of coming in the winter, if we give them unique experiences they will come in the winter.”

In order to grow, said Young, Jackson County needs to concentrate on improving the visitor experience around its strong suits.

“Everything is about staying on brand, marketing this active lifestyle brand,” he said. “Then it’s about connecting the visitor with those memorable experiences.”

“Connecting the visitor” could mean developing apps and signage to make it easier for people to find their way between points of interest in the large, rural county.

It could also mean improving access to the attractions people are already seeking out — like, for instance, developing parking areas for popular waterfalls that now require precarious roadside parking.

Addressing the issues highlighted through DestinationNEXT won’t be a TDAspecific venture, said Breedlove, but the TDA will support other local entities in attacking them.

Despite these challenges, the study revealed strong enthusiasm from those who vacation or live in Jackson County.

Overnight visitors rated Jackson a 4.74 on a five-point scale, daytrippers a 4.62.

Word clouds generated from all types of respondents — daytrippers, overnight visitors, residents and part-time residents — yielded a plethora of positivity. The word “beautiful” loomed large in all four categories, as did “mountains,” “friendly” and “scenic.” The words “relaxing,” “waterfalls” and “nature” were prominent in all categories except for residents.

“It’s all positive,” said Young. “We did this for an urban destination in California, and the words were like ‘murder,’ ‘crime’ and ‘death.’ So people are honest. They’re not sugarcoating it. They genuinely see these very positive attributes for the area.”

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Visitor spending in Macon on the rise

BY J ESSI STONE Macon County, the Town of Franklin and N EWS E DITOR the Town of Highlands currently levy a 3 utdoor recreation continues to be a percent occupancy tax that is paid when peomajor factor in Macon County’s ple stay overnight at a hotel, cabin or other steady increase in visitor spending accommodation. That revenue is collected year after year. and distributed to the three jurisdictions of According to Visit North Carolina, visithe county to be used to promote and martors spend more than $178 million in Macon ket the county’s tourism draws.

County in 2018, representing almost a 5 perLike the other small mountain towns in cent increase over 2017. Visitor spending in the region, Macon County’s tourism indusMacon has been steadily increasing since 2009 after a small dip during the recession. The increase in tourism dolExpenditures Change from previous year lars ultimately helps the 2018 ..................$178.37 million.................4.85 percent county’s bottom line and 2017 ........................$170.12 .............................3.65 takes some financial 2016 ........................$164.14 .............................6.42 pressure off of local resi2015 ........................$154.23 .............................3.66 Source: dents. In 2018, the state 2014 ........................$148.78 .............................5.63 VisitNC.com estimates each Macon County resident saw a $606 annual savings because of visitor try is reliant on outdoor recreation inside spending. and out of the Great Smoky Mountains During this year’s budget process, National Park. Franklin is also designated County Manager Derek Roland told commis- by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as an sioners that he budgeted a conservative 3 “A.T. community” for thru-hikers, with percent increase for sales tax revenue for more than 500 hikers coming through town 2018-19 while actual sales tax revenues were beginning in April. up 4.55 percent through the end of 2018 Downtown Franklin has also become a with still six months more to go in the fiscal bigger tourism draw with local merchants, year budget. restaurants and two craft breweries. The

O

Smoky Mountain News

September 4-10, 2019

Visitor spending in Macon County

TOURISM town of Franklin organizes several festivals and free concert and movie events throughout the year to bring more folks and more dollars to the downtown corridor.

Macon County organizations are also in the midst of creating a history and cultural tourism corridor from the headwaters of the Little Tennessee River to the Qualla Boundary to draw more visitor attention to Nikwasi Mound in Franklin and Cowee

Mound in the Cowee community.

One visitor draw that sets Macon County apart from others is the Parker Meadows Sports Complex, which can host multi-day sports tournaments. Families travel from all over the region for their children to participate in sports tournaments, and the county’s Parker Meadows facilities have been able to reap the benefits. Commissioners give Parker Meadows a lot of credit for the increase they’ve seen in sales tax revenues and were even able to pay off the $5 million construction loan early using that additional revenue.

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Haywood inmate dies in apparent suicide

Smoky Mountain News

Western Carolina University will honor its first African-American student with a dedication ceremony for its newest residence hall — Levern Hamlin Allen Residence Hall — on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Allen Residence Hall is the first building on campus to be named after an AfricanAmerican. The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the facility on Central Drive. Among those speaking at the ceremony will be WCU Chancellor Kelli R. Brown, WCU Board of Trustees Chair Bryant Kinney, and WCU alumnus Michael Naylor, who was instrumental in the university reconnecting with Allen in 1987 and is the current president of the WCU African-American Alumni Society.

In the summer of 1957, what was then called Western Carolina College became one of the first all-white institutions of higher education in North Carolina to integrate.

Allen, a recent graduate of Hampton Institute, had taken a teaching job in Charlotte with Mecklenburg County School System, but she needed nine credit hours to earn her North Carolina teaching certificate.

WCC was the only school that offered the classes she needed.

The ceremony is open to the public.

Parking near Allen Hall is limited, but is available around campus and Cat-Tran shuttles will be in operation.

September 4-10, 2019

WCU to honor first African-American student

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An inmate at the Haywood County Detention Center, Zachary Nathaniel Lambright, 20, was pronounced deceased at Haywood Regional Medical Center on Monday, Aug. 19, at 3:02 p.m. following an apparent suicide in his assigned cell in the Haywood County Detention Center.

Lambright was found unresponsive Monday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. during a detention officer’s required observation rounds. Lambright injured himself after the detention officer’s previous round, which was conducted at 1:57 p.m.

The law requires detention officers to check on inmates twice an hour. Jail log records provided by the sheriff ’s office confirm that the officer on duty had conducted checks according to the law.

Sheriff ’s office personnel, medical staff and paramedics responded to the incident and worked to resuscitate Lambright before he was transported to Haywood Regional.

Lambright was booked into the detention center Aug. 9 after being brought back from Florida by law enforcement on a Governor’s Warrant to face several failure to appear charges, to include felony second degree forcible rape, larceny of a motor vehicle and driving while impaired.

Haywood County Sheriff ’s Office administration notified the State Bureau of Investigation of the incident.

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Big changes coming to N.C. Medicaid

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER s the state of North Carolina moves forward with some bold new changes to how it will administer Medicaid, Haywood County’s Health and Human Services Agency is trying to get out ahead of the makeover by letting beneficiaries know what they can expect.

It’s called “Medicaid Transformation,” and it differs significantly from the traditional fee-for-service model currently in place, called Medicaid direct. Soon, most people will transition to something called Medicaid managed care.

“This is so different from what people are accustomed to now,” said Teresa Allison, economic services director with Haywood’s HHS. “Ordinarily, an individual who applies for Medicaid, once they’re deemed to be eligible, they get their Medicaid card, they go to their doctor. If they need a replacement card, if they have any questions, their primary point of contact is social services, or their doctor.”

When Medicaid’s open enrollment period begins on Oct. 14, around 1.6 million of North Carolina’s 2.1 million current Medicaid beneficiaries will instead start dealing with insurance companies.

That includes more than half of Haywood County’s 14,000 Medicaid beneficiaries — as many as 8,400 people — who will be made to choose from one of four firms the state has contracted with to provide managed care — WellCare, United Healthcare, Healthy Blue (Blue Cross/Blue Shield) and Amerihealth Caritas.

“What is going to happen and change is that in the near future, beneficiaries will be selecting a health plan, and the health plan will help them navigate through their health care needs and coordinate appointments

September 4-10, 2019

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How to enroll in Medicaid There are several ways in which eligible persons can enroll in Medicaid: • Using a computer, visit www.ncmedicaidplans.gov. Enrollment specialists are also available to chat.

• Using a smartphone, search Google Play or the iTunes App Store for “NC Medicaid Managed Care.” Download and install the app, and follow the instructions.

• Using a landline, call an enrollment specialist toll-free at 833.870.5500. Callers who require TTY service can call 833.870.5588.

• Using the U.S. Postal Service, email a completed enrollment form to N.C. Medicaid Enrollment Broker, P.O. Box 613, Morrisville, N.C. 27560.

• Using a fax machine, send the completed enrollment form to 833.898.9655. with their primary care provider, ensuring that they get all of their medical needs met so that they can have good healthy outcomes,” said Allison.

Enrollment brokers will help people navigate the plans by providing enrollees with unbiased advice on which insurer is right for them; each plan must provide mandatory minimums of service, but they all differ slightly in the sort of enhancements — say, care focused on the elderly — they will offer.

It is, however, important to note that the eligibility requirements for Medicaid itself will not change — meaning people won’t be faced with losing coverage — but that also means Medicaid coverage won’t

Open enrollment for N.C. Medicaid begins Oct. 14. Cory Vaillancourt photo expand to people who aren’t currently eligible for benefits.

It’s also important to note that North Carolina’s Medicaid transformation has little to do with the “Medicaid for All” movement, which is currently the subject of an intense budget standoff between Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and the Republican-controlled legislature. North Carolina is one of just 14 states that have not expanded Medicaid.

Democrats have been calling for the expansion of Medicaid, 90 percent of which would be paid for by money N.C. taxpayers already send to Washington, D.C. Republicans, however, are concerned about being left to pick up the entire tab if

Congress ever decides to diminish expansion funding.

Medicaid Transformation, however, aims to cut costs and produce better outcomes for existing beneficiaries.

Under the current fee-for-service model, Medicaid pays providers for each service, test or procedure given to beneficiaries. That makes budgeting harder, because providers never quite know when someone will show up with a medical issue.

Medicaid managed care will pay providers a “global” fee for each beneficiary, and hold those providers accountable for the results. In theory, the better a provider performs, the more money they can make. The opposite is also true.

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Not everyone will end up in managed care Medicaid though — at least, not right now. Although about 65 percent of Haywood’s Medicare population will face a mandatory transition, roughly 35 percent won’t, according to Allison.

“There will be some individuals that will fall into an excluded group, which means that they’ll stay in North Carolina Medicaid direct,” she said.

Those are likely to be people who don’t qualify for full Medicaid benefits, like those who are only eligible for family planning services; it wouldn’t make much sense to pay a provider a large global fee for a beneficiary who will make relatively little use of the full suite of Medicaid services.

Then there is an “exempt” group that can either enroll in the managed care model now by choosing from one of the four insurers, or remain in Medicaid direct until socalled “tailored plans” become available by mid-2021.

“A really good example of the exempt group would be the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a federally recognized tribal entity,” said Allison.

With all that being said, Allison wants people to be aware of how the process will work, and some important deadlines looming that could determine what Medicaid services, if any, will be available.

Managed care is being rolled out in two phases across North Carolina. In some counties, primarily in the north-central part of the state, the process is already underway. In the rest of the state, including the far west, that process will begin soon.

“The takeaways that I would want beneficiaries to know is that the eligibility process itself is not changing on the front end,” Allison said. “The rules aren’t changing, the criteria isn’t changing. What will change is if they are deemed to be eligible and they fall into a mandatory group. After that eligibility, they will get information about enrolling and selecting a health plan, with information about how they can contact the enrollment broker to go through that step.”

On Oct. 1, enrollment packets will be mailed out to beneficiaries by the enrollment brokers. Open enrollment begins on Oct. 14. A reminder postcard will be mailed a month after that, and then a month after that, on Dec. 13, the open enrollment period closes.

Those who haven’t chosen a plan by Dec. 13 will be automatically assigned to one on Dec. 16, thus it’s critical that Medicaid beneficiaries educate themselves on the plans and choose the one that’s the best fit for them, Allison says.

“Everybody who is mandatory, if they do not select a plan, they are auto assigned in a plan,” she said. “So I would encourage the community that receives Medicaid when they get an enrollment packet in the mail in October to call us, to call the enrollment broker.”

Once enrolled with one of the four insurers, beneficiaries will receive a welcome packet from the insurer. Coverage under the new plans will begin on Feb. 1, 2020.

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Smoky Mountain News September 4-10, 2019

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Input sought for Swain’s future Residents encouraged to fill out survey

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR ll indications show Swain County has a prosperous future ahead, but county leaders are looking for community input to determine what their top priorities should be moving forward.

Commission Chairman Ben Bushyhead, who was elected to the chairman’s post last November, said creating a strategic plan for the county would be one of his main goals moving into his second four-year term on the board.

“It’s going to be a lot of work because we don’t have anything for the county to look back at — we’ve never had a strategic plan before,” he said. “But there are a couple of state departments that can help us out with the process and Western Carolina University could send us someone to help us come up with a strategy and a comprehensive plan.”

That strategic planning effort is even more important now that the federal government has paid out the entire $52 million North Shore Road settlement to Swain County — something the county’s been waiting on since the settlement was reached in 2012.

Though getting the money paid out was a major accomplishment for Swain County, it

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U.S. Rep. Mark Meadows, (from left) Swain County Commission Chairman Phil Carson, State Rep. Mike Clampitt, Sen. Jim Davis, Rep. Kevin Corbin and Sen. Thom Tillis present the North Shore settlement check to Swain County. Jessi Stone photo doesn’t mean the commissioners now have $52 million in the bank to spend. The funding sits in an account in Raleigh through the North Carolina Treasurer’s Office and the county can only draw off the interest it accrues each year.

For years, the county only had $12 million in the account, waiting for the federal government to pay out the rest of the settlement.

That $12 million resulted in $200,000 to $300,000 of interest a year for the county to

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help supplement the budget. Now that the $52 million is sitting in the bank it would stand to reason the county could expect millions in interest each year, but Bushyhead said it’s been more complicated because of how the state law was being interpreted by the Treasurer’s Office.

Swain County asked Sen. Jim Davis, RFranklin, to introduce an amendment to the state law establishing Swain County’s fund that would do two things — clarify the lan-

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guage so that Swain can collect interest on the entire $52 million each year and also allow the state treasurer to invest the money for Swain in a higher grossing account like the Equity Investment Fund. Right now the county can only invest the money into a Bond Index Fund or the Short Term Investment fund.

“The North Shore bill passed so now we can draw down the entire interest we earn instead of it going back into the principal amount,” Bushyhead said. “But the second part of the bill that would allow the state treasurer to invest our money in a higher interest earning vehicle — that part got confused and the legislature took that out of the bill so we have to go back next year and explain that to them.”

With Swain’s low tax base — and commissioners’ intent to keep property taxes low for residents — the North Shore Road settlement money can be a gamechanger for the county. The school system has major infrastructure needs, the Friends of the Library have been lobbying for a new library facility, county employees want raises, the pool at the rec park needs major repairs — the list of needs goes on.

Bushybead said collecting input from community members on what their top priorities are will help the county through the strategic planning process.

“Commissioners just sent out a survey with the tax bills asking them to fill it out — we want as many stakeholders as we can to be involved,” he said.

The survey can also be completed online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/YKCW89Z.

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BPR & NPR Present

PUBLIC MEDIA:

BUILDING TRUST IN AN AGE OF MISTRUST September 10, 2019 at 7pm

at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville As the 2020 national election campaign ramps up, public interest in how the media covers it is intensifying. Blue Ridge Public Radio and National Public Radio will host a community conversation to tackle one of the most important components of journalism – trust.

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September 4-10, 2019

Panelists for this community conversation include: • Elizabeth Jensen, NPR’s Public Editor • Mark Memmott, NPR’s Senior Editor for Standards and Practices • BPR News Director Matt Bush • Smoky Mountain News Publisher and Editor Scott McLeod • Mountain Xpress Editor Virginia Daffron • Asheville Citizen-Times Editor and Reporter Casey Blake

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Elizabeth Jensen

Mark Memmott

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at tinyurl.com/yyqnnjk9 or 828-257-4530 from 11am – 4pm Tuesday through Friday

Some Haywood County Schools buildings nearing capacity

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County Schools this year, along with 10 second-graders and 10 third-graders — all split more or less equally between Bethel, Clyde, Hazelwood, Jonathan Valley and Junaluska elementary schools.

Fourth, fifth and sixth-grade classes at Haywood County Schools saw the addition of five, eight and nine students, respectively.

Eight seventh-graders and seven eighthgraders also began this year in Haywood County Schools after spending last year at Shining Rock.

Waynesville Middle School saw the biggest gains, with 18 former Shining Rock students now in attendance. Junaluska Elementary gained 14 students, Hazelwood Elementary added nine, Clyde added eight, Jonathan Valley added seven and Canton Middle School added six. The rest of Haywood’s schools saw between two and four new students.

The only Haywood schools that saw no influx of former Shining Rock students were Meadowbrook, Bethel Middle and Central Haywood High School.

As to how that’s affected day-to-day operations at the school, Dr. Bill Nolte, superintendent of HCS, put it into practical terms.

“We are not talking actual numbers for two reasons. First, the state class size law has a declining maximum in K-3 classes,” Nolte said. “This year it’s 22 per K-3 classroom.

Second, the number of students in a particular grade level determines the number of reg-

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complex is going in just blocks from the school, off Plott Creek Road.

Along those same lines, Junaluska Elementary has room for about 59 more students.

“They have had 22 classes the last few years,” Nolte said. “This year they have 26 classes.”

That all factors into Haywood’s search for a new facility to house its central administration offices. Earlier this month the current location, the old Haywood County Hospital, qualified for tax The largest impacts of credits that will make redeveloppopulation growth and ment of the historic structure possible, meaning HCS has to be out by diminished charter school December 2020, or sooner.

HCS’ $13 million proposal for enrollment in Haywood County what Nolte calls the Educational are being felt at Hazelwood and Support Center includes space for administrators, but many have wonJunaluska elementary schools. dered why HCS doesn’t just move into the former Central Elementary building on Joy Lane in Waynesville.

By that measure, the largest impacts of Although that may be a temporary population growth and diminished charter option, school officials maintain it will likely school enrollment in Haywood County are be needed again as a school in the very near being felt at Hazelwood and Junaluska elefuture. mentary schools.

“Central Elementary runs effectively “We believe the capacity at Hazelwood is 29 regular classes. The school had 29 regular with 12 regular classrooms,” Nolte said.

“For several years the school had 15 regular classes in 2018-19,” he said. “Currently the classrooms (before it started losing stuschool has 27 classes.” dents). We think the capacity is 14 or 15 regBut it also has room for just 44 more stuular classrooms.” dents, and a large-multi-unit apartment ular classrooms needed, not the total number of students in the school.”

As an example, if there are 86 students in any K-3 grade level at a school, the school would only need four classrooms, and four teachers.

However, if just three more students move into that grade level during the school year, another teacher and another classroom would be needed to maintain the 22-student limit, which is down from 24 last year.

news

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER ith a major new administration facility proposed and a shuttered elementary school still sitting empty, Haywood County Schools finds itself at a crossroads as its schools fill up, even before a number of new apartment complexes plan to accept new tenants in the coming months.

At least some of that enrollment growth comes from lower enrollment at Haywood County’s only public charter school, Shining Rock Classical Academy, which had expected nearly 400 kids this year but ended up with just over 300.

Numbers from Haywood County Schools show that for this school year, HCS has 98 former Shining Rock students now in attendance.

By far, the bulk of them were graduating eighth graders; Shining Rock does not currently offer high school instruction, so those students have the option of attending Haywood’s high schools — Central Haywood, Pisgah, Tuscola or Haywood Early College. Pisgah saw the addition of four students, Tuscola gained 15 and Haywood Early College added nine.

But 70 students in K-8 who attended Shining Rock last year chose not to return this year, with attrition greatest in grades first, second and third.

A dozen former Shining Rock kindergartners entered first grade at various Haywood

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What To Expect: Artists Demonstrations

Food Available for Purchase

For more information on how to get involved: 828.631.0271 or chelseamiller@jacksonnc.org

www.jcgep.org

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18

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

After 125 years, we can do better BOB SAVELSON G UEST COLUMNIST hinking about Labor Day, it has been a national holiday since 1894. Consistent with the nation’s ambivalent feelings about whether organized labor should truly be part of its social fabric, the statute was signed by President Grover Cleveland — who earlier that year had dispatched federal troops to break a strike called to support Pullman car employees protesting wage cuts.

Today, we often hear that our labor history is a relic of a bygone age. Regularly, we hear that having disposed of truly terrible 19th-century working conditions and oppression, and with a national “safety net” of remedial laws, our problems have been solved and employee representation is an obsolete idea. When attention is turned to addressing today’s issues — including job safety, pension protection, healthcare, pay equity and family leave — there is little interest in fixing glaring inequities.

Is there any good reason why we should not be considering new ideas to address these and other issues through employee representation geared to today’s work environ-

T

We have perverted the American ideal To the Editor: Donald Trump’s only redeeming value may be that he is the shock to the system the U.S. needs to force some serious self-reflection. We have been living the American Dream for so long we forgot what it is to be awake to what is really going on in our society, especially in the sordid political arena and in the imbalance of wealth accumulation. We Americans need to take stock of the values we want to live by and act accordingly.

The notion of justice, fairness and compassion for all has been dashed by the craven greed which now fuels our society. Current overblown military budgets came about because we lost track of what our real strengths were: a strong economy, assimilation of immigrants, a desire to live up to the cornerstone of the formation of our nation, liberty and justice for all.

Blind ambition for wealth and the twisted idea that military strength protects us from foreign influence — along with our overblown national ego — have perverted the character of the nation such that our founding fathers would be shocked at what we have done to our country. Nosce te ipsum, America.

John Barry Franklin

Background checks are too onerous To the Editor: In discussions with people who are clamoring for universal background checks, I find many people don’t understand how far the

ment? Do we really want to ignore them because the Congress seems incapable of doing so? Can we shed the real relics of 19th-century economic thinking and find ways to promote employee representation, productivity, partnership, humane working environments and family values in today’s society?

In 1993-1994, the U.S. Commission on the Future of Worker-Management Relations took a comprehensive look at how we might address many of these issues. It solicited advice and listened to a broad array of American leaders. Its reports and policy recommendations called for new ways of thinking about the workplace. Most of this vision, however, has gone nowhere — 25 years later, not much has changed except for the increased stress borne by the average American worker and family.

It is time for us to start addressing these concerns.

Respected CEOs are calling for review of significant corporate policies that affect all stakeholders in our society. There is a necessity to reconcile our desire for a family-friendly society with what is going on at work. There is an ongoing need to change how we think about the real benefit to employees,

law goes and what it will make illegal.

In my safe I have six guns that belong to a young soldier serving overseas who could not take his firearms with him. He put his household goods in storage and his choices were to leave the firearms in the storage unit where they were vulnerable to theft and also rust or ask someone he trusted with a safe to hold them.

Under the proposed background check law he and I would both be guilty of six felonies each once he gave me the firearms to store.

One for each gun. And when I return them to him six more each. Twelve felonies total for each of us. Under the new proposed law to stay legal we would both have to travel to a gun store, enter his guns into the gun store’s books, have me fill out paperwork as if I was buying them and pay a fee that in our area averages $35 per firearm. Then repeat it in reverse to give them back to him when he returns, paying again.

More than $400 in fees and several hours wasted to do the responsible thing and have someone safely store his firearms, but he could leave them in a storage locker more open to theft without hassle or expense. And, both he and I are exempt from the background checks because we have concealed carry permits! So hours of wasted time and hassle and hundreds of dollars spent just for meaningless paperwork to avoid breaking the law for two people just trying to do the right thing and be responsible.

How would this stop crime?

There are other things these laws would make illegal. If you offer to help someone clean or repair a gun and take it to your home to do it that’s a felony. If you loan someone a firearm to go target shooting it’s a felony unless you hand it off and get it back all while physically at the range. Farmers and ranchers

managers, shareholders and consumers of worker-management partnerships. We should keep in mind that partnership arrangements, though few and far between, do exist as a building block.

There is a companion need to update our basic labor laws — those who question this might feel differently after working a few days in a food processing plant or coal mine.

If Labor Day now has significance beyond marking the end of summer, it is as a reminder that there is serious work to be done. Successors to the men and women who stood up many years ago for decent wages and working conditions and our corporate leaders should be engaged in a national discussion of how we can succeed. Our political and civic leaders should be sponsoring this dialogue. Labor Day came about reluctantly because the nation didn’t handle these problems well — we can do better 125 years later.

Bob Savelson, who resides in Cashiers and Washington, D.C., was a practicing labor lawyer for over 50 years. He is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and member of the Advisory Council of the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

LETTERS who have a rifle on hand to defend livestock and let their employees use it? Felony if the employee even picks it up and the owner isn’t physically there. Offer to help someone move and their firearms are in a box on your truck and they are not with you? Felony. Leave your firearms in a friend’s hunting cabin when you are not there? Felony. Ask someone to drop your hunting rifle off at the gunsmith for you?

Felony. Going on a hunting trip and you carry someone’s rifle to the hunt for them? Felony.

Any time they can argue possession of the firearm changed hands, even for a brief moment, is enough to charge a felony for not doing a background check. At one time or another almost all gun owners have done something harmless along these lines that they want to turn into felony charges.

Don’t be fooled. These laws are about creating gotcha moments to turn law-abiding gun owners into felons, not about reducing crime.

Tim Glance Waynesville

Take it easy on Shining Rock To the Editor: For the past few years I have gotten in the habit of picking up a copy of The Smoky Mountain News in Bryson City, where I live, or as we bounce around Jackson and Haywood counties. In general, I find the publication to be an excellent effort to bring local and regional news and information to residents of the area.

That said, what’s up with the obsession Cory has of trashing Shining Rock Classical Academy week after week after week? I have

read most, if not all, of the articles about this start-up public charter school, and the leadership and staff who are obviously trying to bring another viable educational choice to the students and parents of Haywood County.

The paper is clearly biased against the concept of a taxpayer-funded charter school, or against some other aspect of this effort.

I’m sure these folks would freely admit that they have not done everything perfectly, but odds are they are doing their best. Trying to breathe life into a vision such as this is never easy, and in the field of public education I suspect it’s even harder than usual. And one would have to believe that this effort is based in a true desire to create something special, as I can’t imagine there is a bunch of money in it for anyone.

As I read through the August 14 issue, I could not help but to be struck by the ironies created by other articles in the publication.

On the very next page, “Teachers just don’t get enough credit” is an essay on the undervalued efforts of teachers in our society. What about the poor Shining Rock teachers who had to prepare for the new school year as SMN publicly trashed their school, which has likely negatively affected the enrollment and potentially some of their jobs? Later is “A reminder: leave something good behind,” a book review of a new book about the life of Anthony Bourdain, reflecting on his wish that we all leave something good behind.

Somehow I would bet that the leadership and staff of Shining Rock are trying to do just that, against tough odds, made tougher by this paper. I have no connection with anything or anyone involved in this school, and don’t even know where it is, but the spirit of these articles just strikes me as mean and unjustified!

Mark Hanna Bryson City

Chris Cox

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You also have to play grocery store roulette during this period, since some of the stores will have better, cheaper cherries than others. Some may still not even have cherries at all. I’ll usually ask to speak to a manager in these situations.

A couple of weeks after that and we’re into the utter bliss of July, with its long days, warm nights, lovers holding hands, impromptu runs to Dairy Queen, and so on. Mid-summer shenanigans. Now things are beginning to get serious for cherry eaters. All the grocery stores have cherries now, heaping bags of them, deep red, solid and heavy. Any trace of tartness is now gone. Now it’s on. It is so on.

To bite into the perfect texture of cherry flesh, neither mealy nor stringy nor mushy nor starchy, but perfectly formed, lush and giving, what a good cut of filet is to a person who loves steaks.

To taste that unsurpassed sweetness, neither syrupy nor alloyed with some unpleasant aftertaste nor overdone, like some fruit-bombed wine, but just right.

All of this, for $3.98 per pound.

During peak cherry season, I will often create occasions for cherry-binging — Bing cherry binging, if you will — like watching the Dodgers on a sun-drenched Sunday afternoon on television, my dog on my lap and a big bowl of cherries by my side. Or lounging on the deck with a James Lee Burke novel, following the travails of Detective Dave Robicheaux in my easy chair, savoring one cherry per page, launching the pits over the deck and into the yard below for the squirrels to ponder.

These are the days, I tell you, though they are even more fleeting than most of our days. By mid-August, most of the cherries are gone. When you do see them, they look sad somehow there in their bin, marked down to $2.98 per pound, drooping in their pouches, softened up, wrinkled with age, foul-smelling, gnat-swarmed, brownish rot ringing the stems.

I poke around to see if by some miracle there might be one good bag of them left behind somehow, late bloomers maybe. I’d love one more dance before they shut the dancehall down until next summer.

The gnats are stirred, annoyed. It’s all over, they say. They belong to us now. I sigh before moving on to the plums. They have their rewards, of course, but still.

It’s going to be a long winter.

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

September 4-10, 2019

ne of the things I like the most about summertime is when the cherries begin showing up in the grocery stores, gallon-sized plastic bags filled to overflowing with Bing cherries nearly as big around as golf balls. It’s my own private version of the return of the swallows to Capistrano. The return of the cherries to Ingles.

Those first few weeks, the cherries are usually lighter red, nearly as tart as crab apples, and about $15.98 per pound, almost as high as Alaskan King Crab legs. As a cherry connoisseur — surely there is a society of cherry lovers someColumnist where I can join? — I am also a man who has, at long last, learned the deep and satisfying pleasures of delayed gratification. I no longer lurch toward the first bin of cherries I see every June like some undisciplined schoolboy.

For one thing, I know they’re too sour and that I will be disappointed and maybe vaguely ashamed for lacking the self-control to wait for the right moment.

The next thing, I know that my spouse, who is “cherry-agnostic,” will give me that look she gives me when she sees on the itemized grocery bill among the boxes of cereal, the crowns of broccoli, and the cuts of meat that I paid $46 for two bags of sour cherries.

“Who does that?” she would say, brandishing the grocery bill like some kind of martial arts weapon.

I would take a step back and then shrug, because there is nothing I could say and because I don’t like paper cuts. You think you won’t get attacked by a person holding only a grocery bill, but maybe you’ve never brought one home that included a line item for $46 for cherries. The kids need braces and the tires are nearly bald and how are we ever going to replace those countertops when I’m spending all our money on cherries? Cherries!

So, I don’t do that. Instead, I will usually wait for a couple of weeks until they come down to $5.98 per pound, when about half the cherries in the bag are at least nearly ripe, passably ripe, and the other half still sort of pinkish and very sour, but credibly edible if you chase them with a ripe one pretty fast. It’s an art.

opinion

Cherry binging is a thing O

19

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

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CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

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CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

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

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

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

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

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 70 Soco Road, Maggie Valley 828.926.0201 Home of the Maggie Valley Pizzeria. We deliver after 4 p.m. daily to all of Maggie Valley, J-Creek area, and Lake Junaluska.

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MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT 2804 Soco Road, Maggie Valley.

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

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VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

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

WAYNESVILLE PIZZA COMPANY 32 Felmet Street, Waynesville.

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

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

7:30am to 4pm Closed 7:30am to 4pm 8am to 8pm 9am to 3pm

AT BEARWATERS BREWING Tue-Thurs 12- 9 p.m • Fri-Sat: 12- 10 p.m.

Sunday: 12- 9 p.m. • Monday: Closed

101 PARK ST. CANTON 828.492.1422 PIGEONRIVERGRILLE.COM

Wine • Port • Champagne Cigars • Gifts

828-452-6000

20 Church Street Downtown Waynesville

classicwineseller.com MONDAY - SATURDAY

10:00AM - 6:00PM

Smoky Mountain News

Carver's

MAGGIE VALLEY RESTAURANT since 1952

ORDER CATERING ONLINE No Lines No Waiting!

CityLightsCafe.com 828.587.2233 3 E JACKSON ST • SYLVA, NC

Daily Specials: Soups, Sandwiches & Southern Dishes

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

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

Closed Tuesday

Sunday 12-9 p.m.

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

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

Breakfast : Omelets, Pancakes, Biscuits & Gravy!

Breakfast served all day!

OPEN DAILY 7 A.M. TO 8 P.M. SUNDAY 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. CLOSED TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY

September 4-10, 2019

HAZELWOOD FARMACY & SODA FOUNTAIN 429 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville.

828.246.6996. Open six days a week, closed Wednesday. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday brunch 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Breakfast until noon, old-fashioned luncheonette and diner comfort food.

Historic full service soda fountain.

restaurant that has been serving breakfast to locals and visitors of Western North Carolina for decades. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey’s is sure to please all appetites. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

MON.-SAT. 11AM- 8 PM

2804 SOCO RD. • MAGGIE VALLEY

34 CHURCH ST. WAYNESVILLE 828.246.6505

828.926.0425 • Facebook.com/carversmvr Instagram- @carvers_mvr

twitter.com/ChurchStDepot

THANK YOU, HAYWOOD COUNTY,

FOR VOTING US

#1 BURGER! facebook.com/ChurchStreetDepot

21

22

A&E

Smoky Mountain News

Sparking the creative fires within Sylva’s White Moon serves up more than just coffee

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER t’s a serendipitous sort of happenstance when you stumble across the White Moon coffee shop. Tucked in the depths of Mill Street in downtown Sylva, the cozy establishment is meant to be a refuge from whatever may be distracting you from hearing the most important voice in your life — your own.

“Our favorite times at White Moon are when the community is gathering around and having conversations at our bar and enjoying their morning or afternoon coffee,” said Cecelia White, who co-owns the shop with her fiancé, Don Panicko. “Environment is really important for us here. We wanted to create a space that was welcoming and comfortable for people to gather in. Coffee is the one thing that most people start their day with, and we get to be a part of that.”

Growing up in Charlotte, White attended the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. From there, she worked in retail and hospitality before deciding to put roots back down in her native North Carolina, this time in the western part of the state.

Originally from California, Panicko skipped college and headed for New York City at age 19, where he navigated his way through the hustle and bustle of the service industry.

After a while, he wanted a simpler life and hit the open road on a motorcycle trip, ultimately finding himself in Asheville.

And it was in Asheville that the young couple first met in a coffee shop. At that time, White was focusing on apothecary goods, while Panicko was immersing himself in woodworking. Eventually, they secured a small business loan through Mountain Bizworks to combine their passions and open a shop.

“After some time together, we decided to buy a house and looked at towns surrounding Asheville that fit our ideal location,” White said. “We both knew that we wanted to open a spot of some sort [in Sylva], but, honestly, we signed the lease with zero idea of what was going to fill that space and with zero funding.”

Six months after moving into their home in Balsam, they opened White Moon in 2018.

Part coffee shop, part small plate gourmet restaurant, the independent business has quickly become a beehive of activity, hosting an array of social events, artisan collectives and live music.

“When Don and I met, I was in the process of branding apothecary goods that I was making in my free time. I was studying herbalism and working on a line of all natural, plantbased soaps, tea blends and syrups,” White noted. “And White Moon was the original name for that product line, so we took on the mindset in starting White Moon the coffee

I

Don Panicko and Cecelia White (above).

White Moon is located on Mill Street (right) in downtown Sylva. (photos: Keiti Robertson)

shop. We wanted to continue to bring herbalism and plant-based goodness to our products while sourcing farm fresh veggies from our local community — having a wellness section to our beverage menu and healthy, clean food options is important to us.”

When one steps into White Moon, the space is meant to be as inviting as it is inspirational, a room filled with natural light, shadows and friendly faces, where conversation between friends and strangers alike could be sparked in an instant.

“We opened a business that was simply an extension of ourselves and all of the things that we care about. It was a very honest organic development into what it is now and we had high hopes that the town would be supportive of us,” Panicko said. “Sylva’s landscape offers a lot of opportunity and growth. We feel that in the next few years it has the potential to achieve next level greatness. We hope that future business owners see the gaps in types of businesses and open up shops that are unique and will further strengthen our great town.”

Want to go?

White Moon will be launching its new menu and fall hours with a special event at 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the shop on Mill Street in Sylva.

Alongside the usual wine and craft beer selections, there will be a coffee and dessert menu. Influenced by Israelis and Mediterranean

cuisines, the small plate food menu will be vegetarian heavy with spices and fresh herbs incorporated.

There will also be a solo piano performance

by Steve Okonsky, keyboardist for Durand Jones & The Indications.

For more information, call 828.331.0111 or find the business on Facebook by searching “White Moon Sylva.”

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

Parked along the Hayford Road. (photo: Garret K. Woodward)

Beloved bluegrass/Americana act The Steeldrivers will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

ulling off Interstate 87 onto Route 9, the fading sun lowered itself The smash Broadway hit “Mamma Mia!” at 7:30 behind the cornfields and p.m. Sept. 5-7, 12-14, and 2 p.m. Sept. 8 and 15 open meadows of the at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Champlain Valley. It has been Waynesville. a while since I’d found myself The Fines Creek Heritage Fair & Music Festival crossing into the village limits will be held Sept. 6-8 at the Fines Creek of Rouses Point, New York, a Community Center. place where I spent the first 18 years of my life.

The Western NC Civil War Roundtable will host a A town of around 2,000 presentation and open discussion on General folks, I cruised along its Ulysses S. Grant, which will begin at 5 p.m. streets and by its quaint Monday, Sept. 9, at The Waynesville Inn Golf homes with many folks from Resort and Spa. my past, long forgotten and dusty memories of a place ”Art After Dark” will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. and a time that sits quietly on Friday, Sept. 6, in downtown Waynesville. the shelves of my mind.

Once that high school search of candy had new cars in the drivediploma was in my hand it was off to colway, new dogs in the front yard, new faces lege in Connecticut, some 300 miles and behind lawn mowers and laying out in the six hours away from all that was once sunshine of the side patio. familiar and loved. Onward to the Wild These days, my little sister returned to West post-college for my first journalism our hometown and now lives there in an gig. Roaming the country for several years apartment with my five-year-old niece: a perbefore winding up in Western North sonality of youthful exuberance that radiates Carolina, its ancient mountains I’ve called such joy, one wonders when and where did home since 2012. we all lose that childlike wonder we swore Motoring along Lake Street in Rouses we’d never let go of, and how do we get it Point, it seemed many new homes have appeared on once vacant lots, all while many back in the midst of grey hair, mounting bills and a sincere lack of play time? old homes I’d visit during Halloween in

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Where will you take me? What will we do?

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arts & entertainment

This must be the place

Dinner was a plate of Michigans at my request. A legendary hot dog concoction native to the North Country, it is spicy meat sauce layered with onions and mustard. No, not a Coney Dog. Nor is it a chili dog. It’s just, well, a Michigan, something you have to experience on your own.

I bit into the steaming hot dog, my taste buds conjuring memories of getting countless Michigans with my family at Claire & Carl’s, a roadside culinary delight that’s simply a rundown building with car hops that attach trays of hot dogs and soda to the driver’s side window. Oh, and don’t forget a side of onion rings, too.

Hopping back into my pickup truck, I headed south back towards Plattsburgh, a city my parents have resided in since 2007.

But, not before taking a detour off Route 9 and into the backroads of Clinton County.

Turning onto the Leggett Road, the blazing sun illuminated the endless cornfields that will soon be harvested. Not a car or soul in sight. Just one old truck with a native son gliding along the aged pavement. At the intersection of Leggett and Hayford, I went left onto the farm road, the pavement transitioning to dirt and mud.

When I was in middle and high school, I’d run down this lonely road, getting in shape for the upcoming cross-country or track season. Back then, I’d go for 10-mile runs, not a care in the world, just thinking about how our team could win the conference that season or what time I should call my high school sweetheart to discuss our date that weekend.

In college, I’d only find myself home on holidays or for spring break. My old high school cronies and I would gather up and crack some beers while parked way out on the Hayford Road, gazing out over the vast landscape, musing about nothing and everything as 20-somethings tend to do to pass the time until responsibilities come knocking.

And always looming in the distance was, and remains, Lyon Mountain: a 3,820-foot peak (highest point in the county) and town of the same name (population: 423) where my father grew up in a row house in the 1940s. At that time, his father was an iron ore miner heading into that same mountain for work — the constant thought in the back of your mind that one day all could go wrong and you may never see daylight again.

The truck trudged along the muddy road, the wheels kicking up dirt all over the sides of the 4x4, the idea of washing it later on never once entering my mind. No need, the mud is a badge of honor, reminding me of home when I meander back down the highway towards Carolina, towards my dream writing gig, my beloved Southern friends, my musty apartment filled with books, vinyl records and trinkets from my travels to and from the North Country.

The memories, the ghosts of my past, all floated through the rolled down windows, the stereo echoing songs of my youth.

Nothing is the same, everything is the same.

I remain. We all do. The road has been long, and remains even longer as we all push forth into the unknown. The journey continues. I remain optimistic.

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

23

arts & entertainment

On the beat

Franklin welcomes The Steeldrivers

Appalachian Women’s Museum.

The Steeldrivers. (photo: Robert Rausch)

September 4-10, 2019

‘Music on the Porch’ A fundraiser for the Appalachian Women’s Museum, the “Music on the Porch: A Celebration of Aunt Samantha Bumgarner” will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Monteith Farmstead in Dillsboro.

It is a fundraiser to replace the 111 year old roof. The event will feature multiple regional bluegrass bands performing live on the beautiful wrap-around porch of the 1908 Monteith Farmhouse (now the Appalachian Women’s Museum).

They’ll be honoring the memory and music of Jackson County resident “Aunt”

Samantha Bumgarner. In 1924, she became the first woman to record country music for a wide audience and continued a long career until her death in 1960.

Musicians will include The Deitz Family, Susan Pepper, The BarnBillys and Kornbread Kreek.

Attendees can listen to the music while enjoying the food trucks from Brew Dawgz and Chili Chomper with a beer tent provided by Balsam Falls Brewery. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door, children 12 and under free. Rain or Shine.

Purchase tickets at www.appwomen.org/music-on-the-porch or by calling Rob Ferguson at 828.482.5860 for ticket locations around the region.

For advance ticket information, call 828.456.6307. Sponsored by the Francis Mill Preservation Society. For more information, visit www.francismill.org.

Western Carolina Community Chorus Smoky Mountain News

Francis Grist Mill.

‘Music at the Mill’

The 14th annual “Music at the Mill” celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Francis Grist Mill in Waynesville.

Live music by Whitewater Bluegrass, Hill Country Band and Possum on a Whale.

A part of Western North Carolina heritage, the 131-year-old mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.

There will also be craft vendors, barbecue by the Friends of the Francis Grist Mill, Mama Moody’s Fried Pies, milling demonstrations, and more. Tickets are $8 in 24 advance, $12 at the gate.

The Western Carolina Community Chorus will begin the 2019-20 season with a practice from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, in Room 357 of the Coulter Building on the campus of Western Carolina University.

The fall concert is set for 3 p.m. Nov. 24.

The chorus is under the direction of Robert Holquist, retired WCU Director of Choral Activities, and accompanied by pianist Barbara Dooley and organist Lorie Meservery.

Support for the ensemble is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the Jackson County Arts Council Grassroots Arts Program, and Western Carolina University.

Experienced singers, high-school aged and older, are invited to join by attending the first rehearsal. For further information, call Holquist at 828.506.5951 or email holquistbstn@aol.com.

Beloved bluegrass/Americana act The Steeldrivers will perform at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.

After playing at bluegrass festivals, the band signed to Rounder Records and released a self-titled debut in 2008, featuring new lead singer Chris Stapleton. The album peaked at No. 57 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

The group was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009 for “Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”

for their song “Blue Side of the Mountain.”

In 2010, the group received two nominations for its second album, “Reckless.” The album has been nominated for both “Best Bluegrass Album” and “Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal” for the song “Where Rainbows Never Die.” In 2015, the group received a “Best Bluegrass Album” Grammy Award for its album, “The Muscle Shoals Recordings.”

Tickets start at $22 per person. To purchase tickets, visit www.greatmountain music.com or call 866.273.4615.

Open registration for Junior Appalachian Musicians

ment study. Instruments are available for rental from Strains of Music in Waynesville.

Beginning its 19th year in Haywood County, the JAM program will teach students banjo, fiddle, or guitar in the traditional way mountain music has been taught for generations.

A string band class is offered to advanced students by instructor referral only. JAM instructors are Cary Fridley, guitar; Robby Robertson, string band; Travis Stuart, banjo; Bob Willoughby, fiddle; and, Maddie Mullany, advanced fiddle.

The JAM lesson schedule follows the Haywood County School System calendar.

JAM classes do not meet on early out days, school holidays, or if school is cancelled due to dangerous weather conditions. Public, private, and home schooled students are encouraged to join the JAM program.

For enrollment questions, contact Cary Fridley at caryfridley@gmail.com or by calling the Haywood County Arts Council at 828.452.0593. www.haywoodarts.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/haywoodarts.

The Haywood County Arts Council’s Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program will hold student registration on the following dates and times: • 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at First United Methodist Church, located at 566 South Haywood Street in Waynesville.

• 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville.

JAM offers old-time mountain music to children in 4th grade and older. Lessons are $95 for the September through December session. Fees must be paid in advance. Classes meet from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 10 through May 2020 at the First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. Sibling discounted fee is $50.

JAM instructors will be on hand to assist beginning students with their choice of instru-

On the beat

• Blue Ridge Beer Hub (Waynesville) will host an acoustic jam with Main St. NoTones from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 and 12. Free and open to the public. www.blueridgebeerhub.com.

• Boojum Brewing Company (Waynesville) will host a bluegrass open mic every Wednesday, an all-genres open mic every Thursday, Darren & Taylor Nicholson (Americana/country) Sept. 6 and Andrew Thelston Band (rock/soul) Sept. 7. All shows begin at 9 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.boojumbrewing.com.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Remark Sept. 6, Caribbean Cowboys Sept. 7, AcousticEnvy Sept. 13, John Dunkin Bluegrass Band Sept. 14 and Cord Johnson 3 p.m. Sept. 15.

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

• Mountain Layers Brewing (Bryson City) will host the “Stone Soup” open mic night every Tuesday and Granny’s Mason Jar Sept. 7. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.mountainlayersbrewingcompany.com.

• Nantahala Brewing (Bryson City) will host April B. & The Cool Sept. 7. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• Nantahala Brewing (Sylva) will host Arnold Hill Sept. 6. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• Pickin’ on the Square (Franklin) will host Hurricane Creek Sept. 7 and Cornbread Creek (old-time) Sept. 14. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

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

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

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Jazz Mountain Sept. 6, Sweet Charity Sept. 7, Diana Nouveau Sept. 13 and Eric Hendrix & Friends Sept. 14. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Free and open to the public. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Sept. 4 and 11, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Sept. 5 and 12. All events are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, Mile High (classic rock) 8 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, and a Trivia w/Kelsey Jo 8 p.m. Thursdays.

• Isis Music Hall (West Asheville) will host A Different Thread (Americana/blues) 7 p.m.

Sept. 4, Rahm & Friends 6 p.m. Sept. 5, Danny Schmidt 7 p.m. Sept. 5, Claire Lynch Band (bluegrass/folk) 8:30 p.m. Sept. 5, Chuck Brodsky w/Chris Rosser (Americana) 7 p.m. Sept. 6, Jonathan Kreisberg Quartet (jazz) 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6, Michael Reno Harrell (acoustic) 7 p.m. Sept. 7, Missy Raines Band w/Aubrey Eisenman & The Clydes (Americana/bluegrass) 8:30 p.m. Sept. 7, Stillhouse Junkies (Americana/folk) 6 p.m.

Sept. 8, Joe Jencks & Si Kahn (singer-songwriter) 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions hosted by JigJam 7:30 p.m. Sept.

10, Hot Club of Asheville (jazz) 6 p.m. Sept.

11, Thomas Strayhorn (singer-songwriter) 7 p.m. Sept. 11, Brad Byrd w/Rev. Justin Hylton and Gypsy & Me (Americana) 8:30 p.m. Sept.

11. www.isisasheville.com.

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

• The Strand at 38 Main (Waynesville) will host an “Open Mic” night from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and vocalist Julie McConnell (jazz) 7 p.m. Sept. 1. 828.283.0079 or www.38main.com.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host Bluegrass Thursdays w/Benny Queen at 6:30 p.m.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host Bluegrass w/Nitrograss Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

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

828.456.4750.

Smoky Mountain News

• Maggie Valley Rendezvous will host Stone Crazy Band (classic rock/pop) from 3 to 6 p.m. Sept. 8, by the poolside tiki bar.

September 4-10, 2019

ALSO:

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host an open mic night at 6:30 p.m. every Thursday, Gopher Broke Sept. 7 and a benefit concert for the Judy Moore Nursing Scholarship w/John Morgan (singer-songwriter) 6 p.m.

Sept. 13. All shows begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

arts & entertainment

• Andrews Brewing Company (Andrews) will host the “Lounge Series” at its Calaboose location with Liz Nance Sept. 5, Heidi Holton Sept. 7, Scott James Stambaugh 4 p.m.

Sept. 8, Bill Vespasian Sept. 12, Trailer Hippies Sept. 13 and Wyatt Espalin 4 p.m.

Sept. 15. All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• Whiteside Brewing (Cashiers) will host Seth Brand 6 p.m. Sept. 28. Free and open to the public. 828.743.6000 or www.whitesidebrewing.com.

25

arts & entertainment

On the street Fines Creek Heritage Fair The Fines Creek Heritage Fair & Music Festival will be held Sept. 6-8 at the Fines Creek Community Center.

The fair hours will be from 5 to 10 p.m.

Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Live music starts at 3 p.m. Saturday with several local and regional acts that will take the stage throughout the day.

Food from 4 p.m. onward. Poor man’s supper on Saturday. There will also be exhibits and several vendors onsite selling homemade goods and more.

Vendor spots are available for $25.

Admission is $3 per person Friday, $10 for Saturday and $5 Sunday. Children ages 6 and under are free.

For more information, call 828.246.3366.

Historical presentation on ‘Granny Woman’

September 4-10, 2019

“Granny Woman Wisdom” will be the title of the presentation by Ila Hatter during the next meeting of the Swain County Genealogical and Historical Society at 6:30

p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center in Bryson City.

The Granny Woman was a grandmother or elderly woman in the community who served their communities as midwives. The Granny Woman developed a knowledge and expertise of natural plant medicine, knew home remedies, and used common kitchen items to treat simple health issues of their families.

Hatter will share “knowledge and wisdom” of Granny Women that she has gleaned over the years.

Conversation and refreshments will follow the presentation. This is free and open to the public.

Ready for the Macon County Fair?

The annual Macon County Agricultural Fair will take place Sept. 11-14 at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Franklin.

Join the celebration, which will feature a barbecue supper, best cake contest, Special Needs Livestock Show, harvest sale, festival foods, and more. Sponsored by Macon County Horse Association.

For more information, visit www.themaconcofair.com or call 828.369.3523.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are a group of closely related compunds that act on cannbinoid receptors in the body, unique to cannabis (or hemp). The body creates compounds called endocannabinoids, while hemp produces phytocannabinoids, notably cannabidiol.

Cannabinoids is traditionally used for pain, sleep, and fibermyalgia.

Alzheimer’s Migraines Asthma Breast Cancer

Smoky Mountain News

Diabetes Crohn’s Disease

Prostate Cancer Menstrual Cancer

CBD has traditionally been used for: Anxiety/Depression Seizures Pain/Fibromyalgia Nausea/Vomiting Sleep Tremors PTSD ADHD/ADD Autism

The Endocannabinoid System is perhaps the most important physiologic systerm involved in establishing and maintaining human health. Although the endocannabinoid system affects a wide variety of biological processes, experts believe that its overall function is to regulate homeostasis.

479 DELLWOOD RD. WAYNESVILLE 26

828.452.0911 | facebook.com/kimspharmacy

Western NC Civil War Roundtable The Western NC Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant.

Roundtable will host a free presentation and open discussion on General Ulysses S. Grant, which will be held on Monday, Sept. 9, at The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa. Grant did much more than most men on the Union side to see the Civil War to its final conclusion.

Nevertheless, discussion points abound regarding his generalship. WNC Civil War Roundtable President Paul Turner will lead the open forum about Grant.

The evening’s agenda begins at 5 p.m. with a meet and greet dinner at the Tap Room within The Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa. Dinner will be followed with a social at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting and free presentation will commence at 7 p.m. in the Mountaineer room on the second floor of The Waynesville Inn. www.wnccwrt.com.

• “Thunder in the Smokies Rally” will be Sept. 6-8 at the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds. Live music, dozens of vendors, $1,000 bike show and bike games, and much more. For more information on the motorcycle rally, visit www.thunderinthesmokies.com.

ALSO:

• The next Franklin Open Forum will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub. “What are some of the most significant influences in your life (People, events, things, etc.)?” will be the topic. Those interested in an open exchange of ideas (dialog, not debate) are invited to attend. For more information, call 828.371.1020.

On the stage Look within…

Everything you need is there!

This six-week workshop teaches you to be fully in the present moment, paying focused attention to what you are doing and whom you are with.

Experience greater compassion toward yourself and others while changing unwanted thoughts and behaviors.

INFORMATION SESSION Saturday, Sept. 7, 10:30am-12:00pm, FREE SIX-WEEK WORKSHOP Saturdays, Sept. 14 – Oct. 19, 10:30am -12:00pm Cost: $150 per person for the six-week series.

Registration required.

arts & entertainment

The Road to Real Happiness

For information and registration, contact Dodi Christiano, Licensed Professional Counselor, 828-246-1646 or dchristiano@yahoo.com | 318 Skyland Drive, #4, Sylva

HART to present ‘Mamma Mia!’

• There is free comedy improv class from 7 to 9 p.m. every Thursday at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. No experience necessary, just come to watch or join in the fun. Improv teacher Wayne Porter studied at Sak Comedy Lab in Orlando, Florida, and performed improvisation with several groups. Join Improv WNC on Facebook or call 828.316.8761.

ALSO:

On the table Bosu’s tastings, small plates

pricing starting at $499

Trailer Center

financing available, ask for details

HaywoodBuilders.com 828-456-6051 | 100 Charles St. | Waynesville

mation and/or to RSVP for ticketed events, call 828.452.0120 or email info@waynesvillewine.com.

• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City.

Full service all-adult first class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more.

800.872.4681 or visit www.gsmr.com.

ALSO:

• A free wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 7 and 14 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.631.3075.

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

Smoky Mountain News

Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville will continue to host an array of wine tastings and small plates.

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

• Thursdays: Five for $5 wine tasting, with small plates available for purchase from Chef Bryan’s gourmet cuisine in The Secret Wine Bar. • Wednesday-Saturday: The Secret Wine Bar will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Fridays: The Secret Wine Bar will be open for drinks and small plates from 5 to 9 p.m.

• Saturdays: Champagne cocktails from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Secret Wine Bar will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There will also be a free wine tasting from 1 to 5 p.m.

Dog friendly patio and front garden open, weather permitting. For more infor-

Quality Trailers, Quality Prices

September 4-10, 2019

The 1970s are going to come roaring back with the opening of the smash Broadway hit “Mamma Mia!” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5-7, 12-14, and 2 p.m. Sept. 8 and 15 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

“Mamma Mia!” by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson is filled with the music of ABBA, the legendary 1970s musical group.

The show premiered in London’s West End in 1999 and on Broadway a year later where it ran for 14 years, making it the ninth longest running show in Broadway history. The show continues to run in London.

On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the sunny Greek Island they last visited 20 years ago.

This slim story line provides the framework for songs such as “Dancing Queen,”

“Take a Chance on Me” and “Super Trouper.”

The end of the show, once the plot is resolved, turns into a concert that often leaves the audience dancing in the aisles.

Harmons’ Den Bistro at HART is open for dining before all performances, featuring a Greek inspired buffet in keeping with the show’s setting. Reservations can be made for the show and the bistro by calling the HART Box Office from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 828.456.6322 or by visiting www.harttheatre.org.

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arts & entertainment

On the wall Waynesville art walk, live music “Art After Dark” will continue from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, in downtown Waynesville.

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

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

September 4-10, 2019 Smoky Mountain News

• The Weekly Open Studio art classes will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville, Instructor will be Betina Morgan. Open to all artists, at any stage of development, and in the medium of your choice. Cost is $25 per class. There will also be a Youth Art Class from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Cost is $15 per class.

Contact Morgan at 828.550.6190 or email bmk.morgan@yahoo.com.

ALSO:

• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.” It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through next April.

• Art by Lynn Babiarz will be on display through the month of September at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

There will be a reception with the artist from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Free

• A “Beginner Step-By-Step” adult painting class will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville. There is also a class at 6:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month at Balsam Fall Brewing in Sylva. Cost is $25 with all supplies provided. For more information on paint dates and/or to RSVP, contact Robin Arramae at 828.400.9560 or wncpaintevents@gmail.com.

• A call to artists for the Cherokee Indian Hospital is now underway. Deadline to apply for the nature photography project to be featured in the Crisis Stabilization Unit will be Sept. 15.

For more information and/or to get the full criteria and guidelines for submissions, contact Jody Bradley of Legend Weaver Studios at 828.736.7059 or email legendweaverstudios@gmail.com.

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and open to the public.

Haywood Arts calls for artists The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) invites interested artists to submit applications for inclusion in monthly gallery exhibits or retail spaces.

Organizations may submit applications for monthly gallery exhibits as well. All materials are available at www.haywoodarts.org under “Artists: Call for Work” or paper copies may be picked up in the gallery at 86 North Main Street in Waynesville.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. The jury will convene and make selections in October for several exhibits in 2020 as well as retail artists. Applicants will be notified of their status in late October.

For more information, visit www.haywoodarts.org. To submit completed application, email gallerygifts@haywoodarts.org.

Grants to regional artists The Haywood County Arts Council (HCAC) is now accepting applications for North Carolina Arts Council Regional Artists Project Grants (RAPG) through Sept. 30.

The RAPG workshop for interested artists will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at

the Jackson County Library in Sylva.

The grants will fund artists in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson and Macon counties at any phase of their professional development. Grants may cover equipment purchases, professional development training, marketing, and more.

Projects must occur between Dec. 1, 2019, and June 5, 2020. The deadline for applications is Sept. 30. Grantees will be notified by Oct. 31. Final Reports will be due Friday, June 5, 2020. For application information, visit www.haywoodarts.org/regional-artist-project-grant. In the west, grant awards to artists generally range from $500 to $1,000 and follow a competitive application and review process.

For more information, call 828.452.0593 or email director@haywoodarts.org.

Rug hooking workshop There will be an artist demonstration on rug hooking techniques with Debbie Savage from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville.

Rug hooking is an old technique originally used to turn scraps into rugs to warm up floors. It has evolved into a beautiful art form with thousands of hookers all over the world.

Free and open to the public.

On the wall arts & entertainment

New exhibition explores environmental issues through sound

Dogwood Crafters Co-Op will host two upcoming workshops. Both will be held at the Dillsboro Masonic Lodge.

• Painting on Glass: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 12. Patricia Cowen, a longtime member of Dogwood Crafters, will cover the techniques of this decorative art form and participants will learn how to paint on vases, glasses, lamp globes, etc.

She will provide one item and participants may bring other glass items to paint. Great

gift ideas for the holidays. Cost is $1.

Register by Sept. 9.

• Chai Spice Sugar Scrub: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Sept. 24. Participants can indulge their senses while creating a natural skin care product using the warming spices of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and more. New Dogwood Crafter Kerri Rayburn will share information on how these favorite spices can be anti-aging agents, can sooth acne, stimulate blood flow, and much more. All supplies are included in the $8 fee. Register by Sept. 17.

Register by calling Dogwood Crafters at 828.586.2248.

Smoky Mountain News

Dogwood Crafters workshops

The time-lapse video component of Gauge captures dramatic imagery of an ice mural, created by the artists on Baffin Island, as it rises and falls with the tide.

Paired with Chacon’s field recordings of crunching snow, human tools, wind, and wildlife in the Canadian Artic landscape, this multisensory experience prompts reflection on human presence in the landscape, the cycles of nature, issues of climate change, and notions of geologic time.

Raven Chacon will visit Western Carolina University or a visiting artist reception and gallery talk from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 5. A special day-time drum performance across campus is currently in development, more details about the exhibition and associated events at arts.wcu.edu/sonicart.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, with free parking available on site. bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.

September 4-10, 2019

The Western Carolina University Fine Art Museum at Bardo Arts Center is pleased to present, “Resounding Change: Sonic Art and the Environment.” This exhibition will be on display through Dec. 6.

“Resounding Change: Sonic Art and the Environment” highlights contemporary artists who use sound to engage with environmental issues. Co-curated by Carolyn Grosch, Curator of Collections & Exhibitions at the WCU Fine Art Museum, and Tyler Kinnear, Adjunct Instructor in the WCU School of Music, the exhibition features sound-based artwork that encourages visitors to listen more closely to the natural world and to think about how sound is being used in a time of environmental crisis.

One notable work in the exhibition is a three-channel video installation entitled Gauge. Created by Raven Chacon, a Navajo Nation artist, and six other collaborators, Gauge is an immersive gallery experience that combines sound and image.

29

arts & entertainment

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Smoky Mountain News

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Books

Smoky Mountain News

31

A complicated story that’s worth reading ver have those days when you’re running against the wind, sprinting through the minutes and hours, arms and legs pumping away, sucking air, and still feeling like you just can’t keep up? No matter how you push yourself, no matter what you do, each day finds you falling behind in the race to complete your obligations.

That pretty well sums up my last two months.

“Summertime and the living is easy” wasn’t part of the equation.

So why in the name of Apollo, god Writer of the arts, did I pick an 805-page novel for review when I could have chose another volume a quarter that size?

I have no real answer except to say that I was previously smitten by a couple of novels

by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, thumbed through The Labyrinth of the Spirits (HarperCollins Publishers, 2017, 805 pages), and found myself hooked once again into visiting Barcelona and the “Cemetery of Forgotten Books.”

Like its three predecessors, The Labyrinth of the Spirits is connected to the Spanish Civil War, the Sempere family, and books. (For those lunatics from the Left and the Right advocating a second American Civil War, please read Zafon’s novels, Hemingway’s For Whom The Bell Tolls, Gironella’s The Cypresses Believe in God, or some histories of the Spanish conflict. Ugly, brutal, revolting: these words only begin to describe a real civil war. As my mother used to say, “Be careful what you wish for.” And for those haters who endorse killing others for their political or religious beliefs, let me suggest you turn off your electronic devices, get out of the basement, and take up badminton.)

The Labyrinth of the Spirits offers a complicated plot. The story goes back and forth in time between the Civil War and the 1950s and early 1960s. It is a tale of violence, revenge, betrayal, fiery romance, fierce loves, and family devotion. Again and again, we see how the evil of the past infects the present, with the

Jeff Minick

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wartime crimes and horrors committed by Republicans and Nationalists in the thirties creeping into the Spain of the late 1950s.

Graft, corruption, imprisonment without cause, murder, and even the killing of parents

so that those in power could adopt their children: these were not fictions. They were living realities.

The number of characters in The Labyrinth of the Spirits adds to the complexity of this tale. The book-selling Sempere fami-

Youmans new poetry collection Former Cullowhee resident Marly Youmans will be presenting her new poetry collection The Book of the Red King at 3 p.m Saturday, Sept. 7, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

The book is a collection of connected poems telling the story of the mysterious Red King, the metamorphosing Fool, and the ethereal Precious Wentletrap. The book features beautiful illustrations by famed Welsh artist, Clive Hicks-Jenkins.

To reserve copies of The Book of the Red King, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

ly appears, of course, but so do a cohort of policemen, secret agents, murderers, writers and journalists, women of the night, mothers and children. Labyrinth aptly describes this tangle of names and events, and for once I wished the author had included one of those lists found in some older novels, brief biographies of the actors in the story.

What struck home for me, what made the Gordian knot of The Labyrinth of the Spirits worth untangling, were the struggles of Alicia Gris, the witticisms of Fermin, a friend of the Sempere family, and the themes of family and memory.

Zafon has wisely named his chief protagonist. Alicia means “noble one,” and Gris is Spanish for gray. Alicia possesses a nobility of character and carriage, yet she works in the shadows for the secret police.

Orphaned during the Civil War, crippled by a wound during a bombing raid, Alicia eventually falls under the spell of Leanaro Montalvo and becomes one of his undercover investigators. She is beautiful, streetwise, deadly if

Conversation on Lucas debut novel in Sylva Meagan Lucas will be joined by Benjamin Cutler and Andrew K. Clark as they discuss her debut novel Songbirds and Stray Dogs at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

Taylor Brown, author of Gods of Howl Mountain, said of Songbirds and Stray Dogs, “Meagan Lucas is a brave new voice in Southern fiction. Songbirds and Stray Dogs packs a double shot of grit and heart, with a story stretching from the beaches of the

crossed, and unrelenting in her search for evidence, facts, and truth. Her perseverance, her unwillingness to compromise or to turn away from that truth, drive this complex tale.

Then there is Fermin, a man who saved Alicia’s life during the Civil War, a lover of literature like the Semperes, a wit whose aphorisms and insight into human nature bring to mind Don Quixote’s Sancho Panza, with the difference being Fermin’s urbanity. Here are just a few of Fermin’s adages: “A good liar gives fools what they want to hear and allows them to free themselves from the facts at hand and choose the level of selfdelusion that fits their foolishness and moral turpitude.”

“The ways of the Lord may be unknowable, but they’re often a pain in the butt.”

To his friend David Sempere about falling in love: “The heart is an organ that pumps blood, not sonnets. With a bit of luck some of that circulation reaches the brain, but on the whole it ends up in the gut, and, in your case, in the loins — which, if you’re not careful, will take over your brain until you reach your twenty-fifth birthday.”

To a wounded Alicia: “Who said anything about hospitals? That’s where people go to die. Hospitals are statistically the most dangerous places in the world. Rest assured, I wouldn’t take a bunch of lice to a hospital.”

As for the importance of family and memory in relation to our humanity, The Labyrinth of the Spirits is shot through with such lessons. Here again an example must suffice. Near the end of the novel, Julian Carax, a once famous writer who exiled himself from the literary world, leaves these words to his young protégé: “Take care of your parents and of all the characters in our narrative. Tell our stories to the world and never forget that we exist so long as someone remembers us.”

As long as someone remembers us … The Labyrinth of the Spirits remembers and pays homage to the many victims of a bloody war, but it also reminds us that the memories we leave to our loved ones are our greatest legacy.

The example we set and the memories we bequeath may sustain the living in their trials and give them joy in their triumphs.

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

Carolina Lowcountry to the Land of the Sky and a heroine who doesn’t know the word quit. An unflinching portrait of motherhood, trauma, and the family we make along the way.”

Lucas is a Canadian who found a home in the mountains of North Carolina. Born and raised on a small island in Northern Ontario, she now lives with her husband and their children in Hendersonville.

She teaches English at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and is the Fiction Editor at Barren Magazine.

To reserve copies of Songbirds and Stray Dogs, call City Lights Bookstore at 828.586.9499.

Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

32

The fungi forager Franklin man develops a passion for wild mushrooms

James Pader, founder of WestNC Area Mushrooms, or WAM! — will be offering several mushroom-oriented events this month.

Cantharellus cinnabarinus, also called cinnabar chanterelle, is one of Western North Carolina’s many edible mushrooms. Holly Kays photos

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER eneath the woodsy world of tree trunks, ferns and leaf litter is another, hidden realm. It’s the world of fungi, where these shadow organisms — not plants, but yet not animals — spread their tendrils through the soil, through the moist decay of fallen branches, into the bark of standing trees, both living and dead. Where the two worlds meet is where the mushrooms grow.

“What we see isn’t actually the organism,” said James Pader, a self-taught mushroom expert who lives in Franklin. “To us it’s the organism, because that’s all we see of it, but by the time we see that tree covered with mushrooms, the organism is nearing the end of its life cycle.”

A mushroom is a fungal fruit, a delivery

B

system for the spores that will seed in the next generation. Picking a mushroom is like playing Johnny Appleseed, said Pader, and if you know what you’re doing, it can also be like playing Top Chef.

That’s what motivated Pader to start learning his’ shrooms in the first place. Sort, of, anyway.

Pader, 39, first got interested in mushrooms when he decided to try growing them in the wood waste generated from his woodworking business, Mountain Laurel Handrail.

That didn’t work out so well, probably mostly because mountain laurel is a potent antifungal. That makes it the perfect material for crafting decay-resistant handrails, but as a base for mushroom growing operations, it’s not so great.

But Pader didn’t give up on mushrooms.

A pair of coral mushrooms display the diversity within the Ramaria genus, to which they both belong.

He began growing them for use in his oftenelaborate culinary creations.

“As I was cultivating culinary mushrooms I got interested in wild mushrooms, because there’s a lot of them, and started learning how to identify them, and just kind of got into it from there,” he said.

It was about six years ago that Pader set about learning his mushrooms. As a business owner, a husband and a father of four, it was a hobby pursued around the corners of his time, a gradual aggregation of knowledge rather than completion of any official series of courses.

“When people ask me this question, it’s generally the ‘What are your qualifications?’ question, and my answer is I learned mushroom identification on Facebook,” he said.

Pader is a member of multiple fungi-forward Facebook groups frequented by users with various levels of expertise in mycology.

While some may scoff at Facebook as a vehicle for education, Pader’s view is that, if it works, it works.

“It’s the way that you use anything,” he said. “The platform can be really banal and not conducive to anything, but computers are the same way, and we have the internet, which has fostered this enormous spread of knowledge, so that’s how I use it. It’s like mushroom flash cards — that’s all I can say.”

Taking a walk with Pader on the Bartram Trail just outside of Franklin, it’s evident that those “mushroom flash cards” have done the trick. He has an eye for the fungi, often overlooked by hikers focused on larger, showier forms of life, and in most cases he’s able to make an instant identification.

There’s the Lactarius volemus, a smallgilled edible mushroom that bleeds a milk-like substance when punc-

Catch the mushroom man James Pader, founder of WAM!, will be sharing his knowledge of mushroom identification and culinary uses through a series of talks this month, concluding with a three-day fungi festival the first weekend in October. n At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva, Pader will discuss mushroom identification as well as the amazing culinary possibilities local species provide. The event is co-sponsored by Friends of the Jackson County Library. n At 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Hudson Library in Highlands, Pader will discuss mushroom identification as well as the amazing culinary possibilities local species provide. n At 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin, Pader will give a presentation as part of the Nantahala Hiking Club’s general meeting, covering basic morphology and identification while also touching lightly on advanced topics like phylogeny and taxonomy. Specimens will be available for viewing and inspection. n The inaugural Smoky Mountain Mushroom Festival will be held Friday, Oct. 4, through Sunday, Oct. 6, at Standing Indian Campground in Franklin. The event will include a farm-to-table mushroom dinner from researcher Alan Rockefeller, multiple presentations on all things fungi, identification, a do-it-yourself Shiitake log workshop and a session sequencing DNA from mushrooms found over the course of the weekend. Tickets start at $10, with additional fees for camping, the farm-to-table dinner, Shiitake workshop and DNA lab. www.wncshrooms.org.

Get the scoop on native plants and landscaping

Plant for climate change A lecture on how to use plants to remain resilient against climate change will be offered at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands.

James R. Veteto, James Veteto. executive director of Donated photo the Appalachian Institute for Mountain Studies, will speak about prominent perennial native and non-native food

crops and permaculture design at the Appalachian Institute. In fall 2018, a national climate assessment found that the climate crisis is upon us and there is perhaps a 20-year window to transition into fully sustainable and climate-resilient communities.

Veteto is an ethnobotanist who has been studying people-plant relationships in the Southern Appalachians and globally for more than 20 years. He teaches anthropology, ethnobotany and Cherokee studies at Western Carolina University. The Appalachian Institute houses an heirloom seed bank, heritage fruit orchard and extensive collection of edible and medicinal native plants.

The lecture, sponsored by Melissa and Richard Delany, is the last in the Highlands Biological Foundation’s summer Zahner Conservation Lecture Series, which began July 11.

outdoors

The importance of native plants in landscaping will be the topic of a presentation slated for 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville.

Tony Ward, the western regional program coordinator for MountainTrue, will discuss the plants value as food for wildlife and humans, habitat and resistance to common pests and Tony Ward. diseases. The talk will Donated photo also cover the importance of native trees and shrubs along streams for sustaining good water quality,

as well as tips for identification of several native species.

CASUAL FINE DINING WITH LIVE MUSIC COVERED PATIO LATE NIGHT MENU

Study up on ‘sang Homeowners who want to grow their own ginseng can get some help with a series of seminars on ginseng cultivation scheduled for September. n 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 in room 114 of the Swain Extension Center in Bryson City. n 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, in room 105 of the Jackson Extension Center in Sylva.

The seminars, offered through the N.C. Cooperate Extension Service, will cover state regulations for growing and hunting ‘sang, plant physiology, present and historical uses, and differences between the Asian and American species. However, the program will emphasize woods-simulated cultural practices such as site selection, site preparation, sowing, harvesting, root trying and seed stratification.

Free, with registration required. Christy Bredenkamp, 828.586.4009.

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ISISASHEVILLE.COM 828.575.2737

Learn your fungi For those looking to learn fungi the way Pader did — by checking out photos and interacting with experts in Facebook groups — he’s got a few pages to recommend.

Pader’s group is WAM! – WestNC Area Mushrooms. A couple other good ones, he said, are The Mushroom Identification Forum and North Carolina Mushroom Group. Start small, he said, and learn to identify a few particular species with ease and confidence. But, while most people will find edibles the most attractive species to know by name, Pader suggests that aspiring mushroom masters don’t limit themselves too much.

“If you just look at the ones that are edible,” he said, “you’re ruling out a whole class.”

County to participate in a mushroom foray there. The experienced proved unexpectedly grueling when an road closure left them stranded for hours as traffic ground to a stubborn halt.

“After I got done with that I was like, ‘I’m not going to do this again. It’s too much for me,” said Pader. “So I was like, ‘Well, I’m not going to complain about there not being stuff to do, and I’ll just do something, because I don’t want to be a complainer. I want to be somebody who does things and takes action.’”

The “something” that Pader wound up doing was founding WAM! — West N.C. Area Mushrooms — an organization through which he’s led five mushroom forays over the past two years.

This fall, Pader is ratcheting things up with a schedule that includes two library talks and a three-day mushroom-oriented adventure in Macon County. He’s looking forward to these opportunities to spread the word about WNC’s fungal diversity, and to excite enthusiasm for the abundance of mushrooms that are out there to discover.

“There’s this huge diversity of life, and most of the time we just don’t even see it,” he said.

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Smoky Mountain News

because it will make you throw up, but there are varying degrees of poisonousness, and the poisonous mushrooms we have around here are pretty readily identified.”

It would be difficult to list all the mushrooms Pader spotted along the course of the 2-mile loop hike. But it would be impossible to list all the species he might have possibly found there — Western North Carolina is home to more than 1,000 mushroom species. Even Pader, with all the time and effort and interest he’s poured into learning his fungi, doesn’t know them all.

In fact, there are some that are known by no one.

“If I tell you what it is and say, ‘Oh, this is definitely that,’ there are a lot of those that I would be lying,” he said. “We don’t know that it’s definitely that because it has not been identified to species.”

Among the mushrooms of WNC are quite a few species that have not yet been named and described. American mycology — the study of fungi — is a developing field. There’s room for even amateur scientists like Pader to contribute to its evolution.

A few years ago, Pader and his daughter Autumn, now 12, traveled to Transylvania

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September 4-10, 2019

tured. Some mushrooms in the Lactarius genus are pretty spicy, said Pader, fingering the milk-beaded ‘shroom, but this species has a more fishy taste. It’s robust with steak and onions, easy to harvest and easy to prepare.

Then too there’s the Russula genus, a tricky group of mushrooms that can be difficult to tell apart. A red-capped mushroom growing amid a patch of poison ivy is part of the genus, said Pader, pointing it out from the trail, but that one wouldn’t be good to eat — it would make you throw up.

He finds a few coral mushrooms, one yellow and one pink-red, named for their intricate tangle of tendrils that resembles the type of coral you’d find in an ocean reef.

They’re beautiful mushrooms, but with so many kinds that prove difficult to tell apart, Pader avoids eating them.

What he does not find on the walk is his favorite mushroom, the Heimioporus betula, commonly known as the shaggy stock bolete. It has a delicious lemony flavor, long stalks that can be cut into medallions, and makes a wonderful chicken piccata.

Though, Pader cautions, folks interested in the tasty aspects of mushrooms should be sure to do their research before going picking. He urges prospective mushroom harvesters to learn their shrooms, rather than blindly trusting the mushroom “expert” in their lives to point them in the right direction.

That said, he believes the fear of accidentally eating poisonous mushrooms is overblown.

“There aren’t very many deadly poisonous mushrooms. The one I just showed you,” he said, indicating the red-capped Russula, “you could call it poisonous

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outdoors

Forest Service land closed in the Nantahala Gorge Until further notice, public access to U.S. Forest Service lands in the Nantahala Gorge is closed due to hazards created by recent landslides into the Nantahala River.

“The river is a dangerous place to be right now,” said David Perez, Acting Nantahala District Ranger. “Please refrain from visiting the area. We are working as quickly and safely as we can to get the river back open.”

The U.S. Forest Service finished assessing the landslide locations Tuesday, Aug. 27, and found multiple locations with hazardous debris in the river. There were places in the river where debris — consisting of woody debris dangerous to recreationists — has created a 90 percent blockage, and the water had created diversions around the blockages. These diversions could result in erosion of the embankments, which could compromise the infrastructure of nearby roads and bridges.

The Forest Service is working to clear the debris and blockages to restore water flow. By Sunday, Sept. 1, the majority of the debris had been removed following the collection of about 350 dump truck loads of soil and 150 of woody debris. An Aug. 31 Duke Energy water release from Nantahala Lake did not create any large debris jams or new landslides, a positive sign.

However, as of press time evaluations of potential river hazards were continuing, and the ongoing potential for dangerous situations in the water meant the continued closure of public access on Forest Service land in the Nantahala Gorge.

A severe deluge dropped 3.5 inches of rain in the Nantahala Gorge in Swain County Aug. 24 and triggered slides that covered the road in four locations within a half-mile stretch on the western side of the gorge and spread debris from the mountainside into the river at three locations. The road through the Gorge, U.S. 19, was closed through the evening of Aug. 26.

National Forests in North Carolina will post updates and photos at www.facebook.com/nfsnc and twitter.com/NFsNCarolina.

Woody debris creates dangerous blockages on the Nantahala River in this Aug. 26 photo. Donated photo

Water quality hearing planned for Cashiers

Smoky Mountain News

September 4-10, 2019

A public hearing at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library in Cashiers will gather comments on a water quality certification for Cashiers Canoe Club Development, LLC. Cashiers Canoe Club is seeking the water quality certification as part of a development project that will impact more than 7 acres of wetlands and 4 acres of open water. Comments will be considered before a decision is made. The water quality certification application is available online at https://bit.ly/2ZFi2KY or at the Division of Water Resources Asheville Regional Office in Swannanoa.

Members of the public can sign up to speak starting at 5:30 p.m. and may also offer written comments. Comments must be received by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7. They can be sent to PublicComments@ncdenr.gov with “Cashiers Canoe Club” in the subject line or mailed to 401 Permitting, 1617 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC, 27699-1617.

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Walk to end Alzheimer’s Registration is open for the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, slated for Saturday, Sept. 21, at Pack Square Park in Asheville.

Check-in opens at 9 a.m. and the walks begin at 10:30 a.m., with a fundraising goal of $145,000. Participants will complete a 2-mile walk and learn about Alzheimer’s disease, advocacy opportunities, clinical studies enrollment and support programs and services from the Alzheimer’s Association.

The Alzheimer’s Association - Western Carolina Chapter hosts 13 walks across central and western North Carolina, of which the Asheville event is the furthest west. To participate, visit act.alz.org/asheville or call 800.272.3900.

A frequently seen bull elk known affectionately in the Maggie Valley area as Jeffrey was euthanized Sunday after being struck by a vehicle.

Justin McVey, district wildlife biologist with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, said the elk, formally recorded as bull 968, “was the first elk that the Wildlife Division had ever collared. It was the first bull I’d ever put my hands on.”

McVey said Jeffrey had been previously hit by vehicles, sustaining injuries to both his front and rear legs, but each previous time he was able to recover. McVey said he previously had removed telephone wires and a lasso from Jeffrey’s antlers.

This time, McVey said, it appeared the bull wouldn’t survive.

“I made him get up. He got up and hobbled. I could see the knee was totally dislocated. He took a few steps and laid right back down,” McVey said.

“Then he laid his head and antlers down,” which is unusual behavior. “Kind of giving up,” McVey said.

“It was a tough decision, but it was time to put him down.”

McVey euthanized the bull and removed the carcass for burial at an unidentified location on state-owned property. McVey did keep the bull’s rack, which measures about three feet wide. He said the rack would be mounted and kept at a Wildlife Resources Commission building.

— Jonathan Austin, Smoky Mountain Living Magazine editor

• • • • •

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M ONDAY-F RIDAY 7:30-5:00 • WAYNESVILLE P LAZA 828-456-5387 • WAYNESVILLETIRE . COM

Family Meals: September is

#FAMILYMEALSMONTH

How many times a week are you able to sit down together as a family or with friends and enjoy a meal around the table?

Cooking: Need some ideas of quick meals? Try our Ingles Table site with recipes from regional chefs and bloggers that include shopping lists and videos: https://inglestable.com/ Conversation: Have kids and adults put away or put down their devices. Need some ideas of conversation starters? Try:https://www.everydayfamily.com/blog/20dinner-table-conversation-starters/ like, "If you could invite a famous person to dinner who would it be, and why?"

Collaboration: Get the whole family involved in shopping, dinner prep, serving and clean up. If you are inviting friends over ask them to bring a favorite dish or even something from Ingles Markets like fresh fruit, bread, storemade guacamole or a dessert.

Smoky Mountain News

Maggie elk euthanized following auto accident

Authorized Motor Fleet Management Maintenance

September 4-10, 2019

Tunnel. A full closure is necessary to allow The main access roads into Cataloochee equipment setup to repair the internal and Cades Cove will be closed for several drainage system in the 121-foot tunnel’s months this winter due to road construcwalls and ceiling. Intermittent single-lane tion projects. closures will be necessary between March 1 Cove Creek Road — the main entrance and June 15 to complete tunnel repairs and to Cataloochee — will close from Nov. 1 through Feb. 29 while the N.C. Department of Transportation repairs a slide just outside the park along the county road. This full closure will prevent access to Cataloochee from the main access point, but entrance will still be possible via old The Bote Mountain Highway 284, a narTunnel, constructed in row, winding, gravel 1948, has not had any road that comes from significant rehabilitation the Big Creek area. work since that time.

The route is not recNPS photo ommended for trailers or low-clearance repave the area. Cades Cove Campground, vehicles and may be closed at any time due normally open during the winter months, to inclement weather or downed trees. The will be closed from Dec. 20 to March 5.

Cataloochee Campground is expected to However, Elkmont and Smokemont campreopen for the 2020 season March 26. grounds will both be open through the winIn Cades Cove, Laurel Creek Road — the ter.

7-mile access road leading from the For more information about road cloTownsend Wye — will be closed to all sures, follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on twitter or motorists, cyclists and pedestrians from visit the park website at www.nps.gov/grsm.

Jan. 3 to Feb. 29 to repair Bote Mountain

outdoors

Cataloochee, Cades Cove WAYNESVILLE TIRE, INC. accesses to close this winter

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outdoors

Trout race to support mentorship program

‘Trout’ race will support conservation

The Wacky Wooden Trout Race will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County during the event at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at BearWaters Brewing Company in Canton.

Trout are $5 apiece and can be purchased at BearWaters or by calling 828.273.3601. Winners need not be present — first place will receive $100, second place $60 and third place $40.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County is a mentorship program that matches youth in need of an adult role model with volunteers who want to help change the life of a child. Matches are encouraged to spend time together doing fun, low-cost activities, building trust and developing a relationship that could last a lifetime.

Multiple counties in Western North Carolina have BBBS programs. To volunteer, visit www.bbbswnc.org.

A trout race to support Haywood Waterways Association will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, in Jonathan Creek behind the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds in conjunction with Smoky Mountain Elk Fest.

The “fish” are one for $3 or two for $5 and available for purchase at the festival or in advance at www.haywoodwaterways.org, or by mailing a check payable to Haywood Waterways to P.O. Box 389, Waynesville, NC 28786. Checks must be received by Sept. 13 and include a phone number. Prizes include $100 cash, a youth bike, a rain barrel, Dollywood tickets and Nantahala Outdoor Center passes. First place gets first choice, and so on. Winners need not be present to win.

Proceeds will support Haywood Waterways and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. info@haywoodwaterways.org or 828.476.4667.

Hang out with anglers Learn about euro nymphing during the first Trout Unlimited Cataloochee meeting of the fall season, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Rendezvous Restaurant in Maggie Valley.

Patrick Brady, team leader for Hunter Bank Guide Service, will give the talk, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. following a social hour and swap meet at 5:30 p.m. tucataloochee427@gmail.com.

Donated photo

Hike LeConte A strenuous 13.1-mile hike to the historic LeConte Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be offered Tuesday, Sept. 10, through Friends of the Smokies’ Classic Hikes of the Smokies series.

The hike will take Trillium Gap Trail, which is currently undergoing a full restoration, to reach LeConte. Participants will get to see that work in action — funded by the Trails Forever program, a partnership of Friends and the park. All proceeds from the Classic Hikes of the Smokies support Trails

Forever.

Dolly McLean will lead the hike. Winner of REI’s Anderson Award, McLean has covered hundreds of miles of trail in the Smokies and across the Southeast. She is a longtime Friends member, a horticulturist and a trail runner, and she previously volunteered with the Trails Forever crew on the Alum Gave and Rainbow Falls rehabilitation projects.

Guided hikes are held on the second Tuesday of each month, March-December, and cost $20 for members and $35 for new and renewing members. Register at hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.

September 4-10, 2019

Cherokee Harvest race to return The Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon and 5K will return to Cherokee on Saturday, Sept. 14.

The event is famous for its generous swag package, picturesque courses, local culture and amazing post-race meals. Packet pickup and late registration will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 as well as 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Cherokee Fairgrounds. The half marathon will start at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K at 7:45 a.m.

Fees are $65 for the half marathon and $40 for the 5K. Register online at www.imathlete.com.

Water activities at Lake Junaluska past Labor Day Labor Day is over, but pool hours and boat rentals at Lake Junaluska are not.

The pool will be open on weekends through Sept. 29, with hours 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Rentals — including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, tennis, mini golf and shuffleboard — will be available on weekends through Oct. 27, with hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Summer Activities Passholders for 2019 will be able to use their passes to enjoy the extended pool and boating rental season.

Call 828.452.2881 or visit lakejunaluska.com/pool.

Smoky Mountain News 36

The llama team tasked with keeping the lodge supplied uses Trillium Gap to reach the summit.

Lake Junaluska photo

Flock to the rock

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

Chimney Rock State Park will hold its 11th annual Flock to the Rock event beginning at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14.

The event will include live bird demonstrations and kids educational activities, such as dissecting owl pellets and making bird crafts. Chimney Rock is an official stop on the N.C. Birding Trail, so visitors are recommended to bring a camera and binoculars.

Included with park admission, which is $17 for adults, $8 for youth 5-15 and free for kids 4 and under. www.chimneyrockpark.com/event.

Strong leaf season predicted wood forests often turn early, with predominately reds and yellows,” Collins said. “The mixed oak-hardwood forests often turn over a more prolonged time, with the reds, oranges and yellows of maples, birches and tulip-poplar appearing earlier and the more muted yellows and reds of oaks appearing later. Sycamores, maples, walnut and birch-

Get your elk on

Dirty Bathtub at 3 p.m., Kaitlyn Baker at 5 p.m., Jordan Brooker at 6:30 p.m. and Andy Griggs at 8 p.m. The bugling contest will be held at 2:30 p.m., and the trout race will be at 4:30 p.m.

Preceding the Elk Fest will be a “Taste of the Wild” dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, which will include catered wild dishes, acoustic music from Ol’ Dirty Bathtub and a silent raffle with impressive prizes. Tickets for the dinner are $40 and available by calling 800.334.9036 or visiting taste-of-the-wild-tickets.square.site.

Admission to the Elk Fest is $5, with a portion of the net proceeds supporting projects that benefit elk management and habitats within Haywood County and the Qualla Boundary. www.visitncsmokies.com/smoky-mountain-elkfest.

WCU photo

SHOP VOLUNTEER WALNUT VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER 268-267

331 Walnut Street Waynesville

es along streams tend to turn yellow, then brown, and the leaves fall early.”

A wildcard in nature’s leaf color mix is the rogue hurricane remnants or big storms that could bring heavy rain and strong winds to the mountains and knock the leaves off the trees ahead of schedule — leaf peepers should cross their fingers and hope that doesn’t happen.

A skiwalking school will be offered starting Monday, Sept. 9, with sessions held 5:30 to 7 p.m. weekly through Oct. 21 at Smokey Mountain Elementary School’s picnic pavilion.

“Nordic walking” goes back to Scandinavia in the 1930s, when competitive cross-country skiers began experimenting with ways to keep fit during the snowless summers. This dryland training method uses poles, but no skis. Skiwalking burns up to 40 percent more calories than walking without poles and increases cardio activity. It takes stress off of the lower joints and builds muscular endurance in the lower and upper body.

Skiwalking school will cover technique and nutrition tips, and the group will go skiwalking at the elementary school’s track and along the Oconaluftee River Trail in Cherokee.

Skiwalking poles will be provided for the duration of the school.

Register with Jackson/Swain County Extension Director Rob Hawk, 828.586.4009 or 828.488.3848, or email Robert_hawk@ncsu.edu.

Smoky Mountain News

Start skiwalking school

828.246.9135 haywoodhabitat.org September 4-10, 2019

The inaugural Smoky Mountain Elk Fest will liven up the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, celebrating all things related to Western North Carolina’s largest native ungulate.

The day will feature elk habitat tours, guided hikes, a trout race from Haywood Waterways Association, an elk bugling contest, a photo contest, face painting, kids activities, a timbersports exhibition and performances from musicians, Cherokee Indian dancers and cloggers.

The J. Creek Cloggers will perform at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the Cherokee Dancers at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., the Maggie Valley Band at noon, the Brothers Gillespie at 1:30 p.m., Ol’

Beverly Collins.

DONATE

outdoors

This autumn should yield vibrant fall colors in the mountains, according to Western Carolina University’s fall color forecaster Beverly Collins.

Collins, a professor of biology, combines her knowledge of forest ecology with weather trend observations to assess the potential for a strong leaf color season.

From spring to mid-summer the area saw unusually warm and wet conditions, but precipitation returned closer to normal in late July. The long-term forecast through October is for average precipitation and warmer-than-normal temperatures — if that holds true, the mountain region should see typically bright colors this year.

Peak color is determined by changing sunrise/sunset times as well as weather conditions, with cooler nights resulting in less chlorophyll production and therefore less green in the leaves. If the long-term forecast for warmer weather holds and those cooler nights are delayed, peak color could hold off to the last weekend of October near WCU and the region’s many valley towns in the 2,000-foot elevation range. Peak color will happen sooner at the higher elevations, where the cool nights come earlier, though the very highest peaks tend to be covered with fir and spruce trees that stay dark green all year.

“Moving down in elevation, maple, cherry and birch trees of the northern hard-

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WNC Calendar

Smoky Mountain News

COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Bingo Night is at 6 p.m. on the second Saturday at the Fines Creek Community Center. 25 cents per game.

Info: www.fb.me/finescreekorg or 593.7042.

• State officials will host a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Library, 249 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers, to gather comments on a water-quality certification for Cashiers Canoe Club Development, LLC. Public comments can be submitted to PublicComments@ncdenr.gov. To view the application: https://tinyurl.com/y3r94e66. 296.4500.

• The Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the TWSA Main Office, 1246 West Main Street in Sylva.

TWSA staff has a personnel matter to discuss with the board and legal counsel.

• First Fridays Employment Support begins on Friday, Sept. 6, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Marne Harris, Career Advisor for the Jackson and Swain County NCWorks Career Centers, will be available from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on the second floor to answer any and all employment questions. 586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• Tickets are on sale now for the N.C. Mountain State Fair, which is Sept. 6-15, at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher. Advance tickets: $8 for adults; $4 for ages 6-12 and 65-up. Advance tickets also available at Ingles. Ride tickets are $12 in advance for 21 tickets, a savings of $8. Tickets and info: www.mountainfair.org.

• The Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department will offer a trip to Atlanta to see the Atlanta Braves play the Washington Nationals on Sept. 8. Departure is at 6 a.m. from the Waynesville Recreation Center. Cost: $55 per person. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• No Barriers will hold its eighth annual Outdoor Classic on Sept. 9-10 at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in Asheville. Hike, tennis and 18-hole scramble golf tournament – as well as red-carpet reception and gala. No Barriers helps people break through barriers, find their inner purpose and contribute their best to the world. https://tinyurl.com/y6om43vv or 713.4179.

• Blue Ridge Public Radio and National Public Radio will host a community conversation to tackle the topic of trust in journalism at 7 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville.

Featuring Elizabeth Jensen, NPR’s Public Editor; Mark Memmott, NPR’s Senior Editor for Standards and Practices; Matt Bush, BPR’s News Director; and local reporters and editors from news outlets across WNC. Tickets: $20; available at tinyurl.com/yyqnnjk9 or 257.4530.

• The annual Macon County Agricultural Fair will take place Sept. 11-14 at the Macon County Fairgrounds in Franklin. Join the celebration, which will feature a barbecue supper, best cake contest, Special Needs Livestock Show, harvest sale, festival foods, and more. www.themaconcofair.com or call 369.3523.

• The Smoky Mountain Roller Girls will host their final home roller serby of the season on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Swain County Rec Park in Bryson City. Bring your own chair. Juniors match at 4 p.m.; adults roll at 6 p.m.

Entry fee: $5 in advance (smokymountainrollergirls.weebly.com) or $7 at the door; ages 7-under free.

• The North Shore Cemetery Association will host the 44th annual reunion of families and friends associated with Fontana Lake’s North Shore from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sept. 15 at the Deep Creek National Park Access Area.

Facebook.com/northshorecemeteries.

• NC MedAssist will have a Mobile Free Pharmacy Event on Sept. 21 at West Swain Elementary School. Must be

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted. at least 18, living in Swain County and need over-thecounter medications. www.medassist.org.

• Registration is underway for Marriage Enrichment Retreats that will be offered three more times over the next year at Lake Junaluska. Led by Ned Martin, an expert in marriage counseling. Price is $699 per couple. Dates are Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in 2019. Registration and info: www.lakejunaluska.com/marriage or 800.222.4930.

• Jackson County Arts Council is accepting applications for Grassroots subgrants through Aug. 30. Financial support for Jackson County community groups and nonprofit organizations that offer programs and projects that enhance the arts for county residents. Application info: www.jacksoncountyarts.org or info@jacksoncountyarts.org. Info: 507.9820.

• Cullowhee Planning council will meet at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 in Conference Room 101A of the Cordelia Camp Building on Western Carolina University’s campus in Cullowhee. (Rescheduled from regular monthly meeting date of Sept. 2 due to Labor Day holiday.

• Reservations are being accepted for a six-night package, Nov. 23-29, to join Western Carolina University’s Pride of the Mountains Marching Band as it participates in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28 in New York City. Cost: $2,199 (based on double occupancy), includes roundtrip airfare, transportation to the hotel, six nights lodging at Marriott Marquis in Times Square, two Broadway shows, admission to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, a two-day hop-on, hop-off sightseeing ticket on a double-decker bus and Thanksgiving dinner with the band. Bmarkle@superholiday.com. Donate to help the band make the trip: givemacys.wcu.edu.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • Southwestern Community College will offer a pair of High School Equivalency Boot Camps this fall: Sept. 3Oct. 11 at SCC’s Macon Annex in downtown Franklin; and Oct. 14-Nov. 22 at SCC’s Jackson Campus in Sylva.

Complete high school credentials in just over a month.

339.4272 or d_wilson@southwesterncc.edu.

• The Annual Senior Celebration is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, in Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center in Cullowhee. Fun, games, storytelling, entertainment, music, dancing, food and prizes.

• College Night is 6-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, at Haywood Community College’s auditorium in Clyde.

Representatives from 50 southeastern universities, colleges and trade schools. 565.4098.

• Registration is underway for a two-part “Retirement Planning Now” course, that will be offered from 5:308:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, Oct. 8-10, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Led by Joel Kelley, CFP®, and Jacob Sadler, CFP®. Fee: $79. Register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will host a seminar on “Succession Planning for Small Businesses” from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, in the College’s Regional High Technology Center auditorium. SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will offer a social media & tourism marketing series from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, at the College’s Regional High Technology Center in Waynesville. Led by Brindley Faile, Haywood County Tourism Development Authority digital marketing and

public relations manager. 627.4512 or SBC.Haywood.edu.

• Haywood Community College’s Small Business Center will hold a seminar on “How to Write a Business Plan from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the College’s Regional High Technology Center, Room 3021, in Waynesville. Led by Russ Seagle, Executive Director of the Sequoyah Fund, Inc., in Cherokee.

SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• Registration is underway for a “Lean Thinking” workshop that will be offered from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Instructor is Dr. Todd Creasy, MBA director and associate professor of management and project management at WCU. Focus is on improving customer experience while reducing unnecessary clutter and process steps. Cost: $249

by Aug. 30; $279 after. For info and to register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Registration is underway for a High Impact Leadership Certificate Program that will be offered through Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from Sept. 16-20 at WCU’s Biltmore Park instructional site in Asheville.

Registration Fee: $849; nonprofit rate is $649.

Pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Haywood Community College will offer boating safety courses from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 18-19on the campus of HCC, Building 3300, Room 3322. Must attend consecutive evenings. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

• Registration is underway for a Digital Marketing and Public Relations Certificate program that will be offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Fridays from Sept. 27-Nov. 8 at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Taught by Scott Rader, associate professor of Marketing & Entrepreneurship.

Registration: $640 for the full program or $119 for each individual workshop. Pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

• Registration is underway for a Pharmacy Technician Program with a Clinical Externship that will be offered

by Western Carolina University’s Office of Professional Growth and Enrichment from 6-8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct. 8-Nov. 26, in room 143 of the Cordelia Camp Building on WCU’s Cullowhee Campus.

50-hour program prepares students to work as pharmacy technicians. Registration: $1,099 (includes all materials). Go.wcu.edu/pharm-tech or 227.7397.

• Registration is underway for a Six-Sigma Whitebelt Training, which will be offered from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at WCU Biltmore Park in Asheville. Led

by Dr. Todd Creasy, professor in WCU’s College of Business. Learn how to apply the five-step methodology of Six Sigma in product, process or service industries.

Registration: $249 (by Oct. 1) or $279 (after Oct. 1).

Info and register: pdp.wcu.edu or 227.7397.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • The Wacky Wooden Trout Race supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at BearWaters Brewing Company in Canton. Trout cost $5 apiece and can be purchased at BearWaters or by calling 273.3601. Info about the organization: www.bbbswnc.org.

• Tickets are on sale now for Southwestern Community’s “Boots, Blue Jeans & Bling” gala, which is set for Sept.

7 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Fundraiser supporting student scholarships. Musical entertainment by Steve Johannessen (classics) and Crocodile Smile (variety of danceable music). Dinner, silent auction, wine pull, cornhole, best-dressed contest and more. www.southwesterncc.edu/gala, 339.4227 or k_posey@southwesterncc.edu.

• Tickets for Haywood Community College Foundation’s

Visit www.smokymountainnews.com and click on Calendar for: ■ Complete listings of local music scene ■ Regional festivals ■ Art gallery events and openings ■ Complete listings of recreational offerings at regional health and fitness centers ■ Civic and social club gatherings fourth annual Shine & Dine Gala are on sale. The event is from 6-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville; theme is “Simple as Black and White.” Buffet dinner, music and opportunity to support HCC through a wine pull and auction.

Sponsorship levels from $250-$5,000. Individual tickets: $75. Hccgalaevents.com or 627.4522. Sponsorship info: 627.4544 or pahardin@haywood.edu.

• Music on the Porch: A Celebration of Aunt Samantha Bumgarner – a fundraiser to help replace the 111-yearold roof in the Monteith Farmstead in Dillsboro - is set for noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the farmstead. Featured musicians include The Deitz Family, Susan Pepper, the BarnBillys and Kornbread Kreek.

Tickets: $10 in advance or $12 at the door; ages 12under admitted free. Purchase tickets: www.appwomen.org/music-on-the-porch or 482.5860• Registration is underway for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, which is at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept.

21, at Pack Square Park in Asheville. Register and get info: act.alz.org/Asheville. Info: www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/elk.htm.

VOLUNTEERS & VENDORS • Tables are available to rent for the Jackson County Senior Center’s upcoming Yard Sales and Craft Shows, which are from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 14 and Oct. 13, at the Department on Aging building in Sylva. Cost: $10 for one table or two for $15. Info: 586.5494.

• The Jackson County Green Energy Park is seeking artists to join the 12th annual Youth Arts Festival, which is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, in Dillsboro. Sign up: 631.0271 or chelseamiller@jcgep.org. www.JCGEP.org.

HEALTH MATTERS • A Diabetes Prevention Program will begin with a class session from noon-1 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Haywood County HHSA. Lifestyle change program dedicated to preventing type 2 diabetes through a series of 24 onehour group classes. Classes will meet on Thursdays.

• Swain Community Hospital and Harris Regional Hospital will observe national suicide prevention awareness month at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, in the Easton Conference room at Harris Regional Hospital.

488.4027 or 800.273.8255.

• Buti Glow will be offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, at Waynesville Yoga Center. Cost: $14.

Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• Hot + Cold Stone Restorative with Gentle Yin is set for noon-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Waynesville Yoga Center. Cost: $20. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• Sunset Yoga at Waterrock Knob will be offered by Waynesville Yoga Center from 6:40-7:40 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8. Cost: $14. Register: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• A one-hour workshop on “Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” is set for 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Marianna Black Library in Bryson City. 488.3030.

• A Vision Workshop is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. Led by Donna Corso, certified Dream Builder Life Coach. Adults only. Registration required: 356.2507 or Kathleen.olsen@haywoodcountync.gov.

• The Recovery Club at Southwestern Community College will host a “Bridges” event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, in the first floor of the Burrell Building at the SCC Jackson Campus in Sylva.

Program aims to bridge gaps between people in recovery, service providers and colleges. L_clancy@southwesterncc.edu.

• A “Preparation for Childbirth” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday from Oct. 3-24 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville. Pre-registration required: MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

• Gentle Yoga for Cancer is offered from 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Fridays at the Haywood Breast Center in Waynesville. Info: myhaywoodregional.com/yogaforcancer or 452.8691.

• On the third weekend of each month, Maggie Valley Wellness Center hosts donation-based acupuncture appointments. $35-55. 944.0288 or maggievalleywellness.com.

• “Your Amazing Newborn” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 5 and Nov. 7 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville. Focusing on abilities, behavior, appearance and reflexes of your new baby.

Pre-registration required: myhaywoodregional.com/parentclasses or 452.8440.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • The High Mountain Squares will host their “Greenway Dance” from 2-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.

8, at the Robert C. Carpenter Community Building on Georgia Road in Franklin. Picnic also. Western-style square dancing, mainstream and levels. 787.2324, 332.0001, 727.599.1440.

• Buti Yoga + Bubbles will be offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, at Waynesville Yoga Center.

Get heart rate up, sweat then cool off with champagne or tea. Cost: $14. Register or get info: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• A program entitled “Fall Equinox: Sound Immersion with Crystal and Tibetan Bowls” will be offered from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, at Waynesville Yoga Center. Cost: $20. Register or get info: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• Lake Junaluska is extending its pool hours on weekends through September and offer boat rentals on weekends through the end of October. Info and prices: 452.2881 or lakejunaluska.com/pool.

• An hour yoga class is offered at 9 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Maggie Valley Wellness Center. $15 for a single class, or $55 for a package of four classes. 944.0288 or maggievalleywellness.com.

• Throughout June, Dance Tonight Haywood offers

• The Jackson County Democratic Party will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at party headquarters at 500 Mill St. in Sylva.

• The Qualla Country Trout Tournament is Friday and Saturday, Sept. 6-7, in Cherokee. Cherokee fishing license required to participate. $20,000 in prizes.

359.6110 or paprice@nc-cherokee.com.

• “Eco Explorers: Stream Investigation” will be presented to ages 8-13 from 1-3 p.m. on Sept. 19 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard.

Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

• The Fines Creek Heritage Fair & Music Festival is set for Friday through Sunday, Sept. 6-8, at the Fines Creek Community Center. Craft demonstrations, musical entertainment, exhibits, local history and more.

Hours: 5-10 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday; noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission: $3 on Friday; $10 on Saturday; $5 on Sunday. Info: www.fb.me/finescreekorg, 593.7042 or 550.6842.

• Kids in the Creek is set for Sept. 9-12 at Canton Recreation Park. Learn about watershed hydrology, water resources in Haywood County, water chemistry and more. Collect fish and aquatic bugs. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Sept. 9-11 and 8:30-11:45 a.m. on Sept. 12. RSVP by Sept. 5: 476.4667, ext. 11 or Christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com.

• Registration is underway for the fall PGA Jr. League golf team at Lake Junaluska golf Course. League runs from September through October. Registration fee: $190. Register: www.pgajrleague.com/sign-up. Info: 456.5777 or ctcarswell@lakejunaluska.com.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • Author Bill Jacobs will present his book “Whence These Special Places? The Geology of Cashiers, Highlands & Panthertown Valley” from 6:30-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library in Cashiers. Panthertown.org or 743.1638.

• Meagan Lucas will be joined by Benjamin Cutler and Andrew K. Clark as they will discuss her debut novel Songbirds and Stray Dogs at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of Songbirds and Stray Dogs, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

• Former Cullowhee resident Marly Youmans will be presenting her new poetry collection The Book of the Red King at 3 p.m Saturday, Sept. 7, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. To reserve copies of The Book of the Red King, please call City Lights Bookstore at 586.9499.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • Senior Tennis Time is from 9 a.m.-noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Oct. 30 at the Donnie Pankiw Tennis Center at 128 W. Marshall Street in Waynesville. For ages 55-up; intermediate or higher skill level. $1 per person per day. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

A&E SPECIAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS • The 2019 “Art After Dark” season will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. the first Friday of the month in downtown Waynesville. Main Street transforms into an evening of art, music, finger foods, beverages and shopping as artisan studios and galleries keep their doors open

• Tickets are on sale now for “Thunder in the Smokies” motorcycle rally, which is Sept. 6-8 in Maggie Valley. Vendors, Blue Ridge Parkway Tour Ride, bike show, games and more. Handlebarcorral.com.

• Celebrate the Mountains-to-Sea Trail’s 42nd birthday by participating in a hike at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, near Cherokee. Options range from 1.4 to 7.6 miles. Follow Oconaluftee River Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Register for this or any of the other 33 group hikes set for Sept. 68: www.mountainstoseatrail.org/birthdayhike.

• The 14th annual “Music at the Mill” celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Francis Grist Mill in Waynesville. Live music by Whitewater Bluegrass, Hill Country Band and Possum on a Whale. A part of Western North Carolina heritage, the 131-year-old mill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. There will also be craft vendors, barbecue by the Friends of the Francis Grist Mill, Mama Moody’s Fried Pies, milling demonstrations, and more. Tickets are $8 in advance, $12 at the gate. For advance ticket information, call 456.6307. www.francismill.org.

• The inaugural Smoky Mountain Elk Fest is set for 9

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• The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Fully Managed Recovery ID Theft Protection At No Cost To You

• Book Club is held at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800

• Mastercard Debit Card • Free Online access & eStatements

• A Hand & Foot card game is held at 1 p.m. on Thursdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Senior Sale Day is on the third Friday of every month at the Friends of the Library Used Bookstore. Patrons 60 and older get 20 percent off all purchases.

Proceeds benefit the Sylva Library.

• Pinochle game is played at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Mah Jongg is played at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• A Canasta card game is set for 1 p.m. on Mondays at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• A Parkinson’s Support Group is held at 2 p.m. on the last Wednesdays of each month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville.

356.2800.

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8 Locations Serving you in Western North Carolina 721 North Main Street, Waynesville, NC · 452-2216 219 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC · 252-8234 1453 Sand Hill Road, Candler, NC · 667-7245 3270 Hendersonville Road, Fletcher, NC · 684-9999 746 East Main Street, Franklin, NC · 524-4464 8005 NC Highway 141, Murphy, NC · 837-0460 30 Highway 107, Sylva, NC · 586-0425 3533 US 441 North, Whittier, NC · 497-6211

Smoky Mountain News

• A Merge Yoga Workshop: Finding Freedom in Movement will be offered from 1-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Waynesville Yoga Center. Cost: $30. Register or get info: 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

POLITICAL • The Jackson County Republican Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, at the Cashiers Glenville Recreation Center on 355 Frank Allen Road in Cashiers. 743.6491.

• “Nature Nuts: Life Cycles” will be presented to ages 4-7 from 9-11 a.m. on Sept. 19 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

September 4-10, 2019

• “Breastfeeding A-Z” class will be offered from 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 12 and Nov. 14 at Haywood Regional Medical Center in Waynesville. Focusing on techniques for proper latching and comfortable positions for a baby and mom to get started. Pre-registration required: MyHaywoodRegional.com/ParentClasses or 452.8440.

SPIRITUAL • Registration is underway for Guided Personal Retreats, on Sept. 16-18 and Oct. 21-23 at Lake Junaluska. Lakejunaluska.com/retreats or 800.222.4930.

later for local residents and visitors. www.waynesvillegalleryassociation.com.

KIDS & FAMILIES

wnc calendar

• A Medicare 101 info session will be offered from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, in the Waynesville Library Auditorium.

weekly evening classes on Argentine Tango (Mondays), Salsa (Tuesdays), Swing (Wednesdays) and Blues (Thursday) at 61 ½ Main Street in Canton. For times and to RSVP, text your name and email to 316.1344.

*No Fee Checking requires at least one direct deposit per month or maintain a $500 balance.

Learn more when you visit our website: mountaincu.org

39

wnc calendar

a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Maggie Valley Festival grounds. Tours, guided hikes, trout race, elk bugling contest, photo contest, face painting, kids activities, timbersports exhibition and performances from musicians, Cherokee Indian dancers and cloggers. Admission: $5. www.visitncsmokies.com/smoky-mountain-elk-fest.

• Fines Creek Dance Night is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Fines Creek Community Center, 190 Fines Creek Road in Clyde. Food at 6 p.m.; dance at 7 p.m. Costs: Dance $5, food is from $4-5 (hamburger or hot dog with chips and drink). Cake walk and 50/50 raffle. Live music featuring Running Wolfe and the Renegades (Traditional country and rock). Proceeds support scholarships, community needs and the MANNA FoodBank. Updates/info: www.fb.me/finescreekorg or 593.7042.

• The eighth annual Cherokee Heritage Festival is scheduled for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit, 805 Highway 64 Business in Hayesville. Hoop dancing, Cherokee artisans, demonstrations and more. 389.3045 or www.cccra-nc.org.

• Tickets are on sale now for the Fall Harvest Festival, which will feature bluegrass legends The Gibson Brothers at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Stecoah Valley Center. Info and tickets: www.stecoahvalleycenter.com. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. in the air-conditioned Lynn L. Shields Auditorium.

FOOD & DRINK

September 4-10, 2019

• Bryson City Wine Market will offer “California Dreamin’” – tastes off Napa, Sonoma and beyond – from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, at 1161 Main Street in Bryson City. Cost: $30. RSVP: 538.0420.

• The “Uncorked: Wine & Rail Pairing Experience” will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

7, 21 & 22, Nov. 2 and Dec 31 at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City. Full service alladult first-class car. Wine pairings with a meal and more. 800.872.4681 or www.gsmr.com.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • The smash Broadway hit “Mamma Mia!” will be on stage at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5-7, 12-14, and 2 p.m. Sept.

8 and 15 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

• The Steeldrivers will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Tickets start at $22 per person. www.greatmountainmusic.com or 866.273.4615.

• Pickin’ on the Square in Franklin will host Hurricane Creek on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

Smoky Mountain News

• Pickin’ on the Square in Franklin will host

Public Library. Book is available at the library.

Discussion will be led by Dr. Lorena Russell.

• The Cherokee Bonfire & Storytelling will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 25 at the Oconaluftee Islands Park in Cherokee. 800.438.1601 or www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• Ceramic artist Julie Taylor will discuss her work at the Sept. 12 meeting of the Macon County Art Association, Uptown Gallery, 30 Main Street in Franklin. Program starts at 6 p.m. Info: www.franklinuptowngallery.com or 349.4607.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • Ila Hatter will present “Granny Woman Wisdom” at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Swain County Regional Business Education and Training Center, 45 E. Ridge Drive in Bryson City.

• Registration is underway for an Intermediate Bladesmithing Class, which will be offered from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8, at Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. Led by Brock Martin of WarFire Forge. Produce a blade of high-carbon steel with more attention on fit and finish. Advance registration required: 631.0271 or www.JCGEP.org.

• There will be an artist demonstration on rug hooking techniques with Debbie Savage from 1 to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Haywood County Arts Council in Waynesville. Free and open to the public.

• The Western Carolina Community Chorus will begin the 2019-2020 season with a practice from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, in Room 357 of the Coulter Building on the campus of Western Carolina University. The fall concert is set for 3 p.m. Nov. 24.

Experienced singers, high-school aged and older, are invited to join by attending the first rehearsal.

506.5951 or holquistbstn@aol.com.

• What are some of the most significant influences in your life (people, events, things, etc.)? will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, at the Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub, 58 Stewart Street in Franklin. Open exchange of ideas; dialog, not debate. 371.1020.

• Painting on Glass: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

12. Patricia Cowen, a long-time member of Dogwood Crafters, will cover the techniques of this decorative art form and participants will learn how to paint on vases, glasses, lamp globes, etc. She will provide one item and participants may bring other glass items to paint. Great gift ideas for the holidays. Cost is $1.

Register by Sept. 9.

• The Fines Creek Flea Market is scheduled for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays, Sept. 14 and 28, at the Fines Creek Community Center, 190 Fines Creek Road in Clyde. 550.6842 or 593.7042. Info: www.fb.me/finescreekorg.

• Chai Spice Sugar Scrub: 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Sept. 24. Participants can indulge their senses while creating a natural skin care product using the warming spices of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and more.

New Dogwood Crafter Kerri Rayburn will share information on how these favorite spices can be anti-aging agents, can sooth acne, stimulate blood flow, and much more. All supplies are included in the $8 fee.

Register by Sept. 17. Register by calling Dogwood Crafters at 586.2248.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES

• The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has recently opened a major new exhibit, “People of the Clay: Contemporary Cherokee Potters.” It features more than 60 potters from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Cherokee Nation, and more than one hundred works from 1900 to the present. The exhibit will run through April 2020.

• New artist and medium will be featured every month at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

FILM & SCREEN • “Good Boys”, is showing at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville Plaza at 1:15 p.m. 4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 4 and 1:15 p.m. on Sept. 5. Visit www.fandango.com for pricing & tickets. Info. on Facebook or 246.0588.

• “IT: Chapter Two”, is showing at Smoky Mountain Cinema in Waynesville Plaza at 5, 6, 7, 8:30 & 9:30 p.m. on Sept. 5, and 12, 3:30, 7, & 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 6-7 and 12, 3:30 &7 p.m. on Sept. 8-12. Visit www.fandango.com for pricing & tickets. Info. on Facebook or 246.0588. .• The Second Tuesday Movie Group meets at 2 p.m. in the Waynesville Library Auditorium. For info, including movie title: 452.5169.

Outdoors

• Photo submissions are being accepted by Cherokee Indian Hospital for consideration of being on display in the Crisis Stabilization Unit. Deadline is Sept. 15.

Nature scenes such as waterfalls, streams and rivers.

Preference given to Enrolled Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Send to: legendweaverstudios@gmail.com. Questions: 736.7059.

• Mycologist James Pader will discuss cooking with wild mushrooms at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Discussion on identification and cooking methods of various mushrooms. Info: 586.2016 or wncshrooms.org.

• Charlie Duke, an Apollo astronaut and the youngest person to walk on the moon, will be the featured speaker at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center in Cullowhee. Part of the Free Enterprise Speaker Series at Western Carolina University. Preregister: https://affiliate.wcu.edu/csfe/charlie-duke.

• Applications are being accepted for artists who want their work included in monthly gallery exhibits or retail spaces through the Haywood County Arts Council. HaywoodArts.org or GalleryGifts@HaywoodArts.org.

• A Zahner Lecture on coyotes will be offered at 6 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Highlands Nature Center. Part of the Zahner Lecture Series. Featuring John Lane, Professor of Environmental Studies and English at Wofford College. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.

• The Friends of the Haywood County Public Library will present “Reading Women’s Lives: Conversations from Fiction” featuring a discussion of “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Waynesville branch of the Haywood County

With Their Needs We can handle your day to day financial transactions, including assistance with check writing, payment of monthly bills and coordination of other services.

If you have limited mobility, contact us about an in-home visit.

828-452-2256

• Applications are being accepted for the Jackson County Citizens Academy, which begins at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 12. Opportunity for county residents to get an in-depth look at the functions of county government.

For info or to request and application: 631.2207 or jcfitzgerald@jacksonnc.org.

Lowcountry” will be on display through Sept. 15 at the Bascom, 323 Franklin road in Highlands. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. on Sundays. Info: www.thebascom.org or 526.4949.

• The Western NC Civil War Roundtable will host a presentation and open discussion on General Ulysses S. Grant on Monday, Sept. 9, at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa. Meet and greet at 5 p.m. at the Tap Room; social at 6:30 p.m. and presentation starts at 7 p.m. http://wnccwrt.com.

Helping Seniors

Norris Elder Services, LLC 40

Cornbread Creek (old-time) on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. www.townoffranklinnc.com.

Norris Professional Building 177 North Main St., Waynesville www.norriselderservices.com www.norrisandassoc.com

• Art by Lynn Babiarz will be on display through the month of September at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. There will be a reception with the artist from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7. Free and open to the public.

• An art exhibition entitled “High Art of the

• The N.C. Cooperative Extension Service will offer a pair of Ginseng Production seminars from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 9 at Swain Extension Center in Room 114 at 60 Almond School Road in Bryson City and Sept. 10 at Jackson Extension Center Meeting Room 105 at 876 Skyland Dr. in Sylva.

Puzzles can be found on page 45 These are only the answers.

• The Smokies Skiwalking School will be offered from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays from Sept. 9-Oct. 21 at Smoky Mountain Elementary School in Whittier.

Register and get more info: 586.4009 or 488.3848.

• The Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway at 8 a.m. on Sept. 11 in Franklin. Meet at Big Bear Shelter parking area.

Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• A lecture on “Botanical Resilience Strategies in an Age of Climate Catastrophe” is set for 6 p.m. on Sept.

12, at The Nature Center at the Highlands Biological Station in Highlands. Featured speaker is James R. Veteto, Executive Director, Appalachian Institute for Mountain Studies. Part of the Zahner Lecture Series. www.highlandsbiological.org or 526.2221.

• Tony Ward, MountainTrue Western Regional Program Coordinator, will discuss the importance of native plants for ornamental/landscape at a public presentation from 2-3:30 p.m. on Sept. 14 at the Moss Memorial Library in Hayesville. Mountaintrue.org.

• Birdwatchers are invited to Chimney Rock State Park on Saturday, Sept. 14, for the annual “Flock to the Rock” event. Event starts at 11 a.m., includes bird demonstrations and N.C. Birding Trail. Park admission: $17 for adults; $8 for ages 5-15. Info: www.chimneyrockpark.com/event/flock-to-the-rock.

• A Smokies Service Day is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Sept. 14 at Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee.

Flower bed maintenance. To volunteer: 865.436.1278 or Andrew_mentrup@partner.nps.gov.

• David Grasty will lead a “Wild Edibles Walk” at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14. Meet at Fines Creek Community Center, 190 Fines Creek Rd. in Clyde. Cost: $15. Proceeds benefit Fines Creek Community Association to support community needs, scholarships and the MANNA FoodBank. For ages 16-up. www.fb.me/finescreekorg.

COMPETITIVE EDGE • Sponsors, cyclists and runners are invited to participate in the 27th annual Tour de Cashiers Mountain Cycling and 5K run on Saturday, Sept. 7, in Cashiers.

Contributions support the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce’s community and economic development efforts. Deadline to sponsor is Aug. 16. Bike race entry: $50. 5K entry: $25 (Prices increase after Aug. 4). Sign up: www.bikesignup.com or www.cashiersareachamber.com.

FARM AND GARDEN • Registration is open for the 2019 Organic Growers School’s Farm Beginnings Farmer Training. On-farm workshops at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy’s Community Farm in Alexander.

Applications accepted through Sept. 15. Apply: organicgrowersschool.org/farmers/farm-beginnings.

FARMERS MARKETS • The Swain County Farmer’s Market is held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday through October at the barn on Island Street in downtown Bryson City. 488.3848 or www.facebook.com/SwainCountyFarmersMarket.

• Jackson County Farmers Market runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at Bridge Park in downtown Sylva. jacksoncountyfarmersmarket@gmail.com or www.jacksoncoutyfarmersmarket.org.

• The ‘Whee Farmers Market is held from 3-6 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of October at the entrance to the village of Forest Hills off North Country Club Drive in Cullowhee. 476.0334 or www.thewheemarket.org.

• The Franklin Bird Club will have a bird walk along the greenway at 8 a.m. on Sept. 18 in Franklin.

Parking is off Fox Ridge Road, just south of Franklin Flea Market on Highlands Road. Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• The Original Waynesville Tailgate Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at 171 Legion Drive in Waynesville. 456.1830 or vrogers12@att.net.

• Women’s Intro to Fly Fishing will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

• Franklin Farmers Tailgate Market runs 8 a.m. to noon, on East Palmer Street across from Drake Software. 349.2049 or www.facebook.com/franklinncfarmersmarket.

• Intro to Fly-Fishing will be offered to ages 12-up from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Registration required: https://tinyurl.com/y53o5ddq.

• “Locally Grown on the Green,” the Cashiers farm stand market for local growers, will be held from 3-6 p.m. every Wednesday at the Village Green Commons on Frank Allen Rd. next to the Cashiers post office. info@villagegreencashiersnc.com or 743.3434.

Affairs of the Heart 120 N. Main St. • Waynesville 828.452.0526 • affairsoftheheartnc.com

Smoky Mountain News

• Haywood Historic Farmers Market is on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the HART Theater parking lot and Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church overflow parking lot beside Exxon. waynesvillefarmersmarket.com or haywoodfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

• A Land Navigation Class will be offered at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Fines Creek Community

& so much more!

• Backpacking course, will be offered by Landmark Learning on Oct. 21-25. www.landmarklearning.org.

• “The Pinnacle Hike” – part of the Yoga + Hike Series – will be from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Waynesville Yoga Center. 45-minute yoga class at the summit. Cost: $45. 246.6570 or WaynesvilleYogaCenter.com.

• Registration is underway for “Picture Yourself in the Smokies” event, which is Friday through Sunday, Sept.

20-22, at the River Terrace Resort and Convention Center in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Early bird registration until July 12. Info: lisad@gsmassoc.org or 865.436.7318, ext. 257.

flags, mailbox covers,

September 4-10, 2019

• The N.C. Department of Transportation is seeking volunteers to help clean up trash along roads during the Adopt-A-Highway Fall Litter Sweep from Sept. 1428. https://tinyurl.com/yxaph58g. Contacts: Haywood County – Karen Hurd (456.5633), Jackson County – Mildred Turpin (631.5599), Macon County – Bradley Pyle (524.2517), Swain County – Allison Edwards (488.3683).

• Friends of the Smokies is partnering with Navitat Canopy Adventures to offer one day each month through September where Navitat visitors receive a 10 percent discount, and a portion of sales will be donated to Friends of the Smokies. Next date is Saturday, Sept. 28.

Navitat Asheville is located at 242 Poverty Branch Road in Barnardsville. Reservations and info: 626.3700.

Clocks, jewelry,

wnc calendar

• Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park will offer a guided day hike on Tuesday, Sept. 10, on Trillium Gap Trail. Strenuous, 13.1-mile out-and-back hike climbing 3,300 feet.

Hike.FriendsOfTheSmokies.org. $20 for current members or $35 for new members.

Center, 190 Fines Creek Road in Clyde. Led by David Grasty, owner of WNC Bushcraft and Survival. Basic, easy-to-remember land navigation concepts.

Approximately 1-1/2-to-2 hours. Cost: $20.

Reservations: 400.5790. Updates: https://fb.me/FinesCreekOrg.

HIKING CLUBS • The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate-tostrenuous five-mile hike with an elevation change of 900 feet on Saturday, Sept. 7, from Deep Gap to Standing Indian Mountain on the Appalachian Trail.

Info and reservations: 772.263.3478.

41

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

LEAGAL ADVERTISEMENTS

MarketPlace information: The Smoky Mountain News Marketplace has a distribution of 16,000 every week to over 500 locations across in Haywood, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties along with the Qualla Boundary and west Buncombe County. For a link to our MarketPlace Web site, which also contains a link to all of our MarketPlace display advertisers’ Web sites, visit www.smokymountainnews.com.

Rates:

■ Free — Lost or found pet ads.

■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $375 — Statewide classifieds run in 170 participating newspapers with 1.1+ million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

Classified Advertising: Scott Collier, phone 828.452.4251; fax 828.452.3585 classads@smokymountainnews.com

NEW UNITS READY TO

RENT

10’x10’

$

ONLY

65

PER MONTH

Great Smokies Storage Call 828.506.4112 greatsmokiesstorage.com

Conveniently located off 19/23 by Thad Woods Auction

PUBLIC NOTICE OF AUCTION SELLS Mountain Projects Community Action Agency and Haywood Public Transit located at 50 Armory Dr. Canton NC 28721, authorizes the sale by public auction of the following four Transit Buses (1) 2009 FORD Model E-450 VIN# 1FDFE45S79DA67001 MILEAGE: 146,914 approx.

22 FT LTV with LIFT COLOR: WHITE LIFT: 4,815 approx.

(2) 2011 FORD Model E-350 VIN# 1FTDS3EL4BD31671 MILEAGE: 151,669 approx.

LIFT VAN COLOR: WHITE LIFT: 8,945 approx.

(3) 2009 FORD Model E-450 VIN# 1FDEEE3FS5BDA46254 MILEAGE: 185,588 approx.

20 FT LTV with LIFT COLOR: WHITE LIFT: 6415 approx.

(4) 2011 FORD Model E-450 VIN# 1FDEE3FL2ADA68719 MILEAGE: 188,268 approx.

20 FT LTV with LIFT COLOR: WHITE LIFT: 8,938 approx.

The auction will take place at 10:00am September 18th, 2019, in the Conference Room, Haywood Public Transit, 50 Armory Drive, Clyde, N.C. 28721 The high bidder for each vehicle must present at the auction a bid deposit of five percent (5%) of the amount of the bid, either in cash or a certified check. This deposit will be held by the Mountain Projects Community Action Agency until either Mountain Projects Community Action Agency rejects the high bid for the vehicle or, if the Mountain Projects Community Action Agency accepts the high bid, the closing of the sale. The deposit will be forfeited to the Mountain Projects Community Action Agency if the high bidder refuses to close the sale after the bid has been approved by Mountain Projects Community Action Agency.

After the auction, a BILL OF SALE will be reported to Mountain Projects Community Action Agency Mountain Projects Community Action Agency will accept or reject the bid within 30 days after the bid is reported to it.

No sale may be completed until Mountain Projects Community Action Agency has approved the high bid.

Once the bid is accepted the BIDDER has 15 days to submit BALANCE due to: Mountain Projects Community Action Agency Att.: Janice Cook - Assistant Finance Officer 2177 Asheville Rd. Waynesville, N.C. 28786 828-452-1447 ext. 107 Mountain Projects Community Action Agency reserves the right to withdraw any listed vehicle from the auction at any time before the auction sale of that property.

For more information please contact: Si Simmons - Transit Director - Haywood Public Transit 828-565-0362 ext. 302 ssimmons@mountainprojects.org

AUCTION

533 ACRES- AUCTION SEPT. 12th Halifax, VA. Available in its entirety or in 10 tracts ranging from 8 – 123 acres. Opening bids as low as $735/Acre! Bid live or online. www.Motleys.com. SVN/Motleys.

877-MOTLEYS. NCL5914 ABSOLUTE AUCTION Lake Hickory-1.035 Acres-Waterfront Plantation Pointe. 5200 Peninsula Drive #44 Granite Falls, NC Saturday September 14th, 2019.

11:00 Am Boyer Realty & Auction Col. James R. "Jimmy" Boyer NCAL#1792. 336.572.2323 Email: boyerrealty@skybest.com www.BoyerRealtyandAuction.com AUCTION Super Toy Collection-VintageCollectible-Windups-Cars-TrucksGuns-GI Joe-Dolls, etc. Saturday Sept.7@10 a.m. LEINBACH AUCTION GALLERY 9497 Hwy150 Clemmons, NC, 27012 - 336.416.9614 NCAL#5871 AUCTIONZIP.COM ID#5969 BANKRUPTCY AUCTION Of Vehicles, Tire Repair Equipment & Tools in Rockingham, NC, Online Only, Begins Closing 9/16 at 2pm, Bankruptcy Case #19-10263, ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL# 3936 RECEIVERSHIP AUCTION Of Commercial Lots, Acreage & Shopping Center in Avery & Caldwell Counties, NC, Begins Closing 9/10 at 2pm, See website for Bid Center Location, ironhorseauction.com, 800.997.2248, NCAL 3936 YOUR AD COULD REACH 1.6 MILLION HOMES ACROSS NC! Your classified ad could be reaching over 1.6 Million Homes across North Carolina! Place your ad with The Smoky Mountain News on the NC Statewide Classified Ad Network- Over 100 NC newspapers for a low cost of $375 for 25-word ad to appear in each paper! Additional words are $10 each. The whole state at your fingertips! It's a smart advertising buy! For more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at: www.ncpress.com, 919.516.8009

BUILDING MATERIALS

PAINTING JAMISON CUSTOM PAINTING & PRESSURE WASHING Interior, exterior, all pressure washing needs and more.

Specializing in Removal of Carpenter Bees • New Product Guarantees Success - Save Your Home Before Its Too Late!

Cedar, Log Homes, Painted or Siding! Call or Text Now for a Free Estimate at 828.508.9727

CONSTRUCTION/ REMODELING 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

ENERGY SAVING NEW WINDOWS! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with NEW WINDOWS from 1800Remodel!

Up to 18 months no interest.

Restrictions apply. Call Now 1.877.287.8229 SAPA

BATHROOM RENOVATIONS. Easy, One Day Updates! We specialize in safe bathing. Grab bars, no slip flooring & seated showers. Call for a free in-home consultation: 877.661.6587 SAPA AFFORDABLE NEW SIDING! Beautify your home! Save on monthly energy bills with beautiful New Siding from 1800Remodel!

Up to 18 months no interest.

Restrictions Apply 877.731.0014

FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Gunsmithing Instructor - Music Instructor -Network Management: Microsoft & Cisco Instructor. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu.

An Equal Opportunity Employer.

FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Associate Degree Nursing Instructor Program Coordinator, Ford Maintenance & Light Repair Military/Veterans Services Specialist. For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer

DOG GROOMER Maple Tree Veterinary Hospital & Dog Camp is Seekinig an Experienced Groomer to be a Part of Our Team.

Please Send Resume to: campleader@mapletreevet.com or Bring in Person.

WORK FROM ANYWHERE You have an Internet connection.

13 positions available. Start as soon as today. As simple as checking your email. Complete online training provided. Visit website for details: https://bit.ly/2yewvor SAPA

EDUCATION/VACANCIES 2019-2020: Elementary Education, Special Education, School Psychologist, Middle Education, Biology, Agricultural Education, Mathematics, Building Trades, Business & Information Technology, English, Instructional Technology Resources. www.pecps.k12.va.us. Prince Edward County Public Schools.

Farmville, Virginia 23901.

434.315.2100. EOE

147 WALNUT STREET • WAYNESVILLE

828.506.7137

aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

www.sunburstrealty.com/amy-spivey

Chris Caldwell

PETS

BROKER, REALTOR®

HAYWOOD SPAY/NEUTER 828.452.1329

828-550-7247

Chris@4Smokys.com WAYNESVILLE OFFICE:

INSURANCE AGENT Become a Team Member!

Enthusiastic & Motivated Person with Exceptional Customer Service Skills Needed for Downtown Waynesville Agency.

Service Customers & Identify Insurance Needs, Market Products & Services and Develop Relationships. Competitive Pay, Commission for Licensed Individuals, Periodic & Annual Bonuses, Generous PTO & Benefits.

Outstanding Work Environment.

P&C and Life Licenses are a Plus Email Resume & Cover Letter or for More Information: OLGAGEORGI2@ALLSTATE.COM

Great Smokys Realty

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!

828-564-1950 www.4smokys.com

36 S. Main St. Waynesville

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm 182 Richland Street, Waynesville

USE KENNEL DIP® To Treat Fleas, Ticks, Mange, Stable Flies & Mosquitoes Where They Breed. NC Clampitt Hardware, 828.488.2782, www.kennelvax.com

Climate Control

Storage

LOCAL NON-PROFIT SEEKS Part-Time Administrative Assistant for 21 Hours per Week.

Position Requires: Knowledge of Excel, Office Data Entry Skills, Positive Attitude & Attention to Detail. Send Resume to: director@haywoodarts.org DRIVE WITH UBER. No experience is required, but you'll need a Smartphone. It's fun and easy. For more information, call: 1.800.655.7452 SAPA

SFR, ECO, GREEN

48 SECURITY CAMERAS AND MANAGEMENT ON SITE

Sizes from 5’x5’ to 10’x20’

Climate Controlled

1106 Soco Road (Hwy 19), Maggie Valley, NC 28751

Call:

DUDLEY - SURRENDERED TO THE COUNTY SHELTER THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN. HE'S A BIG, BEAUTIFUL PUREBRED GREAT PYRENEES, AND WE'VE DISCOVERED HE HATES BEING INSIDE. HE'S HAPPY AS CLAM OUTDOORS IN OUR PLAY YARD OR PEN WITH DOG HOUSE. HE LIKES TO PLAY WITH OTHER DOGS AND IS FRIENDLY WITH PEOPLE ONCE HE GETS TO KNOW THEM.

MAGIC - HIS OWNER PASSED AWAY. AT FIRST HE WAS BEWILDERED BY THE SUDDEN CHANGE IN HIS CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT HE QUICKLY SETTLED IN. WOULD BE GREAT TO FIND HIM A NEW HOME WHERE HE CAN ENJOY A QUIET, PEACEFUL LIFE AND FEEL LOVED BY HIS PERSON ONCE AGAIN.

828-476-8999

MaggieValleySelfStorage.com torry@torry1.com Torry Pinter, Sr. 828-734-6500

RE/MAX

EXECUTIVE

Ron Breese Broker/Owner

Find Us One mile past State Rd. 276 and Hwy-19 on the right side, across from Frankie’s Italian Restaurant

smokymountainnews.com

ROOFING: REPLACE OR REPAIR. All types of materials available.

Flat roofs too. www.highlandroofingnc.com From the Crystal coast, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Triad, and the Triangle.

252.726.2600, 252.758.0076, 910.777.8988, 919.676.5969, 910.483.3530, and 704.332.0555.

Highland Residential Roofing.

THE JACKSON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES Is recruiting for a Community Social Services Assistant. Duties primarily involve transporting foster children for a variety of purposes such as visits with parents, medical appointments, counseling, education, or training. Candidates for this position should be highly dependable, adaptable, able to lift children and car seats, interact well with children, have completed high school and have a valid NC driver's license with a good driving record. The starting salary is $23,694.27. Applicants should complete a NC State application form (PD-107) and submit it to the Jackson County Department of Social Services, 15 Griffin Street, Sylva, NC 28779 or the Sylva branch of the NCWorks Career Center.

Applications will be taken until September 9, 2019

JONATHAN CREEK INN In Maggie Valley is Currently Hiring a Maintenance Worker, 20 - 25 Hrs. per Week, Valid NCDL & Reliable Transportation Required Pay $11 - $15 per Hour-D.O.E. For More Information Call 828.926.1232

EMPLOYMENT

September 4-10, 2019

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING Forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off and 0% financing for those who qualify.

PLUS Senior & Military Discounts.

Call 1.888.927.8649 SAPA

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Get FAA approved hands on Aviation training. Financial aid for qualified students - Career placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.441.6890

EMPLOYMENT

WNC MarketPlace

HAYWOOD BUILDERS Garage Doors, New Installations Service & Repairs, 828.456.6051 100 Charles St. Waynesville Employee Owned.

EMPLOYMENT

71 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com

Each office independently owned & operated.

43

Mike Stamey

WNC MarketPlace

mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

828-508-9607

Haywood Co. Real Estate Agents Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Great Smokys Realty - www.4Smokys.com Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate- Heritage • Carolyn Lauter - carolyn@bhgheritage.com Beverly Hanks & Associates- beverly-hanks.com • Ann Eavenson - anneavenson@beverly-hanks.com • Billie Green - bgreen@beverly-hanks.com • Michelle McElroy- michellemcelroy@beverly-hanks.com • Steve Mauldin - smauldin@beverly-hanks.com • Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com • Anne Page - apage@beverly-hanks.com • Brooke Parrott - bparrott@beverly-hanks.com • Jerry Powell - jpowell@beverly-hanks.com • Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com • Ellen Sither - ellensither@beverly-hanks.com • Mike Stamey - mikestamey@beverly-hanks.com • Karen Hollingsed- khollingsed@beverly-hanks.com • Billy Case- billycase@beverly-hanks.com • Laura Thomas - lthomas@beverly-hanks.com • John Keith - jkeith@beverly-hanks.com

Christie’s Ivester Jackson Blackstream • George Escaravage - george@IJBProperties.com ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Border - sunburstrealty.com • Pam James - pjames@sunburstrealty.com • Marsha Block - marsha@weichertunlimited.com

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

www.beverly-hanks.com

Michelle McElroy BROKER ASSOCIATE (828) 400-9463 michelle@beverly-hanks.com Haywood County Real Estate Expert & Top Producing REALTOR®

Catherine Proben Cell: 828-734-9157 Office: 828-452-5809

cproben@beverly-hanks.com

September 4-10, 2019 www.smokymountainnews.com

828.452.5809

• Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Dreams Realty- maggievalleyhomesales.com

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management • Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com RE/MAX Executive - remax-waynesvillenc.com remax-maggievalleync.com • Holly Fletcher - hollyfletcher1975@gmail.com • The Real Team - TheRealTeamNC.com • Ron Breese - ronbreese.com • Landen Stevenson- Landen@landenstevenson.com • Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com • Mary & Roger Hansen - mwhansen@charter.net • Judy Meyers - jameyers@charter.net • David Rogers - davidr@remax-waynesvillenc.com • Juli Rogers - julimeaserogers@gmail.com Rob Roland Realty - robrolandrealty.com

• Rob Roland - rroland33@gmail.com

The Smoky Mountain Retreat at Eagles Nest • Tom Johnson - tomsj7@gmail.com • Sherell Johnson - sherellwj@aol.com

WNC Real Estate Store • Jeff Baldwin - jeff@WNCforMe.com

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 44

74 N. Main St., Waynesville, NC

Lakeshore Realty

Mountain Home Properties mountaindream.com • Cindy Dubose - cdubose@mountaindream.com

828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com

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 GATED, LEVEL, ALL WOODED, 5+acre building lots, utilities available in S.E. Tennessee, between Chattanooga and Nashville. www.timber-wood.com Call now to schedule tour 423.802.0296 SAPA PROPERTY FOR SALE Build Your Dream Home Here!

4.6 Acres at 4,000ft. $44,500.

For More Information, Visit: www.WNCAwesomeViews.com RENT TO OWN Homes Available Now!! Why Rent When You Can Own! Bad Credit?

No Credit? No Problem! Call 844.275.0948. SAPA

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE

Jerry Lee Mountain Realty Jerry Lee Hatley- jerryhatley@bellsouth.net Keller Williams Realty - kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • The Morris Team - www.themorristeamnc.com • Julie Lapkoff - julielapkoff@kw.com

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT

Brian Noland RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PROFESSIONAL

bknoland@beverly-hanks.com

828.734.5201 74 North Main Street Waynesville, NC 28786

828.452.5809

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on equal opportunity basis.

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

THREATENING FORECLOSURE? Call Homeowner's Relief Line now!

Free Consultation 844.359.4330 SAPA

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT GREAT SMOKIES STORAGE Conveniently located off 19/23

by Thad Woods Auction. Available for lease now: 10’x10’ units for $55, 20’x20’ units for $160.

Get one month FREE with 12 month contract. Call 828.507.8828 or 828.506.4112 for more information.

VACATION/ TRAVEL OFFER: Book Your Flight Today on United, Delta, American, Air France, Air Canada. We have the best rates.

Call today to learn more 1.855.613.1407 Mon-Fri:10:00am to 7:00pm Sat & Sun: 11:30 am to 7:00 pm (all times Eastern) SAPA

LAWN & GARDEN HEMLOCK HEALERS, INC. Dedicated to Saving Our Hemlocks. Owner/Operator Frank Varvoutis, NC Pesticide Applicator’s License #22864. 48 Spruce St. Maggie Valley, NC 828.734.7819 828.926.7883, Email: hemlockhealers@yahoo.com BORING/CARPENTER BEE TRAPS No Chemicals, Poisons or Anything to Harm the Environment.

Handmade in Haywood County. 1 for $20, 2 or More for $15 each.

828.593.8321

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS MOVE IN TODAY We Are Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting From $535.00 Rental Assistance Available - Handicapped Accessible Units Available

OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.586.3346 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 Equal Housing Opportunity

FOR SALE

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

3 RIDING LAWN MOWERS 42 Inch Cut, Excellent Cond. $400, $375 & $350. Call: 828.371.7629 WHEN YOU BUY A SMARTPHONE On AT&T Next Get A $250 AT&T Visa® Reward Card ! Limited Time Offer. More For Your Thing. (*Req's well-qualified credit. Limits & restr's apply.) Call US Now! 1.866.639.6524 or visit: www.250reward.com/NC SAPA

WANTED TO BUY CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash!

NEWER MODELS too! Call 1.866.508.8362. SAPA

ACCURATE & CONVENIENT Preventive health screenings from LifeLine Screening. Understand your risk for heart disease, stroke, and more before symptoms.

Special: 5 vital screenings only $149! 855.634.8538 FINANCIAL BENEFITS For those facing serious illness.

You may qualify for a Living Benefit Loan today (up to 50 percent of your Life Insurance Policy Death Benefit.) Free Info.

CALL 1.855.402.5487 SAPA METAL ON METAL HIP PATIENTS. Did you receive a metal-on-metal hip replacement? Have you had a recent revision surgery, or need one soon? Do you have questions about your legal rights? For a free, confidential consultation, call: Egerton Law, Greensboro, NC 800.800.4529. Ask for Attorney Lawrence Egerton or Attorney Emily Beeson www.EgertonLaw.com STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER With an American Standard WalkIn Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1.855.393.3307 or visit: www.walkintubquote.com/nc

SUDOKU

NEED HELP WITH FAMILY LAW? Can't Afford a $5000 Retainer?

Low Cost Legal Services- Pay As You Go- As low as $750-$1500.

Get Legal Help Now! Call Us at 1.855.982.0484 Mon-Fri 7am to 4pm (PCT) SAPA STILL PAYING TOO MUCH For your MEDICATION? Save up to 90% on RX refill! Order today and receive free shipping on 1st order prescription required. Call 1.866.577.7573 SAPA WHEN YOU BUY A SMARTPHONE On AT&T Next Get A $250 AT&T Visa® Reward Card ! Limited Time Offer. More For Your Thing. (*Req's well-qualified credit. Limits & restr's apply.) Call US Now! 1.866.639.6524 or visit: www.250reward.com/NC

YARD SALES INDOOR YARD SALE/FLEA MRKT. Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Located: 51 Union Otto Daycare Road, Franklin, N.C. 28734 828.421.7782 We Buy & Sell!

SUPER

CROSSWORD

TORMENT OF THE TIMID ACROSS 1 Garam -- (spice mix in Indian cuisine) 7 Core PC component 10 Praiseful poem title starter 15 Cheering yells 19 Off the mark 20 Some little batteries 21 “Time waits for --” 22 Dismounted from a horse 23 Start of a riddle 26 Musical pitch 27 Moisten again 28 A -- (like some logic) 29 Like ore 30 Set of rules 31 Riddle, part 2 35 San Luis --, California 38 -- Poke (candy brand) 39 Singer Lovett 40 With 50-Down, happened to meet 41 Laundry-day spray 46 Great sorrow 48 Top-floor storeroom 52 Riddle, part 3 56 Reptile with a spiny back 57 Like meat prepared per Muslim law 58 With 97-Across, like late payments 59 Felt sick 61 Plum parts 62 Engine conduits 64 Suffix with acetyl 65 Fa follower 67 Parking area 68 Riddle, part 4

73 76 77 78 82 84 86 88 89 91 94 95 96 97 98 100 102 105 113 114 115 116 120 121 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131

Grizzly baby Joanne of “All the King’s Men” Male doll Rambled on and on Adam’s second son Neuters Mars, to Greeks -- time (ever) Invalidate Riddle, part 5 Singer Adams “The Greatest” fighter Beaver, e.g.

See 58-Across Kind of tide Moo goo -- pan Traps, as by a winter storm End of the riddle Diner grub In most cases: Abbr.

Repair, as a shoe bottom Longtime Toyota Andean ancient Riddle’s answer Den noise Kagan of the court Teacup part Frozen fries brand Long dagger Winona of “Mermaids” -- -Caps (candy brand) Cooking oil brand

DOWN 1 Bryn -- College 2 Arthur of the court 3 Ragout, e.g.

4 James of “Gunsmoke” 5 Portable computer

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 25 32 33 34 35 36 37 42 43 44 45 47 49 50 51 53 54 55 56 60 63 64 66 69

Passing vote Island near Naples Politico Sarah Make -- (employ) Nobelist Eugene ICU figure Atlanta university Not too wild to domesticate Counterpart of roundtrip Increase by degrees Detached Dhoti wearer Mill metal -- -Locka, Florida Start of the old Ipana toothpaste jingle Station More humble Mill debris Lawn care brand Religion of Iran Counting everything Wraps, as a healing ankle “It’s -- of do or die” Some are civil: Abbr.

Sever Olive of the comics Kite’s trailer See 40-Across Play’s actors Barber’s sprinkle-on Greek epic Singer k.d.

Start of a denial Footballer Boomer “ER” figure Berlin article Allow to attack Through the roof

70 71 72 73 74 75 79 80 81 83 85 86 87 90 92 93 95 99 101 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 117 118 119 122 123

City east of Phoenix Without blinking -MacFarlane of “Ted” Bit of pasta, informally Lyft rival Flock of quail Forays Boredom Gold-medal swimmer Amy Van -Usurer Beltmaking tool Rumpus Wand Genuflection joint Big families Power co.

In a mockingly humorous way Court jester, e.g.

In back Cardinal Borgia Draws forth Wade Boggs’ base Vietnam’s capital Acting award Steadied by attaching a rope to Snaky letters “Over There” songwriter Last Oldsmobile model Untilled field Letters before chis Start over on Hot -- oven Reno-to-Spokane dir.

NYSE index

ANSWERS ON PAGE 40

smokymountainnews.com

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, Answers on 40 the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

DISH NETWORK $59.99 For 190 Channels! Add High Speed Internet for ONLY $14.95/month.

Best Technology. Best Value. Smart HD DVR Included. FREE Installation. Some restrictions apply.

Call 1.855.419.7188 SAPA

September 4-10, 2019

FREON R12 WANTED: Certified Buyer Will Pay Ca$H For R12 Cylinders Or Cases Of Cans. www.refrigerantfinders.com, 312.291.9169

WELLNESS ADVOCATE mydoterra.com/blueridge wellness

SERVICES

WNC MarketPlace

SCENTSY PRODUCTS Your Local Independent Consultant to Handle All Your Scentsy Wants & Needs.

Amanda P. Collier 828.246.8468 Amandacollier.scentsy.us apcollier1978@gmail.com Start Own Business for Only $99

MEDICAL

45

The naturalist’s corner

BY DON H ENDERSHOT

Santee surprise uring our annual summer beach trip to Isle of Palms, I often manage to sneak away one morning to visit Santee Coastal Reserve for an annual redcockaded woodpecker fix. State and federal agencies have been successfully enhancing the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker population at Santee Coastal for a number of years. It’s a great place to see these noisy little woodpeckers as they nest along the main dirt road through the reserve and all you have to do is drive slowly along until you hear the constant chatter of a colony.

Despite the ease with which you can find and/or see a colony, getting a photo is a different proposition. They have proven to be a photo-nemesis for me. They are small, just larger than a downy, and usually actively foraging, or backlit, or there’s a branch in the way, etc. But I continue to try every year for one decent photo.

This year was about par for the course. I heard red-cockadeds almost immediately upon reaching the preserve. I could see them flitting about on the large longleaf pines but by the time I could get to them and try to maneuver to get decent lighting they would

Smoky Mountain News

September 4-10, 2019

D

46

head off for a different spot.

I would get back in my car and travel down the road till I encountered another colony and try again. I struck out at one

Yellow-fringed orchid.

frame a photo. Of course, the birds decided to change direction and left me standing alone in the longleaf savanna.

That’s when I looked down for the first time since leaving the car and tracking the birds. And there, all around me, were tiny druids in green cloaks with orangish hoods.

OK, not really but it would take only a little imagination to turn the hooded pitcher plants all around me into some kind of strange apparition.

The hooded pitcher plant, Sarracenia

Hooded pitcher plant.

Don Hendershot photos

stop, keeping my eyes on a colony foraging and trying to put myself in front of them, thinking that would give me more time to

minor, reaches 10 to 12 inches in height. The stalk is actually a modified leaf, whorled and forming a hollow tube. They grow in acidic

nutrient-starved soil. The carnivorous pitcher plant compensates for this lack of nutrients by trapping insects, spiders and even small frogs in the hollow leaves, where they are consumed through a digestive fluid in the bottom of the pitcher.

Species of Sarracenia hybridize given the opportunity and, depending on who is classifying them, there are eight to 11 species.

Seven species are generally confined to the southeastern coastal plain of the U.S. The hooded pitcher plant is the only species extending into Florida. It ranges from central and western Florida into southeast North Carolina and inland to northeastern Georgia.

As I was admiring the pitcher plants a splash of orange caught my eye and I discovered a stunning yellow-fringed orchid, Platanthera ciliaris. This was a little disconcerting at first because I am most familiar with this plant from the shoulder of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina, especially in the vicinity of Waterrock Knob but pine savannas across the eastern United States are also prime habitat.

So, still no decent red-cockaded woodpecker photo, but a first-ever (for me) photo of a 10-inch green-clad druid, or hooded pitcher plant if you want to be technical. Throw in a gorgeous yellowfringed orchid for langinape and there are no complaints.

(Don Hendershot is a writer and naturalist.

His book, A Year From the Naturalist’s Corner, Vol. 1, is available at regional bookstores or by contacting Don at ddihen1@bellsouth.net)

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Smoky Mountain News September 4-10, 2019