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

Sept. 7-13, 2016 Vol. 18 Iss. 15

Stakeholders excluded from wilderness meeting Page 13 WCU’s Ron Rash releases latest novel Page 26

CONTENTS

STAFF

On the Cover: An annual study on the economic impact visitors have on the state recently confirmed what local businesses have been experiencing in Western North Carolina — tourism spending is on the rise. Tourism spending doesn’t just help businesses though. Revenue from sales tax and room tax helps counties offset their budgets, which means tax savings for all residents. (Page 6) Margaret Hester photo

News McCrory’s request to reinstate voter ID denied ........................................................4 Haywood schools improve in state rankings ..............................................................9 Haywood County to build animal shelter ..................................................................10 Swain sheriff proposes gun range at Alarka School ............................................11 Stakeholders excluded from Meadows’ wilderness meeting ..............................13 Maggie Valley to regulate outdoor sales ....................................................................16 WCU breaks enrollment records ................................................................................18 Work to begin on Bryson City assisted living facility ............................................19 Jackson’s Charters of Freedom dedication delayed.............................................. 21

Opinion A hint of autumn, a sense of pride................................................................................24

A&E

CLARIFICATION On page nine of the Aug. 31 issue of The Smoky Mountain News, it was reported that the Shining Rock Classical Academy did not have to comply with Town of Waynesville standards for its new campus. As the parcel lies within the town’s extra-territorial jurisdiction, it indeed does have to meet the town’s standards. SMN regrets this error.

September 7-13, 2016

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Ron Rash releases latest Appalachian novel ..........................................................26

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Nitrates and Nitrites - the more you know -

September 7-13, 2016

Many people have heard or read that nitrates/nitrites are bad for their health but did you know that the evidence on this is rather weak and there is also some newer research to show that nitrates may be beneficial for blood pressure?

(Source: http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/90/1/11.full) Did you also know that many fruits and vegetables like celery and beets naturally contain nitrates? In fact, for most Americans their chief source of nitrates(which convert to nitrites) in their diet isn't through processed meats (like lunch meats), it's by eating fruits and vegetables with naturally occurring nitrates.

The reason nitrates/nitrites are added when making lunch meats is for food safety. Adding nitrates/nitrites reduces the risk of a dangerous bacteria , Clostridium botulinum (botulism) , from forming and increases the shelf life and food safety.

So the next time you opt for "no added nitrates/nitrites" or organic lunch meat thinking it doesn't have nitrates/nitrites remember that: 1. it could still contain naturally occurring nitrates like celery juice; 2. the reason you should WANT nitrates/nitrites is to make your food more safe!

Smoky Mountain News

http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/ard/documents/ard-ehp-16.pdf

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http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/additives/nitrate/Pages/default.aspx http://blogs.mcgill.ca/oss/2013/04/04/is-celery-juice-a-viable-alternative-to-nitrites-in-cured-meats/

In fact, the chief culprit for your health in lunch meat isn't the nitrates/nitrites.... it's sodium and fat. So, enjoy lunch meats in moderation and make sure your diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables as well. Select lunch meats that are lower in sodium and fat by reading labels and load up that sandwich with veggies!

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER request by Gov. Pat McCrory to reinstate North Carolina’s 2013 voter identification requirement and shortened early voting period was denied by the U.S. Supreme Court last week.

McCrory and Republican officials had asked for more time to appeal a July decision by the U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that struck down what they called “one of the largest restrictions of the franchise in modern North Carolina history,” saying it targeted African Americans with “almost surgical precision.”

“Pat McCrory needs to stop wasting state money and start living by the Constitution,” said Rep. Joe Sam Queen, D-Waynesville.

“It’s hundreds of thousands of dollars. The attorney general [Roy Cooper, who will face McCrory on the ballot in November] advised him not to do it, but he wouldn’t listen to any of it.”

County boards of elections directors across the state like Haywood County’s Robert Inman had been dealing with a fair amount of uncertainty over the summer, complicating plans to roll out a smooth process in this year’s General Election that should feature relatively high turnout due in part to a competitive presidential race.

Prior to July 29, they had prepared to authenticate valid identification required at the polls, and to present a 10-day early voting period to the public; the Fourth Circuit’s ruling on that day removed the ID provision and returned the early voting period back to its pre-2013 length of 17 days.

But McCrory’s mid-August request to Chief Justice John Roberts meant that Inman and others would have to be ready for the

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possibility that they’d again have to comply with the 10-day early voting period and the voter ID requirements.

Although McCrory’s effort has failed for now, it’s certainly not over; the Court’s refusal to grant him more time to file an appeal means that such an appeal won’t likely be heard before the November election, but may still be heard after it.

State Rep. Michele Presnell, RBurnsville, expressed confidence Aug. 1 that such an appeal on what she and other

The Court’s refusal to grant McCrory more time to file an appeal means that such an appeal won’t likely be heard before the November election, but may still be heard after it.

Republicans are calling a “common sense voter ID law” would be “ultimately upheld in higher court.”

However, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, president of the N.C. NAACP, expressed gratitude in a Sept. 1 press release over what he said was the Court’s rejection of the state’s attempt to implement procedures that clearly held discriminatory intent.

“This critical rejection of the State’s position will allow the people of North Carolina to exercise the fundamental right to vote this November without expansive restrictions by racist politicians or racist policies,” Barber said.

Libertarian Party gaining momentum

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Donated photo

we’ve been growing every year, but the unpopularity of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is doing us so many favors,” McKinney said.

“Also, it’s hard to imagine two candidates can represent all of Americans.”

Irving said so many people say they don’t like Trump or Clinton, but will vote for one of them anyway so they don’t “waste their vote.”

“They say they’re voting for the lesser of two evils, but that’s exactly what they’re going to get — the only wasted vote is a vote against your conscience,” Irving said. “People vote their fears and not their hopes — we have to fight that. We have an alternative and if Gary Johnson is allowed in a debate that will be clear. He’d be the only reasonable person in the room.”

Besides fighting to get their presidential candidate in a debate, the Libertarian Party of North Carolina is working toward getting its candidates elected to the General Assembly. The party has 13 candidates running for state representative or senator.

“If we can get just a few candidates elected to the General Assembly, it will shake up the establishment parties and give them a run for their money,” Irving said.

WESTERN CHAPTERS Organizing more county affiliates is another goal the party will focus more on after the election is over. While new county affiliates have popped up to the east and in the middle of the state, Irving said it’s been

hard for Libertarians to the west to gather enough people and support to be able to officially start a local chapter.

The Libertarian Party has 250,000 registered voters nationwide. Haywood’s local affiliate has 191 registered members, which is quite a feat in and of itself. McKinney said Libertarians in general don’t like to sign up for any group or give out any personal information.

“I’m working really hard to get them organized in Macon County, but it can be difficult to identify Libertarians because they don’t really want to be on a mailing list or give up personal details about their lives,” she said.

McKinney ran as the first Libertarianendorsed candidate for Haywood County commissioner in 2014. She lost the commissioner election but is still active in the local party and state party. She grew up as a Libertarian just like her father, but really didn’t get involved in politics until college.

“There was nothing going on in Haywood so I took it upon myself to get it started,” she said. “The Edward Snowden stories had just started coming out so I put an announcement in the newspaper for a discussion meeting saying, ‘Snowden — traitor or hero?’ and people came to the meeting to talk about it, so that’s really how it got started.”

Even though the group has grown over four years, McKinney said the party’s meetings are still very much focused on discussing important issues and hearing from many different sides. She said Libertarians,

LIBERTARIAN PLATFORMS So what do Libertarians believe? Here is a list of key platforms from the party. For a complete list, visit www.lpnc.org.

Self Defense — the party acknowledges every individual’s inalienable right to choose to own and carry firearms or other means of self-defense, without government licensing, registration, monitoring or interference of any kind.

Death Penalty — The party opposes execution of prisoners. State-sanctioned revenge never serves the cause of justice.

War on Drugs — The party calls for the end to the policy of drug prohibition and calls for the legalization of all recreational drugs and the pardon of individuals convicted solely on nonviolent drug charges.

Marriage — The party calls for the immediate repeal of all laws that encourage or discourage any consensual sexual or family relationships and calls for the state to leave marriage and domestic relationships to religious institutions or private contracts.

Immigration — The party welcomes immigrants and migrants. People who are not U.S. citizens should enjoy equal treatment under the law, regardless of their immigration status.

Taxation — The party recognizes that all people have the basic right to keep the fruits of their labor and enterprise. Taxation is by its very nature a coercive and destructive act against the people. The costs of government should be paid by voluntary means only.

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Franklin Ford agrees to sell every new Ford at actual dealer factory invoice cost!

September 7-13, 2016

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR t’s a great time to be a Libertarian, according to Brian Irving, the party’s North Carolina chairman.

The Libertarian Party of North Carolina has 25 county affiliates, including an active branch in Haywood County and another one getting started in Macon County.

The Libertarian Party hasn’t had the best luck in past elections of turning enthusiasm into registered voters, but Irving said this election cycle might be different. As more people become disillusioned with establishment candidates — polls show Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton with historic negative numbers — more people have been seeking out other options.

Irving admits that it’s sometimes frustrating when Libertarian candidates don’t get the same media attention others are afforded. But the growing interest in Libertarians this year has given him a renewed sense of enthusiasm.

“This is very encouraging to me personally because I’ve been involved with the party since the late ‘90s, and every once in a while you get burned out,” Irving said. “As the establishment party primaries started heating up and candidates started throwing mud at each other, that’s really when I started noticing an increase in interest.”

In fact, Irving said the Libertarian Party was the fastest-growing party in North Carolina. Since 2010, the combined total of registered Democrats and Republicans has declined 1 percent per year. At the same time, the total number of unaffiliated voters has increased 4 percent per year, with the number of registered Libertarians up 25 percent.

Windy McKinney, a founding member of the Haywood County Libertarian Party, said it’s only a matter of time before the Libertarian Party gets the same recognition as the established parties — though this year’s presidential candidates did push the Libertarian causes forward.

“I definitely think the party would have gotten more interest this year anyway because

Windy McKinney helped form the Libertarian Party of Haywood County affiliate and is working toward establishing a chapter in Macon County.

news

Organizers trying to form Macon County affiliate

Democrats, Republicans, unaffiliated voters and even anarchists attend the monthly meetings. While everyone is welcome to attend, McKinney said only registered Libertarians and unaffiliated voters are allowed to vote at the local meetings.

The Libertarian Party has a stance on a broad base of issues, but McKinney said the Haywood chapter has mostly been focused on issues that tend to get a lot of traction with local residents — Second Amendment rights and property rights. She said the goal for next year is to have discussions about other important Libertarian platforms — marriage equality and other civil rights issues.

“We are not Republican-like and we’ve been working hard to get away from that image — civil rights issues are at the core of the Libertarian platform,” McKinney said.

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news

Tourism economic impact growing in WNC counties

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT in the region by way of the $168 million wanSTAFF WRITER dering tourists left behind in Haywood llen Alsbrooks serves on the Maggie County in 2015.

Valley Zoning Board, and used to serve That $168 million is a 3.7 percent increase on the town’s planning board; he’s also over 2014, which seems to fit exactly with been the owner of the Hearth and Home Inn what Deanna Schleifer thinks about her on Soco Road in Maggie Valley since 2007, so downtown Waynesville business’s recent perit’s safe to say he’s got his finger pretty close to formance. Schleifer has owned Christmas is the pulse of Haywood County’s tourism- Everyday on Main Street for 16 years, and based economy. said she thinks that her business is up about 5 “It’s the best year I’ve ever had,” percent this year.

Alsbrooks said.

“It’s a small percentage,” Schleifer said, Alsbrooks’ anecdote seems to line up with “but any percentage is better than going an economic impact study recently issued by down.” the Economic Development Partnership of She said she couldn’t speculate as to why North Carolina that shows tax receipts attrib- her numbers were up, saying that she, like utable to visitor spending rose more than 6 Alsbrooks, hadn’t done any more advertising percent statewide from 2014 to 2015. than usual, and didn’t think that downtown “People are traveling more because they festivals were drawing any more people to her have more money to spend,” he said, business than usual. adding that his worst weekend since Schleifer did say that she thought gas Memorial Day still saw an occupancy rate prices might have something to do with it. of about 70 percent.

Locally, Haywood County fared about well as Alsbrooks seems to be. The study reported that payroll generated by the tourism industry within Expenditures Payroll Employment Tax savings the county saw an 8 percent (in millions) (in millions) (in thousands) per resident increase, to almost $36 milHaywood ......$167.56...........$35.76 ..........1.71 ................$259.43 lion.

Jackson........$175.92...........$41.53 ..........1.71 ................$432.15 Although Alsbrooks said Macon..........$154.23...........$27.28 ..........1.26 ................$560.36 his payroll hadn’t exactly gone Swain ..........$193.21...........$56.02 ..........2.13 ................$1,131.36 up, he was making more Source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina money for himself, despite not spending any more on advertising than in previous years. He thinks it may “Prices have remained down for gas, and I have to do with Maggie Valley’s busy social think that helps,” she said. calendar.

Longtime downtown business owner and “This is the first year, if I remember cor- artist Teresa Pennington said she too had a rectly, that we’ve had something scheduled at very good year in 2015, and that 2016 looks the Maggie Valley Fairgrounds every weekend equally good, if not better. during the season,” he said. “There may be a “For me, 2015 was my thirtieth anniversary stray weekend where there’s nothing going [as the owner of her downtown art gallery]. on, but I don’t think so.”

That was one reason we did so well, because Danny Blitch owns Skis & Tees on Soco we did special things, but we didn’t really Road in Maggie Valley. Skis & Tees is embed- advertise any more than normal,” she said. ded in the middle of a strip of tourist-oriented Pennington thinks the reason for her sucbusinesses called Market Square, where cess lies in the resilient, business-friendly shoppers can find everything from ice cream attitude of downtown Waynesville and to brass knuckles to vacation cabins for sale.

Haywood County.

“That sounds about right,” Blitch said of “I think the economy is great,” she said. the study, which also boasted of a 4 percent “There are still a few people who complain increase in hiring related to the tourism about the economy but we never did really industry in Haywood County. have a downturn.”

“I did hire another kid,” he said. “We’ve And Pennington’s right — visitor spendhad a busy summer.” ing in Haywood County has grown 72 percent Across the county, the study estimates since 2001, saving the average county resithat more than 1,700 people are directly dent almost $260 in taxes this year, up from employed in the travel or and tourism indus- about $178 over that same period.

Indeed, North Carolina is the sixth-most 6 try, making it an important economic driver

Smoky Mountain News

September 7-13, 2016

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Visitor spending in Western North Carolina, 2015

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Visitor spending in Haywood County, 2001-2015 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

Expenditures (in millions)

Payroll (in millions)

Employment (in thousands)

Tax savings per resident

$167.56 $161.59 $155.38 $148.63 $120.40 $116.31 $108.88 $113.46 $116.64 $111.06 $103.46 $97.69 $95.93 $97.80 $97.70

$35.76 $33.09 $31.48 $29.88 $22.76 $22.59 $22.46 $23.50 $23.83 $23.48 $22.98 $22.61 $23.07 $23.96 $24.94

1.71 1.64 1.61 1.57 1.28 1.3 1.31 1.33 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.44 1.52 1.58

$259.43 $243.54 $236.45 $228.53 $192.85 $195.27 $184.35 $186.45 $192.10 $187.07 $176.36 $170.41 $169.75 $175.20 $178.77

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Source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

visited state in the union; this past May, Gov. Pat McCrory said that in 2015, guests in the state spent nearly $22 billion — a new record.

Executive Director of Visit North Carolina Wit Tuttell said in a press release that of the eight economic development regions in North Carolina, none had spending growth of less than 2 percent.

Accordingly, Haywood County isn’t the only area in Western North Carolina to reap the benefits of increased tourism spending.

Jackson County’s tourists spent $176 million in 2015, an increase of almost 3 percent over the previous year, saving residents a whopping $432 in taxes annually.

Local occupancy tax collections data also seems to jive with the anecdotal and analytical evidence contributing to the tourism sector’s upbeat mood.

The State of North Carolina requires those who rent homes or vacation properties to register them with the county’s finance

office and collect a 4 percent occupancy tax from renters.

Theoretically, every room rented contains from one to several people who will eat,N drink, shop, fish, camp, hunt, canoe or otherwise participate in any number of touristrelated activities available in the county.

Additionally, failure to register properties or to file and pay the tax can be considered a felony offense, thus the revenue collected from the tax is considered a fairly reliable method of gauging visitor activity.

Of the state’s 100 counties, 81 have a countywide occupancy tax while 96 other municipalities have also levied an occupancy tax, sometimes in addition to the countywide mandate.

Jackson County’s numbers for April, May and June of 2016 were up more than 23 percent over the same period in 2015, and Haywood County’s were up 14 percent.

“It just seems to get better every year,”J Pennington said.

IN THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA: • Each day, more than $60 million is spent by tourists.

• Each week, more than $34 million makes its way into state and local tax coffers.

• Each month, more than 210,000 employees report to their tourism-related jobs.

• Each year, residents save about $475 in state and local taxes thanks to tourism-related spending.

Source: Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

Jackson plans for angling increase

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ANGLING TOURISM

County commissioners recently held a work session bringing together representatives from the Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office, N.C. Department of Transportation and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to discuss the issue, with Greene telling the group that she’s already heard some complaints from constituents inconvenienced by people parking where they’re not supposed to, on private property.

“It is something I’ve seen firsthand,” she said. “It is something I’ve had complaints

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about and having seen it that Saturday for RISING TIDE myself, it was a real thing.”

On the day Greene referred to, she’d left The number of visitors is indeed increasher home in the Webster area and saw cars ing alongside efforts to market fly fishing in parked all over the bank between Old Jackson County. Since the maps were first Settlement Road and the Tuckasegee River, printed in 2009, the Jackson County even passing by someone who had managed Chamber of Commerce has distributed to set up a tent on the bank. On Saturdays, 195,000 water-resistant maps of the WNC the road often sees angling-related congesFly Fishing Trail through Jackson County, tion, Greene said.

“We need to do a better job of telling them where they should be parking,” she said.

But trespassing complaints are not common where anglers are concerned, Tim Lominac of the Wildlife Commission’s enforcement division told commissioners.

“I’ve spent a lot of time on the Tuckasegee River enforcing fishing laws, and I can honestly say in 18 years I’ve never had a property owner complain that someone has accessed their property for fishing purposes,” he said.

“That’s why they call their commissioners,” Greene responded.

Commissioners praised the conduct of professional fly fishing guides in the area, saying they’re generWith more fish stocked each year than any other North Carolina county, Jackson County is working to draw in ally cognizant of private more anglers to its waters and pre-empt any issues that could result from increased angling tourism. Jackson TDA photo property rules and keep their clients from trespassing or causing any issues. But people visiting which show many of the county’s must-hit Jackson County just from out of the area for a day on the river fishing holes. Distribution has increased year might not have a handle on where it’s OK to over year, with 2016 distribution up about 5 about has it all where park and where it’s not. percent over 2015.

There are state laws protecting landowntrout fishing is concerned, Fly fishing is on the rise nationwide, as ers who don’t want people parking on their well. Between 2002 and 2012, retail spendwith the N.C. Wildlife property or cutting through it to access the ing on fly fishing rose from $686 million to river, Lominac said. According to the 2011 $748.6 million, according to annual reports Resources Commission Landowner Protection Act, landowners can from the American Fly Fishing Trade stocking its 4,600 miles mark their property with signs or vertical Organization, with the Southern U.S.’ share lines of purple paint to prevent trespassing. of those sales increasing from 16.3 percent to of waterways with If people ignore those marks, a wildlife offi23.7 percent during the same time period. cer can write a citation.

“I expect our fall fishing season to be 92,000 fish each year Going forward, the county might look at strong, and the map will once again be in — more than any other publishing guidelines for visiting anglers, high demand,” said Jackson County educating them on trespassing laws and Chamber of Commerce Director Julie Spiro. county in the state. directing them to parking spots and river That’s a reality that shows promise to accesses that are legal for them to use. the region but will also necessitate ongoing worthwhile to look for ways to slow things Depending how things transpire, the county dialogue between tourism leaders, may also begin to consider creating designat- down, reducing the chance of an accident Breedlove said. in the future. ed parking areas specifically for anglers.

“It’s definitely something that we want to There’s nothing going horrifically wrong “As we go down the road, we may be understand better, and understand how the looking to identify areas where we can create with angling tourism right now, McMahan TDA and the various stakeholders involved stressed. In fact, it’s a sector that the county some public access points where people can work with the county,” he said, “because is glad to see growing and hopes will contincould have a place where they can park their we only see the number of visitors increasing ue to blossom with the Trout City designacar and go fish and access the area for other related to fly fishing and fishing in general tion anticipated to come in the next state activities,” McMahan said. going forward.”

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Smoky Mountain News

THE LOGISTICS OF

The county will also be keeping an eye on things from a traffic standpoint. As riverbased recreation develops, some areas could see upticks in traffic volume and pedestrian crossings. Finding ways to keep things safe for river users will be important.

To that end, commissioners have asked the DOT to conduct a traffic study on Old Cullowhee Road near the new greenway access point at Locust Creek. The area is seeing more use now, and people often drive above the posted 45-mile-per-hour speed limit, McMahan said. It would be

September 7-13, 2016

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER f all goes according to plan, by this time next year Jackson County will have been declared the trout capital of North Carolina, and county commissioners are already starting to talk about how to plan for the resulting increase they anticipate in angling tourism.

“When we get that additional publicity about it being the trout capital, I think there will be more people,” said Commissioner Vicki Greene. “I know that’s a good thing.”

Jackson County just about has it all where trout fishing is concerned, with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission stocking its 4,600 miles of waterways with 92,000 fish each year — more than any other county in the state. The county is full of breathtaking scenery and beautiful stretches of river, making it an attractive destination for anglers from all over. And each of their visits, in turn, drops hundreds of dollars per day on food, lodging, fly equipment and entertainment.

“That has great economic impact on us in terms of supporting our tourism jobs,” said Nick Breedlove, director of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority.

According to a 2009 study commissioned by the Wildlife Commission, in 2008 an estimated 93,000 anglers spent about $146 million on mountain trout fishing trips in the 24 western counties, supporting 1,997 jobs and providing $56 million in income.

But with angling visitation anticipated to increase, county commissioners are beginning to plan for how to ensure tourists coexist harmoniously with the people who already live and play around the waters where they’ll be casting their lines.

“It’s just working with all involved to come up with a solution that supports growth, but not at the detriment to the people that live here,” said Breedlove, himself a Jackson County native. “It’s important that we grow toward it sustainably, that it doesn’t negatively impact the people from here.”

TOURISM ON THE RISE

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Anticipated Trout Capital designation likely to spur fly fishing tourism

legislative session.

“We want to, on the front end before we see an increase in volume, make sure we know what the rules and procedures are and see if we can’t do a good job of communicating that with people who may be visiting the river,” McMahan said.

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Great outdoors rakes in tourism dough for Macon Hikers happy with Franklin’s hospitality

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR s outdoor recreation tourism continues to climb upward in Macon County, community stakeholders are trying to do a better job of tracking their visitor feedback and providing better services.

According to the state’s annual report, visitor spending in Macon County increased from $148 million in 2014 to $154 million in 2015. A growing number of tourists are coming to Macon County to enjoy the great outdoors opportunities available. Whether they’re coming to bike, hike, kayak, raft or fish, the financial impact has been huge.

Franklin’s Appalachian Trail Community Council was formed about five years ago when the town became designated through the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as an AT town for thru-hikers. The committee usually conducts a survey during the hiker season from April through the summer, but some adjustments to the survey this year combined with a larger sample resulted in more useful feedback.

“We really made a concentrated effort to do it right this year and cast the biggest net possible,” said FATCC co-chairman Matt Bateman. “We set some new parameters to learn where we need to improve as a community because I would like for thru-hikers to consider Franklin first instead of Hiawassee and other trail towns.”

The committee was able to survey more than 500 hikers as they came into town to refuel, restock and rest. The survey was able to gauge what services people used in town, what services they would like to have and even how much money hikers spent while in town. Results showed that 94 percent of respondents used Franklin lodging, 84 percent used local restaurants, 67 percent shopped at local outfitter shops and 57 percent used public laundry facilities.

When asked if they would consider Franklin as a future vacation destination, 78 percent of hikers said yes. More than half of the 500 hikers surveyed gave details about how much money they had spent in town.

Bateman said it’s a great indicator of the financial impact hikers have on the tourism economy. According to results, hikers spent an average of $77 each at local outfitters for a total of $20,500. Hikers spent an average of $44 each getting other supplies in town and spent an average of $35 at local restaurants. Those surveyed spent a total of $70,500 in Franklin.

“The results show me that hikers and outdoor recreation are making a significant impact on our economy,” Bateman said.

Franklin also had the advantage of being named the “2015 Top Small Town” in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine last November.

8 Bateman and other committee members

Smoky Mountain News

September 7-13, 2016

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were determined to keep the momentum going for Franklin long after the magazine article was published. With the help of the community, a “Top Small Town” banner was made to tout the new title. It traveled to local businesses and scenic areas on the county for photos that were promoted through social media.

While the FATCC doesn’t have any say

but said they didn’t know what they would do for an entire week.

“This is a cute town with friendly people. I think I would get bored after two days,” one hiker wrote. “Maybe someone older would like to get away and relax here because Franklin is a small town community and if it became a vacation destination it would lose its charm.”

Bateman said the positive comments are always encouraging, but it’s the comments about improvement that are most valuable to the committee. Respondents said they’d like to see improved sidewalks, better public transportation, wireless internet, and more shops staying open late during the week and open on Sundays.

Outdoor recreation is a major driving force behind Macon County’s tourism economy. Margaret Hester photo

TOURISM ON THE RISE over how the county and town spend sales tax and occupancy tax revenue, members hope the survey results can give decision makers a better understanding of what’s working, what can be improved and what tourists think of Franklin in particular.

“We plan on taking data to county and town leaders because they should be aware of it so they can make informed decisions on tourism spending,” Bateman said. “Whether they realize it or not, tourism is the backbone of our economy.”

Comments from hikers are reassuring that tourism leaders are heading in the right direction. Most people spoke fondly about Franklin, its hospitable people and its accommodations for hikers.

“This town is perfect. Don’t change a thing,” one hiker commented.

“Very nice town with lots of stores. Found everything I needed,” another wrote.

When asked if they’d come back to Franklin for a vacation, most people said they would come as a needed mountain escape from the city. Respondents said they’d definitely come for a couple of days

“We set some new parameters to learn where we need to improve as a community because I would like for thru-hikers to consider Franklin first instead of Hiawassee and other trail towns.”

— Matt Bateman, Franklin Appalachian Trail Community Council co-chairman

“Most people surveyed were pretty happy with what we offer,” he said. “But we want to see which services need to be monitored — like making our partnership with the Macon County Transit better. How can we inform our hikers as far as way finding and having better signage? Things like that fall through the cracks.”

Bateman also said Macon County could benefit from having one cohesive tourism

marketing effort like other counties have.

Haywood, Jackson and Swain counties all have a countywide Tourism Development Authority that decides how the occupancy tax money is spent on promotions and events for specific areas of the county.

Haywood County TDA then has subcommittees that make recommendations for funding requests specific to their zip code.

In 2014-15, Macon County collected just under $640,000 in occupancy taxes. Macon County’s occupancy tax receipts are divided into three sections — Franklin, Nantahala and Highlands — and several different entities manage the funding. The Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce has the Tourism Development Council and Highlands also has a TDC board. The town of Franklin has its own TDA board and levies its own 3 percent room tax.

Linda Harbuck, executive director of the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce — which collects room tax from the town of Franklin and those establishments not in Highlands and Nantahala — said Franklin’s TDC collections for 2015 were up 7 percent over 2014 and collections from the first half of 2016 show a 14 percent growth over 2015.

Once figures for July and August start rolling in, that percentage will likely increase even more. She attributes the growth to the diverse tourism economy available in Franklin and throughout Macon County.

“Outdoor activities — hiking, fishing, waterfalls, gem mining and natural beauty — along with special events and renowned performances at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts are all factors that drive visitation to Franklin,” Harbuck said. “Of course all those factors also drive visitation in all of Macon County. Nantahala Lake and the extraordinary rentals located in the Nantahala community are attracting large numbers of visitors to Macon County.”

Room tax revenue for Franklin TDA is also on the rise. The town collected just under $100,000 during the 2013-14 fiscal year and has seen steady growth since then.

Revenue for 2014-15 was about $106,000 and collections for 2015-16 surpassed $117,000.

“Increased tourism overnight stays in Franklin cannot be attributed to one single factor. Instead a multitude of factors could be contributing to increased overnight stays in Franklin,” said Summer Woodward, Franklin’s town manager who also serves on the TDA board. “There have been numerous festivals, events, new and existing businesses to shop and dine at and of course the adventures of the outdoors are all possible contributors to overnight stays in Franklin.”

Haywood schools improve in state rankings

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Charter schools a mixed bag, statewide and locally

C

86.6

56.7 Tuscola High

62.1 Pisgah High

Haywood Early College

Central Haywood High 17.2

61.1 Waynesville Middle

Canton Middle

Bethel Middle

Riverbend Elementary

63.6

72.3

72.8

Across the state, however, 6.6 percent of traditional public schools earned As, along with 10.9 percent of charter schools.

Haywood County’s first charter school, Shining Rock Classical Academy, earned a B during its first year of operation.

Shining Rock School Director Ben Butler said he was pleased with the initial grade.

“Generally, we’re pretty happy with a low B — it gives us a good place to start from,” said Butler. “Considering the challenges of space that we had in the first year, and a whole new teaching staff, we’re very glad we’re starting where we are.”

Although that B places Shining Rock among good company, as does its performance score of 72.8 — well above the state and county averages of 58.3 and 66.8, respectively — an academic growth designation of “not met,” places it among the more middling of Haywood County’s schools.

But Butler said Shining Rock plans to improve on its score next time around.

“We’re going to set higher goals for next year and hope to continue getting better,” he said.

— Chuck Francis, chairman of the Haywood County Board of Education

Conversely, the Haywood Early College — a non-traditional high school that partners with Haywood Community College to offer a five-year diploma that includes an associate’s degree — took top honors, scoring 86.6, meeting expectations, and earning an A. “Our administration has done an excellent job implementing an improvement plan that has brought us to the top 10 percent in the state,” Francis said. “Our teachers, staff, students and parents deserve credit for smart and diligent work towards those goals.”

Tuscola Marching Band Fundraiser September 17th from 7AM - 2PM 1st Presbyterian Church Parking Lot

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Smoky Mountain News

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER harter schools have long been touted by proponents as an innovative and enticing option for parents of children in low-performing schools, but according to numbers recently released by the North Carolina State Board of Education, charters had both a higher percentage of failing schools and a higher percentage of excellent schools.

Utilizing the same grading system traditional public schools are subjected to, charter schools in North Carolina earned more than twice as many F grades as traditional public schools, and almost as many Ds. While 3.8 percent of traditional public schools earned the dreaded F, 9 percent of charter schools did so; and as 19.1 percent of public schools earned Ds, 18.7 percent of charter schools did likewise.

even greater growth over the past decade.

“This is the highest we’ve ever performed,” said Superintendent Anne Garrett.

“Ten years ago, we were 40th.”

The highest scoring Haywood County school was Riverbend Elementary at 91.9, besting both the state and the county’s average scores of 58.3 and 66.8, respectively.

Another performance indicator — academic growth — showed similar successes for Haywood County schools, which are assigned a “met,” “not met” or “exceeded” designation measuring how much learning actually takes place.

Jonathan Valley Elementary was the only Haywood County school found to have exceeded expectations, but 10 of 16 county entities were judged as having met those same expectations.

“I am thrilled with the results and celebrate the success that our district has worked so hard to achieve.”

September 7-13, 2016

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER chool performance indicators issued last week paint a picture of a very good Haywood County School System that continues to improve but is still haunted by a few troubling issues.

“I am thrilled with the results and celebrate the success that our district has worked so hard to achieve,” said Chuck Francis, chairman of the Haywood County Board of Education.

Of 115 school districts in the state of North Carolina, just 10 scored better than Haywood County in this year’s district performance composite, which reflects an amalgamation of all state tests and theoretically measures how well schools perform in a given year.

The 11th-place ranking is up from 15th place the last two years and demonstrates

North Canton Elementary

Junaluska Elementary

Meadowbrook Elementary

67.5

77.9

75.4 Jonathan Valley Elementary

Hazelwood Elementary

64.9

73.3 Clyde Elementary

Central Elementary

Bethel Elementary

Haywood County Schools

North Carolina

58.3

60.4

66.8

78.1

91.9

Source: N.C. State Board of Education

scored slightly better at 62.1 and is considered to have “met” expectations.

Central Haywood High — an alternative high school with only a few dozen students — came in at 17.2 while earning a “not met” designation. The reasons for the low score were not immediately available.

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Haywood County School District Composite Performance Scores

The final performance indicator issued by the state is a letter grade based upon both performance and growth scores; this year, six Haywood County schools earned Cs and seven earned Bs. Haywood Early College earned an A, and Riverbend Elementary an A+.

Those grades show the continuance of a trend suggesting Haywood County schools are among the elite in the state; for the 201314 school year, Haywood County was one of only eight school districts to earn no Ds or Fs — a trend that has persisted on up through this year.

North Carolina’s school accountability program traces its roots to 1996; changes were made in 2012 to focus more on “rigorous career and college readiness standards.”

Detailed results and individual school reports are scheduled for release by the State Board of Education in October, at which time local officials plan to analyze and react.

“We’ll be meeting with schools, and finding out how we can help them grow,” Garrett said.

And some county schools will certainly need that help; Hazelwood Elementary was issued a score of 64.9 and deemed to have “not met” expectations. Hazelwood’s performance is the lowest for an elementary school in the district, not counting the now-shuttered Central Elementary, which scored 60.4.

Among area high schools, Tuscola brought up the rear with a 56.7 score and a “not met” designation. Pisgah High School

Concert on the Courthouse Lawn at 2:30 Find us on Facebook: Tuscola High School Band

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Haywood County to build animal shelter

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER r. Kristen Hammett had just left the current Haywood County Animal Shelter when she appeared before the Haywood County Board of Commissioners Sept. 6, clad in her familiar teal T-shirt emblazoned with the Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter logo.

“We are 30 percent over capacity, and it is deafening,” Hammett said of the current animal shelter, which is overcrowded, is poorly equipped and has parking issues. “I had to euthanize two pets because we have no space.”

And with that, Hammett presented county finance director Julie Davis with a check for $175,700.

Hammett’s gesture on behalf of FHCAS came just moments before commissioners voted 3-2 to build a new $3.3 million animal control facility.

Commissioners Kirk Kirkpatrick and Mike Sorrells were ultimately unconvinced, both saying they recognized the need for the new facility but couldn’t stomach the cost.

Commissioner Kevin Ensley said that the community rightfully questioned the cost, but his research indicated it was reasonable.

“It’s not a Taj Mahal or anything,” Ensley

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September 7-13, 2016

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said. “But it’s what we need.”

The facility will be between 12,000 and 13,000 square feet and well within the accepted range of $230 to $400 per square foot for this type of construction.

Commissioner Bill Upton agreed with Ensley and seconded his motion, with Chairman Mark Swanger breaking the tie to approve the facility.

The vote put the new facility on track to open sometime next year, and prompting the teal-wearing animal lovers in the crowd to stand and applaud.

FHCAS’s $175,700 donation to the county will certainly help; the full price of the project may be as high as $3.74 million. The county plans to borrow $3.35 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 2.75 percent interest over 40 years, resulting in a $138,000 annual debt payment.

The rest of the money will come from whatever FHCAS can raise and accommodations made in the 2016-17 budget.

“This has been a four-year process,” said Connie Hewitt, a FHCAS supporter who stood outside the meeting handing out flyers. “I think it’s going to impress a lot of people. Hopefully we’ll become no-kill because we’ll have space, and hopefully it will make people want to adopt more.”

H&M Constructors will be the contractor for the shelter.

Advocates cheer the Haywood County Commission’s animal shelter vote. Cory Vaillancourt photo

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HCC to hold free business seminar

“Other agencies are using it, classes are going on and sometimes it doesn’t work with our schedules.”

— Curtis Cochran, on the difficulty of booking time at the Southwestern Community College shooting range

said he didn’t think it would cost the county anymore than $5,000 maximum to construct a berm and some other minimal work to get a range set up at the Alarka School.

“There may be other properties but this would be a quick fix,” he said.

Commissioner Steve Moon said there was a lot of history and heritage at the Alarka School and he wanted to make sure the surrounding community was on board with the idea before the sheriff moves forward.

“I just don’t see having a playground and a shooting range in the same spot,” he said.

Cochran agreed to survey the neighborhood and report back to commissioners before a decision is made.

and Financing Your Business on Sept. 15.

For the entire schedule, visit SBC.Haywood.edu or call 828.627.4512.

Haywood Christian Ministry rededicated Haywood Christian Ministry, a principal services provider for those in need, will be renaming it facilities in honor of Jay and Buckie Somers, who have been longstanding supporters of the organization.

The board of directors voted to rename the facilities the Jackie & Jay Somers Crisis Center and a dedication ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the ministry, located at 150 Branner Ave., Waynesville.

828.456.4838.

Smoky Mountain News

A free seminar entitled, “How to Start a Business,” will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, in Room 3021 at Haywood Community College’s Regional High Technology Center.

Understand the basics of starting a business in this seminar that takes participants from idea to opportunity. This seminar will cover key strategies for start-up, financing and marketing, as well as important information about legal issues, licensing, zoning, operations, and more. Russ Seagle of Seagle Management Consulting is the presenter.

HCC’s Small Business Center has several additional seminars scheduled in the Business Startup Series, including Choosing Your Legal Structure on Sept. 13

Cochran said he hadn’t gone door to door yet because he wanted to see how the commissioners felt about it first. He said there are probably only four homes within 400 yards of the school.

Commissioner Ben Bushyhead said he had concerns about led contamination at the gun range — a problem SCC has been dealing with at its range.

Cochran said the law enforcement officers would be shooting into a sand berm that would be cleaned out regularly to prevent the led from going anywhere. Cochran

September 7-13, 2016

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR wain County commissioners are considering possible locations for a law enforcement gun range after Sheriff Curtis Cochran explained the inconvenience of having to rely on the availability of ranges in other counties.

Cochran said his staff has to take a firearm qualifying training class once a year. He usually takes them to Southwestern Community College’s gun range in Dillsboro, but sometimes it can Curtis Cochran be difficult to reserve the range when it’s convenient for the department.

“It’s getting more and more difficult to get that range — other agencies are using it, classes are going on and sometimes it doesn’t work with our schedules,” Cochran said.

In looking at possible locations in Swain County, Cochran suggested the county’s property at the old Alarka School where turkey shoots used to be held. He said it could be set up where guns were fired into the wooded area away from any people or homes.

“That would be an ideal spot if y’all would agree to use it,” Cochran said. “It won’t be every day — at most two weeks out of the year. I’ll try to take half the department one day and then the other half the next day.”

The Alarka School does have a playground on the property, but Cochran said he’d do his best to make sure no shooting was going on while children were playing.

Commission Chairman Phil Carson asked if the sheriff had spoken to residents in the area to see how they’d feel about a gun range in their backyard.

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Swain sheriff proposes gun range at Alarka School

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Wilderness advocates criticize congressman A

Accounts differ as to just how large the group of wilderness supporters was. The wilderness supporters say there were about 30 of them. Meadows, meanwhile, said the number was more like five or six and that 30 would be “a gross exaggeration.” Cathy Dowd, public information officer for the Forest Service, said she is pretty sure she talked to everyone who was turned away — a total of nine people.

Hugh Irwin, landscape conservation planner for The Wilderness Society and a member of the stakeholders forum, said

Open houses for forest plan National forest users who want to share their thoughts on issues and projects, including the forest plan revision, will have a chance during a slate of upcoming meetings.

The open houses will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on each of the days scheduled, with district rangers and members of the forest plan revision team present to answer questions.

The format will be flexible, with the public able to come and go during the three-hour window.

■ Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Nantahala Ranger District Office in Franklin.

■ Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Cheoah Ranger District Office in Robbinsville.

■ Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Tusquitee Ranger District Office in Murphy.

■ Wednesday, Oct. 12, at the Pisgah Ranger District Office in Brevard.

Wilderness supporters stand outside the meeting room after being told a gathering hosted by Congressman Mark Meadows, R-Cashiers, was invitation-based, for local government representatives and stakeholders forum members only. Donated photo who couldn't get in the meeting,” Irwin said.

“Many late arrivers were told by others that they couldn’t get in.”

Irwin, who was allowed to attend the meeting as a member of the stakeholders forum, said that the dispute as to who could attend was more a matter of confusion than anything else — the meeting was targeted to the specific management concerns of counties with wilderness inside their boundaries.

“It was about accessibility with regard to existing property and what that would mean to us as counties,” said Kevin Corbin, chairman of the Macon County Commissioners and a candidate for N.C. House District 120.

That’s not to say that the exclusion of non-invited people didn’t raise any eyebrows.

“I sort of questioned why you wouldn’t let someone stay and listen, maybe not let them take part in the discussion,” said Jackson County Commission Chairman Brian McMahan.

WILDERNESS OPPOSERS IN THE MAJORITY It would be incorrect to say that the room of county representatives was neutral on the question of wilderness. Except for Jackson, they had all passed a resolution at some point opposing additional wilderness

want while still keeping the meeting small enough for a productive discussion. When assemblies get too big, he said, conversation is reduced to sound bites and it’s hard to dive too deeply into the issues.

“I’ve been relying very heavily on my county commissioners because I feel like they’re closest to the pulse of what their people want,” he said, “and I’ve got a very diverse group of county commissioners, both Democrat and Republican.”

But wilderness supporters feared that the guest list indicated a meeting reduced to an echo chamber of anti-wilderness sentiment.

“I got the full report,” Williams said of his conversations afterward with those who were allowed inside. “It was a wildernessbashing session, put up, signed, sealed and delivered. Meadows heard what he came to hear from a handpicked audience.”

Meadows himself does not support additional wilderness, believing that there are other, less permanent, ways to preserve ecologically important areas in the mountains.

Based on the input he’s received so far, he said, he does not plan to introduce legislation designating additional wilderness.

“I believe there are designations that still preserve the wonderful beauty of our mountains but yet at the same time are shy of the wilderness designations that are permanent

In addition, Congressman Mark Meadows, R-Cashiers, will be holding a listening session with wilderness supporters at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Historic Haywood County Courthouse. Participation will be invitationbased, but the public is welcome to sit in.

During spring and summer, the Forest Service has been releasing draft plan materials for the emerging forest management plan, with additional materials to be posted this fall. While there is no formal comment period open now, the Forest Service is looking for feedback on the materials it’s released thus far to help guide future evolution of the plan. A formal comment period will open once a complete draft plan and alternative analysis are released.

“We expect to make changes before we complete the draft plan," said Michelle Aldridge, planning team lead. "Feedback will also help us shape our analysis. Specific feedback about desired changes, as well as information gaps is very useful at this stage.”

Portions of the draft plan completed thus far are online at http://bit.ly/1TI6AEz. Send comments to NCplanrevision@fs.fed.us with the subject line "Summer building blocks” or mail to Attn: Plan Revision Team Leader; National Forests in North Carolina; 160 Zillicoa St. Suite A; Asheville, N.C. 28801.

in nature,” he said. “Based on the input that I currently have from constituents and from my county commissioners, I would only support a Forest Service plan that had a minimal impact in terms of permanent wilderness designations.”

However, Meadows emphasized that he’s willing to hear from any group that wants to speak with him and has already set up a forum for wilderness supporters to give their

Smoky Mountain News

DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES

designation. One of the few pro-wilderness voices in the room, Irwin said he doesn’t believe those resolutions reflect the beliefs of the people represented by the commissioners who enacted them.

“I think it’s just a really unfortunate circumstance of having a meeting to allow the counties to speak about wilderness when the counties really hadn’t listened to a lot of their constituents about the issue,” he said.

However, Meadows said, from his point of view polling commissioners is the best way to get a handle on what his constituents

September 7-13, 2016

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER meeting to talk about wilderness started off with a bang last week when a group of pro-wilderness folks who had showed up hopeful of putting a bug in Congressman Mark Meadows’, R-Cashiers, ear were asked to leave.

“We were frankly just completely shocked,” said Buzz Williams, program associate for the Chattooga Conservancy. “The (U.S.) Forest Service came up and said, ‘This is not a public meeting anymore. You can’t come in.’”

Though the meeting’s attendees consisted of county government officials, Forest Service employees and a smattering of members from the Stakeholders Forum for the Nantahala and Pisgah Plan Revision, none of the county commissions represented had sent a quorum of their members, so the resulting discussion did not fall under the regulations that apply to public meetings.

“I think that violates the spirit of the law,” said Olga Pader, a hiking enthusiast from Franklin who supports additional wilderness.

Meadows, meanwhile, said the intent wasn’t to exclude anybody from the conversation — attendance was kept limited to county representatives and stakeholders forum members to allow for a “frank” conversation, fulfilling a request that had come directly from county commissioners in Meadows’ district. Media representatives were allowed to cover the meeting — it was by no means a secret gathering, he said.

“It’s not a matter of not wanting input from everybody,” Meadows said. “It’s just that the meeting was especially designed as a request from our county commissioners to be able to provide input to the Forest Service.”

In fact, Meadows has scheduled another listening session for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the Haywood County Historic Courthouse, in response to criticisms stemming from last week’s meeting. He plans to invite those who were denied entry to the listening sessions for government officials to give him and Forest Service staff their input.

there were definitely about 30 pro-wilderness citizens who came but that he can understand why the head counts differ.

People arrived in waves. A group of about 12 was there early, when he got there, and more people arrived later, just as meeting attendees were migrating upstairs. Meadows had originally planned to hold the meeting in the commissioners’ board room, but the group moved upstairs when that room proved too small for the 50 or so people who turned up.

“Neither Meadows nor the Forest Service’s staff would have seen all the people

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Meadows stands by decision, plans follow-up to hear from wilderness supporters

S EE WILDERNESS, PAGE 14 13

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Should You Retire in “Stages”?

September 7-13, 2016

If you have a medical appointment this week, you might want to wish your nurse a happy National Nurses Week. This annual event is designed to celebrate the important role nurses play in health care. Of course, while nurses and doctors can help you in many ways, you can do a lot of good for yourself by adopting healthy living habits, such as eating right, exercising frequently, and so on. But you can also do much to help your financial health.

• Diversify. Rebalancing is important. But a balanced portfolio should also be a diversified portfolio. If you only owned one type of financial asset, such as U.S. growth stocks, you could take a big hit during a market downturn. But different types of financial assets don’t always move in the same direction at the same time, so by owning a wide variety of investments – U.S. stocks, international stocks, government securities, corporate bonds, real estate, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on – you may help reduce the efHere are a few suggestions: fects of market volatility on your portfolio. Keep • Stay invested. During times of market in mind, though, that diversification by itself volatility, it can be temping to head to the invest- can’t guarantee profits or protect against loss. ment “sidelines” until things “cool off.” Going to • Maintain realistic expectations. If you exthe sidelines can mean a few different things – pect the financial markets to always move upyou could simply not invest anything for a while, ward, you will be disappointed many times. or you could move a substantial portion of your Market downturns are a normal part of the inportfolio to “cash” instruments, which are safe vestment process, and they will always be with in the sense of preserving your principal but us. Once you accept this reality, you will be less offer almost nothing in the way of return or prolikely to make questionable decisions, such as tecting against inflation. If you’re not investing abandoning a long-term strategy. If you’ve deduring a market downturn, or if you’ve moved signed an appropriate strategy, possibly with the heavily into cash, you might well miss out on the help of a financial professional, you can stick beginning of the next market rally. with it through all market environments.

• Rebalance your portfolio. It’s a good idea By following the suggestions mentioned to periodically rebalance your portfolio to make above – staying invested, rebalancing your portsure it still reflects your goals and your comfort folio as needed, diversifying your holdings and level with risk. Over time, and without any efmaintaining realistic expectations, you can go a fort on your part, your portfolio can become unlong way toward maintaining the fitness of your balanced. For example, following a long “bull” financial situation. market, the value of your stocks could have risen to the point where they make up a greater T his article was written by Edward Jones percentage of your portfolio than you had infor use by your local Edward Jones tended. When that happens, you may need to Financial Advisor. rebalance by adding bonds and other fixed-income vehicles.

Jack C Bishop Jr, CFP

Jack Bishop III AAMS® Financial Advisor Smoky Mountain News

input.

Bob Scott, Franklin’s mayor, was skeptical of Meadows’ willingness to hear divergent opinions. While no municipalities attended the meeting in Franklin, they were invited. Franklin’s board is the only town in the region to have passed a pro-wilderness resolution, however, and the town did not receive an invitation. According to Meadows, the physical invitations were sent by interns and whoever was responsible for mailing Franklin’s transposed the numbers on the address, so it never arrived.

“Never seen or heard of such, that a transposed box number would have kept us from receiving the invitation, especially when our local post office goes out of its way to make sure everyone gets their mail,” Scott said. “I get mail all the time when someone posts the wrong house number.”

However, Meadows said, it truly was a mistake and Scott will certainly merit an invitation to the Oct. 4 meeting.

“Mayor Scott is involved in this in a very active way,” he said. “We’re going to make sure he gets an invite for the Haywood meeting.”

James Melonas, deputy forest supervisor for North Carolina’s national forests, said that the forest planning process as a whole has been incredibly open and transparent, with more than 25 public meetings held to date — before even a draft document has been released. Another round of meetings will be held throughout the planning region this fall, giving pro-wilderness folks like Pader and Williams a chance to deliver their perspectives in public.

Meadows will have his staffers at those meetings, though the congressman himself is unlikely to be there in person due to the upcoming legislative season in Washington, D.C.

COUNTY CONCERNS Financial Advisor

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WILDERNESS, CONTINUED FROM 13

209 Walnut Street, Waynesville, NC 28786

828-452-4048 www.edwardjones.com

The meeting wasn’t really a debate about the pros and cons of additional wilderness, Corbin said.

“It wasn’t a discussion about whether or not to have wilderness,” Corbin said. “There was very little discussion about that.”

Emergency response was the biggest topic of the afternoon, it seems, with county emergency directors discussing how wilderness designation impacts their ability to conduct rescue operations.

“We had a number of our emergency responders there,” Meadows said. “How do we handle potential accidents and the need to respond to those areas when not only roads would be allowed to be overgrown but it would be difficult to get people in and out and rescued when you cannot use mechanized vehicles to do it without approval of the ranger?”

Wilderness areas are meant to be primitive, meaning that no mechanized or motorized equipment is allowed, and hiking trails are just about the only transportation arteries permitted — no roads.

Counties were concerned that increased wilderness designation would impair search

and rescue efforts.

But Melonas made it clear that, in a life or death situation, emergency responders can cut any lock they need to or run any motorized equipment necessary to get to the injured person.

“County Search and Rescue and other first responders are able to go in and do what they need to do to rescue the person that might be having an emergency,” Melonas said.

However, there was some discussion about the chain of command — who needs to be notified and when.

“I think at the end of the day they decided they needed to clarify what the regulations say, who’s to be contacted,” Corbin said. “I think that was a positive discussion.”

The group also talked about potential impacts to county revenue, via federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes funding, called PILT, and the Secure Rural School Funding it receives from timber sales.

“The real issue was all about Payment in Lieu of Taxes and the Secure Rural Schools Act with regard to harvest timber and how much would be healthy, how much would be set aside in the moneys going to local schools as a result of decreased timber harvest on public lands,” Meadows said.

Timber harvest is not permitted in wilderness areas, so some county commissioners feared that additional designation would negatively impact the revenue stream coming from timber sales. However, getting an area logged is not always easy — only a fraction of the acreage recommended for timber harvest under the existing forest management plan has been logged.

When it comes to PILT, Irwin said, wilderness designation has zero impact.

“Whether an area is wilderness or not, if it’s a national forest those PILT payments and Rural School Payments come in,” Irwin said. “I don’t know if that satisfied folks, but wilderness does not affect how much funds counties get.”

Meadows acknowledged the point but said that some legislation is being introduced that, if enacted, could impact how wilderness plays into PILT funding.

“Some of the proposals that are coming from the west(ern U.S.) would actually affect compensation based on classification,” Meadows said. “Again it’s too early to tell, but it does have that potential and I don’t see that being really addressed until the spring of next year.”

Overall, attendees seemed to feel that the meeting was a good one, increasing their knowledge and allowing for candid conversations with their representative.

“I thought it was a very good opportunity,” McMahan said.

“It was excellent discussion I think everybody felt free to just discuss issues,” Corbin added.

Meadows said he plans to continue collaborating with the counties and following the forest planning process. A draft plan is expected in the spring.

“There will be follow-up from each of the county commissioners in terms of specific things they would like to see or not see,” he said.

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Maggie Valley to regulate outdoor sales

BY CORY VAILLANCOURT STAFF WRITER lthough the closure of Ghost Town in the Sky several years back has left many Maggie Valley businesses struggling just to keep their doors open, others like the half-century-old Joey’s Pancake House and the 15-year-old Wheels Through Time motorcycle museum have continued to succeed despite slowly climbing tourism numbers amidst the lingering aftertaste of the worst recession in living memory.

But another segment of Maggie Valley’s tourism-based economy — the retail sales of vintage, antique and locally made furniture, souvenirs and crafts — has also fared well, just as town officials consider how best to regulate it.

“I think everybody is in agreement that Maggie Valley needs to better promote itself and market itself,” said Town Planner Andrew Bowen. “You can bring people here, but they’re going to expect a certain product.”

That “product” may or may not include the miles of antique stores that line both sides of Soco Road. As residents and visitors enter Maggie Valley, they’re often confronted with contemporary and old-fashioned collectables, from rustic hardwood headboards to Confederate flag Snuggies, placed in close proximity to the road.

That’s part of the reason why Bowen’s been hard at work drafting a new retail sales ordinance for the city, which will be up for public input at Maggie Valley Town Hall Sept. 15.

“When you come in to Maggie Valley, especially in our business core, there’s some sort of coalescence between all the business, whether it be antiques, crafts, vintage cars.

You know that you’re in a place and you don’t feel like it’s just a bunch of separate nodes,” Bowen said. “When you go to a successful town with a main street that people love, there’s a certain aesthetic character to it.”

Defining and unifying the aesthetics of that core with foresight and fairness, Bowen said, is his goal. He also said he’s received minor complaints from business owners, residents and visitors about the ever-encroaching merchandise that ranges from aesthetic to environmental in nature.

“The plan is to take this ordinance, and hopefully business owners will be there, and we’re going to go through what do you all need, what do you all want, and what are you all willing to give up to get the aesthetic that you want in town?” he said.

Common rules or guidelines that could be addressed in what Bowen called a “truly informal” public hearing include proximity rules similar to Haywood County’s impending high-impact development ordinance, as well as setbacks from the street and property lines.

“I’m going to set up a bunch of tables, get people to try to sit with people different than they came with,” said Bowen, adding that he’d illustrate the nuances and extremes of roadside sales ordinances in other municipalities so citizens could find a middle ground.

“I would say seven or eight people active16

Smoky Mountain News

September 7-13, 2016

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Soco Road businesses could face limits on how and where their merchandise is displayed. Cory Vaillancourt photo ly sell outside,” Bowen said. “I don’t think this is entirely going to harm their business, it’s just going to state more directly what those need to look like.”

RETAIL REACTION “They’ll ruin us,” said Chris Smith, owner of Chris & Friends Antiques & More.

Smith regularly places merchandise — 1950s bicycles, an old plow and even a rusting whiskey still – outside his shop at 3029 Soco Road; he says it’s the only way to get drivers speeding down Soco Road to notice him.

He said he’d heard about the ordinance from rental property owners who rely on him to source and sell eclectic yard décor for their rental properties, and that he’s gravely concerned about its impact, so much so that he’s contacted an appraisal company to value his collection in the event that a restrictive ordinance puts him out of business.

However, Jake Marzullo, a chainsaw artist with an extensive spread in the 1900 block of Soco Road, says he isn’t worried. He keeps his work — carvings, tabletops and chairs, mostly — well off the street.

But an expansive ordinance could end up affecting large outdoor operations like the one at Marzullo Chainsaw Art just as easily as at Smith’s antique business.

Bowen said it’s also possible that an ordinance presented to the Maggie Valley Town Board for approval could eliminate any “grandfathering” of existing businesses that end up afoul of the new ordinance.

ONLY THE BEGINNING

to go find that ordinance. The UDO is just one table of contents. You can sit down As Maggie Valley embarks on this attempt with one book and figure out anything you to define that “product” Bowen says is crucial want to know about building a home or in selling the town’s image as a family-friendly starting a business.” destination, the outdoor sales ordinance is The roadside sales ordinance is but one of just a small piece of a larger puzzle.

22 chapters Bowen’s been working through “Right now, we’re going through every since last winter. He hopes to be done by May. ordinance that has anything to do with land Once Bowen drafts the ordinance — or building or development or construcwith the help of the planning board and tion. Nuisances. Environmental regulainput from whoever shows up at the public hearing — he’ll take it formally to the town’s planning “When you go to a successful town board. If they think it’s a good fit for the town, he said, with a main street that people love, they’ll put it up for formal there’s a certain aesthetic adoption by the town board.

Once that’s accomplished, character to it.”

Bowen said, his next target for the UDO will be a nuisance — Andrew Bowen, Maggie Valley town planner ordinance, followed by a “massive” restructuring of tion,” he said. “We’re going to wrap all every zoning district in town. those into a very large unified development Currently Maggie Valley has three resiordinance.” dential and two business districts, but a land The unified development ordinance will use plan passed in 2007 calls for six residenbe a comprehensive collection of ordinances tial, five mixed-use, and three commercial designed to make it easier for builders and designations, which will make provisions business owners to consult a single source as and restrictions on everything from mulch they consider investing in the town. yards to sexually oriented businesses.

Currently, ordinances are a hodge podge of “It has a big economic development comunrelated regulations in unrelated locations. ponent, because we have a lot of open “It’s just hard to find stuff,” he said. “If parcels within town,” he said. “Maggie’s you’re wanting to do a subdivision, you growing, we’re getting a few more businesshave a subdivision ordinance. And say that es, and at some point, some business is subdivision has some area that may be in a going to move in and build on a flood plain or a watershed. Then you have new lot.”

WHAT ABOUT FOOD TRUCKS? Another type of outdoor sales activity has generated controversy in some local municipalities, but Maggie Valley hasn’t directly addressed it yet; it may, however, come up in conversation as the town slogs through crafting its unified development ordinance.

“If you do not have an actual structure within town, you cannot set up anywhere or sell anything,” said Bowen, referring to food trucks.

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Smoky Mountain News

Even if a restaurant has a building in town, he said, they couldn’t drive around town and sell food in Maggie Valley, even at the invitation of property owners or festival organizers.

“If it’s sold outdoors, it also has to be sold on the same premises indoors.

Guayabito’s is a good example,” he said of the popular Soco Road Mexican eatery. “If they were to have a food truck and sold Mexican food inside and outside [in their own parking lot], our current ordinance I think would allow that,” Bowen said.

It would not, however, allow the eatery to ply their wares in hotel parking lots or outside bars, where hungry crowds often congregate.

Current policy likewise bans sidewalk sales of snacks like peanuts or candy, merchandise like sunglasses or even a children’s lemonade stand, if those vendors aren’t on their own property where such merchandise is already sold indoors.

SMARTPHONES

September 7-13, 2016

The unified development ordinance will be a comprehensive collection of ordinances designed to make it easier for builders and business owners to consult a single source as they consider investing in the town.

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A recent study by the Haywood County Affordable Housing Task force said that as the county’s rate of natural population increase is negative, attracting new residents and businesses to the area is crucial for further growth, and Bowen stressed the importance of getting everything down on paper so that there would be as little confusion as possible among those who might want to make Maggie Valley their new home, or their place of business.

“Another reason for the UDO is to take as much discretion from town officials as possible,” he said. “I don’t want it, and I don’t think anybody in the future or anybody presently wants a lot of discretion when it comes to saying, ‘Well how many old trucks are too many old trucks?’ So those things need to be written down and talked about.”

@SmokyMtnNews 17

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Western breaks enrollment records Freshman class and total enrollment both highest ever

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER estern Carolina University saw its previous high-water mark for enrollment blasted away this year as final student counts for 2016 came in, with new records set for both total enrollment and freshman class size.

This year, 10,806 people will call themselves Catamounts, up from the record 10,382 set in 2014. Of those, 8,166 will be taking classes on the Cullowee campus, with the remainder enrolled online or reporting to the Biltmore Park campus in Asheville.

Meanwhile, the 1,913-strong freshman cohort is overcoming a record set all the way back in 1972, when 1,859 freshmen enrolled in a GI Bill-fueled post-Vietnam boom.

“The growing interest in WCU speaks to the quality and value of our educational programs and the opportunities the university and the surrounding area offer to our students,” said Timothy Metz, assistant vice chancellor for institutional planning and effectiveness.

Students who started classes at Western Carolina University were part of a record-breaking population, with the university seeing its largest ever freshman class and total enrollment. WCU photo

Smoky Mountain News

September 7-13, 2016

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The record-breaking freshman class size is due both to external factors such as a large number of high school seniors this year as well as to strategic moves by WCU, said Phill Cauley, the university’s director of student recruitment and transitions. WCU

has been focusing more on overall student achievement rather than just standardized test scores to make admissions decisions, and the Office of Admissions has revamped its communications with potential students to encourage them to visit campus and see for themselves. Earlier invitations to join the WCU Honors College program and earlier scholarship information have also helped, better attracting high-achieving students.

Health care and science programs have also been a big draw, with WCU’s engineering and nursing programs growing by more than 90 percent over the last decade and numbers rising in forensic science, biology, emergency medicine and athletic training programs. New programs, such as the expanded hospitality and tourism program at the Biltmore Park campus in Asheville and a reinstated graduate sports management program have also contributed.

Then, there are also the superlatives that WCU has seen come its way, such as its place in Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine’s lineup of best college values for 2016 — the magazine ranked WCU 73rd nationwide for in-state students and 76th for outof-state students. The school has also, for the third year running, taken the top place in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ yearly poll looking for the Southeast’s top outdoor adventure college.

Students opting to take on a new identity as Catamounts aren’t just bandwagon jumpers, however. Judging by metrics such as high school GPA and ACT scores, their academic quality is rising.

“Everything is just significant gains as far as our freshman class this year,” Lowell

By the numbers ■ 10,806 total fall 2016 enrollment ■ 4.5 percent increase from 2015 total enrollment ■ 1,913 first-time, full-time freshmen ■ 17.8 percent increase from 2015 freshman enrollment ■ 80 percent freshman retention rate ■ 3.78 average high school GPA among 2016 freshmen ■ 3.75 average high school GPA among 2015 freshmen ■ 22.5 average ACT score for 2016 freshmen ■ 22.4 average ACT score for 2015 freshmen

Davis, vice chancellor for student success, told the WCU Board of Trustees’ Academic Affairs and Personnel Committee during their quarterly meeting last week.

The average freshman in 2016 came in with a 3.78 high school GPA, compared to 3.75 in 2015. Similarly, the average ACT score rose from 22.5 to 22.4.

“The numbers across the board I’m very pleased with, but also the GPA rise is good to see,” said committee chair Wardell Townsend, reacting to Davis’ report. “It would be all right with me if it just leveled off there, because otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to get in.”

The quip elicited a round of laughter from the committee, with someone asking whether there was a GPA requirement to be a trustee.

“We might get kicked off the board,” joked committee member Grace Battle.

The 2016 student body is notable on another key metric — retention.

WCU had battled a historically low retention rate for years, celebrating a journey to the 80 percent mark last year, meaning that 80 percent of the previous year’s freshman returned for their sophomore year in the fall. Compare that to 2007, when the figure sat down at 67 percent. By 2012, the university had gotten its retention rate up to 74 percent but announced a goal to boost it to 80 percent by 2020, a goal it met five years early.

To address the issue, WCU had created Davis’ position, which aims to pinpoint students at high risk of dropping out and work to keep them in school. That’s had a lot to do with the improved retention rate, the university believes, while external factors — the 2012 legalization of countywide alcohol sales, improved student satisfaction due to more successful football and marching band organizations and unique offerings such as the university’s mountain biking system and proximity to other outdoor pursuits — have likely played a role as well.

Regardless, the trend is holding steady.

Retention for 2016 stayed virtually level with last year’s, holding the line at 80 percent.

“We are excited we are maintaining an 80 percent retention rate, which is a success for Western,” Davis said.

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but she is still uncertain whether she can find a suitable property to purchase or if one would have to be built.

“We want to bring our citizens back to the county,” Seely said.

The Seelys asked for the commissioner’s support in their petition to the state.

Commissioners said they would support the petition to the state and would present a resolution at a future meeting, but changed their minds after hearing Affinity’s side at their next meeting.

Denis Rainey, vice president of operations, said Affinity was ready to begin demolition of the 65-year-old building and construction of the new $6 million building this month if the state approves all the plans as presented. Depending on the cooperation of the weather, the project could be completed in 12 to 14 months.

“The financing is in place, and we’re ready to get started,” Rainey said.

As for the concerns over what type of patients Affinity plans to serve, Rainey said the new facility would continue to accept Medicaid patients. While some patients may not qualify for Medicaid, Rainey said Affinity understood the local community’s needs. Even though some patients coming to the facility may make too much money to qualify for Medicaid, he knows most patients won’t be able to afford a $6,000-a-month private room either.

“Affinity Living Group is the largest provider of Medicaid assisted living services in the country — that’s not going to change,” Rainey said. “Swain County is a quaint county and we’d be foolish to come in thinking we’re going to make it a fully private paid building.”

Affinity also runs assisted living facilities in Dillsboro and Franklin that accept Medicaid reimbursement.

The new Bryson City location will be larger than the current building to accommodate double-occupancy rooms for 50 total beds and several common areas for residents. Rainey anticipates the facility will need 40 to 50 employees when it’s at full capacity.

Affinity’s hope is to serve the local community, and Rainey said he hopes displaced residents will want to come back closer to home.

“Residents have the right to choose where they want to go so if they are appropriate for an assisted living situation, that’s what were going to want — mostly residents from Swain County,” he said.

In a follow-up interview, Seely said she was satisfied with Affinity’s plan for the new facility and would not be filing an exemption request with the state at this time.

Your town is my town.

September 7-13, 2016

BY J ESSI STONE N EWS E DITOR t’s been almost a year since Cornerstone Assisted Living in Bryson City was closed down and more than 30 senior citizens had to be relocated to assisted living facilities outside of Swain County.

A new company — Affinity Living Group — purchased the Cornerstone property with plans to build a new facility, but no progress has been made at the site yet. Since Cornerstone was the only assisted living facility in the county, Connie Seely recently brought her concerns before the county commissioners.

Seely, who served as the administrator at Cornerstone for four years before it closed, said most of the relocated residents were Swain County natives who are now located an hour or more from their loved ones.

“It was pretty devastating,” she said.

“There were people who had lived there 20 plus years and haven’t ventured far from Swain County.”

Seely said she was concerned with Affinity’s timeline for getting a new facility open and whether or not Affinity would still accept Medicaid patients. While Swain County desperately needs an assisted living facility, she said the new company was known for moving toward private-pay residents to cut back on the uncertainties of Medicaid reimbursements.

“The company that purchased the business plans to rebuild and offer higher-end living — primarily private pay. The base rate would be $3,500 a month to stay there,” Seely said. “It’s not real feasible for most seniors born and raised here.”

Seely was also displaced when the assisted living facility closed down. She and her husband Dennis now manage McCracken Rest Home in Waynesville and serve many of the same residents that were moved from Swain County.

The Seelys haven’t given up on serving Swain County though. Each county receives a certificate of need from the state based on the county’s aging population. That certificate allows for so many funded assisted living beds for long-term care. Right now Swain County’s certificate of need is for 50 beds — all of which are now licensed to Affinity Living Group. The certificate of need doesn’t come up for renewal until 2019, but Seely said she planned to petition the state for an exemption that will allow her to open a new assisted living facility in Swain County.

She said the facility would ideally have 20 to 30 beds and would be geared more toward Medicaid patients in Swain County.

A new facility would also mean adding back the 15 jobs lost when Cornerstone closed,

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Work to begin soon on new Bryson City assisted living facility

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Lifestyle Medicine Course comes to Waynesville The Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) will soon be offered in Waynesville.

The Life Medicine Course is a scientifically proven lifestyle education program that can help prevent, arrest and even reverse common risk factors for lifestyle diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure through the adoption of better health habits and appropriate lifestyle modifications.

The goal of CHIP is to lower blood cholesterol, hypertension and blood sugar levels and reduce excess weight. This is done by improving dietary choices, enhancing daily exercise, increasing support systems and decreasing stress, thus aiding in preventing and reversing disease.

Patrick and Laura Bradshaw, both Haywood County natives, will facilitate the class starting in October 2016. Patrick participated in a CHIP course almost two years ago and has seen many health benefits since that time. In order to learn more, interested persons are encouraged to attend one of the free information sessions scheduled.

The first session will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Haywood County Schools Conference Center, (the former Old Hazelwood School on Virginia Ave.) The second session will be held at 5 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 18, at First United Methodist Church at 566 S. Haywood St., in Waynesville.

CHIP takes participants through an intensive educational program with 18 sessions running over three months.

Throughout the program, participants are guided through the various stages of lifestyle change, helping to show them the benefits of an optimal lifestyle and giving them the tools to maintain positive lifestyle change.

Email patrick@cdcgo.com or bradshawlaura@charter.net or visit www.chiphealth.com.

Open house for hometown heroes America’s Home Place will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Franklin Building Center, 335 NP&L Loop, Franklin.

All active and retired military, law enforcement and first responders will be offered a 3 percent discount in September and a $500 donation will be made in the customer’s name to the 9/11 memorial monument to be constructed at the Southwestern Community College’s Public Safety Training Facility in Macon County.

Free barbecue, door prizes, kids inflatables, pet adoptions and a mobile blood drive will all be available at the open house.

828.349.0990 or www.americashomeplace.com.

Emergency services demos offered Sept. 10 Haywood County’s annual Emergency Services Appreciation Day will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, on Commerce Street in Historic Frog Level.

The event is free and open to the public.

There will be bouncy rides and a fire safety house opportunity for children. The schedule of events include a victim rescue demonstration from 3 to 4 p.m.; a vehicle crash rescue simulation from 4 to 5 p.m.; Law enforcement scenarios from 5 to 6 p.m.; a commissioners and elected officials presentation from 6 to 6:30 p.m. and the emergency services Memorial Stair Climb Event at 7 p.m.

Free skill-building for parents offered A free skill-building opportunity for parents will be held from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Haywood Public Library, 678 S. Haywood St., Waynesville.

The Children & Youth Branch in the N.C. Division of Public Health has assembled a group of parent leaders trained in the nationally recognized, research-based curriculum, Parents as Collaborative Leaders.

These parents are passionate about teaching others who have children with a variety of special health care needs and/or developmental concerns to become effective leaders in their communities. These trainings have been used to support parents being more active and confident at the table in a variety of educational, medical and community settings.

RSVP to Jody Miller at 828.631.3900, etc. 126 or email jody@regionakids.org.

Swain to recognize first responders A free cookout for all EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement personnel, and rescue squad members of Swain County will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Riverfront Park in Bryson City.

The Town of Bryson City Aldermen and the Swain County Commissioners have issued proclamations declaring “First Responders Appreciation Day" to be observed on Sept. 11 — National Patriots Day. All first responders will receive at no cost a “Challenge Coin,” specifically designed for this event. The public is invited to attend and show support for the first responders. Members of VFW Post 9281, the Omer Buchanan Post, along with the Swain County High School ROTC will observe the many sacrifices of those lost on Sept. 11, 2001, by conducting a “Missing Man Service” beginning at 6 p.m.

There will be food, entertainment by local musicians, Will Howell and Blood Bought, and children activities such as face painting and bounce houses.

828.736.6222 or mike6222@live.com.

Charters of Freedom dedication delayed

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER edication of a new Charters of Freedom monument in Sylva originally planned for Sept. 17 — Constitution Day — is being pushed back to allow the county more time to plan the Freedom Park area to be constructed around the monuments.

“Let’s just work and when we get finished we can determine a date at which we want to have a ceremony and dedicate it,” said Jackson County Commission Chairman Brian McMahan during the Aug. 16 work session where the delay was originally discussed.

Monuments of the Charters of Freedom — the collective name for the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights — are being funded through private donations, an effort organized by Morganton-based Foundation Forward. The group raised about $20,000 to install bronze versions of the documents, set in white-treated brick to match the nearby Jackson County Public Library, in the corner of Mark Watson Park across the driveway from the

D

old rescue squad building.

“This was a project we were all really excited about,” McMahan said.

Foundation Forward broke ground on the monument installation in mid-August with the intention of finishing by Sept. 17.

“The pushback’s no issue,” said Perry Snyder of Foundation Forward of the amended timeline. “It just gives us more breathing room.”

As it stands now, the monuments could be completed as early as the end of September, though Foundation Forward will pace itself according to the county’s timeline.

While Foundation Forward raised the money for the monuments, the county is responsible for providing and preparing the site, and commissioners decided to plan a landscaped park area around the monuments. However, they have yet to finalize a site plan.

At the Aug. 16 work session, commissioners saw an initial site design but wanted to discuss some changes to it. They contemplated installing five additional flagpoles to commemorate each branch of the military, in addition to the three flags already planned to represent the United States, North Carolina and Jackson County. They also discussed the merits of concrete walkways versus brick walkways and the feasibility of offering engraved memorial bricks as a fundraiser.

Commissioners will likely have a chance to see the revised plans at their Sept. 13 work session. Once a plan is approved, more specific information as to budget and timeline will be available.

Workers pour concrete monument forms during the August groundbreaking of the Charters of Freedom project in Sylva. Donated photo Work at Freedom Park will likely continue even after the initial plan is carried out.

When completed, the area will prove a location to host patriotic ceremonies on holidays like Veterans Day and Memorial Day, and that could necessitate the need for improved

parking options. The existing parking area on that side of Mark Watson Park is in need of some maintenance.

“It’s helter-skelter in there now,” said John Jeleniewski, Jackson’s land use administrator. “It’s old and lines are faded. If it went through a repaving there could be more parking.”

Repaving would probably be too big a project for the current year’s budget, McMahan said, but that’s something commissioners could keep in mind as they dive into budget planning for 2017-18.

“We may not accomplish everything, but next year we can plan how we can accommodate more parking at Mark Watson,” he said. “That could be factored into next year’s budget.”

news

Jackson Commissioners work to finalize plans for Freedom Park

361-40

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news September 7-13, 2016

9th Annual

9am - 3pm

Youth Arts Festival Free shuttle all day from Ray's Florist & Western Builders

Smoky Mountain News

Saturday, September 17th

at the Jackson County

Artists Demonstrations in Glass, Metal, Ceramics, Paint, Printmaking, etc.

Activities in weaving, hand-building with clay, wheel thrown clay etc.

Music & Dance performances Food Available for Purchase For more info, visit JCGEP.org or call 828.631.0271 or email chelseamiller@jacksonnc.org

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www.jcgep.org

Business

Smoky Mountain News

Swain County native joins Mainspring

Maggie Chamber elects new board, awards volunteers Maggie Valley Area Chamber of Commerce recently elected three new members to the board of directors: Dave Angel, owner of Elevated Mountain Distilling Company; Scott Neilson, co-owner of Cabbage Rose Gifts; and Tammy Brown with Cataloochee Ski Area.

The Chamber also awarded members with special recognition during its annual dinner and awards banquet. Ann and Jasay Ketchum were honored with the Glenn Reetz Volunteer of the Year Award for their help with chamber-sponsored events.

Neilson also received the Spirit of Maggie Valley award for the work he’s done to promote Maggie Valley, including creating the “We Love Maggie Valley” Facebook page and his new business venture Slinging in the Smokies.

Macon library offers free internet class

HCC to offer digital marketing series

A beginner internet class will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

Participants will learn tips for navigating web pages and practice using an internet browser to complete practical tasks: fill out online forms, download files, and print documents. Includes tips on basic internet safety, plus ways to continue learning about the internet. Class participants should be comfortable using a mouse.

Registration is required. Space is limited for each class time, but we will offer additional times whenever a class is full.

To register, visit the reference desk or call 828.524.3600 or email cchambliss@fontanalib.org.

A free three-part digital marketing series for small business owners will be offered at the Small Business Center at Haywood Community College.

“Build Your Business’ Website Using WordPress CMS” will be held on Monday, Sept.

12. “Using Analytics to Develop Your Business Platform” will be held on Monday, Sept. 19. “An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Bridging the Digital Divide” will be held on Monday, Sept. 26. Each of these seminars will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on the HCC campus in Library Room 206.

All three seminars are taught by Boomer Sassmann, owner and founder of Big Boom Design. With a degree from Appalachian State University in product design and a passion for web development, Sassmann has run this Asheville based design agency since 2007.

Register at sbc.haywood.edu or 828.627.4512.

Opportunity for broadband providers Haywood County, in cooperation with the Junaluska Sanitary District, will be installing sewer infrastructure along U.S. 209 during a period beginning on or around late 2016 or early 2017.

This creates an opportunity for broadband infrastructure placement during construction in an effort to reduce the deployment costs for providers Haywood County requests providers indicate their potential interest no later than Friday, Sept. 30, by replying to this email.

Any general questions can be referred to Dona J. Stewart, Haywood County administrator/program evaluator via email at djstewart@haywoodnc.net. Technical questions may be referred to Keith Conover, Broadband Infrastructure Office, North Carolina Information Technology at 828.450.7933 or keith.conover@nc.gov.

This is a nonbinding process to assess interest no commitment on the part of either Haywood County or Junaluska Sanitary District is stated or implied.

America’s Home Place donates to SCC project America’s Home Place of Franklin has donated $1,000 to help Southwestern Community College create 9/11 memorials out of artifacts recently received from the World Trade Center in New York City.

Regional President Stacy Buchanan said America’s Home Place would also host a “Hometown Heroes Open House” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in hopes of raising more money for the memorials.

The 9/11 artifacts will be on display, free barbecue will be served and a three percent discount will be offered for active and retired military, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel for homes sold during the month of September. For each home purchased in September, a $500 donation will be made in the customer’s name to the 9/11 memorial monument to be constructed at SCC’s Public Safety Training Center in Franklin.

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For more information about the 9/11 artifacts, or to make a donation to the memorial, call 828.306.7041 or write Dowdle at cdowdle@southwesterncc.edu.

Sunburst Trout earns Artisan Jerky Award Sunburst Trout Farms’ Jennings Original Rainbow Trout Jerky has taken top honors at the 2016 TasteTV Artisan Jerky Awards.

Products from the around the globe are entered into the competition and are sent to a select panel of food and wine media and industry judges located throughout North America.

The panel tastes, reviews, and votes on which they consider to be the “Top Artisan Jerky of the Year.” This year Sunburst received four stars for uniqueness, packaging, and texture. As well as three stars for flavor.

Sunburst’s Original Jennings Jerky is made from prime trout meat, mixed with local organic miso tamari and spices, then smoked to perfection. The jerky is gluten free, full of omega-3s, and packed with protein. www.sunbursttrout.com or jerkyawards.com.

Papageorgio’s replaces Apple Creek Cafe Papageorgio’s Italian-American Restaurant is now open on Main Street in Waynesville where Apple Creek Cafe has operated for less than a year.

Morgan and Brandon Anderson, owners of Apple Creek Cafe Bar & Grill, have decided to accept an offer from John and Sandra Troiani to take over the restaurant space. The Troianis have been in the restaurant business for over 50 years combined and their family originates from Tuscany, Italy.

Papageorgios’s will serve pizza, pasta, steaks, seafood, salads and subs. All of the dishes are made from scratch with local ingredients when available. They have partnered with regional farmers and purveyors to source fresh meats, fish and vegetables.

Mainspring Conservation Trust, a regional nonprofit land trust based in Franklin, recently announced Jordan Smith as land conservation manager.

In this position, Smith will manage the initiatives of Mainspring’s land acquisition program, including landowner outreach, receiving conservation easements and land purchases and sales.

A Swain County native, Smith is a graduate of Auburn University. He has spent most of his career in various positions at Brosnan Forest, a 16,000acre working forest in Dorchester, South Carolina, owned by Norfolk Southern Corporation.

Smith recently moved back to Western North Carolina and lives in Swain County with his wife, Vanessa, and two daughters.

For more information about Mainspring, visit www.mainspringconserves.org.

Minick opens private counseling practice Robin R. Minick has opened a private practice as a behavioral and mental health clinician at Suite 4, 66 Walnut Street in Waynesville.

Her youngest daughter, Carrie, is assisting in the office with administrative tasks. Minick came to Haywood County 30 years ago and, with her husband, Chris, raised their family.

Over the years, she worked for REACH, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Region A Partnership for Children.

She has a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Robin Minick Health Counseling from Western Carolina University.

Prior to opening her own office, Minick worked locally in public mental health and as a grief counselor for Hospice. She is credentialed as a Nationally Certified Counselor and holds certification as a grief counselor through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals.

828.246.9751 or rrminickcounseling@gmail.com.

Crossroads Chronicle to host Business After Hours Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business After Hours event from 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 8, at Crossroads Chronicle, located at 196 Burns Street in Cashiers.

Refreshments provided by Chloe's Lemon-Aid Stand. Musical entertainment provided by Carter Giegerich. Parking will be available behind United Community Bank. Door prizes provided by Jocassee Lake Tours, Pinnacle Anti Aging, Pisgah Pest Control, and Skweeky Kleen. Chamber members/free admission.

RSVP to 828.743.5191 or info@cashiersareachamber.com.

24

Opinion

Smoky Mountain News

A hint of autumn, a sense of pride W

We should welcome political refugees To the Editor: Widespread reports of Muslim terrorist activity in the media of late, and the incessant drumbeat of political rhetoric, have combined to stoke our fears about exercising our historic American hospitality to “welcome the stranger” by hosting refugees. Countries much less affluent than we have far outstripped us, percentage wise, in providing food and shelter to those who have lost everything due to violence or natural disaster.

My experience with Muslim people has been quite different. While living for extended periods of time in countries where Muslims (and adherents of other religions) significantly outnumbered Christians (e.g., Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Palestine. Hong Kong, Korea) and visiting others for shorter periods of time (China, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Israel), my wife and I have had nothing but the most cordial, constructive, and harmonious relations with the local populations.

Also, while actively sponsoring refugees in another U.S. locale, we found the experience to be stimulating and enriching.

In both types of experience we have been able to learn from other cultures, receive generous hospitality, and put into practice American values of service, unselfishness, and benevolence. When we allow our attitudes

As we munched on snacks and shared the promontory with others emerging from the rhodos, I started thinking about our cover story from last week’s Smoky Mountain News about the 100th anniversary of the Park Service.

We weren’t in a national park, but we were in protected land that has been set aside forever for public use. Forever.

That concept, one we so often take for granted, is really nothing short of amazing.

Historian and writer Wallace Stegner is credited with coining the phrase of national parks as being Editor “America’s best idea,” and the phrase gained popularity after filmmaker Ken Burns used it as the title of this documentary on our national parks. And now, with the centennial of the Park Service, it has become even more popular.

This country has a lot to be proud of, and the freedoms we have enshrined in law — individual liberties, freedom of the press, of religion, speech, the constitutional amendments that followed the Civil War, and more — certainly reside atop a higher moral ground than the concept of preserving land.

That said, the idea that it is important to preserve wilderness and make it accessible to every citizen is uniquely American. Prior to the creation of the U.S., this was completely unheard of. Land was to be used for the benefit of those who owned it, whether that was for timber, mining, agriculture, hunting or simply walling it off for the rich and powerful. We

Scott McLeod

hen we got out of the car on Sunday at the parking area in Jackson County at the end of Fisher Creek Road, it was cool, perhaps high 60s or low 70s. Fall is coming, I thought. Despite the favorable temperatures, the walk up the trail toward Black Rock and Pinnacle Peak soon had all of us bathed in sweat, feeling winded and wonderful at the same time.

I’d been on the trail before. That was on a cold April morning a few years back as a pack of crazy trail runners took part in the annual Assault on Black Rock race. The sheer exhaustion I suffered during that run erased any real memory of the trail, and so this time it might as well have been my first time maneuvering up the rocky path.

We walked and talked, my wife and me, my daughter Megan and her friend Sam, deciding along the way to go to Pinnacle instead of Black Rock, me explaining how the land was in an easement and would never be developed, and how an adjacent tract had just been added, a park was in the works with more trails and how some hoped to develop a series of mountain bike trails. I stopped once or twice to splash cool, pure mountain water on my neck and face.

When we approached the top and poked through the rhododendron thicket, we came upon one of those views: Sylva and the courthouse way below, out along N.C. 107 you could spy Smoky Mountain High School, through the gap you could make out buildings on the Western Carolina University campus; looking east was Balsam Gap; behind and above and circling around to right beneath my feet the Plott Balsams, rising nearly 6,300 feet at their highest. Ancient mountains shaping a view that never gets old.

and behavior to be governed by fear and security concerns, however, we negate our rich national heritage of welcoming the stranger, forego opportunities for learning and growth, and project a selfish, mean-spirited image.

Sad to say, this latter attitude has seemed to prevail in our country ever since 9/11. Hate crimes against Muslims have tripled, exacerbated by irresponsible speechifying and biased commentary. Bigotry, hate mail, school bullying, and (not always veiled) incitement to violence are openly expressed. Many American Muslims live in constant fear of rejection and persecution. The media focuses on the negative, “terrorist” dimension, while stories about Muslim contributions to society, both here and abroad, are hard to find.

Hate, violence, intolerance, and religious persecution have been practiced in every age, nation, and culture — as much or more in socalled “Christian” eras and countries as in any other. Treatment of Native Americans, Chinese, Mormons, African Americans, Jews, etc., in our history are prime examples. Rather than “the pot calling the kettle black,” can we not put our best foot forward by reaching out with welcome and support for the “others” who are already here, open our hearts and homeland to human beings fleeing war, famine, and persecution in places like Syria, Iraq, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Burma, and support their desire and motivation to make a new life for themselves and become contributing members of our society, as the ancestors

Lori (left) and Megan McLeod atop Pinnacle Peak over Labor Day weekend. Scott McLeod photo .

recognized that humans need to connect with the natural world, and we are all better off when some of these special places remain untouched and protected from the whims of successive generations.

I shouldered my daypack to head down the mountain with a sense of satisfaction. The hike had refreshed me, had scrubbed trivial worries from my head. As a citizen of this country — a place where we like to fight about ideas and issues both big and small — this is part of my birthright: to forever have access to public lands, whether it’s the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Great Smokies, Pinnacle Park or the Nantahala National Forest, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite or Yellowstone.

They are all mine. And yours. Pretty damn good idea.

(Scott McLeod at info@smokymountainnews.com.)

LETTERS of most of us have always done?

Doug Wingeier Waynesville

I love living in a small town To the Editor: I have said many times that I love living in a small town; yesterday, something happened that perfectly illustrates why I do.

For many, many years my family and I have processed and frozen enough peaches to enjoy in the winter. I always get my fruit at Tallent’s Produce, so have become good friends with Bruce and Steve. We have shared tears over deaths and laughs, over many things.

Yesterday, I went by to get my peaches.

Since I am almost 85 years old, I don’t pick up big baskets like I used to, so asked if they would hold them for me until the next day, when I would have family available. Without hesitation, Steve said, “I’ll give you 15 minutes, and then will be right behind you!” Even though their stand was still open, he followed me home, put the peaches on the porch, and then returned to their business! Where, but in a small town, would that happen?

I decided to list just some of the ways that I, personally, benefit from the small-town

atmosphere; the list is long. I have always had the newspaper delivered to my home; the box was near the road, a fair walk for me. After I became less active, I came home one day and found that the carrier had moved the box closer; later he moved it even closer. We lease our farm to Nelson Thibault — who now brings the paper to my back door!

When my husband died, after 62 years of marriage, I closed my kitchen and do very little cooking. My family and I eat out daily. We have several favorite places; when we miss a few times, the staff always greets me with …..

“Are you OK? We were worried about you!” I use a cane, which I am prone to forget and someone always brings it to me. At the grocery store, the cashier came out from the counter to give a hug and “I’ve missed you!”

When I got home, Nelson stopped what he was doing, and carried my groceries in. Small town, for sure!I decided to read just one issue of the newspaper to see what evidence of small town volunteerism I could find that benefit the whole community. The list is really long: • Charity Car Show to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation — Many volunteers to make it happen.

• Public Safety Day — Kids can meet fire fighters, law enforcement and emergency personnel. A few of these folks are paid, but most are volunteers.

• 4-H Clubs all need volunteer leaders.

F

So this is what hell feels like B verge of tears.

“I just wanted them to cancel the phone, and they canceled EVERYTHING!” she blurted. “We have NOTHING!” “I am sure it was a simple mistake,” I said, which in retrospect seems either touchingly naïve or mind-numbingly stupid. “We’ll just call them back in get it all sorted out.”

I did not know Columnist that we had already entered the 10th Circle of Hell. It turns out that my wife had already been on the phone for several hours trying to “get it all sorted out,” to no avail.

She talked to three different people, got three different stories, and received a solemn promise from the last representative — who did seem at least somewhat sympathetic to our plight (“my husband works online and HAS to have Internet service!”) — to call us back before 5 pm.

She did not call us back. The next morning, we took turns calling, spending several more hours explaining the situation to a variety of Slay Me and Thee representatives, starting from scratch each time we were “handed off ” to other people in other departments. Among the other promises

Chris Cox

eware, gentle readers. This story is not for the faint of heart. It is a story of betrayal, corruption, and greed. If you have ever read Dante’s classic work, “The Inferno,’ you may still have nightmares remembering the Nine Circles of Hell. Since the poem was written in the 14th century, Dante could not have anticipated the 10th, and most vicious circle, the one you enter when you call a major corporation to request a change in service, as my wife tried to do a couple of weeks ago in a noble attempt to save us a few dollars per month by disconnecting our landline.

I will not reveal the identity of this particular corporation, though its name is comprised of three letters that rhyme with Slay Me and Thee. As one of the last handful of people who still have a landline — the only calls we get on it now are from telemarketers and scam artists — we simply wanted Slay Me and Thee to cancel the landline, while keeping our Internet service exactly as it is, or was.

My wife placed this call a couple of weeks ago, and excitedly shared the news with me when I got home from work. We are on one of our “frugality campaigns,” where we look for ways to make cuts in our budget until we have enough money saved to blow on Bruce Springsteen tickets or brunch at the Grove Park Inn or, you know, the children.

She called me a little while later, on the

that had been made to us, one representative swore an oath on the previous day that our case would be “expedited” due to the compelling nature of our cause and the urgency of our situation. Unfortunately, no record of this conversation — which lasted about as long as an average major league baseball game — could be found anywhere “in the system” (aka “Circle of Hell”).

On the third day, a technician materialized at our door. It was all I could do to resist hugging him as if he were the Prodigal Son, a lost sheep returned to the fold.

“I’ve been checking your lines,” he said.

“Unfortunately, there is nothing I can do until they restore your service. And even when they do, they have you set for the lowest possible speed. It will be so slow that you will pull your hair out. But, hey, they get a ‘new order’ out of it.”

“But it is NOT a new order,” I replied.

“We’ve been here seven years.”

“I know,” he said. “Try telling that to them.”

“We have been, for nearly three days now.”

“Man, that is terrible.”

“It is the tenth Circle of Hell.”

“Huh?” “Never mind.”

On day four, sometime around midday, my wife was able to get the Internet back on, and just as the tech had predicted, it was excruciatingly slow. We were trying to watch

a show on Netflix, but the characters couldn’t get through a line of dialogue before the screen would freeze, and the little circle would spin and spin. 1 percent, 8 percent, 12 percent, 25 percent, 51 percent, 63 percent, 71 percent, 80 percent. Then another line or two of dialogue, and then the circle, another Circle of Hell. After about five minutes of that, we gave up.

We had already canceled our premium stations to save money, so without Netflix, we were down to a couple of home improvement shows, something about “ice road truckers,” whoever and whatever they are, or reruns of Family Feud.

“We could always read,” my wife suggested helpfully.

“As an American, I am entitled to spend a fair portion of my day indulging in activities that require absolutely nothing from me, and that means television or web surfing. I will read later. Now, I am going to sulk, if you don’t mind.”

Ten days later, we are still without even remotely acceptable Internet service, all because we wanted to save a few dollars by getting rid of our phone line. We’ve spent at least 30 hours talking with an astonishing number of the Slay Me and Thee workforce (maybe we’ll be invited to the company Christmas party). We’ve begged. We’ve pleaded. We’ve filed complaints online. And to-morrow we’ll do it all over again.

Dante would understand.

(Chris Cox is a writer and teacher who lives in Haywood County. He can be reached at jchriscox@live.com.)

• “Back to school” really brings out the volunteers — We all know how important volunteers are to the school system.

• Youth sports — There is no way to count the volunteers it takes to make these programs work.

• Mountain Youth Talent contest • Shriners’ Horse Show benefits Shriners’ Children Hospitals.

• Zonta Club holds “Boots and Bling” to benefit REACH

• Franklin Federated Women’s Club.

• Almost every week, there is a notice of a benefit for someone who has had a fire or medical problem that is very expensive.

This is a very incomplete list and does not include the dozens of churches and all their contributing organizations. I really feel sorry for folks who don’t live in a small town.

Margaret Ramsey Franklin

SHOP - DONATE - VOLUNTEER

September 7-13, 2016

361-36

WALNUT VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER 268-267

reclaim your weekend

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Smoky Mountain News

331 Walnut Street Waynesville

25

tasteTHEmountains Taste the Mountains is an ever-evolving paid section of places to dine in Western North Carolina. If you would like to be included in the listing please contact our advertising department at 828.452.4251

LIVE MUSIC TUESDAY NIGHTS! 7-9 P.M.

Upcoming Bands: September 13: Kim Smith September 20: Kim Smith SAGEBRUSH OF CANTON 1941 Champion Dr. Canton

828-646-3750 Sun-Thur 11 AM - 10 PM Fri-Sat 11 AM - 11 PM

Smoky Mountain News

September 7-13, 2016

361-16

BLOSSOM ON MAIN 128 N. Main Street, Waynesville.

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

Forget the myth that all Thai food is spicy.

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

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

Blue-plates and local fresh vegetables daily.

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

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

Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carry out available. Located in downtown Waynesville, Bogart’s has been long-time noted for great steaks, soups, and

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BOURBON BARREL BEEF & ALE 454 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville, 828.452.9191. Lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner nightly from 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday. We specialize in hand-cut, all natural steaks, fresh fish, and other classic American comfort foods that are made using only the finest local and sustainable ingredients available. We also feature a great selection of craft beers from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey. The Barrel is a friendly and casual neighborhood dining experience where our guests enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank.

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

CATALOOCHEE RANCH 119 Ranch Dr., Maggie Valley.

828.926.1401. Family-style breakfast seven days a week, from 8 am to 9:30 am – with eggs, bacon, sausage, grits and oatmeal, fresh fruit, sometimes French toast or pancakes, and always all-you-can-eat. Lunch every day from 12:00 till 2 pm. Evening cookouts on the terrace on weekends and Wednesdays, featuring steaks, ribs, chicken, and pork chops, to name a few. Bountiful family-style dinners on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with entrees that include prime rib, baked ham and herb-baked chicken, complemented by seasonal vegetables, homemade breads, jellies and desserts. We also offer a fine selection of wine and beer.

The evening social hour starts at 6 pm, and dinner is served starting at 7 pm. So join us

Nutrition Facts

6306 Pigeon Road Canton, NC

(828) 648-4546

jukeboxjunctioneat.com

for mile-high mountaintop dining with a spectacular view. Please call for reservations.

CHURCH STREET DEPOT 34 Church Street, downtown Waynesville.

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

CITY LIGHTS CAFE Spring Street in downtown Sylva.

828.587.2233. Open Monday-Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tasty, healthy and quick. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, espresso, beer and wine. Come taste the savory and sweet crepes, grilled paninis, fresh, organic salads, soups and more.

Outside patio seating. Free Wi-Fi, pet-friendly. Live music and lots of events. Check the web calendar at citylightscafe.com.

THE CLASSIC WINESELLER 20 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

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

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

828.926.1820 Open everyday but Tuesday 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Family Style at Country Vittles is not a buffet. Instead our waitresses will bring your food piping hot from the kitchen right to your table and as many refills as you want. So if you have a big appetite, but sure to ask your waitress about our family style service.

FILLING STATION DELI 145 Everett St., Bryson City, 828.488.1919.

Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sundays (in October) 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Locals always know best, and this is one place they know well. From the highquality hot pressed sandwiches and the huge portions of hand-cut fries to the specialty frozen sandwiches and homemade Southern desserts, you will not leave this top-rated deli hungry.

APPÉTIT Y’AL N L BO

serving size : ab out 50 p ag es Am ount per Serving

MON-SAT: 7 A.M.-8 P.M. SUN: 8:30 A.M.-3 P.M. 26

AMMONS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT & DAIRY BAR 1451 Dellwwod Rd., Waynesville.

828.926.0734. Open 7 days a week 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Celebrating over 25 years.

Enjoy world famous hot dogs as well as burgers, seafood, hushpuppies, hot wings and chicken. Be sure to save room for dessert.

The cobbler, pie and cake selections are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

salads. Casual family atmosphere in a rustic old-time setting with a menu noted for its practical value. Live Bluegrass/String Band music every Thursday. Walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and seasonal festival activities and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

Calories 0 % Daily Value * Tot al Fat 0g

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207 Paragon Parkway, Clyde

828-456-1997

blueroostersoutherngrill.com Monday-Friday Open at 11am

Real Local Families, Real Local Farms, Real Local Food

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

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

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

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

Open nightly for dinner at 4 p.m.; Friday through Sunday 12 to 4 p.m. for lunch. Daily luncheon special at $6.99. World-famous prime rib, steaks, fresh seafood, gorgonzola cheese and salads. All ABC permits and open year-round. Children always welcome.

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

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

828.648.4193. 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving breakfast, lunch, nd dinner. The restaurant has a 1950s & 60s theme decorated with memorabilia from that era.

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

828.586.3555. Open Monday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday

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

828.926.1616. maggievalleyclub.com/dine.

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

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

Open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. With music at the Depot. Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Life is too short for bad coffee. We feature wonderful breakfast and lunch selections. Bagels, wraps, soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche with a variety of specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. Various desserts.

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

Reservations appreciated.

PATIO BISTRO 30 Church Street, Waynesville.

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

Outdoor and indoor dining.

RENDEZVOUS RESTAURANT AND BAR Maggie Valley Inn and Conference Center 828.926.0201 Open Monday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m and Sunday 7:30 a.m to 9 p.m. Full service restaurant serving steaks, prime rib, seafood and dinner specials.

SAGEBRUSH STEAKHOUSE 1941 Champion Drive. Canton 828-6463750 Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to

10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Carry out available. Sagebrush features hand carved steaks, chicken and award winning BBQ ribs. We have fresh salads, seasonal vegetables and scrumptious deserts.

Extensive selection of local craft beers and a full bar. Catering special events is one of our specialties.

SMOKEY SHADOWS LODGE 323 Smoky Shadows Lane, Maggie Valley 828.926.0001. Check Facebook page for hours, which vary. Call early when serving because restaurant fills up fast. Remember when families joined each other at the table for a delicious homemade meal and shared stories about their day? That time is now at Smokey Shadows. The menus are customizable for your special event. Group of eight or more can schedule their own dinner.

-Specialty CoffeeBreakfast - Lunch - Coffee - Donuts & More Monday - Saturday 7-4 | Sunday 9-3 18 N Main St. in the heart of Waynesville

828-452-3881

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

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

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

THE HEALTHY WAY 284 A North Haywood Street, Waynesville.

828.246.9691. Open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday through Friday. Welcome to the healthy way! Shake it to lose it!! Protein shakes, protein bars, teas and much more.

Our shakes and protein bars are meal replacements.

TRAILHEAD CAFE & BAKERY 18 N Main Street, Waynesville.

828.452.3881 Open 7 days a week MondaySaturday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will find a delicious selection of pastries & donuts, breakfast & lunch along with a fresh coffee & barista selection. Happy Trails!

VITO’S PIZZA 607 Highlands Rd., Franklin.

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

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MEDITERRANEAN

ITALIAN CUISINE

Dine on Our Pet-Friendly Patio

September 7-13, 2016

JOEY'S PANCAKE HOUSE 4309 Soco Rd Maggie Valley.

828.926.0212. Open daily 7 a.m. to 12 p.m., closed Thursdays. Joey’s is a family style restaurant that has been serving breakfast to the locals and visitors of Western North Carolina since 1966. Featuring a large variety of tempting pancakes, golden waffles, country style cured ham and seasonal specials spiked with flavor, Joey's is sure to please all appetites. Join us for what has become a tradition in these parts, breakfast at Joey’s.

through Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Handtossed pizza, steak sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts. All made from scratch.

Beer and wine. Free movies with showtimes at 6:30 and 9 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Visit madbatterfoodandfilm.com for this week’s shows.

1863 S. Main Street • Waynesville 828.454.5002 Hwy. 19/23 Exit 98 LUNCH & DINNER TUES. - SUN.

www.pasqualesnc.com

Café Deli & So Much More Family Style BBQ Fri. Sep. 16 | 7pm

You Get It All! Baby Back Ribs • BBQ Chicken Pulled Pork BBQ • Corn on the cob Potatoes, Dessert, Tea & Lemonade

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

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

$19.95 per person (BYOB)

By Reservation ONLY so RSVP Now

Open Seven Days A Week Monday-Saturday 8-3 & Sunday 9-3

6147 Highway 276 S. Bethel (at the Mobil Gas Station) breakingbreadcafenc.com • 828.648.3838

Call us for all of your catering needs With over 30 Years Experience We’ve got your event covered, big or small.

(828) 452-7837 WaynesvilleCatering.com

Open for Breakfast

Smoky Mountain News

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MON.-SAT. 8 A.M. 3 E JACKSON ST. • SYLVA, NC

www.CityLightsCafe.com

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A&E

Smoky Mountain News

SMN: The brothers, Bill and Eugene. What about their character is similar to who you are, or were at that age, or perhaps you were a little bit of both?

RR: Maybe both. I think the most autobiographical thing was growing up in a small town in the 1960s. I grew up in Boiling Springs. In 1969, in this sense of all that was happening in California, the Love Generation, all that change in the world, and yet nothing was happening like that in my town. And in the book, when I talk about the radio and music, that was my experience, as if these songs on the radio were like messages in a bottle. Another goal of the book is that I hope to accurately capture that time, particularly that dark turn in 1969 with Charles Manson and how things changed.

It was the Love Generation, but it was also a time of great turmoil. I don’t want that to be viewed at as a nostalgic era — there was the good and the bad.

The Face in the Mirror Ron Rash releases latest novel

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD STAFF WRITER Can you find redemption within your own consequences?

In The Risen, the latest work from famed Southern Appalachian writer Ron Rash, the plot focuses on two Jackson County teenage brothers, an out-of-town femme fatale, and a decades-old question of what really happened to her — and also them — in the process.

On the surface it seems to be another dark and ominous novel from Rash, the New York Times bestselling author and distinguished professor at Western Carolina University, but, when one digs a little deeper, intricate and vivid truths are revealed. Hailed as one of the finest modern American writers, Rash is truly hitting his literary stride, where readers once again find themselves venturing down a rabbit hole into the internal battlefield of their own moral high ground, or lack thereof.

Taking place in Sylva in 1969, The Risen encompasses the essence of the counterculture movement, even though many traits and ideologies of that era never really made it to the rural mountains of Western North Carolina.

It’s as much about peace, love and understanding as it is about honing in on the darker side of man — something to behold that can either be viewed as a token of gratitude or the weight of the world atop your shoulders.

Smoky Mountain News: I had read that the inspiration for The Risen came from a real murder that had occurred some 20 years ago?

Ron Rash: It was near where I was living in South Carolina at the time. A young woman had been murdered. There were two suspects.

Ultimately, no one was charged, but there was

Want to go?

Renowned Southern Appalachian writer Ron Rash will be hosting a book reading and signing for this latest novel, The Risen, at the following locations: • 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

• 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva.

The author of New York Times Bestsellers Serena and The Cove, Rash is the Western Carolina University Parris Distinguished Professor of Appalachian Culture. A two-time finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, he also has received the Frank O’Conner International Short Story Award. a good bit of suspicion. When that happened, I was just haunted by the idea of how does one live a life after something like that, after perhaps being involved in a murder? And also that someone else knows what really happened, and what if that person for some reason decides to eventually tell what happened? To me, that just was such an interesting premise for a novel.

SMN: There are a lot of different themes in this novel — the religious aspect of Cain and Abel, sibling rivalry, small town America, and the 1960s counterculture. And also, that idea of two people growing up in the same household, having the same experiences, and yet both turning out completely different.

RR: Oh, yes. And I think it’s one of those mysteries of life kind of things — birth order

and how that affects children. But, I think it’s always interesting how two people raised in the same environment can be so different, and how they react to something, perhaps something terrible, how they can or cannot transcend it. And also that troubling question of personal responsibility versus the environment they grew up in.

SMN: What’s it like for you as a writer these days, being more and more in the public eye with your literary celebrity?

RR: I’m doing a short book tour soon — Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and other places in the South. And then there are these regional bookstores like City Lights (Sylva) and Blue Ridge Books (Waynesville), they advocated my work when nobody else was interested, and to me, I have to support them.

My life has definitely gotten a lot busier, especially with people asking me to do more things. But, I always make sure the writing comes first. Whether I’m in an airport or a hotel room, I’m always writing. I never want to waste a day.

SMN: There’s that line in the book describSMN: Where you are right now professioning the doctor’s office, “...the trays of glistening ally, you’re in a space where it’s the pinnacle for metal instruments — all had enhanced a sense aspiring writers. Now that you’re at or near the of detachment from other people’s suffering,” top, what do you see? Perhaps other mountains which I think evokes the sterilization of emo- in the distance? tions humans can go through to either comRR: It’s about being true to the writing and partmentalize tragedy or simply act like noth- not being waylaid by other things. And to be ing happened at all.

RR: Exactly. You’ve got it. One “I think it’s always interesting how thing I wanted to do with this novel, perhaps more so than any other of two people raised in the same my books, was that I really wanted environment can be so different, the reader to be not quite sure about the characters, to have different and how they react to something, reactions to the characters as far as their sympathies go. And also to perhaps something terrible, how have those sympathies shift as the they can or cannot transcend it.” book progresses.

SMN: And then the line that really stuck out to me was, “That’s what novels so often get wrong … you make certain choices and you leave life never knowing if they were right or wrong …”

RR: I’m glad you caught that, because to me that’s what makes this novel, which is that refusal to make everything complete, which is something most novels tend to do. We don’t have to understand everything or if things worked out, because, as in life, unfortunately that’s just not the case.

— Ron Rash

grateful. I’m very lucky. Really, I’ve only ever wanted to do three things well. One, was from age 4 to now, I wanted to be a really good trout fisherman. Then, in high school and college, I wanted to be a really good runner. And then, I wanted to be a writer. It’s taken me a long time, and it wasn’t easy. There were years I wasn’t writing well, but I stuck it out. It’s very important to me to always be grateful, because a lot of people don’t get that chance.

BY GARRET K. WOODWARD

declined the invite because I was on the road. While others had kids, I ran further away that reality.

This isn’t to persecute the domesticated life. Not at all. It just wasn’t for me, more so as I keep peeling away the layers of my own being through trial and tribulation, those endless conversations and adventures into the unknown. And yet, there’s always a price to pay. You’ve never known the truly deafening silence of a bachelor Christmas until you’re the new guy in a place some 1,002 miles from any and all things familiar, peering out the window onto a quiet town, a cold six-pack and day old deli sandwich in the fridge awaiting your company.

Life is evolution. And part of that evolution — of you, of the world around you — is that simple truth that you make choices, and you live with those choices, no matter how hard of a pill that is to swallow. I’ve lost just as many good women in my life as I have gained a sense of self from solo treks around this all too big, beautiful and haphazard world. I’ve put aside many things in exchange for what I thought was a good trade at the time. I don’t own much, but I do own my dreams, which is that small flame within that continues to glow brighter with each passing day.

We all make choices. We all deal with the consequences. It’s how you move forward and seek the next rock to jump onto that really shows the essence of you and yours.

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

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Smoky Mountain News

HOT PICKS 1 2 3 4 5

Guide services on Lake Glenville, Lake Chatuge, Bear Lake, Lake Fontana

September 7-13, 2016

I awoke with a bit of a chill in the air.

Rolling over to hit (just one more) “snooze” on my phone alarm, the bedroom was someNo Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Viva Le what cold, a nearby open winVox w/Mike Farrington (swing/blues) at 9:30 dow the culprit, though a welFriday, Sept. 9. comed temperature change from those sweaty August nights withThe work of 50 Cherokee artists is on view in out air-conditioning.

“Of Land & Spirit: Contemporary Art Today” at When did fall show up?

The Bascom Center in Highlands through Sheesh. I feel like I was just getSunday, Sept. 18. ting into the groove of it being The Haywood Spay/Neuter fundraiser “Sips for summer. Stretching outwardly Snips” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, in my bed, I reached for the Sept. 15, at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. phone and started scrolling through my social media feeds, a A cornhole tournament to benefit Big Brothers, go-to procrastination tactic to Big Sisters will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, avoid getting up and out the Sept. 17, at BearWaters Brewing in door to seize that carp they keep Waynesville. talking ‘bout.

Flooding my feeds this past Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will host The Tuesday morning were countless Breedlove Brothers (Americana/country) at 8 photos of kids heading off to p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. school. All children of old friends of mine back home in author Ron Rash has told me the day prior.

Upstate New York. I remember when these As we interviewed on Labor Day about kids were born, and here they are now — walking, talking, trying to be fashionable for his new novel, The Risen, we began talking about the idea of consequence, and how the first day, trying to carve out whatever you might make enormous decisions in space they can in the dog-eat-dog world that your life, ones that change the entire course is adolescence. and trajectory of your existence, and yet, Now, this isn’t to say I’m old by any means. But, at 31, it sure does show just how perhaps, you might not ever know if it was the right or wrong choice — you just live much time has passed, since I’ve seen those with what was decided and make the best old friends, and since I slowed down enough of your lot in life. to take a gander at the calendar on the wall.

Seeing those “first day” pictures of parAnd as I scrolled through those images, ents and their kids, it was odd, to be honest. clicking “like” in an act of solidarity and, “Hey, I haven’t forgotten about you and your I think we all go through that, where it’s like, “Damn, last time I saw her she was doing a family,” I also began to think of something

“I don’t own much, but I do own my dreams, which is that small flame within that continues to glow brighter with each passing day.”

FISHING SUPPLY

arts & entertainment

This must be the place

keg stand at a frat party” or “I remember when that guy said he’d never get married, ever.” I suppose that just the circle of life, that big wheel of time and chance we have little control over. Things happen in their own time, and also unfold in their own ways.

Which is why — between the arrival of fall, the school photos, and the chat with Rash — I began thinking about the consequences of my actions. Right out of college, I hit the road, to find myself, and also stay ahead of any kind of anchor that may have been thrown into the waters of my hometown. Although I had thought in high school I had wanted a wife and kids, a nice house and new car, as I got out into the world, all those notions faded away, only to be replaced by all that is irresponsible enlightenment.

I had that conversation with myself years ago, probably cruising along some dusty back road on the high desert prairies of Eastern Idaho. I didn’t have time for a girlfriend, let alone a wife or kids. And I have dealt with the consequences of that, some good, others not so much. While others went to the left, I went right. While others got engaged, I was too busy chasing the horizon to notice. While others got married, I

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

Log on. Plan a getaway.

Let yourself unplug.

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arts & entertainment

On the beat Gibson Brothers return to Cataloochee Acclaimed bluegrass act The Gibson Brothers will perform at 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, at Cataloochee Guest Ranch in Maggie Valley.

The New York-based band, named International Bluegrass Music Association “Entertainer of the Year” in both 2012 and 2013, has been compared to the Everly Brothers, the Louvin Brothers, and other legendary vocal duos. “When I hear someone like the Gibson Brothers,” stated Del McCoury, “I know it’s them from the first note.

They have that little thing in their voices that no one else has.”

Tickets are $75 per person, which includes dinner at 7 p.m. This event will sell out. 828.926.1401 or www.cataloocheeranch.com.

Bluegrass, barbecue at Francis Mill

Smoky Mountain News

September 7-13, 2016

The Francis Mill Preservation Society will celebrate the preservation of the 128year-old mill during the 11th annual “Music at the Mill” from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, in Waynesville.

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The 1887 timber frame mill operated until 1976. More than just a place of business, the mill served as the mountain community’s social hub for many of its early years. The FMPS first pioneered “Music at the Mill” at the mill site in 2006. The bluegrass and barbecue celebration will include performance by The Hill Country Band and Eddie Rose & Highway 40.

Advance tickets are $7 per person ($10 day of event) and are available at Elements Salon in Waynesville or Mountain Dreams Realty in Maggie Valley. All proceeds from this event go to the continuing preservation of the Francis Mill and educational/heritage programs.

828.456.6307.

Darren Nicholson Band at The Strand The Darren Nicholson Band will perform at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville.

Nicholson is the mandolinist for Balsam Range, winners of the International Bluegrass Music Association award for “Entertainer of the Year” and “Song of the Year.” Tickets are $12. www.38main.com.

Park hosts artist-in-residence Becky Cable House.

Beckey is a Minneapolisbased musician, composer, librarian, archivist, and community-oriented performing artist.

Her critically acclaimed band, Brute Heart, has recorded multiple albums and was commissioned in 2012 by the Walker Art Center to compose an original score for the film classic, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” She has curated outdoor art-parades, performed at notable music festivals, and toured nationwide.

Beckey is one of seven artists selected through this year for the artist-in-residence program, which provides artists a chance to live and create art within the park for four to six weeks. The program is made possible due to support from Friends of the Smokies and in collaboration with Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. The artists create works of art and share experiences that engage and inspire the public through outreach programs.

For more information about the program, visit www.nps.gov/grsm/getinvolved/artist-in-residence.htm.

Jackie Beckey.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be hosting two musical performances entitled “Appalachian Range: Old Mountains, New Music” by the park’s artistin-residence. Classically trained violist Jackie Beckey will perform the mountain-inspired, original music from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

She will also play from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, in Cades Cove at the

On the beat

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Foreigner to rock Harrah’s Legendary rock act Foreigner will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Harrah’s Cherokee.

Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including “Juke Box

• Andrews Brewing Company will host Troy Underwood (singer-songwriter) Sept. 9, Liz & AJ Nance (Americana/folk) Sept. 10, Scott Stambaugh (singer-songwriter) Sept. 16 and Blue Revue (Americana) Sept. 17 All shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.andrewsbrewing.com.

• BearWaters Brewing Company (Waynesville) will have live music at 6 p.m. Sept. 8 and 15. 828.246.0602 or www.bwbrewing.com.

• The Canton Public Library will host Larry Davis (classical/jazz) at 3 p.m. Sept. 18.

Free.

ALSO:

• Derailed Bar & Lounge (Bryson City) will have music at 7 p.m. on Saturdays.

828.488.8898.

• The “Friday Night Live” concert series at the Town Square in Highlands will host Mountain Dulcimers (bluegrass) Sept. 9 and The Johnny Webb Band (country) Sept. 16.

Both shows are free and begin at 6 p.m. www.highlandschamber.org.

• Frog Level Brewing (Waynesville) will host Todd Hoke Sept. 10, Tyler Kittle Trio (jazz/swing) Sept. 16 and The Colby Deitz Band (Americana/soul) 8 p.m. Sept. 17. All

A new location to serve you in

shows are free and begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted. 828.454.5664 or www.froglevelbrewing.com.

• Innovation Brewing (Sylva) will have an Open Mic night Sept. 7 and 14, and a jazz night with the Kittle/Collings Duo Sept. 8 and 15, Earlaine Sept. 10 and The Breedlove Brothers (Americana/country) Sept. 17.

All events begin at 8 p.m. www.innovation-brewing.com.

• Lazy Hiker Brewing (Franklin) will host Tea 4 Three (rock) Sept. 10 and Berndt & Brown (reggae) Sept. 17. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.lazyhikerbrewing.com.

• Maggie Valley Inn will host Stone Crazy Band (classic rock/country) from 3 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 11 at the poolside tiki bar.

828.926.0201.

• Marianna Black Library (Bryson City) will host a community music jam from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15. Anyone with a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dulcimer, anything unplugged, are invited to join. Singers are also welcomed to join in or you can just stop by and listen. Free. 828.488.3030.

• The Music in the Mountains (Bryson City) concert series will host Lois Hornbostel & Ehukai Teves (Celtic/World) Sept. 10 and Boogertown Gap Sept. 17 (Americana/bluegrass). All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• Nantahala Brewing Company (Bryson City) will host and Me & Molly Sept. 9 and Andy Ferrell Sept. 16. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.nantahalabrewing.com.

• The Nantahala Outdoor Center (Bryson City) will host Hugh Swaso at 7 p.m. Sept. 13. All shows are free. www.noc.com.

GreatBeginningsPedo.com Asheville 828-274-9220

Waynesville 828-454-9156

Sylva 828-586-9333

Smoky Mountain News

• The Classic Wineseller (Waynesville) will host Tina & Her Pony (Americana) Sept. 9, Joe Cruz (piano/pop) Sept.

10 and 17, and James Hammel (singer-songwriter) Sept. 16. All shows are free and begin at 7 p.m.

828.452.6000 or www.classicwineseller.com.

Growing “Great Smiles” Closer to Home

September 7-13, 2016

• The Bear Hunter Campground (Bryson City) will host an evening of music with Elvis James from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17. Free.

704.351.7321.

Hero,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Hot Blooded,” “Cold As Ice,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” and the worldwide No. 1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” Foreigner continues to rock the charts almost 40 years into the game.

For tickets, visit www.harrahscherokee.com.

www.selecthomeswnc.com

GreatSmilesOrthodontics.com Asheville 828-274-8822

Waynesville Sylva 828-407-4034 828-586-9333

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Drs. Chambers, Baechtold, Haldeman, Pratt, Irvine, Furlong & Hogue

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arts & entertainment

On the beat • No Name Sports Pub (Sylva) will host Viva Le Vox w/Mike Farrington (swing/blues) Sept. 9, Pony Named Olga w/Trixie Train Wreck (punk/rockabilly) Sept. 10, Cortez Garcia w/Kaitlin Kesler Duo (Americana/folk) Sept.

16 and Whiskey Soul (rock/classic) Sept. 17.

Shows are free and begin at 9:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. www.nonamesportspub.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept.

17. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen.

ALSO:

• The “Pickin’ On The Square” (Franklin) concert series will continue with The Gear Brothers (bluegrass) Sept. 10 and Blackwell & Dixie B.G. Boys Sept. 17. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. A community jam begins at 6:30 p.m. www.franklinnc.com or 828.524.2516.

• The Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub (Franklin) will host Rachel Stewart (singersongwriter) Sept. 9, Brother Bluebird (Americana/bluegrass) Sept. 10 and Wyatt Espalin (singer-songwriter) Sept. 16. All shows are free and begin at 8 p.m. www.rathskellerfranklin.com.

• Sapphire Mountain Brewing Company (Sapphire) will host a jazz brunch with Tyler Kittle & Friends from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sundays. 828.743.0220.

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• Satulah Mountain Brewing (Highlands) will host “Hoppy Hour” and an open mic with Jimandi at 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, “Funky Friday” with Bud Davis at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Isaish Breedlove (Americana) at 7 p.m. on Saturdays. 828.482.9794 or www.satulahmountainbrewing.com.

• The Stompin’ Ground (Maggie Valley) is now open for live music and clogging at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 828.926.1288.

Balsam Range will play Sept. 17 in Highlands.

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Cashiers) will host a “Bluegrass Mix-Up” night at 7 p.m. on Thursdays. 828.743.3000.

Highlands welcomes Balsam Range

• The Ugly Dog Pub (Highlands) will host a weekly Appalachian music night from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesdays with Nitrograss.

828.526.8364 or www.theuglydogpub.com.

Renowned bluegrass/gospel group Balsam Range, winner of the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association award for “Entertainer of the Year,” will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center.

In addition to the 2015 IBMA “Vocal Group of the Year” award, Balsam Range

• The Waynesville Public Library will host Michael Jefry Stevens (classical/piano) at 3 p.m. Sept. 10. Free.

was also honored with the “Song of the Year” for “Moon Over Memphis.” The milestone year for the band also included honors by the House and Senate of the state of North Carolina, as well as the band being inducted into the “Order of the Long Leaf Pine,” the highest civilian honor presented by the Governor of the State of North Carolina.

Tickets are available by calling 828.526.9047 or visit www.highlandspac.org. www.balsamrange.com.

September 7-13, 2016

• Salty Dog’s (Maggie Valley) will have Karaoke with Jason Wyatt on Tuesdays and Thursdays,

with Mile High (rock) at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Andrew Rickman (rock/acoustic) will also perform on Saturdays. All events begin at 8 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

188 W. Main Street Franklin, NC

Smoky Mountain News

828.349.BEER September 10 Tea 4 Three

September 17 Banking...

Reggae with Burndt and Brown from Chalwa

September 24 Mortgages, car loans, and more, all with the community in mind Find us on Facebook. Federally Insured by NCUA

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Colby Deitz Band LazyHikerBrewing.com

On the street he Haywood Community College Foundation will hold a Shine & Dine Gala from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept.

16, at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville.

The event will feature a buffet dinner, Jazz music by Juan Benavides, student Timbersports demonstration, and a silent auction. Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort is the presenting sponsor.

HCC student work will be featured at the event, including table centerpieces by clay and horticulture and a commemorative piece for attendees crafted by computerintegrated machining. The silent auction will feature work by HCC alumni, students, and faculty.

Proceeds from the gala will support the HCC Excels Fund, which provides support for student and campus success. This fund enhances student experience in the classroom; a priority as the college continues to provide quality education at an affordable price.

An investment in HCC is an investment in Haywood County’s future. For every dollar spent at HCC, students can expect to earn $2.40 due to the skills learned and

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degrees earned at the college. Over their lifetime, community college graduates earn $250,000 more than those with only a high school diploma. At only $76 per credit instate tuition, an education at HCC is a great investment.

The following sponsorship levels are available: Deluxe Sponsor with a $5,000 donation; President’s Circle with a $1,000 donation; HCC Shining Stars with a $500 donation; and Friends of HCC with a $250 donation. Contact 828.627.4544 or pahardin@haywood.edu for details on sponsorship levels.

Tickets for the event are $75 per person and can be purchased online at hccgala.events, in the HCC Foundation Office on the college campus, or by calling 828.627.4522.

The Haywood Community College Foundation works to aid, strengthen, and further the work and service of Haywood Community College. It assists the College in securing financial support for scholarships, mini-grants, College events, community initiatives, and student and instructor initiatives. www.haywood.edu.

arts & entertainment

HCC Shine & Dine Gala

September 7-13, 2016

Bosu’s wine, small plates

Bosu’s ‘Sips for Snips’ The Haywood Spay/Neuter fundraiser “Sips for Snips” will be held from 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 15, at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville.

Tickets are $30 and donors will receive a taste of four wines and hors d’oeuvres by Chef Jackie. There will also be a chance to win prizes: $100 Chef ’s Table gift certificate, free vet visit and dog and cat flea meds, a citrine necklace, a wellness package with product and one hour message, and more.

Tickets are available at Bosu’s and Haywood Spay/Neuter.

828.452.1329.

Smoky Mountain News

There will be a “Secret Wine Bar Night” from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 and 16 (both drop in), at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. The Secret Wine Bar at Bosu’s will host Chef Jackie’s “BYOB Dinner” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 ($50, by reservation).

Small plates by Chef Jackie will also be served on Sept. 8-9 and 16. www.waynesvillewine.com or 828.452.0120.

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September 7-13, 2016

arts & entertainment

On the street Macon County Fair opens in Franklin

you, or your group would like to volunteer in assisting this event, contact Mike Clampitt at 828.736.6222 or email mike6222@live.com.

The annual Macon County Fair will be Sept. 14-17 at the Wayne Proffitt Agricultural Center in Franklin.

Highlights of the event include opening ceremonies (1 p.m. Sept. 14), cross-cut saw demonstration (6 p.m. Sept. 15), barbecue supper (3 p.m. Sept. 16), kids pedal tractor pull (6 p.m. Sept. 16), cake contest (11 a.m.

Sept. 17), tractor driving contest (2 p.m.

Sept. 17). For a complete schedule, visit www.themaconcofair.com/agriculturalfair-franklin-nc.

828.369.3523.

Cataloochee ‘Way Back When’ dinner

First Responders Appreciation Day

Waynesville’s Rockin’ Block Party

The inaugural First Responders Appreciation Day will be held at 6 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 11, at Riverfront Park in Bryson City.

There has been a lot of interest generated

by Swain County residents and businesses.

Along with that, the local VFW Post will participate by having the “Missing Man Ceremony.”

Please remember that this is National Patriots Day, and will be the first appreciation cookout for Swain County First Responders.

There will also be live music, face painting for the children, and other activities. If

The last Rockin’ Block Party of the summer will be at from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, in downtown Waynesville.

From 6 to 7 p.m., the “Kids on Main” will begin with several merchant sponsored hands-on activities and a children’s area.

Live music will follow at 7 p.m. on the south end and north end in front of Tipping Point Brewing. Bands include ‘Round the Fire (Grateful Dead tribute), the 96.5 House Band (pop/rock), and more. There will also be food and craft vendors onsite. www.downtownwaynesville.com.

• There will a “Family Style” dinner held at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at Breaking Bread Café in Bethel. The meal will include baby back ribs, barbecue chicken, pulled-pork barbecue, corn on the cob, dessert, and more. $19.95 per person.

By reservation only. 828.648.3838.

pass, $8 for a weekend pass under age 12. www.handlebarcorral.com.

• A cornhole tournament to benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept.

17, at BearWaters Brewing in Waynesville. Live music will be provided by Chris Minick, with food available for tournament participants. $40 per team entry, two players per team with double elimination. Cash prizes for first, second and third place. Rain date is Sept. 24. 828.273.3601 or haywood@bbbswnc.org.

Smoky Mountain News

ALSO:

• The Darnell Farms Corn Maze will be open through Nov. 1 on U.S. 19 at the Tuckasegee River Bridge in Bryson City.

Besides the maze, there will also be a pumpkin patch, picnic area, farm fresh products, hayrides, and other activities.

828.488.2376.

• The Thunder in the Smokies fall rally will be Sept. 9-11 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Live music, vendors, 34 bike games, and more. $20 for a weekend

The “Way Back When” trout dinner will continue at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley.

The dinner showcases a recreation meal, music, storytelling and atmosphere of a 1930s Appalachian trout camp.

Cost is $39.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. To RSVP, call 828.926.1401 or 800.868.1401 or www.cataloocheeranch.com.

• A wine tasting will be held from 2 to 5 p.m.

Sept. 10 and 17 at Papou’s Wine Shop in Sylva. $5 per person. www.papouswineshop.com or 828.586.6300.

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

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

• The ceremonial Cherokee bonfires will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Oct. 1 Spend an evening with the Cherokee people by a roaring fire. Listen as Cherokee storytellers in period dress from the 17th century spin tales of days gone by, myths and mysteries passed down through the ages and talk of the history. Learn Cherokee survival skills and experience the dance. Your hosts will provide light refreshments, which include marshmallows for roasting and drinks.

The events are free and open to the public. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

Buckle your seat belt for the Mountain State Fair hrilling midway rides, dazzling shows, scads of exhibits and all your favorite fair food are rolling into WNC with the Mountain State Fair from Sept. 9-18 in Asheville.

Aside from the midway favorites like candy apples and the Ferris wheel, entertainment is running full tilt this year, including motorcycle stuntmen, African acrobats, extreme breakdancing troupe, sea lions, illusionists, comedians, equestrian acts and an extensive line-up of music. Appalachian heritage is on display throughout the fairgrounds, from agriculture to craft demonstrations to mountain music.

The web site — www.mountainfair.org — even has a feature allowing you to build an itinerary before you go. Discount entrance and ride tickets are on sale before the fair begins from Ingle’s, or check out these special offers:

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• Free gate admission on Wednesday, Sept. 14, if you bring five cans of Laura Lynn brand food from Ingles.

• Unlimited rides for $20 on Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 12-13, and Thursday, Sept.15.

• Friday Night Frenzy on Sept. 9 and Sept. 16 includes admission and unlimited rides for $25 starting at 9 p.m.

• Free gate admission for seniors on Friday, Sept. 16.

The 2016 N.C. Mountain State Fair returns to the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher Sept. 9-18. Discounted advance tickets are available at area Ingles stores, the WNC Agricultural Center and the WNC Farmers Market. Fairgoers can save $2 on gate admission tickets and 50 percent on ride tickets by purchasing in advance. More information about the fair is available at www.mountainfair.org.

Cajun Fall Fest in Murphy A Cajun Fall Fest will be held Sept. 16-18 at St. William Catholic Church on Andrews Road in Murphy.

There will be music and plenty of Cajun food, as well as beer, wine and soft drinks available. The 50/50 raffle tickets will be sold and the winner will receive half of the money collected. Food includes: Friday (fried/seafood platters including frog legs and shrimp), Saturday (two kinds of Jambalaya, crawfish fettuccine, Etouffee, hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries and baked goods) and Sunday (jambalaya, and a combination of other Cajun delights).

Admission is free.

arts & entertainment September 7-13, 2016

Smoky Mountain News

35

arts & entertainment

On the wall Can you make a book?

A map-fold bookmaking workshop will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, in the Atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Participants, using the map-fold technique, will be taught how to make a variety of handmade books. All materials will be provided. Participants do not need to have any experience in the arts. This workshop is for beginners and experts alike. The workshop is limited to 10 participants. Please call the Library to register.

Gayle Woody has lived in Sylva and Cullowhee for over 50 years. She has recently retired as the art teacher at Smoky Mountain High School. She is a member of the Jackson County Arts Council and has won numerous awards for her art. She is married to Phil Woody, who retired from teaching at Scotts Creek Elementary School, and has four children and twelve grandchildren.

This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

828.586.2016.

Fine Art Museum exhibit on iconic artist, alumnus Joel Morris.

Senior art showcase, book release

Smoky Mountain News

September 7-13, 2016

A new book written by the Cashiers Senior Center, A Splash of Color, Art and Stories Woven from Life’s Fabric, and an art exhibit displaying the many talents of the seniors will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the center. There will be a reading by the seniors, followed by a book signing and reception. All sales will be going toward providing for the seniors further classes without fees.

A Splash of Color contains the written and art work of the seniors, drawn from classes offered through Southwestern Community College: “Writing From the Heart Series” with Amy Ammons Garza, and “Pastel Painting” workshops with Doreyl Ammons Cain. Stories, poems and prose are taken from the lives of the writers and contains humor, mystery, reflections, opinions and wisdom. Some of the titles are “Holiday in Cyprus,” “Shadows,” “Retirement,” “Alligator Wrestling,” “The Mystery of the Painting,” and much more.

The afternoon event is sponsored by the Jackson County Department on Aging. The Cashiers Senior Center is located at 217 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, N.C. 28717. For more information, or to RSVP, call Linda Buchanan at 828.745.6856.

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A G U A R A N T E E D G R E AT N I G H T O U T he Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University is presenting an exhibition of paintings, miscellaneous art and memorabilia by the late Joel Morris, a WCU alumnus and iconic character who was fond of Cullowhee.

The “Artist and Friend” exhibit will be on display beginning Thursday, Sept. 8, with an opening reception scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m.

The showing ends Friday, Sept. 16.

Morris (1947-2014) was a 1973 graduate with a degree in fine arts and made a career as a painter, both in traditional styles as well as through outdoor murals on buildings across the state. A Joel Baxter Morris “Old Hippy” Scholarship was established in his memory by a circle of friends to benefit students in the WCU School of Art and Design.

One of those friends, Cullowhee businessman Norman West, said he remembers how

T 38 SPECIAL

STYX

OCTOBER 7

OCTOBER 15

MARTINA MCBRIDE

BRET MICHAELS

OCTOBER 22

AND SPECIAL GUESTS

WAR R ANT AN D FI R EHOU S E “T H E PA R T Y S TA R T S N OW ”

Morris had a “big-tooth grin” and infectious laugh, and an ability to create art almost immediately and out of anything.

“This exhibition is a tribute to Joel’s unique creative spirit, but also is a tribute to the generosity of his longtime friends who both contributed to the scholarship endowment and also loaned the art work for the show,” said Matt Liddle, director of the School of Art and Design. “He was a special part of Western Carolina University. You could say he immortalized the Townhouse Restaurant, a legendary local hangout that used to stand where Noble Hall is now, with a drawing that he made into prints.”

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, with extended hours on Thursdays to 7 p.m. Admission and parking are free. To learn more, visit fineartmuseum.wcu.edu or call 828.227.3591.

N O V E M B E R 19 Visit ticketmaster.com or call 1-800-745-3000 to purchase tickets.

Caesars.com

The birth of pop art Dr. Seth McCormick, assistant professor in the School of Art and Design at Western Carolina University, will host a discussion at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Haywood County Arts Council Waynesville. The talk will be titled, “The Color of Knowledge: Black Mountain College and the Birth of Pop Art.” McCormick earned a Ph.D. in Art History from Columbia University for his dissertation, “Jasper Johns, 1954-1958: Persecution and the Art of Painting.” Subsequently, he served as the inaugural Lewis B. and Dorothy Cullman Postdoctoral Fellow at the Yale University Art Gallery before joining the faculty at Western Carolina University. www.haywoodarts.org.

On the wall

The Youth Arts Festival will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Jackson County Green Energy Park in Dillsboro.

The popular festival features local and regional artists demonstrating their skills and sharing their love for their art. In addition to glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, and other demonstrations, artists will once again be working hands-on with the children to make pots, weave bookmarks, create glass mosaics, paint with tennis balls, and much more.

The GEP is an award-winning project that uses landfill gas and other renewable energy resources to fuel a variety of art studios and other efforts. There is no entrance fee to attend the Youth Arts Festival and all art activities are free as well. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. www.jcgep.org or 828.631.0271.

The Youth Arts Festival will be Sept. 17 at the Jackson County Green Energy Park.

Donated photo

Lake Logan artist, writer retreat The Cullowhee Mountain Arts “Late Summer Retreat” will be held Sept. 18-22 at Lake Logan.

The five-day, four-night retreat will host artist-in-residence Karen Weighs and writer-in-residence Pat RiviereSeel. Situated in approximately 300 acres of pristine beauty, the retreat center offers charming and comfortable cabins nestled among winding hiking and walking trails surrounding the 85-acre lake, fed by the Pigeon River flowing down from the Blue Ridge parkway. CMA sets up an airy and light filled studio and provides quiet and private writing spaces for both visual artists and writers.

Supplementary yoga, mindfulness sessions, an evening fire circle, and massages by appointment are offered to enrich your retreat experience.

Each cabin has a lovely view of the lake, private rooms with baths, with linens and coffee makers provided. The dining hall — with its large fireplaces, couches and chairs — provides a relaxing place to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee any time of the day. Three delicious meals are chef-prepared, using local veggies in season added to the menu. As a practicing artist myself, I understand the necessity of unfettered time and space to do our “sacred” work — to use our talents and give our gifts back to the world. Writers are free to come at a non-workshop price of $795 — including lodging, meals, workspace, yoga, mindfulness and interaction with visual artists. www.cullowheemountainarts.org.

arts & entertainment

Green Energy Park Youth Art Festival

September 7-13, 2016 Smoky Mountain News 37

arts & entertainment

On the wall • Paint Nite Waynesville will be held at 7 p.m. on Fridays at the Mad Anthony’s Bottle Shop & Beer Garden. Grab a pint of craft beer and get creative. $20 per person. Group rates available. Sign up at Mad Anthony’s or call host Robin Smathers at 828.400.9560. paintnitewaynesville@gmail.com.

Youth photography at Bascom

• There will an exclusive viewing and sale of original art from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville.

There will be paintings, jewelry, pottery, quilting, and more.

ALSO:

• “Art Beats for Kids” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 8 and 15 at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City. A new project every week. $20 per child, with includes lesson, materials and snack. To register, call 828.538.2054.

September 7-13, 2016

• A “DIY @ The Library” glass etching class with armour etch at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept.

15, at the Waynesville Public Library. All materials provided. To sign up, contact kolsen@haywoodnc.net or 828.356.2507.

• The next meeting of the Western North Carolina Woodturners Club, Inc. will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Blue Ridge School in Glenville. The school is located on Bobcat Drive. Drive to the back of the school to the woodworking shop. Visitors are always welcome. The club meets the first Thursday of every month March through November.

• There will be a reception for the folk art showcase from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. Refreshments and open discussions with the artists. www.fontanalib.org.

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newsdesk crafts

Smoky Mountain News

• The work of 50 Cherokee artists is on view in “Of Land & Spirit: Contemporary Art Today” at The Bascom Center in Highlands through Sept. 18. The exhibit includes both innovative work and enduring craft traditions, together presented with a historical context. Programming

1.

The “Photography of Bayard Wootten” exhibit will be on display through Nov. 23 in the Mountain Heritage Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

Wootten was a female pioneer in the field of photography from the early 1900s to 1950s, when men dominated the field. All 35 photographs in this exhibition are of North Carolina subjects, which are on loan through from North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives at UNC-Chapel Hill. includes Friday tours with Cherokee docents. Open seven days a week. Free. www.thebascom.org.

• The Adult Coloring Group will meet at 2 p.m. on Fridays in the Living Room of the Macon County Public Library in Franklin.

An afternoon of creativity and camaraderie.

Supplies are provided, or bring your own.

Beginners are welcome as well as those who already enjoy this new trend. kmoe@fontanalib.org or 828.524.3600.

• “Stitch,” the community gathering of those interested in crochet, knit and needlepoint, meet at 2:30 p.m. every first Sunday of the month at the Canton Public Library. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.haywoodlibrary.org.

2.

3.

A youth photography program will be offered for ages 12-16 on Tuesday afternoons in September and October at The Bascom in Highlands. Private lessons are also available. For complete listings of dates, times and topics, or to register, visit www.thebascom.org or call 828.526.4949.

Bryson community art exhibit The Annual Community Art Exhibit at the Swain Arts Center will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, on the campus of Swain County High School in Bryson City.

The collection includes over 70 pieces of artwork in a variety of mediums. Artists on exhibit include Jeff Marley (altered book), Debbie Mills (baskets), Melissa R. Owen (acrylic), Larry Klug (photography) Kim Holt (quilting), Michelle Ellis (oil), Kenyon Holt (ink and marker), Barbara Robinson (watercolor), Jim Ewing (wood work), Kay OrrGoetz (decoupage, alcohol ink), Lydia Dingle

(needlework, colored pencil, photography), Edith Dingle (graphite and photography), Susan Coe (pottery), Thurman Breedlove (acrylic), Margaret Varner (batik, felt weaving), Judith Revere (watercolor), Joe Atzenhoffer (turned wood bowls), Mayna White (pottery), Carmen Holland (stoneware, rag dolls), and Margaret Oren (stoneware).

Lori Richards of Sylva will provide flute music. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Everyone is invited to come meet the artists and enjoy an afternoon of visual and performing art. For more information, contact Rachel Lackey, director of the Swain Arts Center, at rlackey@swainmail.org or 828.488.7843.

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The GIBSON BROTHERS

arts & entertainment

Bluegrass as big as the mountains.

Eddie Rose & the Highway 40 Band Possum on a Whale Hill Country Band

Cataloochee Ranch

BBQ BY FRIENDS OF THE FRANCIS GRIST MILL DIRECTIONS:

TICKETS: $10 ON THE DAY OF THE MUSIC $7 in advance

Call 828-456-6307 for advance tickets

SPONSORS: Patton Morgan & Clark • K-9 Curriculum Johnny On The Spot • Mountain Dreams Realty New Life Wellness Center • Mamma Moody’s Fried Pies Smoky Mountain News WPTL Radio Real Country • Elements Salon

Smoky Mountain News

Hwy. 276S from Downtown Waynesville to Hugh Massie Road. The mill is on the right.

September 7-13, 2016

Music at the Mill is a celebration of our WNC heritage at the 129-year old Francis Grist Mill, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013! Enjoy crafts, Mama Moody’s fried pies and milling demonstrations. Bring your own lawn chair; service animals only. BBQ By Friends of the Francis Grist Mill.

Sponsored by the Francis Mill Preservation Society 39

40

Books

Smoky Mountain News

Sociologist got it wrong; religion is on the uptick

Jeff Minick

In 1968, Peter Berger, a Boston University sociologist, told the New York Times that by “the 21st century, religious believers are likely to be found only in small sects, huddled together to resist a worldwide secular culture …. The predicament of the believer is increasingly like that of a Tibetan astrologer on a prolonged visit to an American university.”

In 1997, Peter Berger “gracefully recanted his belief in Writer secularization.”

In the opening pages of The Triumph Of Faith: Why The World Is More Religious Than Ever (Intercollegiate Studies Press, 2015, 259 pages), Rodney Stark, Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences at Baylor University, uses Berger’s original prediction and subsequent recantation as indicative of the way many intellectuals and cultural prognosticators view religion. According to these commentators, we live in “the age of atheism,” an age in which secular beliefs reign supreme and religious faith is dying. To such observers, religious faith seems less and less important, inhabiting a tiny dark corner of the public square.

Not so, contends Professor Stark.

In The Triumph Of Faith, he concludes that religion is not shrinking around the world; on the contrary, it is growing — and rapidly. Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam in particular are increasing in the numbers of their adherents and what Stark calls “higher levels of member commitment.” And as Stark demonstrates, even those who neglect attendance in a temple, church, or mosque, or who turn their backs altogether on organized religion, are unlikely to become non-believers.

The vast majority of Americans, for instance, who claim no religious affiliation “still pray and believe in angels!”

What sets The Triumph Of Faith apart from so many books on this subject is its

ple around the globe, insights often contradictory to our popular prejudices and beliefs.

In Latin America, for instance, Stark finds evidence of a religious revival among both Protestants and Catholics. Protestantism, which some South American governments banned even into the 20th century, is now thriving. Originally evangelized by Americans and Europeans, the native population now produces most of its own ministers and missionaries.

Catholicism in many of these countries has also acquired a new vigor; the number of seminarians on this continent, for instance, has quadrupled since 1960, and the current pope, Francis I, is Argentinian.

Other charts and statistics tell of the amazing growth of Christianity in such diverse places as sub-Sahara Africa and China. In the former, this growth is an often-unremarked phenomenon of our time. Not only do the great majority of people in such countries as the Congo, Kenya, and South Africa claim to be Christian, but they also attend weekly church in far higher numbers than their Western counterparts. In China, Stark believes that the spiritual deprivation The Triumph Of Faith: Why The World Is More Religious Than of the people, which reached Ever by Rodney Stark. Intercollegiate Studies Press, 2015. 259 pages. its peak during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s, accounts for the subsequent rapid growth of ulation: statistics, numbers, polls, and data.

To some readers, this approach may sound Christianity and Buddhism. Indeed, because of its large population, China may soon be dusty and pedantic, but again such is not the home to the largest Christian community in case. The subject of religion, like politics, fasthe world. cinates many of us, and Stark, a lively, engagGiven the current state of affairs in the ing writer, has aimed his book both at scholIslamic world, Stark’s figures and charts are ars and the general public. In addition, the especially pertinent. For example, The Gallup polls he cites provide some astounding World Poll found that in nearly every Middle insights into the beliefs and practices of peoempiricism. Stark is a social scientist, not a professor of theology, and in his arguments he relies on hard evidence rather than mere spec-

Eastern country the more highly educated citizens were more likely to be found at weekly mosque attendance (the same holds true, by the way, in China).

Regarding Muslims who endorse Shari’a, the pollsters discovered that great majorities of Muslims believe Shari’a should either be the only source of government legislation or a source of legislation. Polls cited by Stark also reveal the ongoing Muslim bias against Jews.

In nine Muslim countries, for example, the number of Jewish residents declined from 848,000 in 1948 to 5,000 in 2015. Some of these Jews willingly immigrated to the newly founded state of Israel, but many were driven from their homes by their Muslim neighbors.

Another poll shows the high levels of antiSemitism throughout the Arab World.

Interestingly, Iranians came in at 56 percent the Index of Anti-Semitism, the lowest of any of the countries surveyed.

The chapters “The ‘Unchurched’ Japanese” and “The Hindu Revival” were particularly interesting to me, mostly because of my ignorance regarding the religious practices of Japan and India.

Benjamin Disraeli once supposedly said: “There are three kinds of lies: Lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Certainly some scholars will take Stark’s empirical evidence and find flaws in it. One minor example: he writes that the record numbers of Muslims making their annual pilgrimage to Mecca signifies a greater religious fervency. I would agree, but it also seems likely more Muslims are undertaking this pilgrimage because of modern and less costly modes of travel.

But this is a quibble. The Triumph Of Faith, with its charts and data, and Stark’s engaging commentary, is an instructive and entertaining book. By exploding some of the myths concocted by certain scholars and writers regarding the death of religion and spirituality, Stark reminds us that we form our opinions within a tiny circle of friends and colleagues, and that these biases may crash and burn when they smack up against reality.

A thought to keep in mind in this election year of 2016.

Chappell returns to Haywood Poet, novelist and Canton native Fred Chappell will discuss his memories of Haywood County during a presentation at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Colonial Theatre in Canton. The event will be a celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Haywood County Public Library.

Chappell is a former professor of English at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He was the Poet Laureate of North Carolina from 1997 to 2002. His 1968 novel Dagon was named the Best Foreign Book of the Year by the Academie Francaise. Chappell’s literary awards include the Aiken Taylor Award for Modern American Poetry, the Prix de Meilleur des Livres Etrangers, the Bollingen Prize, and the T. S. Eliot Prize. He has also won two World Fantasy Awards.

Spoken word at WCU

• Authors Caroline Duckworth and Bryan Lane will discuss “Smart Travel to Franceâ€? at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

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September 7-13, 2016

Artist Elizabeth Acevedo will host a spoken word poetry reading at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 14, in UC Illusions Room 309 at Western Carolina University.

Acevedo was born and raised in New York City and her poetry is infused with Dominican bolero and her beloved city’s tough grit. She holds a B.A. in performing arts from The George Washington University and an MFA in creative writing from the University of Maryland.

With over 12 years of performance experience, Acevedo has been a featured performer on BET and Mun2, as well as delivered several TED Talks. She has graced stages nationally and internationally including renowned venues such as The Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, the Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, and South Africa’s State Theatre, The Bozar in Brussels, and the National Library of Kosovo; she is also well known for poetry videos, which have gone viral and been picked up by PBS, Latina Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and Upworthy.

Acevedo is a National Slam Champion, Beltway Grand Slam Champion, and the 2016 Women of the World Poetry Slam representative for Washington, D.C, where she lives and works.

Her poems have been published or are forthcoming in Puerto Del Sol, Callaloo, Poet Lore, The Notre Dame Review, and others. Acevedo is a Cave Canem Fellow, Cantomundo Fellow, and participant of the Callaloo Writer’s Workshop. She is the author of two poetry collections: her chapbook, Beastgirl & Other Origin Myths (Yes Yes Books, 2016) and her first full-length collect and winner of the of the 2016 Berkshire Prize, Medusa Reads La Negra’s Palm (Tupelo Press, 2017). www.wcu.edu.

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• Regional thriller author Lawrence Thackstone will host a book signing from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

Find us at: facebook.com/smnews

Smoky Mountain News

• Local author and homesteader Ashley English will host a “DIY Butter and Yogurtâ€? presentation at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Waynesville Public Library. The program is free and open to the public. To signup, call 828.356.2507 or email kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

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Outdoors

Smoky Mountain News

42

Keeping an open view The property offers sweeping views of mountain towns and ridges. Donated photo

Homebuilding company wants to sell Plott Balsam tract for conservation

BY HOLLY KAYS STAFF WRITER igh in the Plott Balsams, there’s a swath of property riddled with panoramic views, sparking waterfalls and high-elevation solitude that was once destined for development. But more than a decade after purchasing it, America’s Homeplace has yet to build a single structure — and now the homebuilding company is offering the 912 acres at a reduced rate for long-term conservation.

“It’s a beautiful piece of property, kind of a

H

one-of-a-kind piece,” said Stacy Buchanan, regional president for the company and a Jackson County native. “There’s not many pieces this large left in the Southern Appalachians.”

The land features a 320-degree view that looks out over Sylva, Cherokee and Waterrock Knob. At more than a mile high, it contains the headwaters of Blackrock Creek, Hornbuckle Creek and Shut in Creek — which are all major tributaries of Soco Creek — as well as rare plant and forest communities.

It’s also situated at a strategically important place for conservation, abutting Sylva’s Pinnacle Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Qualla Boundary and land that will soon become part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, forming the new Waterrock Knob Park.

“It’s kind of a piece of the puzzle that would allow all those public lands in the Plott Balsams to really tie in, all the way from Waterrock Knob, all the way to the town of Sylva, all the way to Dicks Creek through the Forest Service, all the way through Cherokee,” Buchanan said.

A development built there would rival anything else Western North Carolina, Buchanan said, because you can’t construct views like the ones this property offers naturally. And now that the recession is ebbing and the economy picking back up, it might be feasible for development plans to resume once more. But Buchanan said that what the company really wants is to see the land conserved and the views protected.

That’s why they’re willing to cut a deal to

The 912-acre America’s Homeplace property — the majority of which is contained in the orange 400- and 470-acre properties displayed — sits at the junction of several jurisdictions of public land. The contiguous SAHC property is in the process of being conveyed to the National Park Service. Donated graphic

sell the land for conservation purposes.

“Once it’s developed, you can’t take it back,” Buchanan said. “You can’t take the viewshed back.”

The challenge, however, is coming up with the money. In a letter sent to both Sylva and Jackson County, America’s Homeplace requested $4.25 million for the property.

“Even if it’s a bargain sale, it’s still a fair amount of money,” said Bill Holman, North Carolina director for The Conservation Fund, who’s been discussing the property with Buchanan for years. “Public and private money would need to be raised and we’d need to figure out where that money would come from.”

Town and county leaders seemed receptive to the idea of conserving the land, but they balked at the price tag.

“The town does not have that kind of money,” said Sylva Town Manager Paige Dowling. “It’s more than our budget, more than is in the Fisher Creek Fund.”

Sylva’s entire 2015-16 budget clocked in at $3.3 million, and its Fisher Creek Fund — money the town got for placing a conservation easement on the Pinnacle Park property, to be used for water quality projects — currently holds $3.2 million, with the town already discussing other projects that would draw on those funds.

“It is a lot of money,” agreed Jackson County Commission Chairman Brian McMahan.

Sylva’s town board briefly discussed the offer at its Aug. 25 meeting, with mention of conversations continuing down the road.

“I definitely want to get some talks going with some of our local conservation groups and see what can be worked out,” Commissioner David Nestler said in a followup interview.

The money is the biggest obstacle, but there’s always the possibility of grant funding to pursue. However, Dowling cautioned that grant awards in $4 million range are few and far between.

At the Aug. 25 meeting, meanwhile, Duke Energy’s district manager Lisa Leatherman, who was present to comment on a different agenda item, chimed in with a few suggestions of places the town might look for funding.

“There are resources there,” she said. “I encourage you to look for them.”

Holman remains optimistic

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Outdoor physical education for homeschoolers dination, balance, nutrition and healthy habits. Offered 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Mondays for kindergarten through fourth grade and 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Mondays for fifth through 12th grade, Sept.

12 to Nov. 7.

Classes will meet at the Waynesville Recreation Center but travel to other locations. $40 for Rec Center members and $50 for nonmembers.

Register at the Rec Center by Sept. 9.

Tim Petrea, 828.456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

We are proud to accept insurance plans from these local employers:

outdoors

Homeschoolers will access exercise and outdoor adventure this fall with a pair of physical education classes to be offered through the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department.

■ The Base Camp Adventure Physical Education Class will focus on bicycling, disc golf, birding and hiking. Offered 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays, Sept. 12 to Nov. 7, for fifth through 12th grades.

■ The Base Camp Endurance Physical Education Class will focus on building fitness, strength, cardiovascular health, coor-

Call today to learn more about your specific coverage

828.456.3211 smokymtneye.com

Explore a high-elevation valley A loop hike through the headwaters of Flat Laurel Creek will travel a path surrounded by high peaks and spruce-fir forests beginning 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at the Black Balsam Trailhead.

The moderate, 2.5-mile hike will be led by a Blue Ridge Parkway ranger, who will discuss what makes the ecosystem around it so special.

The Black Balsam Trailhead is located at the end of Black Balsam Road, accessed from the Parkway near milepost 420 on the Haywood-Transylvania county line. Hikers should bring water, hiking shoes and clothing for changeable weather.

828.298.5330, ext. 304.

HAYWOOD COUNTY BIG SWEEP September 17th Volunteers Needed

Haywood Waterways and Haywood Community College will lead cleanups along Allens and Richland Creeks 9:00 AM at the PetSmart parking lot (321 Town Center Loop, Waynesville) Dress for working outside; closed-toed shoes required Trash bags, trash grabbers, gloves, refreshments, and picnic lunch provided

September 7-13, 2016

RSVP required by September 14th: 828-476-4667 or christine.haywoodwaterways@gmail.com.

Thank you to the Tennessee Valley Authority Reservoirs & Community Stream Cleanups Fund for supporting the 2016 Big Sweep!

Smoky Mountain News

and biking trails, Buchanan said. There’s that if the desire is there to see the project already a gravel road through the property through, the funding will materialize. that America’s Homeplace built recently.

“If there’s a good project and a lot of With discussion emerging about creatsupport, often the funding will come ing a mountain biking trail system in contogether to make it happen,” he said. tiguous Pinnacle Park, the America’s That’s a scenario that Holman’s seen Homeplace property could be integral to borne out quite recently, when The maximizing Conservation Fund comthose efforts. pleted a years-long project But to purchase and convey orchestrating 2,986 acres in the Plott such projects Balsams to the National takes time.

Park Service, forming The conserWaterrock Knob Park. An vation Fund additional 2,343 acres has has been been purchased by a working on coalition of other conserthe vation groups — The Waterrock Nature Conservancy, the Knob Park Conservation Trust for project since North Carolina and the 2011, and the Southern Appalachian final papers Highlands Conservancy were signed — and will be added to less than a the new park within the month ago. If next year. all the entiConserving the ties involved America’s Homeplace decide it’s a property, which is conproject worth tiguous to the future pursuing, it Waterrock Knob Park, could be would only amplify the value of other conservaBlackrock Falls is one of the many waterfalls years before tion efforts in the Plott that tumbles through the 912-acre property. America’s Balsams.

Donated photo. Homeplace gets a dime “I think it’s something for the property. There are basic questions that we ought to seriously take a look at one to be answered first, such as a specific price day,” McMahan said. “It connects all those agreement and consensus as to who the properties that run all the way through long-term owner of the property might be.

Blackrock up to Waterrock Knob.”

Buchanan says the company is willing to The parcels sit neatly among all the wait, if waiting will result in the property other conserved pieces along the Parkway, being conserved. and unlike the ruggedly steep terrain that “We would really like to see it go this characterizes much of the area, the property way,” he said. “If it doesn’t, someone would is rife with gently rolling ridgetops and old take it and develop the property.” logging roads that would make great hiking

haywoodwaterways.org info@haywoodwaterways.org | 828-476-4667 Haywood Waterways is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

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outdoors September 7-13, 2016

Carbon offsets program starts A relaunched carbon offsets program will give business, organizations and individuals in Western North Carolina a way to turn their energy emissions into efficiency upgrades for area nonprofit and organization facilities.

The Appalachian Offsets program, done through the WNC Green Building Council, originally began in 2005, completing four efficiency retrofits in the following two years.

However, interest waned with the recession and the program fell into dormancy. The relaunch is made by possible by grants from the Kendeda Fund and the Ray Anderson Foundation.

Through Appalachian Offsets, supporters can offset their emissions by paying into a community fund that helps make energy¬efficiency improvements within local nonprofits, schools and low-income housing. The goal is to reduce the global impact of climate change while making a local impact through upgrading inefficient lighting and supporting use of clean energy.

Projects will be transparent, ensuring that buyers know which specific projects their contributions help fund.

A carbon calculator for businesses and individuals to determine their footprint and learn more about projects to be supported by the offsets is available at www.cutmycarbon.org.

Meander with monarchs at the arboretum A day dedicated to honoring and preserving the struggling monarch butterfly will be full of activity 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the N.C. Arboretum in Asheville.

The agenda will include monarch butterfly releases at 11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., educational presentations at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., a milkweed plant sale, make-and-take seed bombs, a butterfly craft station, face painting and LEGO brick building.

Monarch butterflies are known for the 3,000-mile voyage they make each year to Mexico, where they cluster to spend the winter, but their populations have been suffering dramatic losses — 20 years ago an estimated 1 billion monarchs made the yearly migration, while in 2015 only an estimated 150 million completed it.

Free with the Arboretum’s standard $12 parking fee.

828.665.2492 or ncarboretum.org.

Make a difference for monarchs An afternoon dedicated to monarch butterflies and discovering what people can do to help them survive will be held Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Cradle of Forestry in America.

Bring Back the Monarchs will kick off at

Smoky Mountain News

2 p.m. with a presentation by Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist Joyce Pearsall featuring monarch biology with servings of math, geography and culture, as well as free milkweed seed packets to help increase habitat for the struggling butterfly. Migrating monarchs can be seen on the Cradle’s lawnto-meadow conversion areas, and a 3:30

p.m. tour through the Monarch Waystation on site will show how people can make a difference for monarchs in their own yards. $5 for ages 16 and up and free for youth, with America the Beautiful and Golden Age passports honored. www.cradleofforestry.org or 828.877.3130.

Dig into dowsing A long-time dowser will present his accumulated knowledge about locating belowground resources at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Tom Stewart has been a dowser since 1981, with specialties in locating potable water, utilities and lost graves. The beginners’ class will include a discussion of tools, tips and techniques and a question-and-answer period, with a hands-on guided practice session to follow.

Free. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

828.586.2016.

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Monarch butterflies have an awe-inspiring migration pattern and intricate life cycle, but their numbers are dwindling. Arboretum photo

28 Maple St. • Sylva

361-58

Race season is here

A meeting between leaders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians brought tribal members a little closer to being able to gather plants on national park land.

On Aug. 11, a federal rule went into effect that will allow members of recognized Indian tribes to forge agreements with the National Park Service to gather plants for traditional purposes, so now the park and tribe must determine how that rule might be implemented in the Smokies.

“The relationship we have with the park has strengthened and we are Cherokee and Smokies leaders work to discuss a excited to share our traditional ecoplanning process for letting tribal members gathlogical knowledge on how we have er plants on park land. NPS photo harvested these plants for thousands of years in this landscape,” said Principal Chief Patrick Lambert. tions and also carry out our agency's misIn the meeting, a framework was sion to protect these very special resources established to outline the steps for develfor future generations. I truly believe that oping an agreement. The agreement will we can achieve both of these goals by likely focus on the gathering of ramps and working together,” said Park sochan, which is also known as greenSuperintendent Cassius Cash. headed coneflower.

The final federal rule on gathering is The first step will be completion of an online at http://bit.ly/2cm3j3c.

We’re having fun — Come join us!

Channel the power of pink A 5K run and walk to support early breast cancer detection will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at the Haywood Regional Fitness Center.

The Power of Pink 5K will begin with a traditional 5K race at 9 a.m., with a 1-mile Honor/Memory/Survivor Walk following. Dog-lovers and their canine sidekicks are welcome to run as well, with all dogs required to be on leash with tags and up-to-date shots.

Proceeds will help underserved women in Haywood County get mammograms to find breast cancer early. Since 2007, 800 women in Haywood have received these life-saving cancer screenings. $30 5K registration; $20 for those running as part of a team. $10 for the walk. $10 for dog registration.

The race is organized by the Haywood Health Care Foundation and presented by Glory Hound Events. www.gloryhoundevents.com/event/power-of-pink-5k.

A family-friendly paddling competition will take over the Tuckaseigee River for the seventh year running at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Locust Creek Access Point of the Jackson County Greenway on Old Cullowhee Road.

The Cullowhee Canoe Slalom will feature nine gates on flat but moving water, with competition categories including single open canoe, double open touring canoe, decked double canoe, parent and child canoe, men’s single kayak, women’s single kayak, kid’s kayak for ages 12 and under and stand up paddleboard.

The course will be set up by 1 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 9, and open the rest of the day for practice. $5 per person, per category, with preregistration required at Western Carolina University’s Base Camp Cullowhee — located at the WCU Campus Recreation Center — or online. Email basecamp@wcu.edu for registration website address.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the WCU Parks and Recreation Management Program Scholarship Fund. In conjunction with the event, the Cullowhee Revitalization Endeavor organization will hold a raffle to benefit a proposed river park project.

Organized by PRM students and Base Camp Cullowhee.

CLASSES DAILY • DAY PASSES AVAILABLE

WAYNESVILLE

Smoky Mountain News

Slalom down the Tuck

September 7-13, 2016

■ The Naturalist Trail Race will challenge runners with 25K and 50K distances along the Bartram Trail on Saturday, Oct. 8.

Organized by Outdoor 76, the race will begin in downtown Franklin and head to Wallace Branch to climb Wayah Bald. The 25K race involves 7,000 feet of climbing and the 50K route climbs more than 10,500 feet. $65 for the 25K and $80 for the 50K with registration limited to 100 racers total. www.ultrasignup.com.

■ The Bethel Half Marathon and 5K will send runners through the rolling farmlands of Bethel as fall colors change the landscape Saturday, Oct. 8.

Sanctioned by the Asheville Track Club, race times will be submitted to the ATC Grand Prix Series, with cash prizes given to top male and female half-marathon finishers. $25 for the 5K and $40 for the halfmarathon, with prices rising $5 for day-of registration. Register by Sept. 20 for a guaranteed T-shirt size. www.imathlete.com.

■ The Conquer the Mountain Half Marathon will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, from the Tassee Shelter of the Little Tennessee Greenway in Franklin.

A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center to fund medical needs at SMPCC clinics and other needs to allow the organization to carry out its mission. $45 or $60 for a two-person team.

David Linn, 828.421.7637 or briningit2life@gmail.com.

Environmental Assessment, which must reveal a finding of no significant impact.

An EA for sochan is expected over the next 12-18 months. Park and tribe leaders will work together to develop an agreement in line with the EA, using it to determine appropriate quantities and locations for traditional gathering to ensure sustainability and protection of selected species.

“We look forward to working with the tribe to both honor Cherokee Indian tradi-

outdoors

With the heat of summer fading away, the season is here for running and races. If you’re in the mood to pound some ground in the cooled-down air, consider working toward one of these longer races on tap for the fall.

■ The Tsali Challenge Triathlon will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, pushing participants to complete a 3-mile lake paddle on Lake Fontana, a 13-mile mountain bike ride on Tsali’s Mouse Branch and Thompson loops, and a 5-mile trail run on Tsali’s Right Loop.

Participants can race all three legs or form a team of three, with each person tackling one sport. $65 pre-registration or $75 day-of, with discounts for team registration. Proceeds support MedicForce, a local nonprofit that establishes sustainable first-aid services in small communities around the world. www.noc.com/events/tsali-adventuretriathlon.

■ The Cherokee Harvest Half Marathon and 5K will take off at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, from the Acquoni Events Center in Cherokee, covering the whole town in a mostly flat course.

Proceeds benefit the Madison Hornbuckle Children’s Cancer Foundation, which serves kids 17 and under with cancer in Jackson, Graham, Swain and Haywood Counties. Last year’s event raised more than $17,000 for the cause. $30 for the 5K and $50 for the half marathon, with online registration open through Sept. 29. www.imathlete.com.

Park, tribe work to institute plant gathering privileges for tribal members

RECREATION CENTER 550 Vance St. • Waynesville • 828.456.2030

www.townofwaynesville.org

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Native plants will get the spotlight during the Cherokee Heritage Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Cherokee Homestead Exhibit in Hayesville.

The schedule includes a native plant scavenger hunt hosted by the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, and HRWC restoration specialist Tony Ward will conduct native plant walks at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Horticulturists will serve as guides through the Native Botanical Garden.

The festival will also feature Cherokee people practicing a variety of traditional Tony Ward. Donated photo skills passed down through the generations.

Free. Sponsored by Clay County Communities Revitalization Association

and Clay County Travel and Tourism.

For a full schedule, visit cccra-nc.org.

All manner of vegetables, baked goods, photography and handiwork are wanted at the 63rd annual Macon County Fair, with entries accepted 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Macon County Fair Grounds.

Entries will be judged the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 14, prior to the fair’s 1 p.m. opening, with exhibit checkout by noon Monday, Sept. 19. All contests include a youth category for ages 9-18 through Macon County 4-H. The fair agenda is packed full, with events including: ■ A dog agility demonstration at 1 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 15.

■ A cross-cut saw demonstration at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15.

■ A preschool kids fun day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16.

■ A tractor driving contest at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17.

■ A market steer sale and show at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 17.

■ A horse show at noon Sunday, Sept. 18.

A complete schedule is at www.themaconcofair.com.

828.369.3523 for fair questions or 828.349.2046 for questions related to youth competitions.

Smoky Mountain News

Donated photo

Rewind to the early days of Lake Logan The story of Lake Logan and how its history intertwines with the legacy of Carl Schenk, the father of forest conservation in our country, will be told at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Lake Logan Episcopal Center.

Cindy Carpenter, education and interpretation program manager for the Cradle of Forestry in America, will give the lecture.

Schenk taught the country’s first generation

of foresters how to conserve and protect mountain forests, and one of his early teaching locations was the Sunburst Community of Haywood County, which would later become Lake Logan. $25, with lunch included. Register at www.lakelogan.org.

Lake Logan is located along N.C. 215 in Haywood County.

828.648.4547.

Camp out at the library A family campout at the Jackson County Library will feature a plethora of lights-out fun beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13.

All ages are welcome to partake in an obstacle course through the library wilderness, crafts to feed feathery friends and s’mores. Flashlights will come in handy.

Free. Sponsored by Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

828.586.2016.

Become a fall color clairvoyant The tools for predicting the strength of coming fall color will be taught in a fall foliage presentation at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva.

Dan Pittillo, a retired biology professor whose career included 14 years as Western Carolina University’s fall color predictor, will teach the program.

“I’ll give the steps I use to come up with the predictions beginning with the spring

Dan Pittillo. Donated photo

growth of trees, summer rainfall and fall droughts, bright sunny days and frost,” Pittillo said.

“This will help the observers to make a personal expectation of the quality of color change to expect.”

Free. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

828.586.2016.

Become a watershed warrior mobile technology to help you get a lot less mobile.

Log on. Plan a trip.

And start kicking back.

46

Carl Schenck visits Sunburst — modernday Lake Logan — with an early class of forestry students.

It’s fair time in Franklin

September 7-13, 2016

outdoors

Plants and traditional skills celebrated at heritage festival

A crash course in aquatic insects and how to detect their presence in mountain waters will be held 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, at UNC Asheville.

The training, held twice yearly, aims to equip prospective volunteers to help sample streams for water quality. After completing the program, volunteers will work in small groups with leaders to sample a minimum of two sites per season, once in the spring and once in the fall. The process takes two to three hours per site, and sites are located in Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Yancey and Mitchell counties. Data is then shared with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality for use in watershed management and planning.

A $15-20 donation is requested to cover material costs but not required. RSVP to 828.333.0392 or staff@eqilab.org. www.eqilab.org.

WNC Calendar COMMUNITY EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS • Limited edition prints of the “Golden Threads” Shindig mural, which is outside Pack Square Park in Asheville, are available for sale with a “Stories of Mountain Folk” CD. Proceeds benefit Shindig on the Green and the Catch the Spirit of Appalachian Scholarship program facilitated through Southwestern Community College. 293.2239.

• The Darnell Farms Corn Maze will be open from Sept.

3 through Nov. 1 on U.S. 19 at the Tuckasegee River Bridge in Bryson City. Besides the maze, there will also be a pumpkin patch, picnic area, farm fresh products, hayrides, and other activities. 488.2376.

• America’s Home Place is hosting a Hometown Heroes Open House from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 335 NP&L Loop in Franklin. Model home tour, barbecue, inflatables, pet adoption. A three percent discount available for active and retired military, law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel. A $500 donation will be made in the customer’s name to the 9/11 memorial to be constructed at Southwestern Community College’s Public Safety Training Center. 349.0990 or americashomeplace.com.

• A “Missing Man Ceremony” will be held in observation of National Patriots Day at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, at Riverfront Park in Bryson City. Live music, face painting, cookout and other activities. To volunteer, contact Mike Clampitt at 736.6222 or mike6222@live.com.

• The September meeting of the Beaverdam Community Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12.

Mike Carraway, a wildlife biologist with the Wildlife Resources Commission, is the guest speaker.

• Jackson County Public Library Camp-Out is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13. 586.2016.

• A celebration of the Haywood County Library’s 125th birthday is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Canton Library.

• Macon County Fair Sept. 14-17. Highlights of the event include opening ceremonies (1 p.m. Sept. 14), cross-cut saw demonstration (6 p.m. Sept. 15), bbq supper (3 p.m. Sept. 16), kids pedal tractor pull (6 p.m.

Sept. 16), cake contest (11 a.m. Sept. 17), tractor driving contest (2 p.m. Sept. 17). There will also be numerous livestock shows, entertainment and live music throughout the fair. For a complete schedule, www.themaconcofair.com/agricultural-fair-franklin-nc.

369.3523. Macon.ces.ncsu.edu. 349.2046.

All phone numbers area code 828 unless otherwise noted.

Guests sit by the fire near the Oconaluftee riverside enjoying a unique and entertaining experience. The events are free and open to the public. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• Coloring Club will be hosted on the second Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m. at Canton Library.

Color pencils and color pages supplied. For ages 8 to 108. 648.2924.

• Beginners Chess Club is held on Fridays at 4 p.m. at the Canton Public Library. Ages 8-108 invited to participate. 648.2924.

• Oconaluftee Indian Village is now opened for the 2016 season through November, located next to the Oconaluftee Visitors Center in Cherokee. Witness the challenges of Cherokee life at a time of rapid cultural change. Tour guides help you explore the historic events and figures of the 1760’s. Visitors can interact with villagers as they participate in their daily activities. The village also hosts live reenactments, interactive demonstrations, and hands-on Cherokee pottery for kids classes. The village is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Saturday. www.visitcherokeenc.com.

• Qualla Boundary Historical Society meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Everyone is welcome.

BUSINESS & EDUCATION • A seminar entitled “A Small Business’ Guide to The Final Rule regarding Salary Levels for Exempt Employees” will be offered by the Small Business Center at Haywood Community College from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the HCC Regional High Technology Center Auditorium. Featuring attorney Jonathan Yarbrough of Constangy, Brooks, Smith and Prophete.

Info and to register: SBC.Haywood.edu or 627.4512.

• A “Relevant Resumes for the New Economy” program is scheduled for 10 a.m.-noon on Monday, Sept. 12, at the Haywood County Public Library in Waynesville. Signup required: 356.2507.

• A class on Twitter will be offered at 5:54 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Led by Tim Tweed and Sarah Beckmann. Register: 586.2016. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

• Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina’s “Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse” and other training will be offered Sept. 21-22 at Haywood Community College’s Regional High Tech Center in Waynesville. Training is from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 21 and from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 22. Register by Sept. 16.

• Dr. Seth McCormick, assistant professor in the School of Art and Design at Western Carolina University, will host a discussion at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Haywood County Arts Council Waynesville. The talk will be titled, “The Color of Knowledge: Black Mountain College and the Birth of Pop Art.” www.haywoodarts.org.

• Coffee with a Cop is scheduled for 7-9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, at Panacea Coffee Co. in Waynesville.

Sponsored by Waynesville Police Department.

• An English as a second-language community liaison for Durham Public Schools will discuss opportunities and obstacles for Latina/Latino students applying for college in North Carolina at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, in Niggli Theatre on Western Carolina University’s campus in Cullowhee. Info: 227.3272 or mdbirkhofer@wcu.edu.

• “Turmoil on the Southwestern Frontier in 1776” will be presented by John Slaughter, National Park Service superintendent, from 10-11:30 a.m. on Sept. 17 at the Waynesville Public Library.

• A celebration of Haywood County Library’s 125th anniversary is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Fines Creek Library.

• Cruise in Maggie Valley event is held from 1-5 p.m. every Sunday at 2771 Soco Road. Vendors: $10 per space. Cruising@MaggieValleyAntiques.com.

• The ceremonial Cherokee bonfires will run from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Oct. 1. At Oconaluftee Island Park in Cherokee. The bonfires

• One-on-one computer lessons are offered weekly at the Waynesville and Canton branches of the Haywood County Public Library. Lesson slots are available from 10 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Canton and from 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Library. Sign up at the front desk of either library or call 356.2507 for the Waynesville Library or 648.2924 for the Canton Library.

• Hunter Safety courses will be offered by Haywood Community College and the N.C. Wildlife Resources

Smoky Mountain News

Commission from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 19-20, Oct. 17-18 and Nov. 14-15 at HCC’s Campus, Building 3300, Room 3322, in Clyde. Pre-registration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

FUNDRAISERS AND BENEFITS • Haywood Spay/Neuter is holding a fundraiser “Sips for Snips” from 5-8 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. Tickets: $30. Includes a taste of four wines plus hors d’oeuvres by Chef Jackie. Tickets available at Bosu’s and Haywood Spay/Neuter. Info: 452.1329.

• The inaugural charitable golf outing for Haywood Pathways Center is scheduled for Sept. 16 at Springdale Country Club in Haywood County. Haywood Pathways Center is a halfway house, homeless shelter and short-term life transformation program serving men, women and families. Haywoodpathwayscenter.org, dianephelps633@gmail.com or 452.6974.

• A corn hole tournament is set for Saturday, Sept. 17, at Bear Waters Brewing Company in Waynesville.

Fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Haywood County, which helps children facing adversity achieve measurable outcomes leading to lifelong success.

Registration starts at 11 a.m. To register, sign up for a sponsorship or get info, contact Martha Barksdale at 273.3601 or Haywood@bbbswnc.org.

• Haywood County Tourism Development Authority is now offering smaller, single replicas quilt trail blocks for purchase. A portion of the cost of each block will go to the Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter to construct a new, much needed animal shelter. The 16x16 inch blocks will feature either a cat or dog will be available in four background colors — blue, purple, brown, and green. The blocks are priced at $65 each with 85 percent of the proceeds being donated to raise funds to build the new Haywood County Animal Shelter.

944.0761 or stop by 1110 Soco Road in Maggie Valley.

• The “Taste of Local” event will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Waynesville Recreation Center Gym. The evening will showcase an array of local restaurants, a silent auction, door prizes, and more. The event will benefit Medical Patient Modesty. Advance tickets are $20. For more information and tickets, click on www.tasteoflocalfood.com/waynesville.

• Tickets are on sale for the Haywood Community College Foundation’s Shine & Dine Gala, which is from 6-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Laurel Ridge Country Club in Waynesville. Event includes buffet dinner, jazz music by Juan Benavides, student Timbersports demonstration and a silent auction. Sponsorships range from $250-$5,000. Tickets are $75 per person. Sponsorship info: pahardin@haywood.edu or 627.4544. Tickets: 627.4522 or stop by the HCC Foundation Office.

VOLUNTEERS • STAR Rescue Ranch is seeking volunteers to help with horse care, fundraising events, barn maintenance and more at the only equine rescue in Haywood County.

505.274.9199.

• Volunteer Opportunities are available throughout the region, call John at the Haywood Jackson Volunteer Center today and get started sharing your talents. 3562833 • Phone Assurance Volunteers are needed to make daily or weekly wellness check-in calls for the Haywood County Senior Resource Center. 356.2816.

HEALTH MATTERS • Acupuncture clinic for Haywood County veterans are scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Sept. 7, 14 and 28 at Blue

47

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 Ridge Natural Health in Waynesville. First come, first served. 356.5577 or www.blueridgenaturalhealth.com.

• “The Truth About Diets” program is from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at Waynesville Library. Local dietician Ru Caulkins, MHS, RDN, LDN, will uncover science and facts on some of the biggest nutrition trends and give advice on how each should be approached.

• The Macon County Cancer Support Group meets at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, in the cafeteria of Angel Medical Center in Franklin. Guest speaker is Rebecca Branson, a 14-year-old ovarian cancer survivor.

• A Caregiver Education Class on “Anxiety Disorders with Medication Component is scheduled for 10 a.m.noon on Friday, Sept. 9, through the Haywood County Senior Center. Presenter is Brett Trull, RN, with the Geriatric and Adult Mental Health Specialty Team of Smoky Mountain LME/MCO. Register: 356.2800 or stop by the center.

• The American Red Cross will have a blood drive from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, at First United Methodist Church in Sylva. Schedule an appointment: 800.733.2767 or redcrossblood.org. Info: 586.2358.

• A Blood Connection blood drive is scheduled for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at 335 NP&L Loop in Franklin.

• A Rally For Recovery is scheduled for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, in the open-air gym at Lake Junaluska. Part of National Recovery Month; an effort to raise awareness of the opportunity to achieve sustained recovery from alcohol, drugs, mental health concerns and other life challenges. www.facebook.com/WesternRegionalRecoveryRally.

• Healthy Haywood will start offering the National Diabetes Prevention Program from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12. 356.2272, mhauser@haywoodnc.net or healthyhaywood.com.

• “What is Happiness?” will be the topic for the Franklin Open Forum at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12, at Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub in Franklin. Open exchange of ideas (dialog, not debate). 371.1020.

• A six-week anxiety and stress reduction workshop start Sept. 15 at 166 Branner Ave., Suite C, in Waynesville. Meets from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each Thursday through Oct. 20. $15 per person or $25 per couple per session. Registration required: 703.609.9107.

• A DivorceCare series for separated or divorced men and women begins Sept. 21 at First Alliance Church in Franklin. 13-part series runs from 6:30-8 p.m. www.franklincma.com, 369.7977 or scott@franklincma.com. www.divorcecare.org.

RECREATION AND FITNESS • An organizational meeting for a fall adult coed volleyball league is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the Waynesville Recreation Center. The league is open to player 18 and older as of Oct. 1; it runs from Oct. 5-Dec. 14. Fee will be based on the number of teams at the organizational meeting and is due

wnc calendar

by 9 p.m. on Sept. 21. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

Sign-up required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• The Wednesday Croquet Group meets from 10 a.m.noon at the Vance Street Park across from the shelter.

For senior players ages 55 or older. 456.2030 or dhummel@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Cookin’ the Books will be held at noon on the last Wednesday of the month at the Waynesville Public Library. A book club focused on cookbooks. All members choose a recipe from the book and bring it to share. The group will discuss the good and bad aspects of the chosen cookbook. 356.2507.

• A Tuesday Library Club for ages 5-12 meets at 4 p.m. each Tuesday (except for the fifth Tuesday on months that occurs) at the Canton Library. Hands-on activities like exercise, cooking, LEGOs, science experiments and crafts. 648.2924 or kpunch@haywoodnc.net.

• Danny Johnson will read from and sign his debut novel The Last Road Home at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. 586.9499

• A youth photography program will be offered for ages 12-16 on Tuesday afternoons in September and October at The Bascom in Highlands. Private lessons are also available. For complete listings of dates, times and topics, or to register, click on www.thebascom.org or call 526.4949.

• Pickleball is from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays through Thursdays at First Methodist Church in Sylva. $1 each time you play; equipment provided. 293.3053.

• Cardio Lunch class will meet from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members.

456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Flexible Fitness class will meet from 4:30-5:15 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• Pump It Up class will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Waynesville Recreation Center. For ages 16 and above. Cost is regular admission fee to the rec center or free for members. 456.2030 or tplowman@waynesvillenc.gov.

• The Canton Armory is open to the public for walking from 8-10 a.m. on Monday through Friday unless the facility is booked. 648.2363.

• Pickle ball is offered from 8 a.m.-noon on Mondays through Fridays at the Waynesville Recreation Center.

456.2030 or www.waynesvillnc.gov.

POLITICAL

Smoky Mountain News

September 7-13, 2016

• The Jackson County Democratic Men will host a fish fry fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, at Mark Watson Park in Sylva. Catfish, corn on the cob, coleslaw and dessert. 919.599.9304.

• The Democratic candidates for Council of State (attorney general, secretary of state, commissioners of agriculture, insurance and labor, superintendent of education, auditor, treasurer and lieutenant governor) will participate in a forum at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, in the Burrell Building Conference Room at Southwestern Community College in Sylva.

• A rally for candidates for statewide office will be held by the Macon County Democrats from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Southwestern Community College in Sylva.

• Poet, novelist and Canton native Fred Chappell will discuss his memories of Haywood County during a presentation at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Colonial Theatre in Canton.

• Local author and homesteader Ashley English will host a “DIY Butter and Yogurt” presentation at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Waynesville Public Library.

The program is free and open to the public. To signup, call 828.356.2507 or email kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Ron Rash will read from and discuss his new novel “The Risen” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. Two reserved seats available with advance purchase of his new book.

456.6000 or blueridgebooks@ymail.com.

• Author Lawrence Thackstone will sign his mysteries from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. 456.6000 or blueridgebooks@ymail.com.

• A new book written by seniors will feature the authors from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the Cashiers Senior Center. 745.6856.

• Artist Elizabeth Acevedo will host a spoken word poetry reading at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, in UC Illusions Room 309 at Western Carolina University. www.wcu.edu.

• Canton Book Club meets at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15. For book title and info, call 648.2924.

• Caroline Duckworth and Bryan Lane will present “Your Great Trip to France” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville.

456.6000 or blueridgebooks@ymail.com.

• Storyteller Donald Davis will speak at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville. In celebration of Haywood County Public Library’s 125th anniversary.

• The Libertarian Party of Haywood County meets at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at Bearwaters Brewing in Waynesville. Topic is “Was 9/11 an Inside Job?” lpnc.org or 476.1465.

• Banned Book Club meets from 10 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville. For those who enjoy literature and intellectual conversation. 456.6000, blueridgebooks@ymail.com or www.blueridgebooksnc.com.

• The League of Women Voters of Macon County will host a meeting/forum at noon on Sept. 14 at Tartan Hall. Candidates for the N.C. House District 120, U.S. House District 11 and N.C. Senate 50 have been invited.

• Waynesville Book Club on Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at Waynesville Library Meet to discuss books, which are chosen by each member (taking turns) and provided by the library. New members are welcome. For more information, 356.2507.

• A Meet & Greet with Kay Miller, candidate for Haywood County School Board, is scheduled for 4:306:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, on the outdoor patio at the Patio Bistro in Waynesville. In case of rain, the event will move to the Classic Wineseller in Waynesville. RSVP: 452.6000 or VoteKayMiller@gmail.com.

• Blue Ridge Books in Waynesville has a used book section and is accepting books in exchange for credit on other used books, and a free book is available from the giveaway cart for anyone who buys three or more.

THE SPIRITUAL SIDE • “What Catholics Really Believe,” an opportunity to obtain unfiltered information from Catholics, is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Saint John the Evangelist Church in Waynesville. 456.6707.

AUTHORS AND BOOKS • The Theme Team Book Club will be presented by the Waynesville Library from 2-4 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Pick any book from a chosen them; each 48 participant gets a chance to discuss his/her book.

KIDS & FAMILIES

• A “Nature Nuts: Coyotes” program will be offered for ages 4-7 from 9-11 a.m. on Sept. 13 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard. Register: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah /EventRegistration.aspx.

• An “Eco-Explorers: Raising Trout” program will be offered for ages 8-12 from 1-3 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Brevard.

Register: www.ncwildlife.org/Learning/EducationCenters/Pisgah /EventRegistration.aspx.

• HART Youth Drama Program is being started on Sept. 10. HART will offer a series of seven acting classes on Saturdays through Oct. 22 aimed at young people. Two separate classes are being offered under the direction of Shelia Sumpter. A class for students from grades 3-5 will begin at 9:45 a.m. and a class for middle and high school students will be offered at 11 a.m. Each class will be one hour and the cost is $70. Anyone interested can get more information or register at the HART Box Office at 250 Pigeon Street in Waynesville. www.harttheatre.org.

• “Art Beats for Kids” will be held from 4 to 5 p.m.

Sept. 8 and 15 at the Charles Heath Gallery in Bryson City. A new project every week. $20 per child, with includes lesson, materials and snack. To register, call 828.538.2054.

• Sing & Sign storytime is at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 19, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• A T-Shirt making program for teens will be offered at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Canton Library. 648.2924.

KIDS MOVIES • A family movie will be shown at 10:30 a.m. every Friday at Hudson Library in Highlands.

• Mad Batter Food & Film (Sylva) will screen “The Jungle Book” (Sept. 9). 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Fridays; and 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saturdays. www.madbatterfoodfilm.com.

• Second Tuesday Movie Club meets at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at the Waynesville Library.

356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• Family Friendly movie is at 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at the Waynesville Library. 356.2507.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES • BINGO is offered from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program will be offered at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800.

• The Mexican Train Dominoes Group seeks new players to join games at 1:30 p.m. each Tuesday at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 926.6567.

• An iPhone/iPad user group meets from 2-4:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Senior Resource Center in Waynesville. 356.2800 or haywoodseniors.org.

A&E FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL EVENTS • A Harley Rally is Sept. 9-10 in Cherokee. angehern@nc-cherokee.com or 356.6473.

• The 14th annual Thunder in the Smokies fall rally will be Sept. 9-11 at the Maggie Valley Festival Grounds. Live music, vendors, bike games, and more. $20 for a weekend pass, $8 for a weekend pass under age 12. www.handlebarcorral.com.

• The Dazzling Dahlia Festival will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Highlands Recreation Park and Civic Center. The event, benefiting the Highlands Historical Society, will showcase local enthusiasts’ prize-winning dahlias. www.highlandschamber.org.

• A Cajun Fall Fest will be held Sept. 16-18 at St. William Catholic Church on Andrews Road in Murphy.

There will be music and plenty of Cajun food, as well as beer, wine and soft drinks available. The 50/50 raffle tickets will be sold and the winner will receive half of the money collected.

• The ninth-annual Youth Arts Festival is scheduled for 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Green Energy Park in Dillsboro. More than 30 regional artists will demonstrate skills. Youth dance ensemble will perform. www.JCGEP.org or 631.0271.

• The Rebel Cruise-In, an opportunity to Circle the old Rebel Restaurant in Sylva, is from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18. Presented by Jackson County Genealogical Society. Vintage and muscle cars, 60s music, hot dogs, hamburgers and more. 273.7619.

FOOD & DRINK • The next “Way Back When” trout dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16, at the Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley. The dinner showcases a recreation meal, music, storytelling and atmosphere of a 1930s Appalachian trout camp. Enjoy a wagon ride across the ranch property amid the authentic re-creation of Mr. Tom and Miss Judy Alexander’s first fishing camp. $39.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. To RSVP, call 828.926.1401 or 800.868.1401 or www.cataloocheeranch.com.

• There will be a “Secret Wine Bar Night” from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9 (both drop in), at Bosu’s Wine Shop in Waynesville. The Secret Wine Bar at Bosu’s will host the “Taste of Grapes of Spain” with Javier Baquero from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 (5 for $5, drop in) and Chef Jackie’s “BYOB Dinner” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8 ($50, by reservation). www.waynesvillewine.com or 452.0120.

• There will a “Family Style” dinner held at 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 16, at Breaking Bread Café in Bethel. The meal will include baby back ribs, barbecue chicken, pulled prok barbecue, corn on the cob, dessert, and more. $19.95 per person. By reservation only.

828.648.3838.

ON STAGE & IN CONCERT • The 2016-17 Galaxy of Stars Series has begun at the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Series subscriptions for all six shows are $100 for WCU faculty and staff; $125 for others. $45 for students and children. www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu or 227.2479.

• The production of “One Slight Hitch” will hit the stage at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8-10, and at 2 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Haywood Arts Regional Theatre in Waynesville.

For tickets, call 456.6322 or click on www.harttheatre.org.

• Western Carolina University (Cullowhee) will host Rudy Currence at 8 p.m. Sept. 7 at the UC Illusions. www.wcu.edu.

• Kentucky native and standup legend Etta May, often called the “Polyester Princess,” is making a stop on her comedy tour at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. This performance is PG-13. Tickets are $25. For tickets, visit www.38main.com.

• Classic pianist Michael Stevens will perform at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Waynesville Library as part of the Haywood County Arts Council’s Friends of the Library Concert Series.

• The Overlook Theatre Company’s 20th anniversary celebration will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept.

10, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. 524.1598 or www.greatmountainmusic.com.

• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be hosting two musical performances entitled “Appalachian Range: Old Mountains, New Music” by the park’s artist-in-residence. Classically trained violist Jackie Beckey will perform the mountain-inspired, original music from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. She will also play from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, in Cades Cove at the Becky Cable House. www.nps.gov/grsm/getinvolved/artist-inresidence.htm.

• A classic comedy starring Anthony Quinn, Alana Bates and Irene Papas will be shown at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, at the Macon County Public Library in Franklin. 524.3600.

• The 11th annual Music at the Mill is scheduled for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Francis Mill, two miles south of Waynesville. Performances by Hill Country Band and Eddie Rose with Highway 40.

Advance tickets are $7 or $10 on day of the event.

Tickets available at Mountain Dreams Realty in Maggie Valley or by calling 456.6307. Proceeds go to restoring and preserving the 1887 timber frame mill that operated until 1976.

• Balsam Range will perform bluegrass at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. Tickets: highlandspac.org or 526.9047.

• .38 Speical will hit the stage at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 7, at Harrah’s Cherokee. www.harrahscherokee.com.

• The Larry Davis Duo (bluegrass guitar) performs at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Canton Library as part of the Sunday Concert Series.

• The Darren Nicholson Band will perform at 4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 18, at The Strand at 38 Main in Waynesville. Nicholson is the mandolinist for Balsam Range, winners of the International Bluegrass Music Association award for “Entertainer of the Year” and “Song of the Year.” Tickets are $12. www.38main.com.

OUTDOOR MUSIC • The Music in the Mountains (Bryson City) concert series will host The Caribbean Cowboys (pop/rock) Sept. 3 and Lois Hornbostel & Ehukai Teves (Celtic/World) Sept. 10 and Boogertown Gap on Sept.

17. All shows begin at 6:30 p.m. www.greatsmokies.com.

• The Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Cherokee) will host a back porch old-time music jam from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept.

17. All are welcome to come play or simply sit and listen to sounds of Southern Appalachia.

• The “Pickin’ On The Square” (Franklin) concert series will continue with The Gear Brothers (bluegrass) Sept. 10 and Blackwell & Dixie B.G. Boys Sept.

17. All shows are free and begin at 7:30 p.m. A community jam begins at 6:30 p.m. www.franklinnc.com or 828.524.2516.

CLASSES AND PROGRAMS • There will be an array of upcoming ceramic activities at The Bascom in Highlands.

• An “Appalachian Homemaking Skills: DIY Butter and Yogurt” workshop is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Waynesville Library. Sign-up is required: 356.2507 or kolsen@haywoodnc.net.

• A map-fold book-making workshop is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, in the atrium of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. Taught by Gayle Woody. 586.2016. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Jackson County Public Library.

• Application deadline is Sept. 12 for Grassroots Arts Program Grants for organizations. http://haywoodarts.org/grassroots-arts-program.

• The annual community art exhibit is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18, in the lobby of the Swain Arts Center at Swain County High School. Flute music by Lori Richards. Light hors d’oeuvres. rlackey@swainmail.org or 488.7843.

• The work of 50 Cherokee artists is on view in “Of Land & Spirit: Contemporary Art Today” at The Bascom Center in Highlands through Sept. 18.

• A beginner’s class on dowsing will be presented by Tom Stewart at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 13, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. 586.2016 or www.fontanalib.org.

• Submissions are now being accepted for the 2017 edition of Milestone, the biennial art and literary review published by Southwestern Community College.

First- and second-place cash prizes will be awarded in three categories: Poetry, Prose (short story or nonfiction works) and Visual Arts, including photography.

In addition, one cash prize will be awarded for Cover Art. Open to residents of Jackson, Macon, Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary – as well as SCC students and alumni. Info and submissions (by Dec. 5): tknott@southwesterncc.edu or bkeeling@southwesterncc.edu. Info: 339.4314 or 339.4325.

• A glass etching glass will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Waynesville Library. All materials provided. kolsen@haywoodnc.net or 356.2507.

•The Cullowhee Mountain Arts “Late Summer Retreat” will be held Sept. 18-22 at Lake Logan. The five-day, four-night retreat will host artist-in-residence Karen Weighs and writer-in-residence Pat Riviere-Seel.

Writers are free to come at a non-workshop price of $795 — including lodging, meals, workspace, yoga, mindfulness and interaction with visual artists. www.cullowheemountainarts.org.

Outdoors

• A seminar on lure techniques is offered at 7 p.m. every Tuesday at Dream Catchers Fishing Supply at 21 Steeple Road in Sylva. 443.890.5014.

• Comments are now being accepted through Oct. 14 by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission on proposed elk depredation rule changes. A public hearing on the amendment is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8

• A bird walk along the greenway is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Sept. 7 in Franklin. Meet at Big Bear Shelter parking area. Sponsored by Franklin Bird Club.

Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• The Hot Bike Tour, part of a 1,000-mile, five-day, cross country tour, will make a stop from 4:30-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Stompin’ Ground in Maggie Valley. Live music by Andalyn.

• A SkiWalking, Stone & Eating Smart School meets from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, and every Thursday through Nov. 10 at Deep Creek Pavilion in Bryson City. Register or get more info: 488.3848, 586.4009 or Robert_hawk@ncsu.edu.

• A Forest Management Plan Seminar will be presented by Swain Soil & Water Conservation District and the N.C. ADFP Trust Fund at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept.

8, at the Swain Senior Center in Bryson City. John McCall of NCFS will present “What, How & Why” off Forest Management Plans, and Amanda Buchanan of NRCS will present on Financial Assistance Available.

488.8803, ext. 3105.

• A Zahner Lecture on “Watershed Moments: Exploring Science and Math in Cullowhee Creek” will be presented, at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 8 at the Highlands Nature Center in Highlands. www.highlandsbiological.org/foundation or 526.2221.

• Mainspring Conservation Trust will host a Little Tennessee River BigSweep from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10. 349.4097.

ART SHOWINGS AND GALLERIES • A touring exhibition of work by artist Wendy Maruyama is on display at the Penland Gallery in Penland. www.penland.org.

• Haywood County Arts Council will host several artists from the WNC Design Guide through Oct. 2. The WNC Design Guide is an exclusive collection of curated artists from the Western North Carolina region whose work focuses primarily on creating fine craft and fine art pieces for homeowners who enjoy elegant mountain living.

• A folk art display and reception is scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, in the Macon County Public Library Meeting Room in Franklin.

• An art exhibition featuring the work of the late Joel Morris, a Western Carolina University alumnus, will be on display starting with an opening reception from 57 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the Fine Art Museum at WCU in Cullowhee. The showing ends Friday, Sept.

16. 227.3591 or fineartmuseum.wcu.edu.

• Art at Laurel Ridge is from 4-7 p.m. on Sept. 9 in the Laurel Ridge Country Club Pavilion in Waynesville.

Exclusive viewing and sale of original art featuring

Smoky Mountain News

• The Nantahala Outdoor Center (Bryson City) will host Hugh Swaso at 7 p.m. Sept. 13. All shows are free. www.noc.com.

• A Knot Tying 101 class will be offered Sept. 7 at the Jackson County Recreation Center in Cashiers.

Register: 631.2020. www.facebook.com/jacksonrecreationandparks.

• A new book written by the Cashiers Senior Center, A Splash of Color, Art and Stories Woven from Life’s Fabric, and an art exhibit displaying the many talents of the seniors will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the center. The afternoon event is sponsored by the Jackson County Department on Aging. The Cashiers Senior Center is located at 217 Frank Allen Road, Cashiers, N.C. 28717. For more information, or to RSVP, please call Linda Buchanan at 828.745.6856.

at Haywood Community College. The proposed amendment requires landowners who take a depredating elk without a Commission-issued depredation permit to report the take to the Commission within 24 hours of the kill. Proposed amendment is available at www.ncwildlife.org/Proposed-Regulations. Send comments to: regulations@nc-wildlife.org or Kate Pipkin, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701.

September 7-13, 2016

• Elvis James will perform a variety of music from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 17 at Bear Hunter campground in Bryson City. 704.351.7321.

www.thebascom.org or 787.2892.

LRCC members and invited guest artists. Paintings, jewelry, woodworking, pottery and quilting.

Refreshments. A dining “Flying Pasta” is by reservation only from 5:30-8:30 p.m. 452.0545 or LaurelRidgeEvents.com.

wnc calendar

• Award-winning organist Tate Addis will perform at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Waynesville. Donations accepted. All proceeds benefit Haywood Gleaners, which harvests leftover crops and delivers them to the hungry throughout Haywood County. 456.9475.

The Resident Artist Series will be from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 8. Students can either throw or hand-build their pieces. The classes will hold discussions. Tuition is $80, which includes 12 pounds of clay. Open Studio for $125. Dates include Sept. 10-17. Tuition is $125, which includes 25 pounds of clay.

49

wnc calendar

• Annual Emergency Services Appreciation Day is from 3-7 p.m. on Sept. 10 in Frog Level (Commerce Street) in Waynesville.

• A program entitled “Afternoon Tea With Llamas” is scheduled for 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com/site/afternoon-tea-with-llamas.

• A film entitled “Winged Migration” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 12 at the Hudson Library in Highlands with a mixer at 7 p.m. www.highlandsaudubonsociety.org • A bird walk along the greenway is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Sept. 14 in Franklin. Meet at Salali Lane.

Sponsored by Franklin Bird Club. Franklinbirdclub.com or 524.5234.

• A fall foliage presentation will be offered on Thursday, Sept. 15, in the Community Room of the Jackson County Public Library. Dr. Dan Pittillo, a retired professor of biology at Western Carolina University, will present. 586.2016.

• The Lake Logan Lecture Series continues at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, with a presentation on the history of forestry by Cindy Carpenter, education and interpretation program manager for the Cradle of Forestry. Registration fee: $25. www.lakelogan.org/2016-lecture-series. 648.4547.

• Registration deadline is Sept. 12 for the Haywood Waterways Association’s second annual Leaders in the Creek Workshop, which is scheduled for 2:30-5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 15, at Canton Recreational Park. Info or RSVP: 476.4667 or info@haywoodwaterways.org.

September 7-13, 2016

• The Highlands Plateau Audubon Society is holding its annual Charlie Davis Memorial Blue Ridge Parkway Outing on Sept. 17. Leave at 7 a.m. from KelseyHutchinson Founders Park in Highlands. Search for migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes and raptors.

404.295.0663.

• A program entitled “Bring Back the Monarchs” is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18, at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest. 877.3130. www.cradleofforestry.com.

• “Wings Over the Smokies” convention is Sept. 20-25 in Cherokee. angehern@nc-cherokee.com or 359.6473.

• Hunter safety courses will be offered from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 19-20 at Haywood Community College, Building 3300, Room 3322 in Clyde. Instruction in ethics, responsibility, conservation and more. More classes are Oct. 17-18 and Nov. 14-15. Preregistration required: www.ncwildlife.org.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

Smoky Mountain News

• The seventh annual Cullowhee Canoe Slalom, a family friendly paddling competition, is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, on a calm section of the Tuckaseigee River. Register at WCU’s Base Camp Cullowhee at the Campus Recreation Center or write

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 basecamp@wcu.edu. $5 entry fee per person. Info: 227.8813.

• A “Couch to 5K” program is held at 6 p.m. every Thursday to help prepare runners for their first 5K (3.1mile) race: the Power of Pink 5K on Sept. 24. 452.8080 or www.MyHaywoodRegional.com/c25K. • The Tsali Adventure Triathlon is Sept. 17 near Bryson City. Three-mile paddle, five-mile run, 13-mile bike.

Presented by MedicForce; Bryson City Bicycles is the cycling sponsor. www.tsalitriathlon.com.

HIKING CLUBS • Carolina Mountain Club will have an 8.3-mile hike with a 1,400-foot elevation gain on Sept. 7 from FS 816 to Bridges Camp Gap via Grassy Cove. For info and reservation, write to laurafrisbie@gmail.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking club will conduct a “Hike ‘N Paddle” adventure on Saturday, Sept. 10, in the Pine Recreation/Lake Glenville Area. Moderate hike of 1.4 miles, elevation change of 500 feet. Bring kayak, paddleboard, canoe or beach chair. Reservations: 772.233.7277. Visitors welcome.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a two-mile easy hike with an elevation change of 920 feet on Sunday, Sept. 11, on the Rufus Morgan Trail. Reservations: 524.5234. Visitors welcome.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 12-mile hike with a 1,800-foot ascent on Sept. 11 at Cataloochee Divide.

For reservations and info, contact leaders Jeff McGurk (864.921.6469, jbsbestfan@hotmail.com) or Mark Ellison (704.796.5031 or hikingresearch@yahoo.com).

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 4.6-mile hike with a 1,900-foot elevation gain at 11 a.m. on Sept. 11 at Three Walls of Looking Glass Rock. For info and reservations, contact leader Bobbi Powers at 667.5419 or bobbiepowers23@gmail.com.

• A Friends of the Smokies’ Classic Hike is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 13, to Mt. Cammerer. 11.4 miles; ascent of 3,000 feet. Led by outdoor enthusiast and author Danny Bernstein. $20 for members of the Great Smoky Mountains Association; $35 for new members. www.hike.friendsofthesmokies.org.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a moderate fourmile hike with an elevation change of 920 feet on

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Friday, Sept. 16, from Wayah Crest to Siler Bald on the Appalachian Trail. Night time hike. Reservations: 421.4178. Visitors and children welcome.

month in the conference room of MedWest Health and Fitness Center, 262 Leroy George Drive in Clyde. More information at www.cmpsnc.org or info@cmpsnc.org.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 13-mile, very strenuous hike, with an elevation change of 3,000 feet, on Saturday, Sept. 17, to Mt. Sterling in the Smoky Mountains National Park. Reservations: 586.5723.

• The Cherokee Runners meets each month on the 1st and 15th of the month (if the first falls on Sunday, the group meets on the 2nd), at the Age Link Conference Room. Group runs are being held each Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m. starting at the Flame. www.cherokeerunners.com.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a three-mile, moderate hike with an elevation change of 700 feet on Saturday, Sept. 17, from Tellico Gap to Wesser Tower on the Appalachian Trail. Reservations: 772.233.7277.

Visitors, families and friendly dogs on leash are welcome.

• The Nantahala Hiking Club will take a 1.4-mile easy hike, with an elevation change of 300 feet on Sunday, Sept. 18, to historic Warwoman Dell and Becky Branch Falls. Reservations: 772.233.7277. Families and visitors welcome.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have an 8.5-mile hike with a 1,900-foot ascent on Sept. 18 at Highlands Plateau. 384.4870 or stuengo@comporium.net.

• Carolina Mountain Club will have a 5.5-mile hike on Sept. 18 at MST downhill from Waterrock Knob Parking Lot. 505.0471 or mwbromberg@yahoo.com.

OUTDOOR CLUBS • The Jackson County Poultry Club will hold its regular meeting on the third Thursday of each month at the Jackson County Cooperative Extension Office. The club is for adults and children and includes a monthly meeting with a program and a support network for those raising birds. For info, call 586.4009 or write heather_gordon@ncsu.edu.

• The North Carolina Catch program, a three-phase conservation education effort focusing on aquatic environments, will be offered through May 15. The program is offered by the Waynesville Parks and Recreation Department. Free for members; daily admission for non-members. 456.2030 or tpetrea@waynesvillenc.gov.

• An RV camping club, the Vagabonds, camps one weekend per month from April through November. All ages welcome. No dues or structured activities. For details, write lilnau@aol.com or call 369.6669.

• The Tuckaseigee River Chapter No. 373 of Trout Unlimited meets at 6:30 p.m. on second Tuesday of the month at United Community Bank in Sylva. Dinner is $5.

• The Cataloochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited meets the second Tuesday of the month starting with a dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Rendezvous restaurant located on the corner of Jonathan Creek Road and Soco Road in Maggie Valley. 631.5543.

• Cold Mountain Photographic Society is a camera/photography club for amateurs and professionals who want to learn about and share their knowledge of photography with others. Must be 18 or older to join.

Meetings are held at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each

• Mountain Wild, the local chapter of the N.C. Wildlife Federation works to preserve and increase wildlife and wildlife habitat of the region. Free programs and guest speakers held periodically at the WNC Nature Center in Asheville. Call 338.0035.

• The Jackson-Swain Master Gardeners’ Association meets at 9:30 a.m. every second Wednesday at the Jackson Community Services Building on Scotts Creek Road in Sylva. Mike Glover at 736.2768 or lmgofish@gmail.com.

• Pigeon Valley Bassmasters Club will meet at 7 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at J&S Cafeteria, Enka, Exit 44 off I-40. 712.2846.

• Macon County Horse Association meets at 7:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Macon County Fairgrounds Alumni Building. Education program and business meeting. ddoster@fs.fed.us.

• The Macon County Beekeepers Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the extension office located on Thomas Heights Road next to Jim Brown Chrysler on Highlands Road. New members welcome.

• Haywood Bee Keepers Association meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the NC Ag center on Raccoon Road. hcbees.org.

• Smoky Mountain Beekeepers meet at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at the SCC Swain Center in Bryson City on Almond School Road. Open to anyone interested in honeybees. 554.6935.

• The Franklin Walking Club meets at 10 a.m. every Saturday (weather permitting) at the Tassee picnic shelter on the Greenway at the corner of Wells Grove Road and Ulco Drive. All fitness levels are welcome, call Linda at 421.7613.

• Swain County Trail Runners. Long run group meets 8 a.m. Saturdays at the Deep Creek Trailhead Parking Area in Bryson City. All runs are on trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Tsali Recreation Area. All distances, paces, ages welcome. More information at 399.0989, 488.6769 or wdtreern@yahoo.com.

• The Sylva Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Presbyterian Church in Sylva. cindyrparker@gmail.com.

• WNC Sportsman’s Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday night of each month at the Juke Box Junction Restaurant located in Bethel at the junction of US 276 and N.C. 110 wncsportsmansclub.com

Puzzles can be found on page 54.

These are only the answers.

PRIME REAL ESTATE Advertise in The Smoky Mountain News

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MarketPlace information:

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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:

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■ $5 — Residential yard sale ads, ■ $5 — Non-business items that sell for less than $150.

■ $15 — Classified ads that are 50 words or less; each additional line is $2.

If your ad is 10 words or less, it will be displayed with a larger type.

■ $3 — Border around ad and $5 — Picture with ad or colored background.

■ $50 — Non-business items, 25 words or less. 3 month or till sold.

■ $300 — Statewide classifieds run in 117 participating newspapers with 1.6 million circulation. Up to 25 words.

■ All classified ads must be pre-paid.

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September 7-13, 2016

MOUNTAIN PROJECTS, INC. Is currently accepting applications for the position of Accounting Technician. Associate Degree in Accounting desired. Working knowledge of accounting functions required. Two years’ experience, must have excellent communication skills. Please apply at: www.mountainprojects.org or 2251 Old Balsam Rd., Waynesville, NC EOE/AA

EMPLOYMENT FTCC Fayetteville Technical Community College is now accepting applications for the following positions: Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid Services Biology Instructor (10-month contract) Certified Nursing Assistant InstructorContinuing Education Collision Repair & Refinishing Instructor Director of Financial Aid Program Coordinator/Instructor of Law Enforcement Certification Respiratory Therapy Instructor For detailed information and to apply, please visit our employment portal at: https://faytechcc.peopleadmin.com Human Resources Office Phone: 910.678.7342 Internet: http://www.faytechcc.edu An Equal Opportunity Employer

Waynesville Location

NOW HIRING!

All positions available, front of house and back of house.

See indeed.com for applications and specific listings or apply at mycrgjob.com.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS • ADULT SERVICES Meridian Behavioral Health is currently recruiting for the following positions in Adult Services: • Psychiatric Nurses and Clinicians for ACTT Services (Assertive Community Treatment Team) • Employment Support Professionals for Supported Employment Services • Clinicians and Peer Support Specialists for REC Services (Recovery Education Center) • Peer Support Specialists for PACE (Peers Assisting in Community Engagement) • Peer Support Specialist for Early Recovery Team • Clinician for Integrated Care • Clinician/Team Leader for CST (Community Support Team) • Community Partner Clinician • Clinician for Early Recovery Team (ERT) Please visit the employment section of our website for further information about any positions listed and apply directly by submitting an application and resume. www.meridianbhs.org AVAILABLE POSITIONS • CHILD SERVICES Jackson County Psychological Services is now partnered with Meridian Behavioral Health Services. We are currently recruiting for the following positions in Child Services: Clinicians for Outpatient Services • Clinicians for Day Treatment Services • Clinicians for Intensive In-Home Services • Clinicians for DJJ population • Qualified Professionals for Intensive In-Home Services Please visit the employment section of our website for further information about any positions listed and apply directly by submitting an application and resume. www.meridianbhs.org DRIVER TRAINEES Paid CDL Training! Stevens Transport will cover all costs! No Experience Needed! Earn $800 per week!

Local CDL Training!

1.888.748.4137 drive4stevens.com 361-41

EMPLOYMENT AIRLINE MECHANIC TRAINING Get FAA Certification. No Hs Diploma Or Ged- We Can Help. Approved For Military Benefits. Financial Aid If Qualified. Job Placement Assistance. Call Aviation Institute Of Maintenance 1.866.724.5403 SAPA HIGH-TECH CAREER With U.S. Navy. Elite tech training w/great pay, benefits, vacation, $ for school. HS grads ages 17-34.

Call Mon-Fri 800.662.7419.

AVIATION GRADS Work with JetBlue, Boeing, Delta and others- start here with hands on training for FAA certification. Financial aid if qualified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866.724.5403 SAPA MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEED! Doctors & Hospitals need Medical Office Staff! No Experience Needed! Online Training gets you job ready! HS Diploma/GED & Computer needed. Careertechnical.edu/nc.

1.888.512.7122.

REGIONAL/OTR, CONCORD, NC Area, Class A CDL, 18 months exp, .42-.45/mile, excellent benefits, weekly home time. Apply: www.bahexpress.com, 800.RUN.4BAH, Willie ext 143 TRAIN AT HOME For a new career as an accounting assistant! Call for more info about our online training program! Learn to process Payroll, Invoices & more! Job placement assistance when completed. HS Diploma/GED required. 1.888.407.7063.

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- 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! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com

REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCEMENT LEASE TO OWN 1/2 Acre Lots with Mobile Homes & Empty 1/2 Acre + Lots!

Located Next to Cherokee Indian Reservation, 2.5 Miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.

For More Information Please Call 828.506.0578

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18 This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised on an equal opportunity basis.

3.5 ACRES ON THE SOUTH’S Best Trout Fishing River. $14,900!

350 ft of US National Forest Frontage! Call today 1.888.270.4695.

Fantastic Investment!

HOMES FOR SALE BRUCE MCGOVERN A Full Service Realtor, Locally Owned and Operated mcgovernpropertymgt@gmail.com McGovern Property Management 828.283.2112.

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE MOVE IN READY Mobile Homes. Owner financing on select homes with approved credit.

No rent option, but buying could be cheaper than rent! 336.790.0162

WANTED TO RENT RETIRED COUPLE LOOKING TO Rent Long-Term. 2 or 3 Bedroom House in Waynesville, Canton, Clyde Area. Car-port/Porch a Bonus! Please give us a call at 828.371.9923 or 828.371.1371

VACATION RENTALS FLAGLER BEACH FLORIDA Oceanfront Vacation Rentals Tripadvisor Award, Furnished Studio, 1-2-3 BR’s, Full Kitchen, WiFi, TV, Pool. Seasonal Specials 1.386.517.6700 or www.fbvr.net

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

NICOL ARMS APARTMENTS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS Offering 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, Starting at $400 Section 8 Accepted - Handicapped Accessible Units When Available

OFFICE HOURS: Monday & Wednesday 8:00am - 4:00pm 168 E. Nicol Arms Road Sylva, NC 28779

Phone# 1.828.273.3639 TDD# 1.800.735.2962 This is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

COMPLETE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES 361-15

MOUNTAIN REALTY

895 Russ Ave. • Waynesville

828-452-5822

Sunday–Thursday 11 a.m.–10 p.m Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

52

EMPLOYMENT

Mieko Thomson ROKER/R /REALTOR EALTOR®® BBROKER

Cell (828) 226-2298 Cell

mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com mthomson@remax-waynesvillenc.com www.ncsmokies.com www.ncsmokies.com

2177 Russ Avenue Waynesville NC 28786

Moving or Buying?

Let Us Help You.

HAYWOOD HOME INSPECTIONS

828.734.3609 | haywoodhomeinsp@gmail.com

STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT 1 Month Free with 12 Month Rental. Maggie Valley, Hwy. 19, 1106 Soco Rd. For more information call Torry

828.734.6500, 828.734.6700 maggievalleyselfstorage.com

FURNITURE COMPARE QUALITY & PRICE Shop Tupelo’s, 828.926.8778.

HAYWOOD BEDDING, INC. The best bedding at the best price!

533 Hazelwood Ave. Waynesville 828.456.4240

LAWN AND 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

SAWMILLS From only $4397.00- Make & Save Money with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! Free Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com.

1.800.578.1363 Ext.300N

MEDICAL A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts today! Our service is FREE/no obligation. CALL 1.800.319.8705 SAPA GET HELP NOW! One Button Senior Medical Alert.

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One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure. CALL 800.734.2638 SAPA

ROB ROLAND 828-400-1923

RROLAND33@GMAIL.COM

Haywood County Real Estate Agents

Find the home you are looking for at www.robrolandrealty.com

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lifestyle Properties — vistasofwestfield.com 361-44

Mountain Realty

Ron Breese Broker/Owner

2177 Russ Ave. Waynesville, NC 28786 Cell: 828.400.9029 ron@ronbreese.com

www.ronbreese.com

Each office independently owned & operated.

• • • • •

beverly-hanks.com Ann Eavenson - AnnEavenson@beverly-hanks.com Randy Flanigan - RandyFlanigan@beverly-hanks.com Michelle McElroy - MichelleMcElroy@beverly-hanks.com Marilynn Obrig - MarilynnObrig@beverly-hanks.com Brooke Parrott - BrookeParrott@beverly-hanks.com

• • • •

Catherine Proben - cproben@beverly-hanks.com Ellen Sither - EllenSither@beverly-hanks.com Mike Stamey - MikeStamey@beverly-hanks.com Pamela Williams - PamelaWilliams@beverly-hanks.com

Emerson Group 361-42

Mike Stamey mstamey@beverly-hanks.com

828-508-9607

VIAGRA & CIALIS USERS! Cut your drug costs! SAVE $$! 50 Pills for $99.00. FREE Shipping!

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Beverly Hanks & Associates

• George Escaravage - george@emersongroupus.com

ERA Sunburst Realty - sunburstrealty.com • Amy Spivey - amyspivey.com • Rick Boarder - sunburstrealty.com Haywood Properties - haywoodproperties.com • Steve Cox - info@haywoodproperties.com

74 NORTH MAIN ST. • WAYNESVILLE, NC

www.beverly-hanks.com

Keller Williams Realty kellerwilliamswaynesville.com • Sam Hopkins - samhopkins.kwrealty.com

Lakeshore Realty • Phyllis Robinson - lakeshore@lakejunaluska.com

Mountain Home Properties SFR, ECO, GREEN

mountaindream.com • Sammie Powell - smokiesproperty.com

September 7-13, 2016

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

WANTED TO BUY: Ginseng & Star Root, Paying Top Dollar! 30 Plus Yrs in Business.

Whispering Pines Motel, Exit 44 off I-40. 828.460.4805 or 828.756.4446. Sept. 1st: Green, Sept. 15th: Green & Dry.

WNC MarketPlace

CLIMATE CONTROLLED STORAGE FOR YOU

WANTED TO BUY

McGovern Real Estate & Property Management 147 Walnut Street • WayneSville

• Bruce McGovern - shamrock13.com

828.506.7137

Realty World Heritage Realty

aspivey@sunburstrealty.com

www.amyspivey.com

RE/MAX — Mountain Realty remax-waynesvillenc.com | remax-maggievalleync.com • Brian K. Noland - brianknoland.com • Mieko Thomson - ncsmokies.com

KRISTEN - A BEAUTIFUL SILVER GRAY TABBY GIRL ABOUT 14 WEEKS OLD. SHE IS A REAL LOVE BUG, AND ADORES BEING PETTED AND LOVED ON. SHE'LL BE A WONDERFUL BEST FELINE FRIEND TO HER LUCKY ADOPTER.

• The Morris Team - maggievalleyproperty.com • The Real Team - the-real-team.com

smokymountainnews.com

SALVADOR DOGI - FOUND HANGING OUT AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE, WHERE THE WORKERS WERE FEEDING HIM FOR ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE NOTICING HE WAS INJURED. HE ENDED UP GOING TO THE JUNALUSKA EMERGENCY CLINIC FOR TREATMENT, HE IS SUCH A SWEET BOY, ABOUT TWO YEARS OLD, SLOWLY GAINING WEIGHT BACK TO A NORMAL LEVEL.

realtyworldheritage.com • Carolyn Lauter realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7766 • Martha Sawyer realtyworldheritage.com/realestate/viewagent/7769

• Ron Breese - ronbreese.com • Dan Womack - womackdan@aol.com

find us at: facebook.com/smnews

TO ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE 828.452.4251 | ads@smokymountainnews.com 53

www.smokymountainnews.com

September 7-13, 2016

WNC MarketPlace

Super

54

CROSSWORD

BODY OF LITERATURE ACROSS 1 Kids’ racers 8 “Need —?” (driver’s offer) 13 Lamenting loudly 20 Very devoted fans 21 Ecclesiastic deputy 22 Tallinn locale 23 Start of a riddle 26 Bicycle pair 27 Diamond cry 28 Novi Sad native 29 Bowling alley lineup 30 Oath affirmation 31 Covenants 33 Nativity kings 35 Riddle, part 2 43 Beluga eggs 44 Herr’s Mrs. 45 Burnsian negative 46 Magazine printer, e.g.

48 Sothern and Dvorak 50 Spirals 53 1970s teen idol Cassidy 56 “On top of that ...”

57 Abbot’s hat 59 Riddle, part 3 62 Attach with glue 64 Apple’s Cook 65 Hill staffer 66 Post-Q queue 67 Part of SFPD 68 Riddle, part 4 71 “How exciting!”

73 Women with young ‘uns 76 Surrender formally 78 Responses of rejection 79 Rock Me! is one of

10 “Ewww!”

11 Online help sheets 12 See 72-Down 13 Place for suite spirits?

14 Ending of enzyme names 15 Right-leaning type 16 1970 Kinks hit 17 Wise to 18 Three trios 19 Chokes 24 Perfectly 25 — la Douce (film title role) 31 Social protest with supplication 32 Depot: Abbr.

34 Got closer to, in a race 35 Disney dog 36 Old Aegean Sea region 37 Kin of .com 38 Wine holder 39 Sly laugh syllables 40 99-Down, for one 41 Calculus pioneer 42 Lies dormant 47 Tooth part 49 Court units 51 Opposite of west, to Juan DOWN 1 Catch a quick breath 52 Thug’s blade 2 Garfield’s canine pal 54 Lickety-split 3 Salt, relish and mus- 55 Major news agcy., once tard 58 Get to 4 Pinball site 60 Church service cries 5 List quickly 61 Seeming eternities 6 Baseballer Speaker 63 A sixteenth of a pint 7 Old booming jet, 68 Celebrity cook Paula briefly 69 Sea arm, to a Scot 8 Affirm frankly 70 Norway port 9 Ray of “Blow” her fragrances 83 Riddle, part 5 88 Coin-op openings 89 Sunscreen additive 90 Elbow-to-wrist links 91 Party givers 93 Coal, e.g.

94 Advil rival 96 Sportscaster Berman 98 — rock (Jethro Tull’s genre) 100 Nonsense song syllable 101 End of the riddle 107 Shipped 108 Put — to (stop) 109 “— Rheingold” 110 Swiss — (beet type) 114 Pleads 117 Hostess — Balls 118 Doc’s stitch 121 Riddle’s answer 125 Puts holy oil on 126 Old Oldsmobile 127 Cut off 128 Of Switzerland’s capital 129 Copier need 130 Stirred up

72 With 12-Down, only partially accurate 73 Sir’s partner 74 Give the OK 75 Poky animal 77 Fast Net connection 79 Pippi creator Lindgren 80 Juba is its capital 81 Prenatal places 82 Shia’s faith 84 Start for byte 85 Galleria 86 Found a purpose for 87 Madrileno’s language 92 Lay turf on 95 “The end!”

97 Magic’s gp.

99 Old Russian ruler Boris 102 Safe, to a ballplayer 103 Runnin’ Rebels’ rivals 104 Guarantee 105 Golden ager 106 Femme — 110 Sourpuss 111 Refine 112 Ovid’s love 113 It pulls a bit 115 Black fly, e.g.

116 French town W. of Caen 118 “Yes, yes!,” in 87Down 119 Per-unit price 120 Gawked at 122 Lb. and kg.

123 Stiller of films 124 Up to, in brief

answers on page 50

PERSONAL A LOVING MARRIED COUPLE Seeks to adopt. Will be a full time Mom and hands-on Dad. Financial security. Expenses PAID. 1.800.790.5260 Ask for Adam or Christa. SAPA MAKE A CONNECTION. Real People, Flirty Chat. Meet singles right now! Call LiveLinks. Try it FREE. Call now 1.888.909.9978 18+. SAPA OPEN ADOPTION Free Services & Support. Help With Living Expenses. You Choose the Family. Substance-exposed OK. Call Anytime 727.493.0936 or LifetimeAdoption.com Lic#1000056488 SAPA STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS Or Alcohol? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free Assessment. 800.511.6075 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- 118 NC newspapers for a low cost of $330 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! Call Scott Collier at 828.452.4251 or for more information visit the N.C. Press Association's website at www.ncpress.com

SCHOOLS/ INSTRUCTION EARN YOUR High School Diploma from home, at your own pace, in as little as a few weeks. Tablet with every $100 enrollment. 1.800.658.1180 or www.fcahighschool.com for free brochure. SAPA

SERVICES 19.99/mo. DIRECTV HD Channels + Genie HD DVR + 3 months FREE HBO, SHOW, MAX & STARZ + FREE NFL Sunday Ticket!

Call Now 888.437.6598 SAPA ADVERTISE YOUR Job Opening, Event, Items For Sale, Auction Etc. in this newspaper plus 100 other newspapers across the state for only $375. For more information, contact the classified department of this newspaper or call NCPS 919.516.8018, email: ads@ncpress.com DIRECTV. NFL Sunday Ticket (FREE!) w/Choice All-Included Package. $60/mo for 24 months. No upfront costs or equipment to buy. Ask about next day installation!

1.800.371.5352 SAPA SAVE ON Internet and TV bundles! Order the best exclusive cable and satellite deals in your area! If eligible, get up to $300 in Visa Gift Cards.

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FREE Hopper Upgrade. TV starts at $19.99/mo. Bundle Internet & Save! Call Today!! 888.283.8693 SAPA FAST INTERNET! HughesNet Satellite Internet. HighSpeed. Avail Anywhere. Speeds to 15 mbps. Starting at $59.99/mo.

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YARD SALES SUMMER PLACE COMMUNITY Yard Sale, Sat. Sept. 10th: 8a-1p, Household Items, Books, Avon, Hoover Vacuum, 2006 Honda VTX 1800 Motorcycle. Located: Summer Place Community, Jonathan Creek Rd., 1/2 Mile North of Hemphill.

LIVING ESTATE SALE Fri. 9am-4pm & Sat. 10am-3pm Located at 1044 Evergreen Farm Circle, Waynesville; off of Ratcliff Cove. Houseful of: Antiques, Furniture, Art, Glass, Yard Art, Sun Dials, Sun Faces and Everything In Between!

Presented by Frog Pond Estate Sales & Downsizing

WEEKLY SUDOKU Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each small 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

Answers on Page 50

Buckeyes both a good luck charm and a poison Editor’s note: This article first appeared in a September 2005 edition of The Smoky Mountain News.

A

large buckeye tree overhangs and supports the swinging gate leading into and out of our pasture. Since we are constantly getting in and out of our truck to open and shut the gate, we have a chance to observe this tree in all seasons. It always has something interesting going on.

In winter you can spot a buckeye by the large upward-pointing, shiny-brown end buds, larger than the buds on almost any other hardwood. In spring, these buds produce the palmately compound leaves that are the prime identification mark for the tree.

Each May, large showy flower clusters composed of bright yellow petals overhang our gateway. Here in Western North Carolina there are two native species: painted buckeye (Aesculus sylvatica), a shrub, is rarely encountered; and yellow buckeye (A. flava), our common species.

By late August, buckeye leaves turn a rosy salmon. By September the foliage is turning clear yellow, and the tree is starting to drop its large greenish-yellow seedpods. As these dry, the tri-parted husks open to reveal three, beautifully crafted, mahogany-colored seeds from which the tree's name is derived.

BACK THEN

Yellow buckeye nut.

On each lustrous “buck's eye’ there’s a round gray scar — the hilum — where the seed was attached inside the husk.

Nourishment was fed to the seed via this area. Its resemblance to the pupil of an eye is uncanny, even down to the concentric rings inside each hilum.

Buckeye seeds contain a glycoside that produces a poisonous derivative. Pigs, horses, sheep, and children have been poisoned as a result of ingesting them. The symptoms are inflammation of the mucous membranes, vomiting, twitching, and paralysis.

When my wife let her first horse, Surtees, loose in our pasture back in the mid-1970s, he promptly chowed down on all the buckeye seeds around the gate. Before long, Surtees came down with a case of the “wobbles;” that is, he shivered and shook and panted, until he finally toppled onto his side in the grass. He was OK the next morning but no longer eats buckeye.

The Cherokees did once eat quantities of buckeye “meat” after first roasting the seeds, mashing the pulp, and leaching the meal with water for several days. They also threw crushed, raw buckeye into the deep, slowflowing pools of streams where fish congregated in fall. The glycoside in the mixture stunned the nervous systems of the fish so

that they floated to the water's surface, where they were easily gathered. And the Cherokees continue to favor the soft wood of the tree for carving.

Despite their poisonous qualities, buckeye seeds are as pleasing to hold as they are to behold. A flattened place adjacent to the scar allows a person's thumb to settle on it just so. Many people jeep one in their pocket as a good luck charm or talisman. If the fish aren’t biting, rub your buckeye seed just so,

spit on your bait, and hang on. When the home team is behind and driving for the winning score in the last seconds, place your thumb on the flattened area just so, hold it there, and see what happens. If you get yourself into the right frame of mind and rub the flattened area just so with your thumb, cash will flow from mysterious sources into your bank account.

(George Ellison is a naturalist and writer.

He can be reached at info@georgeellison.com

EARLY EA ARL LY D DETECTION could save your life.

September 7-13, 2016

Prostate Pr ostate Scr Screening reening e

And now now,, it’ss mor mo more e af affordable ffor f dable than ever ever.. e 50 or older are over 40 with an an iimmediate mmediate ffamily amily h istory o If you u ar are older,, or if you are history off prostate state cancer r, it’s it’s time to start thinking about yearly screenings. screenings. prostate cancer,

20

$

This fall, Haywood Regional Medical Center is pleased to of offer fffer prostate prostate scr screenings. eenings.

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yourr PSA (blood test) and exam m wit with Dr. Hooper or Dr. Steele.

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Smoky Mountain News

For or st just

55

SEPTEMBER 24

September 7-13, 2016

SEPTEMBER 10

OCTOBER OCT 1

OCTOBER OBER 8

Smoky Mountain News

UPCOMING SHOWS:

OCTOBER 6

OCTOBER 15

NOVEMBER 4, 5, 11, 12

NOVEMBER 26

1028 G Georgia eorgia Rd Rd • Franklin, Franklin, NC • Local Local 828.524.1598 828.524.1598 • Toll Toll ol o Free Free 866.273.4615 56

GreatMountainMusic.com G reatMountainMusic.com